US20100154472A1

US20100154472A1 - Brassiere having removable display apparatus and related methods

Info

Publication number: US20100154472A1
Application number: US12/616,462
Authority: US
Inventors: Mary Kay Unitan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-11
Filing date: 2009-11-11
Publication date: 2010-06-24

Abstract

Brassieres having removable display apparatus are disclosed. The display apparatus is securable around a band between the cups of a brassiere. The display apparatus may have a cincture to secure the relative position of the body of the display apparatus and the band of the brassiere. The methods disclosed include securing a display apparatus to brassiere and displaying a message or image on a display device of the display apparatus.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit and priority from a U.S. provisional patent application having application Ser. No. 61/113,419, filed Nov. 11, 2008, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions relate to clothing and, more particularly, to a brassiere and display apparatus and related methods for securing and positioning a display on a brassiere.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an apparatus comprising a brassiere having a display apparatus secured to the brassiere. Other article of clothing or other object with a display apparatus removably attached to the brassiere, other article of clothing or other object. The display apparatus comprises a body that may contain a fastener, and a display device attached to the body. In one embodiment, a cincture may be slidably attached to the body. In other embodiments, the display device is removably attached to the body, the display device includes an alterable message or image, and/or the display device comprises a locket, a charm, a strap, a button, a pin, a rope, a ribbon, a chain, or an elastic band. In other embodiments, the fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener, a clasp, a snap, a button, a caribiner, a hook and eye, a buckle, a pin, or combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus may include a pad that contacts the fastener.
The invention also provides a method of attaching and using a removable display apparatus by looping the body of the apparatus around a center front portion of a brassiere or around a part of another article of clothing or around a part of an object, and fastening a fastener on the body of the apparatus to attach the display apparatus. In one embodiment, the method further comprises attaching a message or image to the display device of the apparatus. In another embodiment, the method further comprises detaching the display device from the display apparatus. In yet another embodiment, the method includes sliding a cincture along the body of the apparatus to secure the body to the brassiere, article of clothing or other object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one exemplary embodiment of a brassiere with the display apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of one exemplary embodiment of the display apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of one exemplary embodiment of the display apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, illustrate a side view of exemplary embodiments of the display apparatus 20 and a cross sections of a band of a brassiere in accordance with aspects of the present inventions;

FIG. 5A illustrates an end view of an embodiment of the cincture 70, and FIG. 5B illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the cincture 70 in accordance with aspects of the present inventions; and

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show one embodiment of the display apparatus 20 and one embodiment of a method of using the display apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present inventions.

