Abstract:
A garment comprising a front portion; a back portion; the front portion and the back portion converging to define a first edge section and a second edge section; a first attachment device having a first opening located in proximity to the first edge section; a second attachment device having a second opening located in proximity to the second edge section; the first and second openings extend from the front portion to the back portion; an embellished back strap having a first surface a second surface, a first attachment portion, and a second attachment portion; the first attachment portion loops through the first opening and the second attachment portion loops through the second opening; and an adjustable attachment system for attaching the first and second attachment portions to the second face of the embellished strap.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    N/A 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to support garments, brassieres, bandeaus, or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a garment with an embellished back strap for replacing or covering an existing garment back strap. 
         [0004]    Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    In the art of brassieres or bras, when a woman wears an article of clothing it is generally considered unsightly and unfashionable for any portion of the bra to be visible. In some instances, the article of clothing is a backless dress, or backless blouse exposing the woman&#39;s back. When this variety of clothing is worn, a typical bra&#39;s back strap would be visible. 
         [0006]    Currently, there are known bras to overcome this issue. One bra in particular, called a backless bra or adhesive bra, has no back straps. Thus, it can be worn with backless articles of clothing. However, this bra type is not without its disadvantages. Specifically, this bra is not reliable in staying affixed to the woman, as it relies on an adhesive system to stay in place which my lose effectiveness over time. Also, in some instances women develop allergic reactions and rashes related to the compounds used in the adhesive system. Consequently, there is a need for a bra that can be worn with backless articles of clothing, while providing comfort, femininity, and fashion. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one embodiment of the present invention a garment for covering the chest of a woman is provided comprising a front portion; a back portion; the front portion and the back portion converging to define a first edge section and a second edge section; a first attachment device having a first opening located in proximity to the first edge section; a second attachment device having a second opening located in proximity to the second edge section; the first and second opening extending from the front portion to the back portion; an embellished back strap designed to encircle the back of the woman having a first surface, a second surface, a first attachment portion, and a second attachment portion; the first attachment portion loops through the first opening and the second attachment portion loops through the second opening; and an adjustable attachment system for attaching the first and second attachment portions to the second face of the embellished strap. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment the front and back portions are made of a fabric material; and the first and second attachment devices are stitched into the fabric. In another embodiment, a pair of reinforcement members made of a rigid material is provided; and the pair of reinforcement members is woven into the fabric surrounding the first and second attachment devices. In yet another embodiment, a pair of stiffening elements made of a rigid material is provided; and the pair of stiffening elements is affixed to the first and second edge sections. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment the embellished back strap is made of an elastic material, and the first surface comprises a plurality of jewelry ornaments. In another embodiment, the first surface is made of a non-elastic material; the second surface and first and second attachment portions are made from an elastic material. In yet another embodiment, the adjustable attachment system is selected from the group consisting of a hook-and-eyelet closure, a button fastener, a clamp, a swimsuit clip, a clasp device, a grommet hook, a snap fastener, a Velcro fastener, and a magnet fastener. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the embellished back strap and the attachment system are positioned such that: the first surface is visible when a backless article of clothing is worn by the woman; and the second surface, the first and second portions, and the attachment system are not visible when the backless article of clothing is worn by the woman. In one embodiment, the garment is a brassiere. In another embodiment, the garment is a bandeau. 
         [0011]    In another aspect of the invention a method is provided, comprising steps (a) providing an existing brassiere, the existing brassiere comprising a pair of support cups, a first edge section, a second edge section, a first existing back strap, and a second existing back strap; the first existing back strap extending from the first edge section, and the second existing back strap extending from the second edge section; (b) providing an embellished back strap comprising a first surface, a second surface, a first elastic attachment portion, and a second elastic attachment portion; the second surface comprising an adjustable attachment mechanism for connecting the first and second elastic attachment portions to the second surface. (c) folding the first and second existing back straps into the pair of support cups; (d) placing a first attachment device on the first edge section and a second attachment device on the second edge section, the first and second attachment devices comprising a clamp portion and an aperture portion; (e) feeding the first and second elastic attachment portions through the aperture portion of the first and second attachment device; and (f) attaching the embellished back strap to the existing garment by use of the adjustable attachment mechanism. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, in step (b), the first surface comprises a plurality of jewelry ornaments. In another embodiment, in step (b), the adjustable attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a hook-and-eyelet closure, a button fastener, a clamp, a swimsuit clip, a clasp device, a grommet hook, a snap fastener, a Velcro fastener, and a magnet fastener. Also in one embodiment there is further a step in which the existing garment with the attached embellished back strap is worn by a woman with an article of clothing which exposes the back of the woman such that: the first surface is visible; and the second surface, the first and second elastic attachment portions, and the adjustable attachment mechanism are not visible. 
