Patent Publication Number: US-8991665-B2

Title: Garment holding and shape saving apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/767,475 filed Feb. 21, 2013, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to an apparatus for holding garments. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for holding and preserving the shape of a brassiere, as well as methods of use thereof. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Devices to hold and display articles of clothing are common and include items such as hangers, mannequins, and display racks. These items can present the garment for display purposes as well as offer a place for storing the garment when the garment is not in use. 
     One particular type of garment that is occasionally associated with such display items is a woman&#39;s brassiere. A woman&#39;s brassiere, as is commonly understood, includes a pair of cups connected to one another and a series of straps extending from each of the cups which can be clasped in the back when the brassiere is being worn. Some brassieres also include an underwire to help retain the shape of the cups, while others do not. 
     Brassieres are occasionally displayed in retail establishments using a mannequin or other display apparatus that is intended to simulate an actual wearer of the brassiere. However, at home, brassieres are often not given the same level of care and may be simply placed in a drawer along with numerous other items. The same is true of brassieres in retail establishments that are not on one of the mannequin displays. 
     When brassieres are not given proper care during storage, the shape of the cups can be compromised. This can cause the brassiere to exhibit an undesirable appearance when worn or, in extreme cases, render the brassiere unusable altogether. Misshaping of the cup portions of a brassiere often occurs because there is insufficient support provided for the cup during storage and a heavier item that is placed on the brassiere simply deforms the material and/or underwire that provided the cup its shape in the first instance. 
     Articles exist for maintaining the shape of a brassiere during storage. For example, United States Patent Application No. 2009/0266851 to Perlman et al. provides an article for maintaining the shape of a brassiere that includes two rounded portions, each of which accepts one cup of the brassiere. By way of another example, United States Patent Application No. 2008/0237071 to Campillo et al. provides a protective lingerie case with internal protuberances designed to hold the cups of a brassiere. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 7,252,573 to Maim provides a frame for maintaining the shape of a brassiere during drying and storage that includes a pair of hemispherically-shaped shells with apertures formed therethrough. 
     However, these existing articles fail to provide an apparatus that can be used for storing and displaying brassieres in a simple and elegant way and which can be adapted to be used with brassieres of different sizes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Provided is an apparatus for holding garments in a manner that preserves the shape of the garment. The device can include a first semispherical cup, a second semispherical cup, and a connecting member. The connecting member interconnects the first cup and the second cup and allows for the spacing between the first cup and the second cup to be adjusted. 
     In certain non-limiting embodiments, the connecting member includes an elongated tongue member connected to or integrated with the first cup and a groove member connected to or integrated with second cup. The tongue member and the groove member are complementary with one another such that the tongue member can slide within the groove member to adjust the spacing between the first cup and the second cup. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the groove member can include a hinged member. Hinged member can pivot from a closed position to an open position about a hinge. When in the closed position, hinged member can form a groove within which the elongated member of the connecting member can slide. 
     In another non-limiting embodiment, the groove member has an elongated shape with a groove formed between a top side and a bottom side within which the elongated member can slide. 
     In another non-limiting embodiment, the connecting member can have one or more cup engagement portions along its length, each of which is designed to engage a complementary section of first cup or second cup. When first cup and second cup are each engaged with connecting member, an interconnection between the first cup or the second cup is established. 
     An object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can hold a garment, and particularly a brassiere, in a manner that preserves the shape of the garment while the garment is being stored or on display. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can accept garments of different sizes and which can be configured to fit in locations of limited size, such as by adjusting the spacing between the first and second cups. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description provided herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5   a - c  are perspective views showing the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the cups spaced various distances from one another; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing the connecting member of the third embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” “above,” “below,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like, relate to the apparatus as it is shown in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the apparatus may assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further, as used herein, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, and the like, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” 
     Disclosed is an apparatus that can be used to hold a garment, such as a brassiere, for purposes such as storage and/or display. The apparatus provides support for the garment and aids in retaining the garment&#39;s shape while the apparatus is being used to hold the garment. Also disclosed are methods of using an apparatus as described herein in connection with storing and/or displaying a garment. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1-5 , which show one non-limiting embodiment of a garment holding and shape saving apparatus  10  according to the present disclosure. 
