Abstract:
An interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system that hides from view undesirable mechanical elements of bikini and bra-like articles of apparel, reduces material and garment waste, and provides a versatile, cost-effective solution for creating multiple swimwear “looks” without purchasing full sets or pieces of swimwear each season. The modular swimwear system uses novel closure and attachment mechanisms in the form of unique connector elements for both bikini tops and bikini bottoms to accomplish its interchangeable and versatile features.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/063,538 entitled “Apparel (swimwear, activewear, footwear) completed by an interchangeable closure system (either by hook-and-loop or buckle) for interchangeable design elements to be added/subtracted, or exchanged entirely, and where article of apparel is rendered incomplete and un-wearable without one of unlimited form of datable design elements” filed Oct. 14, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/092,364, entitled “A Means of Adjusting Size and Fit for Backless and Modular Bras or Swimwear Tops,” filed Dec. 16, 2014 and which applications are incorporated in their entirety here by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to the field of connectors generally and the related aspect of interchangable components of female apparel, and more specifically, the invention described herein pertains to the use of modular components in bikini and/or bra design comprising closure elements and adjustment systems for bra and or female swimwear components for the purpose of hiding of undesirable visible connection elements and reducing manufacturer&#39;s waste. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Apparel requires large quantities of materials to be used for manufacture of a static form, which may not be salable once manufactured due to the rapidly changing demands of the fashion industry. More specifically, fashion trends related to female swimwear (i.e., bikinis) and female undergarments (i.e., bras), also evolve rapidly. A manufacturer of bikinis and bras typically purchases and makes a substantial number of units of such articles designed and styled for purposes of sale during a particular season, and once the season is over and/or trends changes, manufacturers and re-sellers are left with unsold units of bras and bikinis having designs that are no longer desirable, and thus, many of the bras and bikinis made, or the fabric designs for the bras and bikinis goes to waste. Thus, it would be desirable to develop a system for designing and marketing bras and bikinis that would tend to reduce waste when fashion tastes change. 
     For swimwear especially, considered to be seasonal apparel, buying new sets each season can become costly. To have interchangeable parts for swimwear that provide different design elements for swimwear provides a versatile, cost-effective solution for creating multiple swimwear “looks” without purchasing full sets or pieces of swimwear each season. 
     A modular swimwear system completed by the connector elements described herein allows for manufactured swim apparel to no longer be fully wasted if unsalable, as the apparel becomes dynamic and changeable with the changing of any or all straps that hold the article onto the part of the body to be covered. If a certain base piece or articulating closure piece is unsalable, only that separate piece will be destroyed or sold at a potential loss, which lowers rate of waste or lost profits. 
     The invention described herein solves the above-referenced problem by creating a modular bikini and bra attachment, closure, and adjustment system wherein because, for example, bikinis are sold in their component parts (uppers, lowers (front and back), and connecting devices such as straps). If trends change, the connecting devices, at a minimum can be saved, and the uppers and lowers can be re-purposed for use in conjunction with other, more trendy uppers and/or lowers, where possible, thus, reducing garment waste. 
     Another issue with bikinis and female undergarments is that they typically show the mechanical closure details that are often not aesthetically pleasing. The mechanical closure details involve adjustment mechanisms with undesirable visible connections. For most bras, the closure and adjustment function is the same—a series of unsightly bent-wire bra loops that, when not attached to the hook at the tightest setting, are visible. In swimwear, tops either are tied on, or have similarly unsightly bra-type closure and adjustment mechanisms. Traditional unsightly bra mechanisms either expose the unattractive bent-wire hooks, or place the back articulation askew from the center of the back—both of which are undesirable attributes of traditional bras and bra-styled swim tops. Tie-on swim tops may provide for enhanced adjustability, but dangling tie ends lack the clean and finished look that many women desire. 
     For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an interchangeable and adjustable bra or bikini attachment and closure system that is modular, hides the unsightly mechanical details used for size adjustment, and provides better display of the desired visual elements of a bra or bikini set. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system, especially for swimwear, which hides the unsightly mechanical elements used for size adjustment, and provides for better display of the desired visual elements of a bra or bikini, as well as provides interchangeable parts for more variety in wear. The interchangeable and adjustable bra attachments and closure system not only provides an aesthetic component but also a useful interchangeable aspect that is cost-effective. 
     The invention described herein relates to an interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system designed to allow for flexibility in design, reduction of garment waste by manufacturers and re-sellers, wherein the system is designed to hide unattractive aspects of typical bra and/or bikini design, such as wiring, wire hooks, and the like. 
     The invention described herein comprises a design for a bikini top portion, a design for a bikini bottom portion, and a design for a combined bikini top and bottom. The overarching theme of the design of both the bikini top and the bikini bottom, as well as the combined top and bottom, is its modularity. The top and bottom may function as stand-alone items that can be mixed and matched for stylistic reasons, or to reduce garment waste, as noted in the Background. 