         [0013]    In yet another aspect of the invention a new and improved back strap for female garments is provided comprising a first surface; a second surface; a first attachment portion; a second attachment portion; the first surface having an embellished portion; an adjustable attachment mechanism for attaching the first and second attachment portions to the second face; the adjustable attachment mechanism designed for the attachment of the back strap to the female garments. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the first surface is made of a non-elastic material; wherein the second surface and first and second attachment portions are made from an elastic material. Also in one embodiment, the first surface is made from a material selected from the group consisting of synthetic fabrics, denim, cotton, leather, plastic, stone, rubber, polyester, satin, suede, natural and/or synthetic fur, vinyl, metal, silk, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the embellished portion comprises a plurality design features. Yet in another embodiment, the plurality of design features is selected from the group consisting of jewelry ornaments, indicia, and artistic renderings. Further in one embodiment, the adjustable attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a hook-and-eyelet closure, a button fastener, a clamp, a swimsuit clip, a clasp device, a grommet hook, a snap fastener, a Velcro fastener, and a magnet fastener. 
         [0015]    Such stated summary and advantages of the invention are only examples and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments, taken together with the drawings and the claims that follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposes of exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word “exemplary” is used exclusively to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Referring to the drawings in which like reference character(s) present corresponding part(s) throughout: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary perspective view illustrating the front of a garment with an embellished back strap worn on a woman according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an exemplary perspective view illustrating the back of a garment with an embellished back strap worn on a woman according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 3A-C  are exemplary detail views illustrating components of a garment according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 4A-B  are exemplary detail views illustrating components of a garment with an embellished back strap according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 5A-C  are exemplary detail views illustrating components of a garment with an embellished back strap according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6A-D  are exemplary detail views illustrating a method for adding an embellished back strap to an existing garment according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is an exemplary perspective view illustrating the back of a garment with an embellished back strap worn on a woman according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 8A-B  are exemplary detail views of attachment devices according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 9A-C  are exemplary detail views illustrating a plurality of design features on an embellished back strap according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is an exemplary detail view illustrating components of an embellished back strap according to an embodiment of the present invention 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    In one embodiment of the instant invention the inventor provides a garment with an embellished back strap intended to replace or cover an existing back strap. The embellished back strap adds femininity and fashion to the garment, while allowing the garment to be worn with an article of clothing that exposes the back of the wearer. 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 and or utilized. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary perspective view illustrating the front of a garment  101  with an embellished back strap  102  worn on a woman according to an embodiment of the present invention. The garment comprises a front portion  103  and a slit  104 , it is to be understood that “slit” may refer to any shaped opening (e.g. circular, oval, rectangular) and is non-limiting. The garment is worn around a torso of a woman  105 , and the front portion may include two cups as well known in the art. The embellished back strap comprises an attachment portion  107  and embellished portion  108 . The slit  104  allows for the attachment portion to be fashioned to the garment. The slit  104  is positioned on an edge section  106  of the front portion. Although one slit  104  is illustrated, it is understood that an identical second slit is positioned on a second edge section  106  of the front portion at an opposing location. In this particular exemplary instance, the garment is a brassiere, but it understood that the garment may be any type of garment worn on the torso of a woman including but not limited to a bandeau, a bralette, and a swimwear top. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is an exemplary perspective view illustrating the back of a garment with an embellished back strap  201  worn on a woman according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embellished back strap is fitted across a woman&#39;s back  202 . The embellished back strap is made from an elastic material and features a plurality of design features, such as jewelry ornaments as shown. The elastic material is critical and aids in supporting the garment in a fixed position, while providing comfort to the wearer. The plurality of design features may include any ornamental design, such as designs typically provided on belts and necklaces. An inventive feature of the instant invention includes the ability to interchange different embellished back strap designs depending on fashion requirements and the mood of the wearer such that the attachment portion is hidden whilst wearing a backless top. The design features will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 3A-C  are exemplary detail views illustrating components of a garment according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 3 , a portion of a garment  301  is illustrated. The garment comprises front portion  302  and slit  303 . The slit is positioned on edge section  305  of the front portion, and is reinforced with a double stitched seam  304  providing reinforcement to the slit. In some embodiments further reinforcement device are provided. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 3B , reinforcement member  307  is illustrated. The reinforcement member  307  having an elongated rectangular shape is designed to be stitched into fabric surrounding slit  304  ( FIG. 3A ), it being understood that the rectangular shape is only exemplary and other shapes, e.g. circular rings or oval members, may be substituted therefor. This improves reinforcement to the slit and edge section of the garment as the embellished back strap is attached and exhibiting a tension force to the slit while in use. The reinforcement member is made from a solid rigid material such as a ridged polymer or metal. 