     Apparatus  10  includes a first cup  20 , a second cup  30 , and a connecting member  40  that extends between first cup  20  and second cup  30 . In some non-limiting embodiments, first cup  20 , second cup  30 , and connecting member  40  are separate parts that can be connected to one another for use, as explained below. In other non-limiting embodiments, first cup  20 , second cup  30 , and/or connecting member  40  may be integrally formed with one another as a unitary structure or otherwise permanently affixed to one another. For example, first cup  20  may be integrally formed with connecting member  40  as a single unitary structure while second cup  30  may be provided as a separate part, second cup  30  may be integrally formed with connecting member  40  as a single unitary structure while first cup  20  is provided as a separate part, or first cup  20 , second cup  30 , and connecting member  40  may all be integrally formed as a single unitary structure. 
     First cup  20  can be a generally semispherical shell that has an outer convex surface  22  and a peripheral edge  26 . In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the shape of first cup  20  lies somewhere between a hemisphere and a quarter of a sphere, though either a hemisphere or a quarter of a sphere are contemplated shapes for first cup  20 . Other shapes are envisioned as well. Shape of first cup  20  is dictated largely by the shape of the garment in connection with which apparatus  10  is intended to be used. For example, if garment is a brassiere, shape of first cup  20  should be selected to fit within and substantially fill the cup portion of the brassiere. A generally semispherical shape will typically work for this purpose. First cup  20  can also come in various sizes to fit brassieres of different cup sizes. First cup  20  can be shaped such that first cup  20  can rest on a portion of peripheral edge  26  which runs along the bottom of first cup  20  and remain in an upright position, such as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In some non-limiting embodiments, first cup  20  can have an inner concave surface  24  disposed opposite the outer convex surface  22  such that first cup  20  is essentially a hollow shell, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . The thickness of the shell is not limited, though it should be sufficiently thick to provide a rigid structure that can support one or more garments placed thereon and provide a level of protection consistent with the purposes described herein while also being sufficiently thin that the weight and manufacturing costs are minimized. For example, the hollow shell could be between 0.5 and 3 cm thick, such as 0.5 to 1.5 cm thick. 
     The configuration where first cup  20  is provided as a hollow shell provides certain advantages. For example, this allows first cup  20  and second cup (described below) to be stacked on top of one another when apparatus  10  is not in use to reduce the total footprint of apparatus for storage and/or packaging purposes. In addition, the straps of a brassiere can be folded around the peripheral edge  26  of first cup  20  and tucked into the hollow interior portion so that they are out of the way. 
     In other non-limiting embodiments, some or all of the inner portion of the shell can be filled with a material, such as the material which is used to form the remainder of first cup  20  or another suitable material, such as a foam material. This embodiment would allow added stability when first cup  20  is positioned on a flat surface by increasing the total area of first cup  20  that is in contact with the surface. In other non-limiting embodiments, at least the bottom section of peripheral edge  26 , (e.g., the portion of peripheral edge  26  on which first cup  20  is intended to rest), can have a lip or rim disposed thereon to increase the stability of first cup  20  when first cup  20  is at rest on a surface. 
     First cup  20  can be composed of any material known in the art, including plastic, metal, rigid fabric, carbon fiber, rubber or any combination thereof. Preferably, first cup is formed of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and blends and copolymers thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments, first cup  20  can have a second material covering all or select portions of the outer surface  22 . Second material can also encapsulate the entire cup  20 . The second material can be a polymeric material, and preferably is a polymeric material that is softer than the material which forms the cup that provides added friction or grip to help secure the garment to the outer surface  22  and prevent the garment from slipping off of the surface. Non-limiting examples include elastomers, latex, and low durometer silicone, polypropylene, or urethane. Second material can be formed by flocking, in which small fiber particles are deposited on the outer and/or inner surfaces of first cup  20 . Potentially useful flocking materials include natural materials such as cotton as well as synthetic materials such as nylon, and blends thereof. 