     A feature pertaining to the modularity of the invention described herein are the respective connector elements, as described in greater detail below and in the Detailed Description. The connector elements of the invention described herein provide a unifying element for the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system. 
     While the following summary references a combined bikini top and bottom system, it should be understood that the bikini top described herein may function as a stand-alone item, as may the bikini bottom described herein. 
     Briefly, the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system described herein comprises a bikini top portion, a bikini bottom portion, and connector elements or accessories that serve to close the bikini top and/or bottom and provide for size adjustability. 
     The bikini top comprises a bra frame, which in some respects is akin to a standard bikini top or bra, but is not limited in its design except by functional considerations (i.e., the bikini top or bra should provide appropriate covering and/or support according to their typical functions). The bra frame has a front support portion that includes the cups, as well as first and second wings, which are the portions of the bra that run from adjacent the cups towards the area of the bra that typically comprises the closure mechanism. The support portion, the cups, and the wings each have an inner and outer surface, and the wings themselves terminate at what are referred to as the first end portion and the second end portion, which generally correspond to the distal portion of the bra wings where a typical bra closure mechanism would be located. 
     At the terminus of each end portion is formed one or more loops in the bra material. The loop(s), which comprise a hole or tunnel through which a hook portion of the center back accessory described herein may be inserted, thus allowing the center back accessory to be connected to the bra frame, and serve as a closure mechanism for the bra frame in conjunction with the appropriate connector element. With multiple loops present at the terminus of the end portion, the hook portion of the center back accessory can be inserted into different loops on each side of the bra to allow for size adjustability. 
     The center back accessory described herein comprises at least one strap having a first end and a second end, with a loop formed at the first end of the strap to receive a shaft portion of a center back accessory connector element, and a loop at the second end of the strap to removeably receive a shaft portion of a separate center back accessory connector element. The straps connect the center back accessory elements to one another. The loop may be formed around the shaft of the center back accessory connector element, or it may be slid onto the center back accessory connector element until it is positioned about the shaft portion. 
     The center back accessory connector element also comprises a hook element or hook portion, which is located at an end area of the connector element, and is configured to removeably engage, or be inserted into, the loop or tunnel formed at the terminus of the end portions of the bra wings, thus connecting the center back accessory to the bra frame. 
     As further described in the Detailed Description, the bra frame may be fitted with sizing hooks on the outer surface of the terminus of the end portion of each wing (e.g., the outer surface of the tunnel portion), and the inner surface of the wing and/or end portion may be fitted with one or more guide loops that may be linearly arranged perpendicular to the long axis of the wing, as well as sizing loops configured to receive the sizing hooks. In this configuration, the size of the bra frame may be adjusted using the sizing hooks and sizing loops, and the hook elements on the center back accessory connector elements may be inserted through the one or more guide loops to connect the center back accessory to the bra frame, and serve as a closure mechanism for the bra frame or bikini top. Alternatively, sizing may be accomplished through the use of sliders on the straps that connect the center back accessory connector elements to vary the length of the straps. Alternatively, the straps may be comprised of one or more elastic materials that allow them to stretch to the appropriate size. 
     In addition to the straps between the center back accessory connector elements, the center back accessory straps may also comprise vertical straps. The vertical straps may be formed contiguously with the straps between the center back accessory connector elements, or they may be a separate piece of material attached to the straps between the center back accessory connector elements by known techniques. A distal end of each vertical strap contains a connector element (i.e., a vertical strap connector element) much like the center back accessory element in design, but perhaps sized or scaled differently. The vertical straps, of which two are preferred in design, but one or more than two are also conceivable, run generally perpendicular to the straps between the center back accessory connector elements and traverse a bikini wearer&#39;s shoulders so that the vertical strap connector elements may connect to small loops on the inner surface of the support portion of the bra frame. The vertical straps may also cross (i.e., the strap traversing the wearer&#39;s left shoulder may connect to a loop on the right side of the support portion of the bra frame, and vice-versa). In addition, the vertical straps may attach to a single loop on loops on the inner surface of the support portion of the bra frame located between the cups. Sizing of the vertical straps may be accomplished through the use of sliders on the vertical in order to vary the length of the straps. Alternatively, the vertical straps may be comprised of one or more elastic materials that allow them to stretch to the appropriate size. 
     The bikini bottom described herein comprises a front panel that may be, but is not required to be, generally triangular in shape, and a back panel that may be, but is not required to be, generally triangular in shape. Both the front panel and the back panel have first and second edges that generally correspond to what would be observed as a left or right edge. 