All Figures are illustrated for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present inventions only. The extensions of the Figures with respect to number, position, relationship and dimensions of the parts to form the embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, flow and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following description has been read and understood.
Where used in various Figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “forward,” “rear,” “first,” “second,” “inside,” “outside,” and similar terms are used, the terms should be understood to reference only the structure shown in the drawings and utilized only to facilitate describing the illustrated embodiments. Similarly, when the terms “proximal,” “distal,” and similar positional terms are used, the terms should be understood to reference the structures shown in the drawings as they will typically be utilized by a user who of with an apparatus in accordance with the present inventions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present inventions provide apparatus 10 that may include a removable display apparatus 20 adapted to be secured to a brassiere 12 and associated methods. The apparatus 10 may include a brassiere 12 including a removable display apparatus 20. The methods may include securing a removable display apparatus 20 on a brassiere 12, other undergarment, or other article of clothing to display information, as well as displaying various adornments. As illustrated generally throughout the figures, the brassiere 12, other article of clothing or other object having a removable display apparatus 20 according to the present invention may include a brassiere 12, and a display apparatus 20.
The figures generally illustrate embodiments of the brassieres 12 having removable display apparatus 20 including aspects of the present inventions. The particular exemplary embodiments of brassieres 12 having removable display apparatus 20 illustrated in the figures have been chosen for ease of explanation and understanding of the present inventions. These illustrated embodiments are not meant to limit the scope of coverage but, instead, to assist in understanding the context of the language used in this specification and in the appended claims. Accordingly, apparatus 10 having variations of the brassiere 12 and/or removable display apparatus 20 that differ from the particularly illustrated exemplary embodiments may be encompassed by the appended claims.
The apparatus 10 of the present inventions may include a brassiere 12 configured to be worn about the chest of a person, and a removable display apparatus 20. The brassiere 12 can have a variety of configurations as will be recognized by those skilled in the arts. In certain aspects, the brassiere 12 may include a first cup 14, a second cup 16, one or more straps 18, and a band 90. The first cup 14 and the second cup 16 are attached to one another with the band 90. A first end of the band 90 is typically attached to a first cup 14 and a second end of the band 90 is attached to the second cup 16. In certain aspects, the band 90 may be secured to or integral with a first cup 14 and a second end secured to or integral with the second cup 16.
The display apparatus 20 may comprise a body 30 and a display device 80. The body 30 is generally configured to be secured to the band 90 and to support and/or suspend the display device 80. In one embodiment, the display apparatus 20 is attached to the band 90 at the front of the brassiere 12 between the first cup 14 and the second cup 16. The display device 80 is typically positioned below the band 90.
The body 30 of the removable display apparatus 20 may include or consist of an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The body 30 is typically flexible. The body 30 may be configured as a strap, a rope, a ribbon, a chain, an elastic band, or similar structure along all or a portion of the length of the body 30. The body 30 may be further configured as, without limitation, linear, coiled, zigzag, or other suitable form. A fastener 60 may be provided at one or both of the first end and the second end of the body 30. The fastener 60 may be integral with or secured to the body 30. In one aspect, the body 30 may define or include an aperture at a first end configured to receive and retain a fastener 60 at a second end of the body 30. The body 30 may further define or include an aperture configured to receive and retain at least a portion of a display device 80. The display device 80 may be a detachable member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the display device 80 may include an attachment element 60 and the second including a display device 80. In certain aspects, the second end of the body 30 may be secured to the first end of the display device 80.
The display apparatus 20 may be attached to the brassiere 12 by having the band 90 of the brassiere 12 secured within a loop formed by the body 30. In one aspect, the body 30 may be formed into a loop positioned around the band 90 to attach the display device 80 to the brassiere. The loop may be formed by securing the ends of the body 30 to one another with the fastener 60. In certain aspects, the fastener 60 may be any type of suitable fastener 60, including, without limitation, a hook and eye, hook and loop (Velcro), a snap fastener 60, a button and buttonhole or loop, a clasp, a caribiner, a buckle, a pin, and combinations thereof. The fastener 60 may be at the first end of the body 30 or may include cooperating components at both a first end and a second end of the body 30. In some embodiments, the fastener 60 may be integral with the attachment device, while the fastener 60 may be separate form the attachment device in other embodiments.
In certain embodiments, the first end of the body 30 may include or define an aperture that is part of the fastener 60. The aperture may be an eye, a loop, a ring, a hole in first end of the body 30 configured to be received by and retained upon the undergarment by means of a second part of the fastener 60. The geometry of the aperture in the body 30 portion of the attachment device may be configured to conform to the geometry of the particular fastener 60 that is used in conjunction with the attachment device. For example, if a fastener 60 in the form of a strap is contemplated, then the aperture in the body 30 may be configured as a rectangular opening through which the second part of the fastener 60 configured as a strap may pass and may retain its generally rectangular shape. As additional examples, the aperture may be configured as a hole to receive a second part of the fastener 60 in the form of a rope, the aperture may be configured to receive various hooks. The aperture may be configured to receive, for example, a ring so that a hook on the end of a fastener 60 configured as a cable may then be attached to the ring. Other ways of attaching the attachment device to the brassiere 12, undergarment, or other object, and corresponding configurations for the aperture would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art upon review of this disclosure. It should also be noted that the aperture may be substantially enclosed by the body 30 of the removable display apparatus 20, or the aperture may be only partly enclosed by the body 30. An example of the latter would be a rectangular aperture configured to receive a strap and having one open side so that the side of the strap may be passed into the aperture. Depending upon the particular configuration, the fastener 60 may be made from various synthetic materials, including, without limitation, nylon, polyester, rayon, and synthetic rubber, natural materials, including, without limitation, silk, hemp, linen, wool, cotton, wood, manila, and leather, and various metals, including, without limitation, nickel, silver, gold, brass, steel and combinations thereof as would be readily understood.
