Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6174217
-
Patent Number
6,174,217
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Date Filed
Wednesday, February 16, 200024 years ago
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Date Issued
Tuesday, January 16, 200123 years ago
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Inventors
-
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 450 1
- 450 17
- 450 19
- 450 30
- 450 36
- 450 89
- 450 92
- 450 95
- 450 98
- 450 99
- 450 108
- 450 156
- 040 586
- 002 67
- 002 69
- 002 227
- 002 238
- 002 228
- 002 105
- 002 106
- 002 80
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International Classifications
-
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)