         [0032]    In  FIG. 3C , a portion of a garment  301  is illustrated. The garment comprises front portion  302  and slit  303 . The slit is positioned on edge section  305  of the front portion, and is reinforced with a double stitched seem  304  providing reinforcement to the slit. In some embodiments, an additional reinforcement device  306  is provided. In this particular exemplary instance, the additional reinforcement device  306  is a stiffening element or stay, made from a rigid material such as a ridged polymer or metal. The additional reinforcement device provides additional reinforcement to the slit and edge section of the garment as the embellished back strap is attached and exhibiting a tension force to the slit while in use. In some embodiments, both reinforcement member  307  ( FIG. 3B ) and the additional reinforcement device  306  may be used in conjunction for improved reinforcement. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 4A-B  are exemplary detail views illustrating components of a garment  401  with an embellished back strap  404  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 4A , a front detail view of the garment is illustrated. The garment comprises front portion  402  and slit  403 . The slit allows for the embellished back strap to be fashioned to the garment. The embellished back strap includes an attachment portion  407  and embellished portion  405 , the embellished portion features a plurality of design features, such as jewelry ornaments, indicia (e.g. Nike®, Adidas®, Under Armour®), or artistic renderings. The attachment portion is made from an elastic material, while the embellished portion may include layers of material from a variety of materials including but not limited to leather and denim. The details of the design features and material options will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 4B , a back detail view of the garment is illustrated. This view is not visible during use, and is shown for illustrative purposes only. The garment comprises a back portion  404  and slit  403 . The slit allows for the embellished back strap to be fashioned to the garment. The embellished back strap includes an attachment portion  407 , a nonvisible back side  406 , and adjustable attachment mechanism  408 / 409 . The adjustable attachment mechanism allows for the adjustment and attachment of the embellished back strap to be fashioned to the garment. The adjustable attachment mechanism includes the attachment portion  407 , hooks  408 , and a plurality of eyelet loops  409 . The plurality of eyelet loops are positioned at varying lengths along the nonvisible back side of the embellished back strap, allowing for the engagement with the hooks. The adjustable attachment mechanism allows the garment and embellished back strap to be tightened or loosened as needed, as well as the ability to interchange different embellished back strap designs depending on fashion requirements and the mood of the wearer. Additionally, the availability of attachment mechanisms  408 / 409  at both opposing slits further advances appropriate fit as desired by the user. 
         [0035]    In this particular exemplary instance, the adjustable attachment mechanism is a hook and eyelet fashioning method, but it understood that the adjustable attachment mechanism may be any type of adjustable attachment mechanism including but not limited to garter clamps, grommet hooks, snaps, buttons, Velcro hooks, and magnets. Although one slit and adjustable attachment mechanism is illustrated on an edge section  410 , it is understood that an identical second slit and an identical second attachment mechanism is positioned on a second edge section of the garment. Therefore, the adjustable attachment mechanism can be utilized on either side of the garment or both sides. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 5A-C  are exemplary detail views illustrating components of a garment  501  with an embellished back strap  502  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 5A , the garment worn on a woman  505  is illustrated. The garment comprises front portion  503  and aperture portion  504 . The embellished back strap comprises an attachment portion  506  and embellished portion  507 . The aperture portion  504  allows for the attachment portion to be fashioned to the garment. The aperture portion  504  is positioned on an edge section  512  of the front portion. Although one aperture portion  504  is illustrated, it is understood that an identical second aperture portion is positioned on a second edge section of the front portion. In this particular exemplary instance, the garment is a bandeau, but it understood that the garment may be any type of garment worn on the torso of a woman including but not limited to a brassier, a bralette, and a swimwear top. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 5B , a front detail view of the garment is illustrated. The garment comprises front portion  503  and aperture portion  504 . The aperture portion allows for the embellished back strap to be fashioned to the garment. The embellished back strap includes an attachment portion  506  and embellished portion  507 , the embellished portion features a plurality of design features, such as jewelry ornaments. The attachment portion is made from an elastic material, while the embellished portion may include layers of material from a variety of materials including but not limited to leather and denim. The details of the design features and material options will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 5C , a back detail view of the garment is illustrated. This view is not visible during use, and is shown for illustrative purposes only. The garment comprises a back portion  508  and aperture portion  504 . The aperture portion allows for the embellished back strap to be fashioned to the garment. The embellished back strap includes an attachment portion  506 , a nonvisible back side  509 , and adjustable attachment mechanism  510 / 511 . The adjustable attachment mechanism allows for the adjustment and attachment of the embellished back strap to be fashioned to the garment. 