     In some non-limiting embodiments, outer surface  22  is a smooth surface, such as shown in  FIG. 1 . However, outer surface  22  can have a pattern, such as a lace-like pattern disposed thereon, such as shown in  FIG. 6 . The pattern can be integrally formed with first cup  20  during, for example, the molding process or a pattern can be an overmold that is applied to the already-formed first cup  20  such as by applying a material on the outer surface  22  of first cup  20  in the desired pattern. The pattern can also be formed as a separate piece and then affixed to outer surface  22 , such as by using an adhesive material. A second polymeric material, including those discussed above, can be dispersed onto the outer surface  22  of first cup  20  to create a pattern. Such a pattern can improve the overall appearance of first cup  20  and may also create additional friction between first cup  20  and the garment to help secure the garment to first cup  20 . Flocking, as described above, can also increase the friction between first cup  20  and the garment. 
     Second cup  30  can be of the same general shape and size as first cup  20  and composed of the same material as first cup  20 , including the same second material. Preferably, first cup  20  and second cup  30  are mirror images of one another, such that second cup  30  is of the same shape and size as first cup  20 , though certain features of the respective first and second cups  20 ,  30  are disposed on opposite sides. For example, if first and second cups  20 ,  30  are each placed with their respective convex outer surfaces facing the same direction, as in  FIG. 1 , the portion of first cup  20  which engages with connecting member  40  would be on the right, when viewed straight on, while the portion of second cup  30  which engages with connecting member  40  would be on the left. A reason for this is apparent from  FIG. 1 , wherein the connecting member  40  is extends between the first and second cups  20 ,  30 . 
     As mentioned above, apparatus  10  can further include a connecting member  40 . Connecting member  40  is designed to interconnect first cup  20  with second cup  30 . Preferably, connecting member  40  can form a sufficiently rigid connection between first cup  20  and second cup  30  to retain first cup  20  a set distance from second cup  30 , though this set distance can be adjusted, as explained below. In some non-limiting embodiments, connecting member  40  can be a separate piece from both first cup  20  and second cup  30 . In other non-limiting embodiments, connecting member  40  can be integrally formed with or permanently affixed to either first cup  20 , second cup  30 , or both. Connecting member  40  can also be comprised of more than one piece, such as a first piece which extends from or is otherwise associated with first cup  20  and a second piece which extends from or is otherwise associated with second cup  30 . The first and second pieces of connecting member  40  can then engage with one another to form a connection between first cup  20  and second cup  30 . In certain preferred embodiments, connection member  40  can include a tongue member and a complementary groove member where the tongue member and groove member engage with one another. Connecting member  40  can be formed from any suitable material, including those materials mentioned above in connection with first cup  20 . Preferably, connecting member  40  is formed of a rigid plastic. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , connecting member  40  can include a groove member in the form of a hinged member  44   a  which is integrally formed with or otherwise connected with first cup  20  and a tongue member in the form of an elongated member  44   b  which is integrally formed with or otherwise connected to second cup  30 . Hinged member  44   a  can have a top surface and a bottom surface. One of the top surface and bottom surface can be connected to first cup  20  while the other can pivot from a closed position, shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , to an open position about hinge  46 . Hinged member  44   a  can further include a locking mechanism  47  to secure hinged member  44   a  in the closed position. In the closed position, hinged member  44   a  forms a groove. Hinged member  44   a  can include a notch  50  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 2 ) or series of notches on the underside of the top surface or the topside of the bottom surface. These notches are designed to engage a tab  43  or series of tabs on the top or bottom surface of elongated member  44   b . For instance, when hinged member  44   a  is in the closed position, thereby forming a groove, elongated member  44   b  can be slide into the groove formed by hinged member  44   a  such that a tab  43  on elongated member  44   b  engages with a notch  50  on hinged member  44   a . When tab  43  is engaged with the notch  50 , elongated member  44   b  is secured in place relative to hinged member  44   a , thereby interconnecting first cup  20  and second cup  30  at a set distance from one another. 
     Elongated member  44   b  can include one or more tabs  43  located along its length, each of which can engage the notch  50  of hinged member  44   a , thereby allowing hinged member  44   a  to engage elongated member  44   b  at different positions along the length of elongated member  44   b  in order to adjust the spacing between first cup  20  and second cup  30 . For example,  FIG. 5   a  shows hinged member  44   a  engaging elongated member  44   b  at a first position,  FIG. 5   b  shows hinged member  44   a  engaging elongated member  44   b  at a second position, and  FIG. 5   c  shows hinged member  44   a  engaging elongated member  44   b  at a third position. Each of these positions configures first cup  20  a different distance from second cup  30 . Alternatively, elongated portion  44   b  can include one or more notches while hinged member  44   a  can include a tab which engages the notches. 