     At least one edge of both the front panel and the back panel comprise one or more bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portions, which may be referred to as the front panel bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portions, and the back panel bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portions. In an embodiment of the invention described herein in which only one edge of the front panel and one edge of the back panel have bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portions, then the bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portions must be on the same edge of the front and back panels (i.e., both of the left side or both on the right side). In another embodiment, there may be at least one bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion on each edge of the front and back panels. In still another embodiment, there may be more than one bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion on each edge of the front and back panels, and there is no particular requirement that the numbers be equal between the first edge or second edge. 
     Each bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion, whether on the front panel or back panel, comprises at least one loop forming a hole at its terminal portion adapted to receive a hook element on a connector element from a side accessory that functions similarly to the center back accessory (and its connector elements) by serving to close an otherwise open edge (or edges) of the bikini bottom. 
     The bikini bottom further comprises a side accessory that comprises at least one strap, the strap comprising a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion comprises a loop that may be referred to as a first side accessory loop, and the second end portion comprises a loop that may be referred to as a second side accessory loop. 
     The bikini bottom further comprises a first side accessory connector element having a shaft portion and a hook element, much like the center back accessory connector element, and a second side accessory connector element also having a shaft portion and a hook element. The shaft portion of the first side accessory connector element is removeably engaged with the first side accessory loop on the first end portion of the at least one strap of the side accessory, and the shaft portion of the second side accessory connector element is removeably engaged with the second side accessory loop on the second end portion of the at least one strap of the side accessory. Removeable engagement may be accomplished by sewing the loop closed about the shaft portion, or sliding a pre-formed loop onto a side accessory connector element until it is position at or approximately at the shaft portion. 
     The side accessory connector elements also comprise a hook element that is configured to removeably engage with the loop or hole at or near the terminal portion of a bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion and result in the attachment of the side accessory to the bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion, and serve as a closure mechanism for one or more otherwise open edges of the bikini bottom front and back panels. Sizing of the side accessory strap(s) may be accomplished by sliders, or through use of one or more elastic materials to make the strap(s). With multiple loops present at bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion, the hook elements of the side accessory connector elements can be inserted into different loops on each side of the bikini bottom to allow for size adjustability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system for a bra or bikini upper shown in an attached configuration. 
         FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B  are rear perspective views of a second embodiment of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system for a bra or bikini shown in an attached configuration and showing different options for attaching the vertical straps to the support portion. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of an embodiment of the bra frame of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system. 
         FIG. 4A  is a front view of an embodiment of the center back accessory of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system. 
         FIG. 4B  is a front view of another embodiment of the embodiment of a center back accessory of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system. 
         FIG. 5  is a partial view of an embodiment of the center back accessory attached to one end of the bra frame of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial view of another embodiment of the center back accessory attached to one end of the bra frame of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial view of yet another embodiment of the center back accessory attached to one end of the bra frame of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system. 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the bikini bottom, including the side accessory, of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of another embodiment of the bra frame of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system. 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the bikini bottom, including the side accessory, of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the invention in use, showing the bra frame shown in  FIG. 9  with the center back accessory shown in  FIG. 4B , and the bottom shown in  FIG. 10  as worn by a user. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. 
     The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Typically, materials used in manufactured apparel are fully wasted if unsalable, or must be deconstructed for re-use in new items. Most, or all, of the entire article of apparel is destroyed or sold at loss, resulting in higher rates of waste and/or lost profits. With the modular system of the present invention, manufactured apparel need not be fully wasted if unsalable, as the apparel becomes dynamic with the change of any or all straps or pieces that hold the article onto the part of the body to be covered. If a certain base piece or a closure piece is unsalable, only that separate piece will be destroyed or sold at a potential loss, resulting in lower rate of waste or lost profits. 
     The present invention creates numerous variations for a given item of apparel by using the attachment and closure system, which allows for interchangeable design elements to be added, subtracted, or exchanged entirely. Not to be mistaken for mere adornment, the modular article of apparel is rendered incomplete and un-wearable with one of the unlimited forms of detachable design elements. In other words, the interchangeable design elements of the present invention are not additive to an otherwise completed unit of apparel, but rather incorporates a base pieces, or platform, with a fastener and a closure piece holding the reciprocal fastener for attachment and/or detachment from the base piece. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system  100  described herein comprises a bra frame  102  (which is understood to describe that portion of either a bra or bikini top), and a center back accessory  104  removeably attachable to bra frame  102 . Bra frame  102  comprises a support portion  106  (which can also be referred to as a cradle, including a cradle having cups or coverings), which has an outer surface  103  and an inner surface  105 . Bra frame  102  further comprises a left wing  108  having an outer surface  107  and an inner surface  109 , and a right wing  110  having an outer surface  111  and an inner surface  113 . Left wing  108  is generally adjacent to the left side of support portion  106 , and right wing  110  is generally adjacent to the right side of support portion  106  and opposite left wing  108 . Left wing  108  has a first end portion  112  comprising a first attachment portion  114  formed by the terminal part of end portion  112 , and the right wing  110  has a second end portion  116  comprising a second attachment portion  118  formed by the terminal part of end portion  116 . First attachment portion  114  comprises at least one loop  120  that forms a hole  122  that is disposed generally orthogonally to left wing  108 . Second attachment portion  118  also comprises at least one loop  121  that forms a hole  123  that is disposed generally orthogonally to right wing  110 . Loop  120  may be formed by end portion  112  of the left wing  108  being formed back onto itself and sewn or otherwise attached onto itself. Loop  121  may be similarly formed relative to end portion  116  of the right wing  110 . Loop  120  may be referred to as the “first end portion loop,” and loop  121  may be referred to as the “second end portion loop.” 
