System for repairing a brassiere

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6821186
  • Patent Number
    6,821,186
  • Date Filed
    Monday, May 12, 2003
    21 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, November 23, 2004
    20 years ago
Abstract
A system for repairing a brassiere for extending the service life on intimate apparel by replacing broken connective components. The the system for repairing a brassiere includes at least one connecting ring assembly for coupling a shoulder strap to a main portion of a brassiere, and at least one length adjusting assembly positionable on the shoulder strap and couplable to an end of the strap. The length adjusting assembly facilitates slidably adjusting a net length of a shoulder strap.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




The present invention relates to clothing repair systems and more particularly pertains to a new the system for repairing a brassiere for extending the service life on intimate apparel by replacing broken connective components.




2. Description of the Prior Art




The use of clothing repair systems is known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,618 describes a system using spring loaded connections for the ring member and buckle member (length adjusting member) Another type of clothing repair systems is U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,625 having a recessed cross-bar.




While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the need remains for a system that is superior in providing a simple, dependable, and secure repair system for the plastic components on intimate apparel which break from time to time.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The present invention meets the needs presented above by providing simple snap together components which are easily assembled, with a minimum of moving parts.




Another object of the present invention is to provide a new the system for repairing a brassiere that will not rust.




To this end, the present invention generally comprises at least one connecting ring assembly for coupling a shoulder strap to a main portion of a brassiere, and at least one length adjusting assembly positionable on the shoulder strap and couplable to an end of the strap. The length adjusting assembly facilitates slidably adjusting a net length of a shoulder strap.




There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.




The objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:





FIG. 1

is a schematic front view of a new the system for repairing a brassiere according to the present invention.





FIG. 2

is a schematic perspective view of the connecting ring assembly of the present invention.





FIG. 3

is a schematic perspective view of the length adjusting assembly present invention.





FIG. 4

is a schematic front view of the present invention.











DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT




With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to

FIGS. 1 through 4

thereof, a new the system for repairing a brassiere embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral


10


will be described.




As best illustrated in

FIGS. 1 through 4

, the the system for repairing a brassiere


10


generally comprises at least one connecting ring assembly


20


for operationally coupling a shoulder strap


2


to a main portion


4


of a brassiere


6


, and at least one length adjusting assembly


40


positionable on the shoulder strap


2


and couplable to an end of the strap


2


. The length adjusting assembly


40


facilitates slidably adjusting a net length of a shoulder strap


2


.




In an embodiment the ring assembly


20


further comprises a first


22


and a second annulus member


32


.




The first annulus member


22


includes a first break


23


therein. The first annulus member


22


also includes a first end


24


and a second end


25


positioned on either side of the first break


23


. The first end


24


includes a first bore


26


extending therein.


2


second end


25


includes a first tab portion


27


. The first tab portion


27


is slideably receivable in the first bore


26


for selectively closing the first annulus member


22


.




Similarly, the second annulus member


32


also includes a second break


33


, a third end


34


and a fourth end


35


positioned on either side of the second break


33


. The third end


34


includes a second bore


36


extending therein. The fourth end


35


includes a second tab portion


37


. The second tab portion


37


is slidably receivable in the second bore


36


for selectively closing the second annulus member


32


.




In an embodiment the first annulus member


22


includes a plurality of bores


28


extending into the first


24


and second ends


25


. The second annulus member


32


includes a plurality of pin members


38


extending outwardly from a medial portion of the second annulus member


32


. Each one of the pin members


38


is slideably receivable in an associated one of the bores


28


. Thus, the first annulus member


22


is selectively couplable to the second annulus member


32


with the first break


23


being positioned opposite of the second break


33


. This configuration not only increases the strength of the connecting ring assembly


20


, but also inhibits the first


22


and second annulus members


32


from inadvertently opening and releasing the shoulder strap


2


.




In an embodiment the length adjusting assembly


40


further comprises a ring member


42


and a bar member


50


. The ring member


42


includes a right side


43


and a left side


44


. The right


42


and left sides


43


each include at least one bore


45


extending therein. The bar member


50


includes a bar right side


53


and a bar left side


54


. The bar member includes at least a pair of tab members


55


. Each one of the tab members


55


is positioned on an associated one of the bar right side


53


and bar left side


54


. The bar member


50


is for slideably receiving a loop on an end of the shoulder strap


2


. The shoulder strap


2


runs from the bar member


50


through the connecting ring assembly


20


and through the length adjusting assembly


40


to a main portion


4


of the brassiere


6


. The bar member


50


is selectively positionable across the ring member


42


.




In a preferred embodiment the bar member


50


is pivotally coupled to the ring member


42


.




