Undergarments with multiple inserts

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6174217
  • Patent Number
    6,174,217
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, February 16, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, January 16, 2001
    23 years ago
Abstract
An undergarment comprises a skin-contacting panel and an outer sheer panel which define a pocket therebetween. The pocket is adapted for interchangeably receiving an insert wherein the insert can be seen through the sheer panel. Inserts are provided in a variety of colors, appearances, or scents for placement into the undergarments to change the decorative scheme of the undergarment. Attachments may also be provided that comprise button covers or bows which are attached to the undergarments, wherein the attachments preferably match the color of a particular insert.
Description




TECHNICAL FIELD




The present invention relates to undergarments, and more particularly, to undergarments having multiple interchangeable inserts that change the appearance or the scent of the undergarments.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




Undergarments, such as brassieres, panties, nightgowns and lingerie, have evolved into high priced fashion items. Brassieres may cost as much as sixty dollars, panties may cost as much as thirty-five dollars, and lingerie may cost as much as one hundred dollars for a particularly fancy garment. An individual desiring to have undergarment items or sets of items in a variety of colors may spend several hundred dollars on their undergarment wardrobe. These high prices typically limit the number of garments that are purchased.




Undergarments are often sold in matching color sets so that the purchaser may coordinate his or her undergarment pieces with one another or with the particular outerwear being worn. For example, a peach colored brassiere and pair of panties may be worn with a peach colored sundress, or a pink nightgown may be worn with a matching pair of pink house slippers. Undergarments of differing colors may also be desired merely for the purpose of variety. However, as stated above, the high prices of these items typically limit the number of different colored undergarments that are purchased.




Persons wearing fancy undergarments often times desire to wear perfume or other pleasant scents that coordinate with the color of the undergarments. However, many individuals are allergic to or have skin reactions to perfume or scented oils placed directly on their skin. Individuals may also desire to have several different scents available for use.




Accordingly, there is a need for undergarments sold in a variety of colors and/or decorative styles which allow a purchaser to coordinate outfits and add variety to their wardrobe without spending large sums of money. Moreover, there is a need to provide undergarments having a variety of pleasant scents and which do not irritate the skin of the person wearing the undergarments.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide undergarments with multiple inserts that facilitate color coordination of the undergarments with each other and with a variety of different colored outerwear.




Another object of the present invention is to provide undergarments with multiple inserts or attachments that facilitate changing the appearance or style of the undergarments by changing the inserts or attachments.




Still a further object of the present invention is to provide undergarments with multiple inserts that facilitate variety in a wardrobe without being cost prohibitive.




Yet another object of the present invention is to provide undergarments with multiple inserts that facilitate a variety of scents in a wardrobe without requiring a person to apply perfumes or oils directly to their skin.




Accordingly, the present invention comprises undergarments with multiple inserts wherein the inserts are provided in a variety of colors or scents for placement into the undergarments. In one embodiment the inserts may be pink in color and have the scent of baby powder. In another embodiment the inserts may be green in color and have the scent of a well-known perfume. Attachments may also be provided that comprise button covers or bows which are attached to the undergarments, wherein the attachments preferably match the color of a particular insert. Accordingly, an individual on a limited budget may create a personal undergarment wardrobe having multiple styles, colors and scents with the use of only one or more pairs of undergarments and multiple colored or scented inserts and attachments.




The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a front environmental view of a brassiere and pair of panties of the present invention worn by an individual;





FIG. 2

is a side cross-sectional view of the brassiere of

FIG. 1

showing an insert placed within the brassiere cup;





FIG. 3

is a side cross-sectional view of the pair of panties of

FIG. 1

showing an insert placed within the panties;





FIG. 4

is a perspective view of the insert of

FIG. 2

;





FIG. 5

is a perspective view of the insert of

FIG. 3

;





FIG. 6

is a front environmental view of a nightgown of the present invention worn by an individual;





FIG. 7

is a side cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the nightgown of

FIG. 6

showing two inserts placed within the nightgown;





FIG. 8

is a rear view of an attachment which is secured to the undergarments of the present invention by a hook and eye fastener;