     There may be more than one first end portion loop (e.g., loops  120   a ,  120   b  as shown in  FIG. 9 ) formed at the end portion  112  of the left wing  108 , thus forming holes  122   a ,  122   b  (as shown in  FIG. 9 ); and there may be more than one second end portion loop (e.g., loops  121   a ,  121   b  as shown in  FIG. 9 ) formed at the end portion  116  of the right wing  110 , thus forming holes  123   a ,  123   b  (as shown in  FIG. 9 ), the foregoing arrangement allowing for sizing adjustment. Where multiple loops are present on an end portion of one of the wings, the material at the end portion of the wing may be folded back onto itself and sewn to form multiple loops. 
     It is understood that bra frame  102  is not limited to any particular shape or configuration other than as dictated by the function of the bra frame. 
     The center back accessory  104  is capable of being removeably connected to bra frame  102 , as shown in e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and may have different lengths and/or adjustable sliders  151 . The design of center back accessory  104  is not limited to those shown in the drawings (i.e, having two or three rectangular, generally horizontally articulating straps  105  as in e.g.,  FIGS. 1, 5, 6, and 7 ) and/or several vertically articulating straps  136 ,  138  as in e.g.,  FIG. 2 ), but can be substantially varied in shape and/or orientation to provide many different looks, while remaining consistent with the spirit of the invention described herein. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4A , center back accessory  104  comprises a first center back accessory end portion  124  and a second center back accessory end portion  126 . Center back accessory  104  further comprises a first reciprocal connector element  128  that is adjacent to, and affixed to or connected with, the first center back accessory end portion  124 , and a second reciprocal connector element  130  adjacent to, and affixed to or connected with, the second center back accessory end portion  126 . First and second reciprocal connector elements  128 ,  130  each comprise at least one shaft  135 ,  137 . 
     First and second center back accessory end portions  124 ,  126  each comprise at least one loop formed by one or more straps  105  being folded back and sewn or otherwise attached onto itself to form at least one loop. In making center back accessory  104 , the loop formed at or near both first and second center back accessory end portions  124 ,  126  is fitted around shaft  135 ,  137 , each shaft being part of first reciprocal connector element  128  and second reciprocal connector element  130 , respectively. Alternatively, the loop can be preformed and slid onto an end of a reciprocal connector element for ultimate placement along the shaft thereof. This construction enables one or more straps  105  to connect first and second reciprocal connector elements  128 ,  130  to each other, and also results in a functionally unitary construction for center back accessory  104 . The loops formed at the end portions of the straps of the center back accessory may be referred to as “first center back accessory loop” and “second center back accessory loop.” 
     As shown in e.g.,  FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, and 7 , first reciprocal connector element  128  further comprises first hook element  132 , and second reciprocal connector element  130  further comprises second hook element  133 . Center back accessory  104  is removeably attachable to bra frame  102  through insertion of first hook element  132  into hole  122  formed by loop  120  of the first attachment portion  114  on bra frame  102 , and insertion of second hook element  133  into hole  123  formed by loop  121  of the second attachment portion  118  on bra frame  102 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , which is designed to facilitate size adjustability, center back accessory  104  is removeably attachable to bra frame  102  through insertion of first hook element  132  into one of holes  122 ,  122   a , or  122   b  formed by loops  120 ,  120   a , and  120   b  of the first attachment portion  114  on bra frame  102 , respectively; and, insertion of second hook element  133  into one of holes  123 ,  123   a , or  123   b  formed by loops  121 ,  121   a , and  121   b  of the second attachment portion  118  on bra frame  102 , respectively. 
     Consequently, the complete article of body covering or protection may be variably altered and configured by separating first attachment portion  114  and second attachment portion  118  from the first and second reciprocal connector elements  128  and  130  and joining the same bra frame  102  with different center back accessories, or joining the same center back accessory  104  with different bra frames. 
