Title of Invention: Functional Decorative Brooch Skirt Weights
Abstract: 
This patent discloses the design elements to manufacture functional decorative brooch skirt weights. Brooch skirt weights prevent a skirt, short dress, or other garment from blowing up in a breeze. Each set of skirt weights consists of two decorative brooches and a method of attaching them to the skirt hem that preferably does not put holes in a garment, such as a set of magnets, a clamp, clasp, pinch clasp, clip, tie-clip, money clip, or other similar attachment.

Detailed Description: 

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to functional decorative brooches used as skirt weights to keep a woman's skirt or short dress down on a breezy day. A set of skirt weights consists of two decorative brooches and a method of attachment that preferably does not put holes in a garment. The preferred methods of attachment requires a set of two magnets where one magnet is attached to the back of a brooch and the other is partner magnet, however other methods of attachment may include a pinch clasp, clip, tie-clip, money clip style, or other clamp mechanism attached to the back of the brooch. For optimal performance, use two skirt weight sets; place one set on the left side of the skirt and the other set on the right side of the skit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Each day when a woman chooses which clothes to wear she often bases her decision on the weather outside. If she knows the weather is unpleasant or may become unpleasant she may choose to wear pants instead of a dress or skirt. However, if it is a warm sunny day she may choose to wear a skirt or dress. Even when a woman wears a skirt or short dress on a clear day there is always the likelihood she will encounter a breeze at some point while she is outdoors. When the wind picks up, or even when a mild breeze increases in strength, most women wearing a skirt instinctively throw their hands down against the skirt to prevent it from blowing up and revealing her undergarments to the public. If she carries a handbag, umbrella, or other parcel, this situation quickly becomes very annoying and has the potential to publicly embarrass her. Trying to walk outside and keep one's short dress in place on a breezy day is a difficult and awkward task.
Millions of skirt-wearing women around the world would agree there is a clear and present need for a commercial product that allows women to wear a skirt, short dress, or other garment outdoors without fear the outfit may embarrass her.
The inventor of this patent often incurred this publicly embarrassing skirt-flying problem. The primary task was finding the most efficient method of attachment that did not put holes in the skirt, dress, or other garment. During a 10-month research and development phase, the inventor manufactured several custom skirt weight designs using different methods of attachment.
The first design was an upside-down money clip attached to the back of a jeweled brooch. Although technically it worked, the brooch did not stay on the skirt hem for very long; it fell off after just a few minutes in use. The inventor determined the clasp needs a stronger method of attachment to hold onto the skirt regardless of the fabric's thickness. The inventor determined it is possible and probable to use an inverted money clip attached to a jeweled brooch as a functional and decorative brooch skirt weight.
Next, the inventor designed and manufactured a decorative jeweled brooch with a pinch clasp attached to the back of it. The pinch clasp held onto the skirt hem; however the size of the pinch clasp was longer than the brooch so it extended past the edges of the brooch and was visible at the bottom of the skirt. There was some difficulty finding a small clasp that was strong enough to carry the weight of the brooch; however it is possible and probable to use a custom size pinch clasp attached to a jeweled brooch as a functional and decorative brooch skirt weight.
The inventor also attached sewing magnets to jeweled brooches since they are specifically designed to use as closures for clothing pockets or purses; however the weak strength of the sewing magnet set was found insufficient to hold the jewelry-clad brooch in place.
Finally, the inventor used a set of neodymium magnets. The first set of magnets were too strong and had the unwanted side effect of attracting everything else in the vicinity with magnetic properties—the magnets attached to the skirt were attracted to an oven, a garage door, a car door, a refrigerator, and the metal cubicle walls at an office! Thus, it took the inventor 20 rounds of trial and error using neodymium magnets to find the right magnetic pull strength to use as a method of attachment for decorative brooch skirt weights. The inventor determined the preferred method of attachment for brooch skirt weights is a set of neodymium or ferrite magnets; attach or embed one magnet to the back of the brooch and provide a partner magnet. The partner magnet may be a separate stand-alone object or it may attach to the brooch via a small length of flexible fabric, ribbon, wire, or other means.