FIG. 9

is a rear view of an attachment which is secured to the undergarments of the present invention by a snap fastener;





FIG. 10

is a rear view of an attachment which is secured to the undergarments of the present invention by a hook and pile fastener; and





FIG. 11

is a perspective view of another insert of the present invention.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION




Referring to

FIG. 1

, which is a front environmental view of a brassiere and pair of panties of the present invention worn by an individual, an individual


10


is shown wearing undergarments


12


. The term “undergarments” refers to brassieres, panties, boxers, girdles, nylons, lingerie, teddies, chemises, nightgowns, bloomers, boustiers, slips, petticoats, bikinis, other types of swimsuits, and the like. In the figure shown, undergarments


12


include a brassiere


14


and a pair of panties


16


. Brassier


14


includes two breast cups


18


supported by underwires


20


, a backstrap


22


, a central front connection region


24


, shoulder straps


26


and a back hook region (not shown), as known in the art. In the strapless version of brassiere


14


, shoulder straps


26


are eliminated and backstrap


22


may be reinforced. Cups


18


typically include a central seam


28


extending across the breast cup wherein the seam gives a rounded shape to the breast cup.




Breast cups


18


each comprise a cup shaped region which is manufactured in a variety of sizes for a variety of different bust sizes. The cups each include an outer sheer panel


30


and an inner, breast-contacting panel


32


, which define a pocket


34


therebetween. Sheer panel


30


and breast-contacting panel


32


typically are sewn together along underwires


20


so that pocket


34


is accessed along a top region


35


of the breast cups. However, access to the pocket may be made in any region such as in a lower region or in a side region of the breast cups. Sheer panel


30


is designated in the figure with cross-hatching to indicate the sheer portion of the panel. An insert


36


may be placed within pocket


34


as will be described below. Sheer panel


30


may be manufactured of a very thin, transparent material such as tricot, netting, tulle, chiffon, organza or scrim. Sheer panel


30


may also be manufactured of a material having opaque regions and transparent or open regions, such as lace, burn-out or cut-work material, so that only portions of the panel are transparent. For purposes of this disclosure, the sheer panel will be described as “transparent” which can mean a sheer material or a material having cut-out regions. The panel may be manufactured of polyester, cotton, or any other suitable material. Due to the sheer properties of sheer panel


30


, when insert


36


is placed within pocket


34


, the insert, or portions thereof, can be seen through the sheer panel.




Breast cups


18


may be manufactured in a shape that conforms to the lower portion of an individual's breast so that the upper portion of the breast is not contained within the breast cup. In such an embodiment, the sheer panel, the insert and the breast-contacting panel would only extend upwardly to a top region generally aligned with seam


28


shown in FIG.


1


.




Brassiere


14


and panties


16


may be provided in any color or decorative scheme but typically will be manufactured in a neutral base color such as white, black, red or beige. In the case where the brassiere and panties are manufactured with a colorful combination of colors, multiple inserts may be provided wherein the inserts are each solid in color and wherein the color of the insert matches one of the colors of the decorative scheme of the brassiere and panties.




Still referring to

FIG. 1

, insert


36


typically is manufactured in a shape corresponding to pocket


34


such that the insert extends through the entire pocket and covers the entire breast area of cup


18


. The insert typically includes a seam across a central region of the insert so that the insert has a rounded shaped matching that of the breast cup. The insert may also be manufactured in a shape corresponding to a portion of pocket


34


such as the lower portion of the pocket, i.e., below seam


28


, or the upper portion of the pocket, i.e., above seam


28


. In the embodiment wherein breast cup


18


only extends over the lower portion of an individual's breast, insert


36


typically will only extend over the same lower portion of the individual's breast.