     In alternative embodiments, first attachment portion  114  (with the corresponding loop and hole) on bra frame  102  may comprise a first female fastener and the first reciprocal connector element  128  (including hook element  132 ) on the center back accessory  104  may comprise be a first male fastener that removeably mates with the first female fastener. The same configurations are applicable to second attachment portion  118  (with the corresponding loop and hole) and second reciprocal connector element  130 , thus as a second female fastener and a second male fastener removably mated. Alternatively, the male and female portions with respect to the attachment configuration referenced immediately above may be reversed with a male portion associated with bra frame  102  and a female portion associated with center back accessory  104 . 
     Examples of such alternative attachment configurations may also include a snap fastener with male and female portions, a button and hole configuration, a buckle configuration, hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro®), a zipper configuration, or other fastening mechanisms known in the art. 
     Another embodiment of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system  100 , shown in  FIG. 2 , may have at least one minor loop  131   a - c  (as also shown in  FIG. 3 ). The at least one minor loop  131   a - c  may be attached on inner surface  105  of bra frame  102  (or to the corresponding unnumbered inner surface of the opposite cup, or to the inner surfaces of both cups as shown in  FIGS. 2B and 2C ). Minor loop  131   a  may also be attached to the inner surface of support portion  106  of bra frame  102  between the cups (often referred to as the center front gore). Minor loop  131   b, c  or  131   a , in any of the aforementioned locations, or all of them, is formed by a separate piece of fabric or other suitable materials attached to the inner surfaces of the cups, or to the inner surface of support portion  106 , of bra frame  102 , wherein such separate piece of fabric or other suitable material is folded to form a hole  134 . Minor loops  131   b, c  may be referred to as “inner surface minor loops.” Minor loop  131   a  may be referred to as “center front minor loop.” 
     Center back accessory  104  may also comprise a first vertical strap  136  and a second vertical strap  138  attached to the center back accessory  104  via means known in the art. First vertical strap  136  has a first vertical strap end portion  140 , and the second vertical strap  138  has a second vertical strap end portion  142 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , attached to first vertical strap end portion  140  is a first vertical strap reciprocal connector element  143 , and attached to second vertical strap end portion  142  is a second vertical strap reciprocal connector element  145 . First vertical strap reciprocal connector element  143  comprises a shaft portion (not shown) around which first vertical strap end portion  140  is sewn or otherwise affixed. Second vertical strap reciprocal connector element  145  also comprises a shaft portion (not shown) around which second vertical strap end portion  142  is sewn or otherwise affixed. First vertical strap reciprocal connector element  143  further comprises hook element  144 , and second vertical strap reciprocal connector element  145  further comprises hook element  146 . Hook elements  144  and  146  are reversibly connectable to the two minor loops  131   b, c  on the inner surfaces  105  of bra frame  102  (e.g., on the inner surfaces of the cups), or both may be simultaneously reversibly attached to the inner surface of support portion  106  of bra frame  102  at minor loop  131   a . Hook element  144  may be referred to as “third hook element.” Hook element  146  may be referred to as “fourth hook element.” 
     Adjustable sizing of the vertical straps may be accomplished via varying the lengths of the straps, or by affixing sliders to the straps that allow for length adjustment by a user. 
     In one embodiment of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system  100  shown in  FIG. 3 , to adjust the length (or girth), bra frame  102  may have guide loops  148 , sizing loops  150 , and sizing hooks  152 . Sizing hooks  152 , preferably formed from thin bent-wire hooks, are attached at or generally adjacent to end portion  112  of inner surface  109  of left wing  108  of bra frame  102 , and/or at or generally adjacent to end portion  116  of inner surface  113  of right wing  110  of bra frame  102 . Each of the guide loops  148  is a separate piece of material folded to form a loop and is attached on inner surface  109  of left wing  108 , and/or on inner surface  113  of right wing  110 , with the attachment loci for the guide loops  148  being at spaced intervals corresponding to the desired measure of adjustment needed, and may be, but are not required to be, attached equidistant between sizing hooks  152  and one or more sets of sizing loops  150 . Each sizing loop  150 , preferably made of thin wire bent to form a U-shape, is attached on inner surface  109  of left wing  108 , and/or on inner surface  113  of right wing  110 . Sizing loops  150  may be attached at intervals corresponding to the desired measure of adjustment. Measuring a length from where first reciprocal connector element  128  on center back accessory  104  attaches to bra frame  102  to where second reciprocal connector element  130  on center back accessory  104  attaches to bra frame  102 , the length may be adjusted using sizing loops  150  and sizing hooks  152 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , and in use, first reciprocal connector element  128  ( FIG. 4A ) and second reciprocal connector element  130  ( FIG. 4A ) may removeably attach to guide loops  148  formed by left wing  108  and right wing  110  via hooks  132 ,  133  being inserted into the corresponding guide loops  148  on the inner surfaces  109 ,  113  of left and right wings  108 ,  110  of bra frame  102 . 