In use, the system is utilized to replace a broken length adjuster or strap connector of a brassiere. If the component to be replaced has not been removed from the brassiere, to may be cut off by the user. In the case of replacing a broken length adjuster, the looped end of the brassiere strap is placed over the bar member


50


. The distal side of the strap (the portion extending through the strap connector) is then positioned between the ring member


42


and the bar member


50


. The bar member


50


is then pivoted towards the ring member and the bar member


50


is snapped into position abutting the ring member


42


with the tab member


55


being seated into the associated bores


45


. Additionally, in the case of replacing a broken strap connector, the user inserts the looped end of the strap onto the first annulus member


22


through the first break


23


. Similarly, the loop extending from the main portion of the brassiere is also inserted onto the first annulus member through the first break


23


. The first tab portion


27


is then inserted into the first bore


26


, effectively closing the first break


23


. In the same manner the looped end of the strap and the loop extending from the main portion of the brassiere are also inserted onto the second annulus member


32


utilizing the second break


33


. The second break


33


is then effectively closed by inserting the second tab portion


37


in to the second bore


36


. The second annulus member is rotated with respect to the first annulus member so that the first break and the second break are not aligned. The second annulus member is then engaged with first annulus member by seating the plurality of pin members


38


into their associated bores


28


to inhibit the connecting ring assembly


20


from opening inadvertently.




With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to, those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.




Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.