Insert


36


typically comprises a thin sheet of opaque material having a particular color or decorative scheme. For example, the insert may be manufactured having the following color or decorative schemes: red, green, black, orange, blue, pink, gold, white, yellow, purple, plaid, a sunflower or a rose design, an image, a pattern, a yellow smile face design, words or phrases printed thereon, or any other particular decorative scheme, color, or combination thereof. The insert may be manufactured of any material, for example, velvet, silk, cotton, polyester, or the like. Insert


36


may also be manufactured of a lace or transparent material different from the color of sheer panel


30


so that when the insert is placed within pocket


34


, the insert provides a subtle dual-color transparent or lace effect with the transparent or lace effect of sheer panel


30


. In the embodiment wherein sheer panel


30


comprises a transparent material, insert


36


may comprise a lace insert having the same or a different color as sheer panel


30


so that the insert changes the decorative style, also called the decorative scheme or appearance, of the brassiere but does not necessarily change the color of the brassiere. For purposes of this disclosure, the “decorative style” of an item means the appearance and/or color of the item described.




Brassiere


14


further includes a decorative attachment


38


, such as a bow, secured to central front connection region


24


. Bow


38


is detachable from the brassiere so that a variety of colored or decorative bows may be provided to match the color or decorative scheme of inserts


36


. For example, bow


38


may be black to match a black insert


36


. In other embodiments, attachment


38


may comprise a ribbon, a faux or a real gemstone or pearl, a patch having a well-known shape such as a flower or a star, a button, a button cover, or any other decorative attachment.




The brassiere of the present invention typically can be manufactured and sold at a price competitive with the prices of existing, conventional brassieres. A single insert and matching attachment typically are sold together with the brassiere. Additional inserts and attachments may be sold separately for a minimal cost. Accordingly, an individual may purchase a single brassiere and multiple inserts and/or attachments so that the individual can change the decorative scheme, including the color and/or the appearance, of their brassiere merely by changing the inserts or attachments. By use of the present invention, therefore, an individual can greatly expand the variety of undergarment color and/or appearance of their undergarment wardrobe without the expense of purchasing multiple brassieres.




Still referring to

FIG. 1

, panties


16


comprise a waistband


46


, a front sheer panel


48


and a tummy-contacting panel


50


which define a pocket


52


therebetween for receiving an insert


54


. Sheer panel


48


and tummy-contacting panel


50


typically are sewn together along lower regions


51


so that pocket


52


is accessed along a top region


53


of the sheer panel behind the waistband. Access to pocket


52


on an inwardly facing side of the panties ensures that the insert will be held in place by the generally elastic or stretchable nature of the panties as they are stretched across the tummy of the wearer. In the embodiment shown, panties


16


comprise leg regions


55


that extend upwardly to waistband


46


along lower regions


51


of sheer panel


48


. In another embodiment, the entirety of a front surface


58


of the panties may be manufactured of sheer material.




Sheer panel


48


may be manufactured of the same materials as sheer panel


30


and insert


54


may be manufactured of the same materials as insert


36


. Sheer panel


48


is designated in the figure with cross-hatching for ease of illustration. Pocket


52


and insert


54


typically are triangular in shape but other shapes may also be used. An attachment


56


may be secured to panties


16


, such as at waistband


46


. Attachment


56


may be manufactured of the same material, design and/or shape as attachments


38


.




The panties of the present invention typically are manufactured and sold at a price competitive with the price of existing panties. A single insert and matching attachment typically are sold together with the panties. Additional inserts and attachments may be sold separately for a minimal cost. Accordingly, an individual may purchase a single pair of panties and multiple inserts and/or attachments so that the individual can change the color or appearance of their undergarment wardrobe merely by changing the inserts or attachments. By use of the present invention, therefore, an individual can greatly expand the variety of the color and/or appearance of their undergarment wardrobe without being required the expense of purchasing multiple decorative panties.




Referring to

FIG. 2

, brassiere


14


is shown worn on individual


10


. Breast-contacting panel


32


is shown positioned adjacent the breast of the individual. Insert


36


is shown positioned within pocket


34


and sheer panel


30


is shown positioned over insert


36


and opposite from panel


32


. Panel


32


and panel


30


are secured by stitching


60


and


62


at a lower region


64


of breast cup


18


wherein underwire


20


is positioned between the panels and between stitching


60


and


62


.