     Alternatively, first reciprocal connector element  128  ( FIG. 4A ) and second reciprocal connector element  130  ( FIG. 4A ) may be removeably attached to the left wing  108  and the right wing  110 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , wherein hooks  132  are disposed generally adjacent to inner surface  109  of left wing  109  of bra frame  102 , and/or inner surface  113  of right wing  110  of bra frame  102 , respectively. Then, sizing hooks  152  on left wing  108  and right wing  110  are removeably attached to sizing loops  150  on left wing  108  and/or on right wing  110 , respectively, such that when the sizing hooks are engaged with the sizing loops, the reciprocal connector elements are securely, but removably connected to bra frame  102 , thus allowing for a fully-formed and functional bikini top or bra. 
     In use, as shown in  FIG. 6 , right wing  110 , for example, may fold over, after a hook  133  on second reciprocal connector element  130  slides through and removeably attaches to a loop formed by the sizing hooks  152  removeably attaching to the sizing loops  150 . In another configuration, as shown in  FIG. 7 , right wing  110 , for example, may fold over, after hook  133  on second reciprocal connector element  130  slides through guide loops  148  of their choosing, such that the sizing hooks  152  on right wing  110  may hook onto the sizing loops  150  on right wing  110 , removeably housing the second reciprocal connector element  130 . Depending on the length required by a user, the second reciprocal connector element  130  may slide into other guide loops  148 , closer or farther away from the support portion  106 . An alternative embodiment for adjustable sizing may be accomplished by having only a single attachment point for the center back accessory  104  on the left and right wings of the bra frame, wherein the straps of the center back accessory are adjustable via a sliding sizing mechanism. 
     In each of the aforementioned embodiments, the first attachment portion  114  and second attachment portion  118 , as well as the first reciprocal connector element  128  and second reciprocal connector element  130 , may comprise, but are not limited to, other attachment or connection configurations such as snaps fasteners, buckles, buttons, or hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®). Bra frame  102  may be made of materials such as, but not limited to, for example, cotton, Polyester, Lycra, Nylon, Rayon, or blends of the same, etc. Center back accessory  104  may be made of similar materials and/or other elastic materials alone or in combination, or non-elastic materials, if desired. First attachment portion  114  and second attachment portion  118  may be made of, by way of examples without limitation, metals, metal alloys, plastics, polymers, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material(s). 
     Additional configurations of the reciprocal connector elements are also contemplated wherein the reciprocal connector elements may be also located on or affixed at other locations on the bra frame  102  or the center back accessory  104  than those described herein or shown in the Figures appended hereto. A separate connector accessory is also contemplated. Stand-alone straps are examples of separate accessories that may be used for shoulder support of the bra frame, and may also be removeably attached on the bra frame  102  or center back accessory  104 , such that the first reciprocal connector element is on the bra frame  102  or center back accessory  104 , and second reciprocal connector element is affixed or located on the separate accessory, or vice versa. Therefore, the interchangeable aspect of the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system  100  is not exclusive to the center back accessory  104  and bra frame  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachments and closure system  100  may also further comprise a bikini bottom  154  comprising a generally triangular-shaped front panel  156 , a generally triangular-shaped back panel  158 , and at least one side accessory  160 . It is contemplated that bikini bottom  154  may be adapted to receive one or more side accessories  160  on each side. It is also contemplated that one side of bikini bottom  154  may have a substantially “unitary” construction whereas the other side may require side accessory  160  to connect the front of bikini bottom  154  to the back of bikini bottom  154 . It is further contemplated that the bikini bottom can be of any shape appropriate relative to its function, and is expressly not limited to a generally triangular shape. 
     Front panel  156  has a left edge  162 , a right edge  164 , a bottom portion  166 , and a top edge  155 . Back panel  158  has a left edge  170 , a right edge  172 , a bottom portion  174 , and a top edge  157 . Front panel  156  is generally adjacent to the back panel  158  at their respective bottom portions  166 ,  174 . 
     The design of bikini bottom  154  may be such that the upper portions of front panel  156  and back panel  158  may not be of “unitary” construction (i.e., the respective upper portions of the front and back panels may not be attached to one another), such that left edges  162 ,  170  and right edges  164 ,  172  comprise at least one bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion  169  on each side, each of the latter of which further comprises at least one loop  168 . Although, as noted above, it is contemplated that this connection configuration may be present on only the left or right side of bikini bottom  154 . Loops  168  on the front and back panels may be referred to as “front panel loop” and “back panel loop,” respectively. It is contemplated that the invention described herein may have one or more front panel loops, and one or more back panel loops, to allow for sizing adjustability. 