Based on her research and development, the inventor discovered the primary source of weight in the skirt weight is the decorative brooch—not the magnets or other method of attachment. The weight for each skirt weight set consists of the total weight for the jewelry-clad brooch and the method of attachment. If a sample manufactured brooch turns out to be too lightweight, then add more weight to the base material of the brooch; this may include metal plating or designing a thicker base for the brooch. The brooch skirt weight set should be heavy enough to keep the skirt in place during a breeze, yet light enough so the user does not feel uncomfortable or weighed down. The inventor's research indicated the total weight for each skirt weight set (a set is one brooch with a method of attachment) should be between one half ounce (0.5 oz.) and five ounces (5 oz.).
The minimum weight per skirt weight set is one half ounce (0.5 oz.). The maximum weight per skirt weight set is five ounces (5 oz.). As a point of reference, one ounce (1 oz.) equals the weight of six teaspoons of sugar or a slice of bread; two ounces (2 oz.) equals the weight of two slices of bread or 10 quarters; and five ounces (5 oz.) is the average weight of a deck of cards or a cell phone. Eight ounces (8 oz.) is the average weight of an energy drink in a can, or a container of yogurt. Any more weight than five ounces (5 oz.) per set may prove uncomfortably heavy for the user to wear.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Patent US 20130104291A1 (Kathryn Lee Daniel) discloses “nomonroe garment weights” that use either a snap or pin needle attachment; both methods create holes in fabrics. Daniel's claim 1 requires a female snap and a male snap, and claim 2 requires an operable pin to secure the base member to the garment. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is different than US 20130104291 A1 because a) it attaches near the hem of a skirt via a method that does not put holes in clothing; preferably a set of magnets, a tie clasp, or a money clip; and b) it uses the weight of the brooch as the weight factor. Daniel does not provide a preferred minimum or maximum weight factor for her product design.
Patent US 20080189831 (Catherine Ann Jones) discloses “garment weights” that hold a skirt or dress in place. The product has a removable weight that connects to a clamp, clasp, adhesive, magnetic coupling, pin, clothespin, and/or any other known device. It requires a connecting member that may be a cord, loop, strap, chain, and/or any other known and/or item capable of connecting the attachment. Additionally, FIG. 1 in Patent US 20080189831 indicates the weight attaches to a spring-loaded clip by a string and dangles from the clasp; FIG. 2 shows the garment weights placed in the middle of the skirt; and FIG. 3 indicates three dangling weights. The product of this invention is significantly different from Jones' patent because it does not use a cord, loop, strap, chain or a spring-loaded clasp that dangles from the skirt and the intended placement is not in the middle of the skirt, it is near the hem.
Jones' patent states in claim 2 “the device of claim 1 wherein said weight is removably connected to said connecting member”. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is different from Jones' Patent US 20080189831 because the weight is the jeweled brooch and the method of attachment; the weight is not removable to the connecting member in this situation; a magnet or tie-clasp method of attachment on the back of the brooch is not removable either.
Jones patent states in claim 6 “attachment device is selected from the group consisting of a clamp, clip, clasp, adhesive, and magnetic coupling”. Jones provides no evidence of how to replace the clamp, clip, or clasp for use as a magnetic coupling. Assuming the spring-loaded clasp is replaced by a magnet, Jones' patent does not indicate how to attach a weighted string to a magnet. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, reveals several methods (e.g., a strip of cloth, fabric, ribbon, metal or other flexible material) to attach a magnet to fabric or other flexible material.
Patent US D49021651 (Melanie Kathryn Powell) discloses a “magnetic weight set for dresses, skirts, and the like”—it is a design patent for skirt weights using two standard magnets, one of them centered on the reverse side of a design. There are several differences between Patent US D49021651 and the product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, as described below.
A design patent protects only the appearance of the article and not the structural or utilitarian features; they do not protect the functional features of a product. Patent US D49021651 is a design patent that specifies only three rough hand-drawn designs: one US flag shape, one heart-shape, and one flower shape; thus, all other graphic designs are available to use. Since a design patent does not protect utilitarian or functional features then it cannot protect the intended use—that is, to use as a weight to keep a skirt down on a breezy day.
In Patent US D49021651, Powell does not disclose where to place the magnet set; in Patent US 20130104291A1, Daniel says to place the “nomonroe garment weights” near the hem of a skirt, and in Patent US 20120137412A1, Jones advises to place the “garment weights” in the center of the skirt. The inventor of this patent found from her research the best placement of the magnet actually depends on the design and weight of the brooch with the method of attachment. In at least one case, if a magnet is placed in the center of the back of the brooch and the brooch is too heavy at the top, the brooch will lean forward away from the skirt rather than stay aligned with it. In this case, when a brooch design is long or heavier than expected, it is preferable to place the magnet closer to the top back of the design to help the brooch maintain alignment with the dress and not look as if it is going to fall off.