A stretchable member


66


is secured to an inner surface of breast-contacting panel


32


. The stretchable member may comprise elastic or the like and functions to pucker top region


35


of panel


32


, to the extent the panel is not stretched across an individual's breast by the shoulder straps and the backstrap of the brassiere, to enclose a top opening


68


of pocket


34


. In this manner, insert


36


will be retained within the pocket even though panel


32


may not be secured to panel


30


in top region


35


. In other words, stretching of the panels across an individual's breast when the brassiere is worn, together with stretchable member


66


, acts to retain insert


36


in place within pocket


34


. In other embodiments, panels


30


and


32


may be releasably secured together along top region


35


by snaps, hook and pile fasteners, a zipper, or other such fastening devices. Inserts


36


may also be secured within pocket


34


by attachment of the insert to panel


30


and/or to panel


32


by any known fastener device. Insert


36


typically has a width of a single sheet of material, which is similar to the width of panels


30


and


32


. According, the insert has a width of ¼ inch or less, and typically has a width, also called a thickness, of ⅛ inch, and does not function to enhance or shape an individual's breast but is positioned within pocket


34


merely to change the decorative scheme of the brassiere.




Referring to

FIG. 3

, panties


14


are shown with insert


54


positioned therein. Tummy-contacting panel


50


is shown secured to front sheer panel


48


and to leg regions


55


by stitching


70


along lower region


51


. Insert


54


is shown positioned within pocket


52


. Sheer panel


48


is secured to waistband


46


by stitching


71


. A stretchable member


72


is secured to an inner surface of tummy-contacting panel


50


. The stretchable member may comprise elastic or the like and functions to pucker top region


53


of panel


50


to enclose a top opening


74


of pocket


52


. In this manner, insert


54


will be retained within the pocket even though panel


50


may not be secured to panel


48


in top region


53


. In other words, stretching of the panels across an individual's tummy when the panties are worn, together with stretchable member


72


, acts to retain insert


54


in place within pocket


52


. In other embodiments, panels


48


and


50


may be releasably secured together along top region


53


by snaps, hook and pile fasteners, a zipper, or other such fastening devices. Inserts


54


may also be secured within pocket


52


by attachment of the insert to panel


48


and/or panel


50


by any known fastening device. Insert


54


typically has a width similar to the width of panels


48


and


50


. According, the insert does not function to flatten or shape an individual's tummy but is positioned within pocket


52


merely to change the color or appearance of the pair of panties.




Referring to

FIG. 4

, which is a perspective view of the insert of

FIG. 2

, insert


36


is shown having a top portion


80


and a lower portion


82


secured together at a seam


84


. The outline shape of insert


36


typically matches the shape of the pocket of the brassiere so that the insert will extend over the entire breast cup area. The insert shown is a right breast cup insert whereas a left breast cup insert will have a mirror image shape of the insert shown. In the embodiment shown, a front surface


86


of insert


36


is one color, such as green, whereas a back surface


88


of the insert is another color, such as red. A mirror image insert with the same color scheme is sold together with the insert shown. Accordingly, by purchasing a single set of inserts, an individual can change the color scheme of their brassiere to be green or red. In other embodiments, other color or decoration schemes can be utilized. In still another embodiment, the inserts will have the same color on both sides of each of the mirror image inserts so that either insert will fit within a right or a left breast cup pocket of the brassiere.




Still referring to

FIG. 4

, insert


36


may be treated with perfume, scented oils, chemicals, or by other scented means so that the insert has a pleasing scent. In particular, insert


36


may be treated or manufactured to have a scent such as: one of a variety of perfumes, such as a musk or a sweet scent; flowers such as roses, carnations or freesia; baby powder; foods such as lemons, strawberries, cinnamon or chocolate; outdoorsy scents, such as newly fallen rain or pine needles; or other pleasant scents. In a preferred embodiment the scent of the insert is coordinated with the color or decorative scheme of the insert. For example, a pair of pink brassiere inserts and a pink panties insert may be carnation scented. Accordingly, an individual may place the appropriate colored and scented inserts into their undergarments so that a unique undergarment set is created. In this embodiment, wherein the inserts have a scent, the inserts may require drying cleaning or the re-application of a scent once the insert has been washed and dried in a typical washer and dryer.