     More specifically, each bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion  169  may comprise multiple loops  168 , as shown in  FIG. 10  and described more fully below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , side accessory  160  comprises a first end portion  178  and a second end portion  180 . Side accessory  160  further comprises a side accessory reciprocal connector element  171  that is adjacent to, and affixed to or connected with, first end portion  178 , and a second side accessory reciprocal connector element  173  that is adjacent to, and affixed to or connected with, second end portion  180 . First and second side accessory reciprocal connector elements each comprise at least one shaft. 
     First and second end portions  178 ,  180  of side accessory  160  each comprise at least one loop formed by one or more straps  177  being folded back and sewn or otherwise attached onto itself to form at least one loop. In making side accessory  160 , the loop formed at or near both end portions  178 ,  180  is fitted around the shaft, each shaft being part of first and second side accessory reciprocal connector elements  171 ,  173 , respectively. Alternatively, the loop can be preformed and slid onto an end of a side accessory reciprocal connector element for ultimate placement along the shaft thereof. This construction enables one or more straps  177  to connect first and second side accessory reciprocal connector elements  171 ,  173  to each other, and results in a functionally unitary construction for side accessory  160 . The loops at the end portions of straps  177  may be referred to as “first side accessory loop” and “second side accessory loop.” 
     First side accessory reciprocal connector element  171  of side accessory  160  comprises a first side accessory hook element  182  that is generally adjacent to first end portion  178  of side accessory  160 . Second side accessory reciprocal connector element  173  of side accessory  160  comprises a second side accessory hook element  184  that is generally adjacent to second end portion  180  of side accessory  160 . For example, for one of the side accessories  160 , the first side accessory hook element  182  may be removeably attached to a loop  168  on left edge  162  of front panel  156 , and second side accessory hook element  184  may be removeably attached to a loop  168  on left edge  170  of back panel  158 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , and as an example, where multiple loops  168  are present on a given bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion  169 , one side accessory hook element (e.g.,  182 ) may be removably attached to one of several loops  168  on left edge  162  of front panel  156 , and the same may be true for the other side accessory hook element (e.g.,  184 ) relative to left edge  170  of back panel  158 , thus allowing for size adjustability. 
     Thus, side accessory reciprocal connector elements  171 ,  173  are removeably attachable to a loop  168  (i.e., a front panel loop) on a bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion  169 , preferably with first end portion  178  attaching to a loop  168  on a bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion  169  on front panel  156  via first side accessory hook element  182 , and second end portion  180  attached to a loop (i.e., a back panel loop) on a bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion  169  on back panel  158  via second side accessory hook element  184 . When the necessary number of side accessories  160  have been applied to connect front panel  156  to back panel  158 , a functional bikini bottom  154  is formed. 
       FIG. 11  shows the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system  100  described herein in use and operation. The system  100  is depicted on a mannequin-like wearer (shown in broken lines) of the bikini system  100  described herein. The bra portion of the system comprises wings  108 ,  110 , which are connected and closed about a user&#39;s back via center back accessory  104 . Center back accessory  104  comprises vertically articulating straps  136 ,  138  that traverse the user&#39;s shoulders and engage with one more minor loops on the front portion of bra  102 .  FIG. 11  also depicts the mannequin-like wearer wearing bikini bottom  154  wherein the open sides of bikini bottom  154  are connected and closed by one or more side accessories  160 . Thus, the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system  100  is depicted in use and operation. 
     In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of each of left edge  162  and right edge  164  folds back and is sewn or otherwise attached onto itself to form at least one loop  168 , each loop  168  disposed generally orthogonally to top edge  155 . Similarly, at least a portion of each of left edge  170  and right edge  172  folds back and is sewn or otherwise attached onto itself to form at least one loop  168 , each loop  168  disposed generally orthogonally to top edge  157 . Where multiple loops are present on a single bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion  169 , the material at the edge may be folded back onto itself and sewn to form multiple loops. 
     It is contemplated that the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system  100  may be configured to allow center back accessory  104  to be removeably attachable to the bra frame  102  at other locations than those shown herein. Furthermore, the bikini bottom  154  to the bra frame  102  may be connected by another accessory. Or, as shown in  FIG. 3 , center back accessory  104  may be connected to a center area of support portion  106  of bra frame  102 . 