There are two inherent problems with Powell, Daniel, and Jones' patents. One problem is that magnets are extremely light weight. The majority of commercial magnets weigh just a few grams. For example, a typical round neodymium magnet that is ¾″ diameter and 1/32″ thick weighs 0.0599 oz. (1.70 grams). A typical round neodymium magnet that is ⅝″ diameter and 1/32″ thick weighs 0.0416 oz. (1.18 grams). A typical round neodymium magnet that is ⅜″ diameter and 1/32″ thick weighs 0.0150 oz. (0.424 grams). Therefore using two identical ¾″ diameter magnets would only result in 3.4 grams; using two identical ⅝″ diameter magnets would only result in 2.36 grams; and using two identical ⅜″ diameter magnets would only result in 0.848 grams. The author of this patent, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, found the weight of most magnets was not sufficiently heavy enough to keep a dress down on a breezy day. Thus, the weight for skirt weights should be the sum of the weight of a jeweled brooch and the method of attachment, as indicated in this patent for functional decorative brooch skirt weights.
The second problem with Powell, Daniel, and Jones' patents is they do not acknowledge that magnets generally have a very strong magnetic pull force. If you choose a set of magnets with a very strong pull force they are likely to have the unwanted side effect of attracting other magnetic objects in the vicinity. The inventor of this patent found during her research and development that some magnet samples were so strong they clinged to the refrigerator, a stove, a garage door, and a car, with the skirt still attached. For example, a typical round neodymium magnet that is ½″ diameter and ⅛″ thick has a magnetic pull force of 6.44 lbs. A typical round neodymium magnet that is ⅞″ diameter and 15/16″ thick has a magnetic pull force of 7.7 lbs. Thus, to use two identical ½″ diameter neodymium magnets with a pull force of 6.44 lbs. would result in a combined pull force of 12.88 lbs. That is sure to attract a lot of nearby magnetic objects. The author of this patent determined the best combined magnetic pull force of two magnets should be no less than one pound (1 lb.) and no more than four pounds (4 lbs.).
In Patent US D49021651, Powell does not state the types of material the brooch parts are made of or which embellishments (e.g., gems, fabric, plastic, etc.) are acceptable. The product of this invention is designed to resemble fashion jewelry and recommends using any combination of precious or non-precious gems, genuine or artificial gems, as well fabric, natural materials, or photos, etc. The design options are endless.
Patent US 20120137412 (Catherine Ann Jones) discloses “garment weights” in this revised patent. This version shows another embodiment of the original device where the first end connects to a point on an attachment and a second end attaches to a weight assembly. The weight assembly may permanently attach to a connecting member by adhesive or other permanent method; it may also use a clip, hook, or other device. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is different than Patent US 20120137412 because it does not have any dangling stringed weights (as indicated in Jones' FIG. 1), it resembles fashion jewelry and it uses the weight of the decorative brooch as the weight factor. In Jones' patent, claim 1 requires “an opening in said weight assembly” and claim 4 states “wherein said attachment member is a spring-loaded clip”. The product of this invention does not require an opening in the brooch assembly and it does not require a spring-loaded clip—preferably it uses a set of permanent magnets, however it may also use a tie-clasp or money clip configuration, which may be attached to—not necessarily embedded in—the brooch.
Patent US D457465 (Linda Hollingsworth) discloses a “women's garment clip” in the shape of a human hand. As in the same case as Powell's Patent US D49021651, it is merely a design patent—which only protects the specific design illustrated in the patent; it does not include the method of manufacture and does not restrict rights from other designs. Hollingsworth's description of the invention claims “the interior surface is indicative of the finger tips in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are indicative of friction enhancing material” however FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 appear to use a spring-loaded clip. The product of this design, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is different from Hollingsworth's patent because the design is not of a human hand, the designs resemble fashion jewelry, and they preferably use a set of magnets, tie-clasp, or money clip as the method of attachment.