         [0039]    The adjustable attachment mechanism includes the attachment portion  506 , hooks  510 , and a plurality of eyelet loops  511 . The plurality of eyelet loops are positioned at varying lengths along the nonvisible back side of the embellished back strap, allowing for the engagement with the hooks and corresponding attachment strap as well known in the art. The adjustable attachment mechanism allows the garment and embellished back strap to be tightened or loosened as needed, as well as the ability to interchange different embellished back strap designs depending on fashion requirements and the mood of the wearer. 
         [0040]    In this particular exemplary instance, the adjustable attachment mechanism is a hook and eyelet fashioning method, but it understood that the adjustable attachment mechanism may be any type of adjustable attachment mechanism including but not limited to garter clamps, grommet hooks, snaps, buttons, Velcro hooks, and magnets. Although one aperture portion and adjustable attachment mechanism is illustrated on an edge section  512 , it is understood that an identical second aperture portion and an identical second attachment mechanism is positioned on a second edge section of the garment. Therefore, the adjustable attachment mechanism can be utilized on either side of the garment. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 6A-D  are exemplary detail views illustrating a method for adding an embellished back strap  609  to an existing garment  601  according to an embodiment of the present invention. For simplicity, only one side of the existing garment is illustrated, but it should be understood that an identical process as described below is performed on the other side of the existing garment. Referring to  FIG. 6A , a front detail view of the existing garment is illustrated. The exiting garment comprises a front portion  603  and an edge portion  614 . The existing garment may be any type of garment including but not limited to a brassier, a bandeau, a bralette, and a swimwear top. The existing garment is illustrated without shoulder straps, but the current invention may also be used with garments having shoulder straps. A first step for adding an embellished back strap to the existing garment is the placement of an attachment device  602 , such as a clip or a garter clamp. The attachment device comprises a first clamp  604  and an attachment device  605 . The attachment device is clipped to the edge portion of the existing garment. The placement allows for the attachment device not to be visible during use. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 6B , a back detail view of the existing garment is illustrated. The existing garment comprises a back portion  606  and an existing back strap  607 . While performing the first step for adding the embellished back strap to the existing garment, that the existing back strap should be folded back prior to clipping the attachment device on the edge portion of the existing garment. This is best illustrated in the current view. Also, in this view it can be seen that the attachment device comprises a second clamp having a rounded cushion  608 . The rounded cushion is made from a gel-like material offering improved comfort for the wearer. The embellished back strap  102  may also be attached over an existing brassiere back strap to obfuscate the same using attachment device  102 . For example, instead of folding back the bra strap, it can be worn in a normal fashion and the first clamp  604  can be clamped onto a portion of the existing bra, with a mirroring attachment on the opposing side such that the embellished back strap  102  lies over the brassiere&#39;s backstrap. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6C  illustrates a front detail view of an existing garment. A second step for adding the embellished back strap to the existing garment is the placement of the embellished back strap. Embellished back strap  609  comprises an embellished portion  610  featuring a plurality of design features, such as jewelry ornaments. The embellished back strap is made from an elastic material which aids in supporting the existing garment in a fixed position, while providing comfort to the wearer. The placement of the embellished back strap to the existing garment requires the embellished portion of the embellished back strap to be fed into attachment device  605  of the attachment device. It is important to verify that the embellished portion is facing the wearer as seen in this detail view, ensuring the embellished portion is visible as intended. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 6D , a back detail view of the existing garment is illustrated. A third step for adding the embellished back strap to the existing garment is the attachment of the embellished back strap. Embellished back strap  609  includes an attachment portion  612 , a nonvisible back side  611 , and an adjustable attachment mechanism  612 / 613 / 614 . The adjustable attachment mechanism allows for the adjustment and attachment of the embellished back strap to be fashioned to the existing garment. The adjustable attachment mechanism includes the attachment portion  612 , hooks  613 , and a plurality of eyelet loops  614 . The plurality of eyelet loops are positioned at varying lengths along the nonvisible back side of the embellished back strap, allowing for the engagement with the hooks and corresponding attachment strap as well known in the art. The adjustable attachment mechanism allows embellished back strap to be tightened or loosened as needed, as well as the ability to interchange different embellished back strap designs depending on fashion requirements and the mood of the wearer. 