     In operation, a force can be applied to elongated member  44   b  to slide elongated member  44   b  to the desired position within hinged member  44   a . When a different relative positioning of first and second cups  20 ,  22  is desired, elongated member  44   b  can be slid outward or inward relative to hinged member  44   a  until the desired spacing is achieved. The size of the tabs  43  and the depth of notches  50  should complement one another such that tabs  43  fit securely within notches. The relative sizing of tabs  43  and notches should be sufficient to create a frictional force between elongated member  44   b  and hinged member  44   a  such that the first cup  20  and second cup  24  can be maintained at a fixed distance when the apparatus  10  is in use without moving relative to one another in response to minor forces being applied to either cup. However, the relative sizing of tabs and notches should not be so great that the elongated member  44   b  cannot be easily slide within hinged member  44   a  by a human. In some non-limiting embodiments, squeezing of the sides of hinged member  44   b  can increase the size of the groove and enable elongated member  44   b  to slide more easily within the groove. 
     In another embodiment, hinged member  44   a  can be opened, elongated member  44   b  can be placed within hinged member  44   a  such that tab  43  is aligned with the notch and then hinged member  44   a  can be closed and secured in the closed position using locking mechanism  47 . To adjust the spacing between first and second cups  20 ,  30 , this process can be repeated using a different tab  43 . 
     Hinged member  44   a  can be designed such that the locking mechanism  47  permanently configures hinged member  44   a  in the closed position. This provides an advantage in that the hinged member  44   a  can be manufactured in the open position and then closed prior to use to form the groove. This design may provide certain manufacturing efficiencies over forming a groove member in the first instance. 
     In another non-limiting embodiment, shown in  FIG. 6 , connecting member  40  can include a first elongated member  42   a  connected to or integrated with first cup  20  and a second elongated member  42   b  connected to or integrated with second cup  30 . First and second elongated member  42   a - b  can interface with one another in a tongue and groove or other suitable arrangement in order to secure first elongated member  42   a  to second elongated member  42   b  and thereby interconnect first cup  20  with second cup  30 . First elongated member  20  can include a top surface with a tab  43  thereon which can engage a corresponding notch (not shown, but similar to notch  50 ) within the groove of second elongated member  42   b  to secure first and second elongated members  42   a - b  to one another. Second elongated member  42   b  can include a series of notches therein which allow first elongated member  42   a  to engage second elongated member  42   b  at various points in order to adjust the space between first and second cups  20 ,  30 . Alternatively, first elongated member  42   a  can include a series of tabs thereon which allow first elongated member  42   a  to engage second elongated member  42   b  at various points. The distance between first and second cups  20 ,  30  can be adjusted by sliding first elongated member  42   a  further within second elongated member  42   b  or retracting first elongated member  42   a  from second elongated member  42   b . Alternatively, tab  43  can be disposed on bottom surface of first elongated member  42   a  or first elongated member  42   a  can have a notch on either a top or bottom surface which interacts with a tab  43  or series of tabs within second elongated member  42   b.    
     In some non-limiting embodiments, rather than, or in addition to, notch(es) and corresponding tab(s)  43 , the first and second pieces of connecting member  40  may be held in place relative to one another using friction. For example, at least one of the outer surface of the tongue member and the inner surface of the groove member may have a friction enhancing agent, such as one of the second polymeric or flocking materials described above. In some embodiments, the friction enhancing agent may completely cover these surfaces while in other embodiments the friction enhancing agent may partially cover these surfaces, such as in the form of strips or a pattern. When the tongue is then inserted into the groove, the friction enhancing agent creates friction between the two pieces, allowing the tongue to stay relatively in place within the groove. 
     In another non-limiting embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , connecting member  40  can be a single elongated member which connects to first cup  20  and/or second cup  30 . In such an arrangement, first cup  20  can include a connecting member engagement portion  35  formed along peripheral edge  26 . Connecting member engagement portion  35  is designed to engage with connecting member  40 . In some non-limiting embodiments, connecting member engagement portion  35  can include a set of grooves with a tab there between, as shown in  FIG. 8 . Connecting member engagement portion  35  should be designed such that, when connecting member  40  is engaged with first cup  20 , the bottom of connecting member  40  is on a common plane with peripheral edge  26 . This allows peripheral edge  26  of first cup  20  to remain flat against a surface. Other configurations are envisioned, provided that connecting member engagement portion  35  can engage with the connecting member  40 . 