     The method of making an interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system  100  comprises permanently forming or attaching, which includes, but is not limited to, fastening, sewing, gluing, welding, riveting, stapling, or joining the first and second attachment portions  114 ,  118  to bra frame  102 , and the first and second reciprocal connector elements  128 ,  130  to center back accessory  104 . More specifically and preferably, the method of making an interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system comprises permanently forming or attaching, which includes, but is not limited to, sewing, gluing, welding, riveting, stapling, or joining at least one left loop  120  and at least one right loop  121  to bra frame  102 , wherein left and right loops  120 ,  121  form at least one hole each  122 ,  123 , each disposed generally orthogonally to left and right wings  108 ,  110 , and formed by having respective end portions  112 ,  116  of left and right wings  108 ,  110  fold back onto themselves and sewn or otherwise attached onto themselves. Where multiple loops are present on an end portion of one of the wings, the material at the end portion of the wing may be folded back onto itself and sewn to form multiple loops. 
     Also, the method comprises permanently forming or attaching, which includes, but is not limited to, fastening, sewing, gluing, welding, riveting, stapling, or joining first hook element  132  and second hook element  133  to center back accessory  104 , such that first hook element  132  may pass through left loop  120  of bra frame  102 , and second hook element  133  may pass through right loop  121  of bra frame  102 . Once completed, first and second hook elements  132 ,  133  are removeably attachable to left and right loops  120 ,  121 , respectively, thereby allowing center back accessory  104  to be removeably attached to bra frame  102 . 
     The method of making the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system may further comprise permanently forming, which includes, but is not limited to, fastening, sewing, gluing, welding, riveting, stapling, or joining a bikini bottom, wherein left and right edges  162 ,  164 ,  170 ,  172  fold back and are sewn or otherwise attached onto themselves so as to form at least one loop  168  on each front, back, and/or side. Front panel  156  may be attached to back panel  158  at their respective bottom portions  166 ,  174 . Where multiple loops are present on a single bikini bottom reciprocal connecting portion  169 , the material at the edge may be folded back onto itself and sewn to form multiple loops. 
     The method of making the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system  100  may further comprise permanently forming, which includes, but is not limited to, fastening, sewing, gluing, welding, riveting, stapling, or joining one or more side accessories  160 , such that first side accessory hook element  182  is generally adjacent to first end portion  178  of side accessory  160 , and second side accessory hook element  184  is generally adjacent to second end portion  180  of side accessory  160 . First side accessory hook element  182  may pass through corresponding loop  168  on front panel  156  of bikini bottom  154 , and second side accessory hook element  184  may pass through corresponding loop  168  on back panel  158  of bikini bottom  154 , allowing side accessory  160  to be connected on one or both sides of bikini bottom  154 , depending on whether neither or one side of bikini bottom  154  are of “unitary” construction. The end result being a fully-functional bikini bottom. 
     The method of making an interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachment and closure system may further comprise permanently forming or attaching, which includes, but is not limited to, fastening, sewing, gluing, welding, or joining minor loop  131   a  to the inner surface of support portion  106  of bra frame  102 , wherein minor loop  131   a  is formed by having a separate piece of material attached to support portion  106  and folded or otherwise formed to create a loop with a hole  134 . 
     The method of making the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachments and closure system  100  may further comprise permanently forming or attaching, which includes, but is not limited to, fastening, sewing, gluing, welding, riveting, stapling, or joining vertical straps  136 ,  138  onto center back accessory  104 , wherein hook elements  144 ,  146  on first and second vertical straps  136 ,  138  are each attached generally adjacent to the end portion of one of vertical straps  136 ,  138 , such that hook element  144  and hook element  146  may be removeably attached to the corresponding minor loops  131   b, c  on support portion  106  of bra frame  102 , or both hook elements may be removeably attached to minor loop  131   a.    
     The method of making the interchangeable and adjustable bikini attachments and closure system  100  may further comprise permanently forming or attaching, which includes, but is not limited to, fastening, sewing, gluing, welding, or joining guide loops  148 , sizing loops  150 , and sizing hooks  152  on bra frame  102  to provide for size adjustments for the wearer. Sizing hooks  152  are attached generally adjacent end portions  112 ,  116  of inner surface of left and right wings  108 ,  110  of bra frame  102 . Guide loops  148  are attached on the inner surface of left and right wings  108 ,  110  at intervals corresponding to a desired measure of adjustment. Each sizing loop  150  is also attached on the inner surface of left and right wings  108 ,  110  at intervals between each guide loop  148  and sizing hooks  152 . Thus, first and second reciprocal connector elements  128 ,  130  via hook elements  132 ,  133  are removeably connectable to guide loops  148  of left and right wings  108 ,  110 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 7 . Sizing loops  150  on each of the left and right wings  108 ,  110  are also removeably connectable to sizing hooks  152  on the same left or right wings  108 ,  110 , respectively, effectively folding the left and right wings  108 ,  110  when the sizing hooks are so engaged with the sizing loops, and simultaneously sizing the garment as desired and covering the attachment of the reciprocal connector elements to the guide loops. 
     The foregoing description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form(s) disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings while remaining consistent with the spirit of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.