Patent US 724518 (Sutton) discloses a “skirt elevator” that holds down a skirt in the breeze by hanging a set of weights from the waist. Specifically, Sutton's claim 2 requires “the combination of two suspenders, a bar from which they depend, hooks on the bar whereas it is supported on the belt of a dress”. The weights hang down at the user's sides on the outside of the skirt, holding it against the user's body when a gust of wind rises. However, the consumer may eventually find the weights hanging at her side tiring, too heavy, and the weights constantly hitting her hips and legs could prove uncomfortable. Potential consumers may also consider them unattractive and distracting from her outfit. The product of this patent, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is superior to Sutton's design because it is intended to resemble fashion jewelry and they are worn near the hem of a skirt or short dress, which is far less intrusive and more attractive than having chains hanging from one's waist.
Patent US 614189 (the Kur) discloses “Albert S. dress weights” that use a series of weights or leads, preferably an elliptical flattened lead weight aperture at each end. The weights are on a cord or line that passes through holes and forms loops that hold the weights evenly spaced apart. Specifically, Kur claims a “dress-weight structure, comprising weights provided with apertures and with slits extending from the said-apertures to the edges of the weights, and a continuous cord passing through the apertures and around the edges of the weights in loops”. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is different from Patent US 614189 because it looks like fashion jewelry or brooches near the hem of a skirt or short dress, as opposed to an unattractive series of lead weights draping from a skirt.
Patent US 20120233741 A1 (Watson) discloses “wedding veil weights” and describes magnetic weights attached to a fabric, specifically to a wedding veil, that holds the garment in place during a breeze. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is significantly different from Patent US 20120233741 A1 because Watson's claim 3 states “the second magnet is a non-magnetic material . . . ” and claim 4 states “Wherein said first magnet is a non-magnetic material . . . ” Claim 7 requires “in combination with a wedding veil formed of a light weight fabric having opposed planar upper and lower surfaces, means for attaching the veil to a wearer's head.” The product of this invention preferably uses two permanent magnets and although it is permissible to embed or attach a magnet to the back of the jeweled brooch, the second magnet is not required to be embedded in a material, and the product of this invention does not attach to the user's head. Also, for a set of magnets to work a magnet must attract to another magnetic item; you cannot have “a second magnet that is non-magnetic material”. Finally, the product of this invention allows using other methods of attachment such as clasp, tie-clip, or money clip; using a set of magnets is preferred but it is not required.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,571 B2 (Rose, et al.) discloses “clothing jewelry” that is placed near the hem of a skirt, the cuffs of pants, at the ends of long sleeves of a blouse or jacket, and is removable and replaceable. The claims describe a series of loops and chains with releasable fasteners, such as pins, to attach to the garment. It is fashion accessory without any intended functional use and does not describe any intended purpose to keep a skirt down during a breeze. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is significantly different from U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,571 B2 because it does not involve chains, links, or pins (which may put pinholes in the garment) as the method of attachment; it uses a decorative brooch and has a different specific use—i.e., to keep a skirt or short dress down and in place on a breezy day.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,900,277 A (Kerry K. O'Brien and Louise Gagnon) disclose a “weighted slip” for use as a clothing undergarment, it is designed to prevent the undergarment from riding up under a dress or skirt. It describes a half-slip and a full-body slip with concealed pockets carrying weights. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is significantly different from U.S. Pat. No. 7,900,277 because it is not worn as an undergarment; it is a decorative and functional clothing accessory that attaches near the exterior hem of a skirt or short dress. It also uses a decorative brooch as the primary source of weight rather than concealing lead weights in pockets.
Patent US 20090025124 (Elizabeth Gearhart) discloses a “weighted undergarment” that is very similar to U.S. Pat. No. 7900277 A, described above. This product specifies a weight made of magnet, butyl rubber, metal, vinyl, or plastic. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is significantly different from Patent US 20090025124 because it is not an undergarment; it is used as a decorative and functional clothing accessory that attaches near the exterior hem of a skirt or dress.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,024,957 A (Adolph Wein) discloses a “dress-weight tape” for dresses, skirts, draperies, or wedding veils. It describes a series of lead weights embedded in an open mesh fabric. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is significantly different from U.S. Pat. No. 1,024,957A because it does not use mesh tape or lead weights, it uses decorative functional brooch and either magnets, a tie-clip clasp, or a money clip as the method to that attach the brooch near the hem of skirt or short dress.