         [0045]    In this particular exemplary instance, the adjustable attachment mechanism is a hook and eyelet fashioning method, but it is understood that the adjustable attachment mechanism may be any type of adjustable attachment mechanism including but not limited to grommet hooks, snaps, buttons, Velcro hooks, and magnets. 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  is an exemplary perspective view illustrating the back of a garment with an embellished back strap  701  worn on a woman  704  according to an embodiment of the present invention. An inventive feature of the present invention, allows for the garment to be worn with a backless article of clothing  702 , exposing the woman&#39;s back  703  and embellished back strap. The embellished back strap adds femininity and fashion to the ensemble while providing more support and security than a backless bra, which requires the use of adhesives to stay affixed to the woman while in use. It is important to note that the garment and attachment device  602  ( FIGS. 6A-D ) are not visible while the backless article of clothing is worn by the woman. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 8A-B  are exemplary detail views of attachment devices according to some embodiments of the present invention. As mentioned previously, the adjustable attachment mechanism ( FIGS. 4B / 5 C/ 6 D) is a hook and eyelet fashioning method, however other attachment mechanism may be used including a swimsuit clip  801  and a clasp device  802 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 9A-C  are exemplary detail views illustrating a plurality of design features on an embellished back strap according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0049]    As mentioned previously, the plurality of design features may include any ornamental design, such as designs typically provided on belts and necklaces. An inventive feature of the instant invention includes the ability to interchange different embellished back strap designs depending on fashion requirements and the mood of the wearer.  FIG. 9A  illustrates an embellished back strap  901  made from a chain design. The chain design includes a flexible series of metal links as known in the art. 
         [0050]      FIG. 9B  illustrates an embellished back strap  902  including a layer of material  903  and a plurality of jewelry ornaments  904 . The layer of material may be any type material, including but not limited to synthetic fabrics, denim, cotton, leather, plastic, stone, rubber, polyester, satin, suede, natural and/or synthetic fur, vinyl, metal, silk, and combinations thereof. The layer of material may also contain any color from the known colors in the art. The plurality of jewelry ornaments may include various shapes that feature gemstones and precious metals. The layer of material is backed by an attachment portion  905 , made of an elastic material which is used to attach the embellished back strap to a garment as described above. 
         [0051]      FIG. 9C  illustrates an embellished back strap  906  comprising an interconnected plurality of jewelry ornaments  908 . The plurality of jewelry ornaments may be interconnected with elastic string or cord known in the art for creating a single piece of jewelry that is elastic. Likewise, the plurality of jewelry ornaments may be affixed to a layer of material as seen in  FIG. 9B . The single piece of jewelry is connected to an attachment portion  909 , made of an elastic material which is used to attach the embellished back strap to a garment as described above. 
         [0052]      FIG. 10  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an embellished back strap  102  for replacing or covering an existing garment back strap, wherein strap  102  has two opposing and mirroring attachment portions  107  that include hooks  408  and eyelet loops  409  connecting to the existing edge portion  614  of the garment, and further includes a substantially medially located affixing mechanism  443  that engages an existing brassiere strap to obfuscate and embellish the same. 
         [0053]    Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, the aperture portion and slit refer to defined openings and should not be limited to the ordinary shapes of the openings. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0054]    It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object. 
         [0055]    In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group. 
         [0056]    In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of,” “act of,” “operation of,” or “operational act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.