Referring to

FIG. 5

, which is a perspective view of the insert of

FIG. 3

, insert


54


is shown having a generally triangular shape. The outline shape of insert


54


typically matches the shape of pocket


52


of the pair of panties so that the insert will extend over the entire sheer area of sheer panel


48


. In the embodiment shown, a front surface


90


of insert


36


is one color, such as green, whereas a back surface


92


of the insert is another color, such as red. Accordingly, by purchasing a single insert, an individual can change the color scheme of their pair of panties to be green or red. In other embodiments, other color or decoration schemes can be utilized. In another embodiment the insert has the same color on both sides so that the insert can be placed in pocket


52


facing either direction.




In the embodiment shown, insert


54


extends over a small portion of the front of pair of panties


16


. In other embodiments, insert


54


and pocket


52


may comprise the entire front facing surface of the pair of panties. In yet other embodiments the outline shape of the insert may be circular, square, or any other such shapes. The insert may also be treated to have a pleasant scent similar to inserts


36


.




Referring to

FIG. 6

, which is a front environmental view of a nightgown of the present invention worn by an individual, nightgown


100


comprises a bodice portion


102


, a central body portion


104


, and a lower frill portion


106


. An accent trim


108


extends between bodice


102


and body portion


104


, and an accent trim


110


extends between body portion


104


and frill


106


. Bodice


102


includes two breast cups


112


each having a front sheer panel


114


and a breast-contacting panel


116


which define a pocket


118


therebetween. Sheer panels


114


are shown as cross-hatched for ease of illustration. Inserts


120


are placed within pockets


118


and can be seen through sheer panel


114


. Similar to brassiere


14


discussed above, inserts


120


and pockets


118


typically extend over the entire breast cup area. However, the pockets and the inserts may be manufactured in any shape as desired. Inserts


120


may be manufactured of the same materials and in the same decorator schemes as inserts


36


.




Accent trim


108


comprises a front sheer panel


122


and a torso-contacting panel


124


that define an elongate pocket


125


therebetween. An insert


126


is received in pocket


125


and typically comprises an elongate, flat ribbon having a color or decorative scheme that matches the color or decorative scheme of inserts


120


. In the preferred embodiment sheer panel


122


comprises lace having multiple apertures


128


therein, and wherein insert


126


is threaded through the multiple apertures to position the insert in pocket


125


.




Similarly, accent trim


110


comprises a front sheer panel


130


and a leg-contacting panel


132


that define an elongate pocket


134


therebetween. An insert


136


is received in pocket


134


and typically comprises an elongate, flat ribbon having a color or decorative scheme that matches the color or decorative scheme of inserts


120


. In the preferred embodiment sheer panel


130


comprises lace having multiple apertures


138


therein, and wherein insert


136


is threaded through the multiple apertures to position the insert in pocket


134


.




Nightgown


100


further comprises attachments


140


that may be positioned at the top of bodice


102


, at accent trims


108


and


110


, or at any other location on the nightgown. Attachments


100


typically comprise the same types of attachments as described with respect to attachments


38


, such as bows or button covers.




Referring to

FIG. 7

, which is a side cross-sectional view of bodice portion


102


of the nightgown of

FIG. 6

showing an insert placed within the brassiere cup of the nightgown and an insert within the accent trim area, nightgown


100


is shown worn on an individual


10


. Breast-contacting panel


116


is shown positioned adjacent the breast of the individual. Insert


120


is shown positioned within pocket


118


and sheer panel


114


is shown positioned over insert


120


and opposite from panel


116


.