Patent US 005974634A (Eisenpresser) discloses “decorative multi-use magnetic buttons” to use for earrings, tie tacks, pins, fasteners, paper weights, and collar buttons. It is for magnetic buttons that have the appearance of an ordinary button but attaches to a garment closure and hold the flaps together by inherent magnetic attraction. It is essentially for a type of sewing magnet. Although it specifies a set of two magnets, one having a permanent decorative shell, the similarities end there. An additional object of Eisenpresser's invention is to provide a magnetic earring for people who do not pierce their ears. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, requires a weight factor to keep a skirt down on a breezy day, which, used as an earring would be far too heavy to wear; conversely, the earring use would be too light to use as a skirt weight. Furthermore, Eisenpresser's claim 1C requires a decorative shell having a convex outer surface on the side opposite said cavity; claim 1D requires the first permanent magnet to be centrally located within said cavity; and claim 1E requires a base comprising at disk covering said cavity . . . an outer rim of the shell curled over said base to maintain the disk in place. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, does not require a convex outer shell, or a permanent magnet centrally located within a brooch cavity, or an outer rim of the shell to be curled over the side.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,936,198 (Kirsch Co.) discloses “weight for curtains and draperies” that are sewn into the hem of a curtain. Kirsh's claim 3 requires “a weight comprising a relatively flat body of suitable material having parallel front and rear faces, and having a hollow space inwardly of its peripheral edges, there being a pin receiving opening in said weight . . . ” The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, applies to skirts and short dresses, not curtains. It is also superior to U.S. Pat. No. 1,936,198 because it does not require a pin or sewing anything into the skirt or dress which could alter the length of the item and cost extra time and money to have it professionally sewn. It is faster and easier to apply the skirt weights of this invention as needed, rather than permanently altering clothing which would also potentially make the item difficult to clean using a standard clothes washing machine or dryer since the lead weights may rust and stain the clothing.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,088,295 (Mervyn VT Haines) discloses a “fastener adapter” for dresses, coats, shoes, hats, bathing suits, bathing caps, and handbags. The fastener has two parts; one part attaches to an ornamental decoration and the other part is loose. It uses a pin and a gripper with a clamping device. Specifically Haines' Claim G requires “a pin projecting from said disc to pierce the supporting structure when a mating element is mounted upon the supporting structure”; Claim H requires “a gripper having a second clamping surface, said gripper being removably engageable with said pin . . . ” This fastener adapter would not work in place of the product of this invention because the pin would have the undesirable effect of putting a hole in the skirt or dress. The user would have to put the pin-style brooch skirt weights exactly where the holes are every time she wears the skirt or the pin skirt weights would result in additional pinholes in the skirt.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,237,261 (Louis Homonoff) discloses a “curtain weight” as a removable drapery weight. It is a button with a closed front, an open back, and has a lip around the opening at the back. Inside the button there is a lead or other metal weight. The weights attach to the drapery with the closed front exposed. The button uses a pin to attach to the drapery and keep the metal weight in position. This removable drapery weight would not work in place of the product of this invention because the pin would have the undesirable effect of putting a hole in the skirt or short dress, as described in the previous paragraph.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,344 (Daniel G Baughman) discloses a “pin with detachable face” to use for nametags, golf ball markers, jewelry, lapel pins, and tie tacks, etc. The pin attaches to clothing or other surfaces and has a readily detachable face. The pin face has a thin circular disc and a decorative surface. It may also use a snap closure or other locking mechanism. The decorative aspect does not form part of the invention. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is different from U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,344 because it does not use a pin or other locking mechanism to attach to clothing, and the skirt weights include the decorative aspect as an object of invention. The intention of the skirt weight is to resemble fashion jewelry specifically worn near the hem of a skirt or short dress and to keep the garment down during a breeze.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,206 (Ryan H. Benson) discloses a “snap together badge and clip” that attach to clothing as temporary nameplates, nametags, badges, or buttons. It uses a wire clasp and an S-shape body to receive the back plate. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is different from U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,206 because it does not use a pin or other locking mechanism to attach to clothing, and putting a snap-together pin at the bottom of a skirt would damage the skirt. The product of this invention uses methods of attachment that do not damage clothing; such as magnets, a tie-clasp, or money clip.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,155 (Donna M. Law) discloses “jewelry with interchangeable ornamentation” as it relates to jewelry having a post, clasp, or other means of attachment to the body or clothing. It reveals a method for the consumer to change the ornament on a standard back plate. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is different from U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,206 because it does not use a pin or other locking mechanism to attach to clothing. The product of this invention uses methods of attachment that do not damage clothing; such as magnets, a tie-clasp, pinch clasp, or money clip. This reasoning applies to all snap closures and locking devices uses on badges, nametags, buttons and other pins.