     In this embodiment, connecting member  40  can include one or more cup engagement portions  45 . Cup engagement portions  45  are each designed to engage with engagement section  35  of first cup  20  or second cup  30  to establish the connection between connecting member  40  and first cup  20  or second cup  30 . Preferably, connecting member  40  includes at least two cup engagement portions  45   a - b , at least one of which is designed to engage engagement section  35  of first cup  20  and at least one of which is designed to engage engagement section  35  of second cup  30 . The shape of each cup engagement portion  45  is not intended to be limited provided it complements the shape of engagement section  35 . In one non-limiting embodiment, cup engagement section  45  is a groove or slot in connecting member  40  which accepts a corresponding tab of engagement section  35 . The shape of cup engagement section  45  and engagement portion  35  can also be designed as a snap-fit arrangement to prevent the connecting member  40  from easily disengaging from cup. In some non-limiting embodiments, connecting member can include more than one engagement portion  45  for each engagement section  35 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 8 , connecting member  40  can have four cup engagement portions  45   a - d , two of which are designed to engage with the engagement section  35  of first cup  20  and two of which are designed to engage with engagement section  35  of second cup  30 . By including multiple sets of cup engagement portions  45 , the space between first cup  20  and second cup  30  can be adjusted. For example, to position first cup  20  and second cup  30  closer to one another, the innermost cup engagement portions  45   c - d  can be used. In another arrangement, one inner cup engagement portion  45   d  can be used for second cup  30  while an outer cup engagement portion  45   a  can be used with first cup  30 . In yet another arrangement, both outermost cup engagement portions  45   a - b  can be used. Each of these arrangements results in first cup  20  being a different distance from second cup  30 . 
     The ability to control the spacing between first cup  20  and second cup  30  provides certain advantages. For instance, if apparatus  10  is being used to hold brassieres, spacing first cup  20  and second cup  30  at different positions relative to one another allows apparatus  10  to more readily hold brassieres of different sizes. By way of another example, if apparatus  10  is being used within a drawer or other area of limited space, the ability to move first cup  20  and second cup  30  closer to one another can help ensure apparatus  10  fits within the limited area. 
     Also provided are methods of using apparatus  10  to display and/or store a garment. A preferred garment for use with apparatus  10  is a woman&#39;s brassiere. Such a garment is well known to include first and second cups connected to one another. In use, apparatus  10  can be configured by interconnecting first cup  20  and second cup  30  using connecting member  40 . The thus configured apparatus  10  can then be placed in a desired location, such as within a drawer or suitcase, on a shelf, or on a display table or platform. A brassiere can then be positioned on apparatus  10  such that the first and second cups of the brassiere are placed upon the outer surface of first cup  20  and second cup  30 , respectively. One or more additional brassieres can then be placed on top of the first brassiere if desired. In necessary, the space between first cup  20  and second cup  30  can be adjusted by adjusting the connecting member  40  consistent with the description provided above. When it is desired to disassemble apparatus  10 , brassieres can be removed from apparatus  10 , first cup  20  can optionally be disengaged from connecting member  40 , second cup  30  can optionally be disengaged from connecting member  40 , and device can be stored for future use. In some non-limiting embodiments, first cup  20  can be stacked onto second cup  30  to lessen the space apparatus  10  takes up for storage, provided at least one of first cup  20  and second cup  30  is hollow. 
     The apparatus  10  described herein can be packaged and sold as a kit of parts, with the kit including at least first cup  20 , second cup  30 , and connecting member  40 . 
     The apparatus  10  described herein provides a means for storing garments, and particularly brassieres, in a manner that preserves the shape thereof. The apparatus  10  can also provide a convenient, economical, and easy to use display device for displaying brassieres for sale in a retail establishment. Further, apparatus  10  described herein can accommodate brassieres of different sizes through the use of a connecting member  40  which can vary the distance between first cup  20  and second cup  30 . 
     Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.