Panel


114


and panel


116


are secured by stitching


144


at a lower region


146


of breast cup


112


wherein accent trim


108


is positioned between the panels and between stitching


144


and an attachment device


148


. Panels


114


and


116


are secured at a top region by a fastening device


150


, also called an attachment device. Attachment devices


148


and


150


may comprise hook and pile fasteners, elastic, a zipper, a row of snaps or buttons, or the like. In the case of hook and pile fasteners, a zipper or other mating attachment means, corresponding components of attachment devices


148


, and/or


150


, are each attached to panels


114


and


116


, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In the case of elastic, the elastic may be sewn to either of panels


114


or


116


. The elastic functions to hold the two panels against one another so that insert


126


, and/or insert


120


, are not displaced therefrom. In addition, the elastic will act to conform the nightgown to the chest of the individual so that the bodice portion of the nightgown is form fitting. Inserts


120


and/or


126


may also be secured within pockets


118


, and/or


125


, by attachment of the inserts to panel


114


or to panel


116


by any known fastener device.




Referring to

FIG. 8

, which is a rear view of one embodiment of the attachment which is secured to the undergarments of the present invention by a hook fastener, attachment


38


comprises a patch in the shape of a flower having a “U” shaped “eye”


152


secured to the back surface


154


of the patch by stitching


156


. “U” shaped “eye”


152


is secured to the undergarment by a mating hook secured to the undergarment, as known in the art. Attachments


56


and


140


may also comprise the same fastening devices as described with respect to attachments


38


.




Referring to

FIG. 9

, which is a rear view of an attachment which is secured to the undergarments of the present invention by a snap fastener, attachment


38


comprises a bow made of ribbon or thread having a socket


158


secured to a back surface


160


by stitching


162


. The socket is secured to the undergarment by a matching ball secured to the undergarment, as known in the art. Attachments


56


and


140


may also comprise the same fastening devices as described with respect to attachments


38


.




Referring to

FIG. 10

, which is a rear view of an attachment which is secured to the undergarments of the present invention by a hook and pile fastener, attachment


38


comprises a bow made of ribbon or thread having a piece of “hook” type material


164


secured to a back surface


166


by adhesive


168


. The “hook” material is secured to the undergarment by a matching piece of “pile” material secured to the undergarment, as known in the art. Attachments


56


and


140


may also comprise the same fastening devices as described with respect to attachments


38


.




Referring to

FIG. 11

, which is a perspective view of another insert of the present invention, insert


174


comprises an insert that may be placed within the lower portion of a breast cup pocket if the pocket covers the entire breast of an individual. Insert


174


may also be placed with the pocket of a breast cup wherein the breast cup covers only the lower portion of the breast of an individual. Accordingly, insert


174


has a rounded lower surface


176


and a slightly curved upper surface


178


. When insert


174


is compared to insert


36


of

FIG. 4

, upper surface


178


of insert


174


is positioned in approximately the same location as seam


84


of insert


36


. Insert


174


may comprise a decorative pattern


180


including words


182


and decorative designs


184


, such as the picture of a sun, printed or sewn onto the insert. The insert may be the color blue wherein words


182


and designs


184


may be the color yellow. The color of the insert and the words and designed placed thereon will typically show through the sheer panel of the undergarment in which the insert is placed thereby changing the decorative scheme, including the color and/or appearance, of the undergarment.




While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are intended to cover, therefore, all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.