Patent US 20110219587 (Amit Nizan) discloses a “decorative assembly for attachment to fabrics” as it relates to clothing, table cloths, curtains, picnic blankets, and other fabrics that can reduce or eliminate adverse effects created by wind. It describes a removable, magnetic decorative accessory using two magnets. Although Patent US 20110219587 requires magnets, claim 2 requires “the metallic member is in the shape of a washer and has a hole” and claim 14 requires “a back member including a magnetic member encased within an encasement member”. The product of this patent, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, does not require the decorative brooch to have “a metallic member in the shape of a washer and a hole” nor does it require the magnet to be encased or embedded in the back of the brooch; it may be attached to it.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,754,307 (Dhj Ind Inc.) discloses a “garment clip” of a U-shape having two leg portions joined by a spring loop and is made of plastic or similar inexpensive material. It is designed for use to display, ship, or store thick garments such as double-knit shirts or sweaters. Once the garment is purchased the consumer generally takes the clip off and puts it in the trash. The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is significantly different from U.S. Pat. No. 3,754,307 because the skirt weights are not made of plastic; they have a decorative element that resembles fashion jewelry; you do not throw them away after a single use; and the consumer's purpose for using it is completely different. A small lightweight plastic clip is not likely to prevent a skirt from flying up in a breeze, and it would look like the consumer forgot to remove the store clip before she put the skirt on.
There is a skirt weight available for sale to the public under the brand name “Tandem New York” however this product is designed specifically for use by female bicycle riders. The design features an illustration of bicycle wheel spokes. It has a clip base approximately one inch (1″) square and a round design above it approximately one inch (1″) in diameter showing wheel spokes. The square area is where the clasp locks in place on both sides of a skirt hem; the round design does not have a clasp behind it. This product is sold as an item to prevent skirts from blowing up in the wind while a female rides a bike; consumers may also use it to keep a scarf in place or pants hems from getting stuck in a bicycle chain.
The product of this invention is similar in theory to the Tandem New York brand of bike skirt weights; however, it is significantly different too. The Tandem New York brand is a single clip designed to use on one side; thus, some users have voiced minor complaints of feeling off-balance. The product of this patent, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, sells its product in sets of two brooches. It is recommended the user place one set on the left side of her skirt and the other set on the right side; this distributes the weight evenly so the user feels balanced and has breeze protection on both sides.
The Tandem New York brand does not look like a jewelry-inspired brooch, it has just one design—the bicycle wheel spokes. The product of this patent, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, has a variety of fashion jewelry options that users can wear on their skirt or short dress. Preferably, it also uses a set of magnets as the method of attachment to the skirt; the Tandem New York brand uses a clip and lock mechanism that is entirely different. Finally, the inventor of the Tandem New York product does not have a patent for it—she has a trademark for the brand.
A brand of “nomonroe clips” is also available for purchase by the public on a bicycle ecommerce store in the United Kingdom. The word “nomonroe” appears to be a play on the words and concept that the user will have “no Marilyn Monroe” experience by using this skirt clip. The word or brand “nomonroe” does not have a trademark and appears to have no link to the Kathryn Lee Daniel's Patent US 20130104291A1 which discloses “nomonroe garment weights” previously described. The product resembles a money clip with a decorative cover, such as leather, suede, a texture cover, etc. The base material is likely a single piece of stainless steel approximately six inches (6″) long by one inch (1″) wide, folded in half so the end-product is approximately three inches (3″) long by one inch (1″) wide. The user should place each side of the clip around the skirt hem and push one side into the other. It does not appear that this product has a patent in the US.
The product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, is significantly different from the nomonroe product on the UK bicycle website. The nomonroe product uses a money clip style, which does not appear to have a suitable clamping mechanism, as result it is not likely to work properly on different skirt thicknesses or work for very long periods of time. The nomonroe brand is sold as a single clip; the product of this invention is sold in sets of two brooches so the user feels an equal balance of weight on her skirt. Furthermore the inventor of this product of this invention, functional decorative brooch skirt weights, studied the weight factors necessary and various methods of attaching the brooch skirt weights to the skirt; having tried a similar method herself, it is her professional opinion that the nomonroe money clip method used in the product is not likely to stay on for very long.