Claims
  • 1. A system for the repair of a brassiere comprising:at least one connecting ring assembly for operationally coupling a shoulder strap to a main portion of a brassiere; at least one length adjusting assembly positionable on the shoulder strap and couplable to an end of the strap, said length adjusting assembly facilitating slidably adjusting a net length of a shoulder strap; wherein said ring assembly further comprises: a first annulus member having a first break therein said first annulus member having a first end aid a second end positioned on either side of said first break, said second end having a first bore extending therein, said first end having a first tab portion, said first tab portion being slideably receivable in said first bore for selectively closing said first annulus member; a second annulus member having a second break therein, said second annulus member having third end and a fourth end positioned on either side of said second break, said fourth end having second bore extending therein, said third end having a second tab portion said second tab portion being slideably receivable in said second bore for selectively closing said second annulus member; and wherein said first annulus member having a plurality of bores extending into said first and second ends; said second annulus member having a plurality of pin members extending outwardly from a medial portion of said second annulus member each one of said pin members being slideably receivable in an associated one of said bores whereby said first annulus member is selectively couplable to said second annulus member with said first break being positioned opposite of said second break.
  • 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said length adjusting assembly further comprises a ring member and a bar member, said ring member having a right side and a left side, said right and left sides having at least one bore extending therein, said bar member having a bar right side and a bar left side, said bar member having at least a pair of tab members, each one of said tab members being positioned on an associated one of said bar right side and bar left side, said bar member being for slideably receiving a loop on an end of the shoulder strap, the shoulder strap running from the bar member through said connecting ring and through said length adjusting assembly to a main portion of the brassiere, the bar member being selectively positionable across said ring member.
  • 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said bar member being pivotally coupled to said ring member.
  • 4. A system for repair of a brassiere comprising:member having a plurality of bores extending into said first and second ends; said first annulus member having a plurality of pin members extending outwardly from a medial portion of said second annulus member, each one of said pin members being slideably receivable in an associated one of said bores whereby said first annulus member is selectively couplable to said second annulus member with said first break being positioned opposite of said second break.
  • 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said length adjusting assembly further comprises a ring member and a bar member, said ring member having a right side and a left side, said right and left sides having at least one tab extending therefrom, said bar member having a bar right side and a bar left side, said bar member having at least a pair of bores extending therein, each one of said bores being positioned on an associated one of said bar right side and bar left side, said bar member being for slideably receiving a loop on an end of the shoulder strap, the shoulder strap running from the bar member through said connecting ring and through said length adjusting assembly to a main portion of the brassiere, the bar member being selectively positionable across said ring member.
  • 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said bar member being pivotally coupled to said ring member.
  • 7. A system for the repair of a brassiere comprising:at least one connecting ring assembly for operationally coupling a shoulder strap to a main portion of a brassiere; at least one length adjusting assembly positionable on the shoulder strap and couplable to an end of the strap, said length adjusting assembly facilitating slidably adjusting a net length of a shoulder strap; and wherein said length adjusting assembly further comprises a ring member and a bar member, said ring member having a right side and a left side, said right and left sides having at least one bore extending therein, said bar member having a bar right side and a bar left side, said bar member having at least a pair of tab members, each one of said tab members being positioned on an associated one of said bar right side and bar left side, said bar member being for slideably receiving a loop on an end of the shoulder strap, the shoulder strap running from the bar member through said connecting ring and through said length adjusting assembly to a main portion of the brassiere, the bar member being selectively positionable across said ring member.
  • 8. The system of claim 7, wherein said ring assembly comprises an annulus member having a break therein, said annulus member having a first end and a second end positioned on either side of said break, said second end having a bore extending therein, said first end having a tab portion, said tab portion being slideably receivable in said bore for selectively closing said annulus member.
  • 9. The system of claim 7, wherein said ring assembly further comprises:a first annulus member having a first break therein, said first annulus member having a first end and a second end positioned on either side of said first break, said second end having a first bore extending therein, said first end having a first tab portion, said first tab portion being slideably receivable in said first bore for selectively closing said first annulus member; and a second annulus member having a second break therein, said second annulus member having a third end and a fourth end positioned on either side of said second break, said fourth end having a second bore extending therein, said third end having a second tab portion, said second tab portion being slideably receivable in said second bore for selectively closing said second annulus member.
  • 10. The system of claim 7, wherein said ring assembly comprises an annulus member having a break therein, said annulus member having a first end and a second end positioned on either side of said break, said second end having a tab portion extending therefrom, said first end having a bore extending therein, said tab portion being slideably receivable in said bore for selectively closing said annulus member.
  • 11. The system of claim 7, wherein said length adjusting assembly further comprises a ring member and a bar member, said ring member having a right side and a left side, said right and left sides having at least one tab extending therefrom, said bar member having a bar right side and a bar left side, said bar member having at least a pair of bores extending therein, each one of said bores being positioned on an associated one of said bar right side and bar left side, said bar member being for slideably receiving a loop on an end of the shoulder strap, the shoulder strap running from the bar member through said connecting ring and through said length adjusting assembly to a main portion of the brassiere, the bar member being selectively positionable across said ring member.
  • 12. A system for the repair of a brassiere comprising:at least one connecting ring assembly for operationally coupling a shoulder strap to a main portion of a brassiere; at least one length adjusting assembly positionable on the shoulder strap and couplable to an end of the strap, said length adjusting assembly facilitating slidably adjusting a net length of a shoulder strap; and wherein said length adjusting assembly further comprises a ring member and a bar member, said ring member having a right side and a left side, said right and left sides having at least one tab extending therefrom, said bar member having a bar right side and a bar left side, said bar member having at least a pair of bores extending therein, each one of said bores being positioned on an associated one of said bar right side and bar left side, said bar member being for slideably receiving a loop on an end of the shoulder strap, the shoulder strap running from the bar member through said connecting ring and through said length adjusting assembly to a main portion of the brassiere, the bar member being selectively positionable across said ring member.
  • 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said ring assembly comprises an annulus member having a break therein, said annulus member having a first end and a second end positioned on either side of said break, said second end having a bore extending therein, said first end having a tab portion, said tab portion being slideably receivable in said bore for selectively closing said annulus member.
  • 14. The system of claim 12, wherein said ring assembly further comprises:a first annulus member having a first break therein, said first annulus member having a first end and a second end positioned on either side of said first break, said second end having a first bore extending therein, said first end having a first tab portion, said first tab portion being slideably receivable in said first bore for selectively closing said first annulus member; and a second annulus member having a second break therein, said second annulus member having a third end and a fourth end positioned on either side of said second break, said fourth end having a second bore extending therein, said third end having a second tab portion, said second tab portion being slideably receivable in said second bore for selectively closing said second annulus member.
  • 15. The system of claim 12, wherein said ring assembly comprises an annulus member having a break therein, said annulus member having a first end and a second end positioned on either side of said break, said second cad having a tab portion extending therefrom, said first end having a bore extending therein, said tab portion being slideably receivable in said bore for selectively closing said annulus member.
  • 16. The system of claim 12, wherein said ring assembly further comprises:a first annulus member having a first break therein, said first annulus member having a first end and a second end positioned on either side of said first break, said second end having a first tab portion extending therefrom, said first end having a first bore, said first tab portion being slideably receivable in said first bore for selectively closing said first annulus member; and a second annulus member having a second break therein, said second annulus member having a third end and a fourth end positioned on either side of said second break, said fourth end having a second tab portion extending therefrom, said third end having a second bore extending therein, said second tab portion being slideably receivable in said second bore for selectively closing said second annulus member.
  • 17. The system of claim 1, further comprising:wherein said ring assembly further comprises: a first annulus member having a first break therein, said first annulus member having a first end and a second end positioned on either side of said first break, said second end having a first bore extending therein, said first end having a first tab portion, said first tab portion being slideably receivable in said first bore for selectively closing said first annulus member; and a second annulus member having a second break therein, said second annulus member having a third end and a fourth end positioned on either side of said second break, said fourth end having a second bore extending therein, said third end having a second tab portion, said second tab portion being slideably receivable in said second bore for selectively closing said second annulus member; wherein said first annulus member having a plurality of bores extending into said first and second ends; said second annulus member having a plurality of pin members extending outwardly from a medial portion of said second annulus member, each one of said pin members being slideably receivable in an associated one of said bores whereby said first annulus member is selectively couplable to said second annulus member with said first break being positioned opposite of said second break; wherein said length adjusting assembly further comprises a ring member and a bar member, said ring member having a right side and a left side, said right and left sides having at least one bore extending therein, said bar member having a bar right side and a bar left side, said bar member having at least a pair of tab members, each one of said tab members being positioned on an associated one of said bar right side and bar left side, said bar member being for slideably receiving a loop on an end of the shoulder strap, the shoulder strap running from the bar member through said connecting ring and through said length adjusting assembly to a main portion of the brassiere, the bar member being selectively positionable across said ring member; and wherein said bar member being pivotally coupled to said ring member.
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1478658 King Dec 1923 A
2123773 Eppink Jul 1938 A
3121270 Van Den Broek et al. Feb 1964 A
4038726 Takabayashi Aug 1977 A
4400855 Stuart Aug 1983 A
5600875 Chang Feb 1997 A
5911618 Dailey Jun 1999 A
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