Claims
  • 1. An undergarment set comprising:a pair of panties including a tummy-contacting panel and a first front sheer panel wherein said first front sheer panel is secured to said tummy-contacting panel to define a first pocket therebetween and wherein said first front sheer panel is transparent; a first insert removably received within said first pocket wherein said first insert comprises a decorative scheme that is visible through said first front sheer panel when said pair of panties are worn by a person and wherein said decorative scheme is distinguishable from human skin; a bodice piece including a breast-contacting panel and a second front sheer panel wherein said second front sheer panel is secured to said breast-contacting panel to define a second pocket therebetween and wherein said second front sheer panel is transparent; and a second insert removably received within said second pocket wherein said second insert comprises a decorative scheme that is visible through said second front sheer panel when said bodice piece is worn by a person and wherein said decorative scheme of the second insert matches the decorative scheme of the first insert and is distinguishable from human skin.
  • 2. The undergarment set of claim 1 wherein said first insert has a thickness that extends from said tummy-contacting panel to said first front sheer panel and is ¼ inch or less, and wherein said second insert has a thickness that extends from said breast-contacting panel to said second front sheer panel and is ¼ inch or less.
  • 3. The undergarment set of claim 1 wherein the decorative scheme of the first and the second inserts comprises a colored outer surface wherein the color of each of the colored outer surfaces is chosen from the group consisting of: black, white, red, green, blue, yellow, orange, pink, purple or gold.
  • 4. The undergarment set of claim 1 wherein said first pocket includes a first opening and wherein said pair of panties includes a first attachment device that secures said first opening in a closed position to secure said first insert within said first pocket, wherein said second pocket includes a second opening and wherein said bodice piece includes a second attachment device that secures said second opening in a closed position to secure said second insert within said second pocket, and wherein said first and second attachment devices are each chosen from the group consisting of: elastic, zippers, mating hook and pile material, and snap fasteners.
  • 5. The undergarment set of claim 1 wherein said pair of panties includes a first attachment releasably secured thereto, wherein said bodice piece includes a second attachment releasably secured thereto, and wherein said first and second attachments each include a decorative scheme that matches the decorative scheme of the first insert.
  • 6. The undergarment set of claim 5 wherein said first and said second attachments each comprise a decoration chosen from the group consisting of: a bow, a gemstone, a button, a button cover, and a patch.
  • 7. The undergarment set of claim 1 wherein said bodice piece comprises a clothing piece chosen from the group consisting of: a nightgown, a brassiere, a boustier, a chemise, a teddy including said pair of panties, a corset, and a swimsuit top.
  • 8. The undergarment set of claim 1 wherein said first insert comprises a flat, triangular piece of material and wherein said second insert comprises a cup-shaped piece of material having a seam extending therethrough wherein said seam produces said cup shape.
  • 9. The undergarment set of claim 1 further comprising a third insert sized to be received within said first pocket wherein said third insert comprises a decorative scheme different from the decorative scheme of said first insert, and further comprising a fourth insert sized to be received within said second pocket wherein said fourth insert comprises a decorative scheme that matches the decorative scheme of the third insert.
  • 10. The undergarment set of claim 1 wherein said bodice piece comprises a nightgown including:a leg-contacting panel and a third front sheer panel wherein said third front sheer panel is secured to said leg-contacting panel to define a third pocket therebetween and wherein said third front sheer panel is transparent; and a third insert removably received within said third pocket wherein said third insert is elongate and comprises a decorative scheme that is visible through said third front sheer panel when said nightgown is worn by a person and wherein said decorative scheme is distinguishable from human skin.
  • 11. A method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment set comprising the steps of:providing an undergarment set comprising: a pair of panties including a tummy-contacting panel and a first front sheer panel wherein said first front sheer panel is secured to said tummy-contacting panel to define a first pocket therebetween and wherein said first front sheer panel includes transparent regions; a first insert removably received within said first pocket wherein said first insert comprises a decorative style that is visible through said transparent regions of the first front sheer panel when said pair of panties is worn by a person and wherein said decorative style is distinguishable from human skin; a bodice piece including a breast-contacting panel and a second front sheer panel wherein said second front sheer panel is secured to said breast-contacting panel to define a second pocket therebetween and wherein said second front sheer panel includes transparent regions; and a second insert removably received within said second pocket wherein said second insert comprises a decorative style that is visible through said transparent regions of the second front sheer panel and wherein the decorative style of the second insert matches the decorative style of the first insert and wherein said decorative style is distinguishable from human skin; providing a third insert sized to be received within said first pocket wherein said third insert comprises a decorative style different from the decorative style of said first insert; providing a fourth insert sized to be received within said second pocket wherein said fourth insert comprises a decorative style that matches the decorative style of said third insert; removing said first insert from said first pocket and placing said third insert in said first pocket so that said third insert is visible through said transparent regions of said first front sheer panel when said pair of panties is worn by a person; and removing said second insert from said second pocket and placing said fourth insert in said second pocket so that said fourth insert is visible through said transparent regions of said second front sheer panel when said bodice piece is worn by a person.