Finally, there is a third skirt weight product very similar to the product of this invention because it features a brooch, specifically a jeweled Swarovski brooch (Swarovski AG is an Austrian producer of luxury brand cut glass or crystals). Upon further investigation, the website owner states on a separate personal resume webpage that the skirt weight website is “an informational site about a fake product made up for a marketing project”. One can tell the product on the fake website is not real because, a) the website does not have a photo or description of how the item attaches to a skirt, b) there is no price listed, and c) the “Buy Now” button leads to an email contact form. Swarovski's authentic website does not mention this product or sell “skirt weights” anywhere on it. Therefore, this product holds no claim because it is fake, it exists only in theory, and it does not have any patent protection.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In conjunction with the drawings provided, the objects of the present invention are evident from the following description and claims. The drawings depict typical embodiments of the invention and therefore do not limit the scope or the spirit of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the invention in its preferred embodiment—two decorative brooches with one magnet attached to each, both worn near the hem of a skirt. One decorative brooch is placed on the left side; another decorative brooch is placed on the right side of the skirt.
FIG. 2 shows a front and back elevation of the invention in its preferred embodiment using a set of two magnets; the back elevation features the decorative brooch with the partner magnet attached to it.
FIG. 3 shows top and side elevations of the invention's unattached partner magnet has a cover. In this embodiment using magnets, the magnet cover is merely a design choice for the user's convenience, e.g., if you drop the magnet on the floor the cover makes it easier to find.
FIG. 4 is a front and back elevation of the invention in an alternate embodiment where the partner magnet is attached to the brooch element by a cloth, fabric, or other flexible material. In this embodiment, the brooch element is placed on the skirt near the hem and the flexible material goes around the bottom of the skirt where the partner magnet meets the back of the brooch magnet.
FIG. 5 is another alternate embodiment of the invention where it uses a brooch element with a magnet attached to it and a partner magnet, but the brooch is attached to a clip or folded element at the bottom where the brooch element folds flat against the back of the skirt and the partner magnet meets the brooch magnet.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation of FIG. 5 alternate embodiment. It shows the brooch element on one side of the skirt, the fold or clip is at the bottom of the skirt, and the partner magnet folds against the back of the skirt where the two magnets meet and hold the brooch in place.
FIG. 7 is a back elevation of the invention in an alternate embodiment where the method of attachment is a pinch clasp or tie clip mechanism. It shows the pinch clasp attached to the back of a round brooch and a pinch clasp attached to the back of a flower-shaped brooch. In each design the pinch clasp does not extend past the boundary of the brooch.
FIG. 8 is a front and back elevation of the invention in an alternate embodiment where the method of attachment resembles a money clip. The money clip should have the capability to clamp and hold the brooch next to the garment for several hours per use.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. The components of the present invention as illustrated in the figures may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of configurations. The following detailed descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 8, do not limit the scope of the invention, they merely represent the present preferred embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 1 shows a female wearing two decorative brooches near the hem of a skirt. One decorative brooch is placed on the left side; the other decorative brooch is placed on the right side of the skirt. An outline of the decorative brooch on the left indicates it technically is not visible from this side view. 10 is the skirt. 20 is the decorative brooch.
FIG. 2 shows a front elevation of the invention where 20 is the brooch, 22 is an example of one of decorative crystal settings that resemble fashion jewelry FIG. 2 also shows the back view of 20 the decorative brooch, and 30 a magnet attached to it.
FIG. 3 shows an example of 40 a partner magnet. The top view shows 42 a cover attached to one side of 40 the partner magnet. It is not mandatory that the partner magnet has a cover; it may be a stand-alone magnet.
FIG. 4 is a front and back elevation of an alternate embodiment of the invention where the 20 brooch with a 30 magnet attached to the back also attaches to 50 a strip of cloth, fabric, metal, ribbon, or other flexible material attaches to the 40 partner magnet. The 50 strip of cloth, fabric, ribbon, metal, or other flexible material is glued to the back of 40 the partner magnet.