  • 12. The method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment set of claim 11 wherein said first insert has a width that extends from said tummy-contacting panel to said first front sheer panel and is ⅛ inch or less, and wherein said second insert has a width that extends from said breast-contacting panel to said second front sheer panel and is ⅛ inch or less.
  • 13. The method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment set of claim 11 wherein the first insert comprises first and second colored outer surfaces wherein the color of the first and second outer surfaces are different from each other and are each chosen from the group consisting of: black, white, red, green, blue, yellow, orange, pink, purple or gold.
  • 14. The method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment set of claim 11 wherein said first pocket includes a first opening and wherein said pair of panties includes a first attachment device that secures said first opening in a closed position to secure said first insert within said first pocket, wherein said second pocket includes a second opening and wherein said bodice piece includes a second attachment device that secures said second opening in a closed position to secure said second insert within said second pocket, and wherein said first and second attachments devices are each chosen from the group consisting of: elastic, zippers, mating hook and pile material, and snap fasteners.
  • 15. The method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment set of claim 11 wherein said pair of panties includes a first attachment releasably secured thereto, wherein said bodice piece includes a second attachment releasably secured thereto, and wherein said first and second attachments each include a decorative style that matches the decorative style of the first insert.
  • 16. The method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment set of claim 11 wherein said first and said second attachments each comprise a decoration chosen from the group consisting of: a bow, a ribbon, a faux gemstone, a real gemstone, a button, a button cover, and a patch.
  • 17. The method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment set of claim 11 wherein said bodice piece comprises a clothing piece chosen from the group consisting of: a nightgown, a brassiere, a boustier, a chemise, a corset, and a swimsuit top.
  • 18. The method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment set of claim 11 wherein said first insert comprises a flat, triangular piece of material and wherein said second insert comprises a cup-shaped piece of material having a seam extending therethrough wherein said seam produces said cup shape.
  • 19. The method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment set of claim 11 wherein said bodice piece comprises a nightgown including:a leg-contacting panel and a third front sheer panel wherein said third front sheer panel is secured to said leg-contacting panel to define a third pocket therebetween and wherein said third front sheer panel includes transparent regions; and a third insert removably received within said third pocket wherein said third insert is elongate and comprises a decorative style that is visible through said transparent regions of the third front sheer panel when said nightgown is worn by a person and wherein said decorative style is distinguishable from human skin.
  • 20. The method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment set of claim 11 wherein said first insert has a scent which permeates through said first front sheer panel, and wherein said second insert has a scent which permeates through said second front sheer panel.
  • 21. A method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment comprising the steps of:providing an undergarment comprising: a bodice piece including a breast-contacting panel and a front sheer panel wherein said front sheer panel is secured to said breast-contacting panel to define a pocket therebetween and wherein said front sheer panel is transparent; and a first insert removably received within said pocket wherein said first insert comprises a decorative style that is visible through said front sheer panel and wherein the decorative style of the first insert is distinguishable from human skin; providing a second insert sized to be received within said pocket wherein said second insert comprises a decorative style that is different from the decorative style of said first insert and is distinguishable from human skin; and removing said first insert from said pocket and placing said second insert in said pocket so that said second insert is visible through said front sheer panel when said bodice piece is worn by a person.
  • 22. The method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment of claim 21 wherein the first insert has a thickness of ¼ inch or less.
  • 23. The method of changing the decorative style of an undergarment of claim 21 wherein the first insert has a first surface having a decorative style and a second surface having a decorative style, wherein the decorative style of said first surface is different from the decorative style of said second surface, and wherein only one of said first or second surfaces is visible through said front sheer panel when said bodice piece is worn by a person.
US Referenced Citations (10)
Number Name Date Kind
2698940 Dombek Jan 1955
2880731 Kendall Apr 1959
3630208 Werth Dec 1971
4185332 Jahnig Jan 1980
4222388 Brown Sep 1980
4607640 McCusker Aug 1986
5098330 Greenberg Mar 1992
5334082 Barker Aug 1994
5496205 Lee Mar 1996
5868601 Kelemencky Feb 1999