FIG. 5 is a front and back elevation of another alternate embodiment of a clip with two parts each having a magnet. The 20 brooch has a 30 magnet attached to the back and features a 55 clip or other folded aspect at the bottom of the brooch, the 42 cover of the 40 partner magnet folds up so that both magnets meet.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation of FIG. 5 indicating how the user places the 20 brooch on the exterior of the 10 skirt near them hem, with the 55 folded clip directly under it, and the 42 cover with 40 partner magnet fold up on the opposite side of 10 the skirt and the magnets meet.
FIG. 7 is a back elevation of the invention in an alternate embodiment where the method of attachment is a pinch clasp or tie clip mechanism. 60 is the pinch clasp attached to the back of a round 20 brooch and a pinch clasp attached to the back of a flower-shaped 20 brooch. The preferred embodiment here shows in each design the pinch clasp does not extend past the boundary of the brooch.
FIG. 8 is a front and back elevation of the invention in an alternate embodiment where the method of attachment to the back of the 20 brooch resembles a 70 money clip and 22 is a jewelry element (such as crystals) on the front of the 20 brooch.
There are two steps to manufacture the product of this invention: 1) fabricate the decorative brooches, and 2) attach or embed magnets (or other methods of attachment) to the back of the brooches. If using magnet sets, provide a suitable partner magnet for each brooch. This patent does not include any proprietary process to design or manufacture the decorative brooch skirt weights or the method of attachment because the processes to create custom jewelry and fashion accessories are commonplace in the global market. There are many standard techniques to choose from and a wide variety of different metals and styles, etc. In fact, the design options are endless. To manufacture the brooch and method of attachment design the item and outsource manufacturing to a production facility anywhere in the world.
It is an object of this invention to provide an effective and fashionable device for women to keep their skirt, short dress, or other garment in place when they are outdoors so they will not worry about the possibility of public embarrassment when there is a breeze.
It is an object of this invention to specify magnets are the preferred method to attach the skirt weight set near the hem of a skirt or dress. A magnet is attached or embedded to the back of one decorative brooch. The user places the decorative brooch near the hem on the exterior side of a skirt or dress so that it is visible to the public. A partner magnet “attaches” to the brooch magnet under the skirt or dress; it is not visible to the public.
It is an object of this invention to identify the preferred placement of the skirt weights on a skirt or short dress. The preferred placement for the two skirt weights is to place one brooch set near the hem on left side of a skirt, and place one brooch set near the hem on the right side of the skirt. Alternatively, a user may place one skirt weight near the hem in the front of the skirt, and the other skirt weight in the back of the skirt near the hem (however, this placement did not work well because the brooches forced the skirt to gather between the knees making it awkward to walk). Users may also choose to place the skirt weights anywhere on a skirt or dress at the hemline that they desire; for example, she may choose to place skirt weights in the front or both skirt weights in the back. Users may also use more than two sets of brooch skirt weights for particularly breezy days.
It is an object of this invention to specify the weight of the each skirt weight set is the sum of the weight of the brooch and all decorative jewelry items plus the weight of the method of attachment. Minimally, the weight requirement is one half ounce (0.5 oz.) per skirt weight. The maximum weight per skirt weight is five ounces (5 oz.).
It is an object of this invention to specify when the method of attachment is a set of magnets, the combined magnetic pull force/strength of the two magnets should be no less than one pound (1 lb.).
It is an object of this invention that the product has a decorative front resembling fashion jewelry. The back of each skirt weight may also be decorative but it is not necessary.
The product of this invention uses standard manufacturing practices to craft the brooch element. The techniques to make brooches and other fashion jewelry elements are widely known by jewelry manufacturers worldwide. The product of this invention holds no proprietary technique to manufacture the brooch element. The preferred requirement is to accurately describe the brooch element to a professional jewelry designer or manufacturer until the sample version is acceptable and then outsource production to them.
In the spirit of protecting the end-product of this invention, it is an object of this invention to specify alternate methods of attachment to the skirt or other garment. Whereas, all other elements resemble the product of this invention, it is an object of this invention to include alternate methods to attach the brooch to the garment, preferably without putting holes in fabric. These methods include but are not limited to a clamp, clasp, pinch-clasp, clip, tie-clip, or money clip. When using two magnets per brooch, if the partner magnet is not a stand-alone object, the methods of attaching the magnet to the brooch may include using a strip of cloth, fabric, ribbon, metal, or other flexible material to attach the partner magnet to the brooch.



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