In certain embodiments, the body 30 can include a pad or similar device to shield the wearer's body 30 from any abrasion from the fastener 60. The pad is typically configured to comfortably contact the skin of a wearer. The pad can be made from any suitable material, including, without limitation, cotton, silk, hemp, linen, wool, natural sponge, synthetic sponge, polyester, and nylon.
In certain embodiments, the body 30 of the removable display apparatus 20 may be configured to receive a cincture 70, circumferentially retaining the body 30 and slidably connected to the body 30. The cincture 70 may be configured as a ring defining a cincture 70 aperture. The cincture 70 aperture may be configured to receive the body 30. The body 30 may be formed into a loop such that the cincture 70 is positioned over the body 30 between the components of the fastener 60 at the first end and the second end of the body 30 and the display device 80. The cincture 70 may be slidably received over the body 30 such that the cincture 70 may be drawn toward either the components of the fastener 60 or the display device 80. The cincture 70 may be made from various synthetic materials, natural materials, or various metals. The cincture 70 may have different configurations, depending on the configuration of the body 30 of the removable display device 80. For example, cincture 70 may be, without limitation, a circular or elliptical ring, a rectangle, a triangle or other configuration.
The display device 80 may be configured as a charm, a locket, pendant and generally includes a writing surface, a display surface generally configured to display an image or writing. In certain aspects, the display device 80 may be configured to receive an alterable message or image. The message or image may be presented on a display surface of the display device 80. The message or image may be attached to or integral with the display surface. In certain aspects, the display device 80 may include a programmable electronic display. The display device 80 may include a suitable retainer for the message or image. In some embodiments, the display device 80 may include a locket that may contain an alterable message or image. In other embodiments, the retainer may include a transparent or translucent cover to protect the message or image or to keep the message or image in place. In some embodiments, the message or image may be attached to the display device 80 using a permanent or removable glue, a fastener 60 such as, without limitation, a pin, a hook and eye, a loop and a pin or nail, a tack, or other suitable fastener 60. In some embodiments the display device 80 may include a cover that can be opened to reveal the message or image.
The display device 80 may be permanently or removably attached to the body 30. In embodiments in which the display device 80 is permanently attached to the body 30, it may be attached by sewing, welding soldering or other suitable method. In other embodiments the body 30 and display device 80 may be formed from a single piece of material. In additional embodiments, the display device 80 may be removably attached to the body 30. In certain embodiments, the display device 80 and the second end of the body 30 may be attached with a fastener 60. In some embodiments, one part of the fastener 60 is attached or is part of the body 30 and the other part of the fastener 60 is attached to or is part of the display device 80. The part of the fastener 60 attached to the body 30 can be attached to the body 30 at any part of the body 30, including, without limitation, the second end of the body 30. The part of the fastener 60 attached to the display device 80 can be attached to the display device 80 at any part, including, without limitation, the first end of the display device 80 or the center of the display device 80. The fastener 60 may be any suitable fastener 60, including, without limitation, a hook and eye, hook and loop (Velcro), a snap, a button and buttonhole or loop, a clasp, a caribiner, a buckle, a pin, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fastener 60 includes a pad or similar device to contact the wearer's body 30 to prevent abrasion or general discomfort from contact of the wearer's skin with the fastener 60.
The apparatus 10 may have one or more display devices 80. In some embodiments, the apparatus may have more than one display device 80 attached to the body 30. In other embodiments, one display device 80 at a time is attached to the body 30. In this way, different display device 80 s may be attached to the same body 30. Alternatively, the apparatus 10 may have more than one body 30 to be used with a display device 80.
In one embodiment, the display apparatus 20 is attached to a brassiere 12 at the center front of the brassiere. In another embodiment, the display apparatus 20 is attached to the center front of the brassiere 12 using the fastener 60 on the body 30 of the apparatus. In some embodiments, a message or image is attached to the display device 80. In one aspect, a message may be attached to the display device 80, the display device 80 may be removably attached to the body 30 of the apparatus and the apparatus may be removably attached to the center front of the brassiere. The cincture 70 may be moved to keep the body 30 of the apparatus in place. In another embodiment, while the display apparatus 20 may be attached to the brassiere 12, the display device 80 may be detached from the display apparatus 20. The display apparatus 20 may be removed from the brassiere 12 by unfastening the fastener 60 on the body 30. In one embodiment, the cincture 70 may be moved before unfastening the fastener 60 on the body 30.
The specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus 10 in accordance with aspects of the present inventions. The apparatus 10 includes a brassiere 12 having removable display apparatus 20 secured to the brassiere 12. The brassiere 12 includes first cup 14 and a second cup 16 configured to support the breasts of a user. The first cup 14 may be secured to the second cup 16 by a band 90. The band 90 may be secure between the first cup 14 and the second cup 16. A first end of the band 90 may be typically secured to or integral with the first cup 14. A second end of the band 90 may be typically secured to or integral with the second cup 16. Various straps 20 may be provided in various configurations that will be recognized by those skilled in the art to secure the first cup 14 and the second cup 16 at the desired location on the user. The straps 20 typically extend around the shoulders and/or torso of the user. The removable display apparatus 20 includes a body 30 configured to be secured to the band 90 of the brassiere 12 and to support a display device 80. As illustrated, the body 30 may be elongated and flexible and may be secured in a loop around the band 90 of brassiere 12. The body 30 includes a cincture 70 secured around the loop. The cincture 70 may be secured between the band 90 and the display device 80 and may be configured to securely position the body 30 about the band 90. The cincture 70 may be configured to reduce the size of the loop so that a portion of the loop may be sized to be securely positioned about the band 90. The display device 80 may be secured to and supported by the body 30. As illustrated, the removable display apparatus 20 is positioned at the center front portion of a brassiere 12. Also as illustrated, the removable device 32 draws the elongated flexible body 30 in a downward direction from the band 90 under the force of gravity.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an embodiment of a removable display apparatus 20 according to the present invention. The body 30 is shown as being configured as an elongated ribbon with a first end 36 and a second end 38. When worn by a user, an upper end 32 of the body 30 may be positioned adjacent to the band 90 of the brassiere 12 and the display device 80 may be positioned at a lower end 34 of the body 30 as generally illustrated in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the display device 80 includes an attachment element 52 configured as an eyelet for attaching the display device 80 to the body 30. Accordingly, the attachment element 52 may be attached to the body 30 by threading the body 30 through the eyelet 52, so that the attachment 52 element may be positioned at any location along the body 30. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the display device 80 also includes a display surface 56. The display surface 56 may be used to display an exhibit, which may be an image, a word, a phrase, a combination of words and image, and the like. In some embodiments, the rim or lip 54 may be used to secure the exhibit on the display surface. The exhibit may also be secured to the display surface 56 in other ways will be recognized by those skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure.
The illustrated body 30 includes a fastener 60 configured for exemplary purposes as a snap. The fastener 60 includes a first portion 62 and a second portion 64, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The first portion 62 may be secured to the body 30 near the first end 36, and the second portion 64 may be secured to the body 30 near the second end 38. The fastener 60 may be secured to the body 30 by sewing, gluing, or other methods known to the skilled artisan. The fastener 60 allows the body 30 of the display apparatus 20 to be secured in a loop around the band 90 of brassiere 12. This may be accomplished by looping the first end 33 of the body 30 around the band 90 of the brassiere 12 and contacting the first portion 62 of the snap 60 with the second portion 64 of the snap 60, so that the first portion 62 and second portions 64 of the snap 60 are secured together, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and the body 30 may be looped around band 90 of brassiere 12. The body 30 also includes a cincture 70. The illustrated cincture 70 is configured as a ring or cylinder, and may be circumferentially attached to the body 30. The cincture 70 may be slidably attached to the body 30, so that it may be moved along the body 30 when two portions of the body 30 are in contact with each other as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the cincture 70 on the body 30 before the fastener 60 may be closed. FIG. 2 shows the cincture 70 after the fastener 60 may be closed and the so that a portion of the loop of the body 30 may be sized to be securely positioned about the band 90 of the brassiere 12. The first portion 62 and the second portion 64 of the fastener may be configured to bring together a first arm 42 and a second arm 44 of the body 30 to form a loop in the body 30 to receive the band 90 of a brassiere 12.
FIG. 4A to 4C illustrate embodiments of different fasteners 60 of the removable display apparatus 20 in a side view with a cross-section through the band 90 of a brassiere 12, demonstrating an exemplary fastening features. In the embodiment in FIG. 4A, the body 30 includes a first portion 62 of a fastener 60 configured as, a hook. The hook may be positioned at or near the first end 36 of the body 30 and may be configured to fasten onto a second portion 64 of a fastener 60, configured as a loop or an eye. The second portion 64 of the fastener 60 may be located near the second end 34 of the body 30. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the first and second ends 36, 38 of the body 30 are positioned on the back portion 19 of band 90 of the brassiere 12, so that the first portion 62, the hook, of the fastener 60, and the second part 64 of the fastener 60, the loop, are engaged to fasten the removable display apparatus 20 around the band 90 of the brassiere 12. Positioning the first and second ends 33, 34 of the body 30 on the back portion 19 of the band 90 of the brassiere 12 has the advantage of concealing the fastener 60 of the body 30, so that the fastener 60 may be not visible on the portion of the body 30 positioned on the front portion 17 of the band 90 of the brassiere 12. In other embodiments, the second part of the fastener 60, the loop or eye, may be positioned at the second end 34 of the body 30.
FIG. 4B illustrates a body 30 of a removable display apparatus 20 in side view, demonstrating an exemplary fastening feature, namely a hook-and-loop (Velcro) material. In this embodiment, the body 30 includes a first portion 62 of a fastener 60 configured as, a portion of hook material. The hook material may be located near the first end 33 of the body 30 and may be configured to fasten onto a second portion 64 of a fastener 60, configured as a portion of loop material. The second portion 64 of the fastener 60 may be located near the second end 34 of the body 30. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the first and second ends 33, 34 of the body 30 are positioned on the back portion 19 of band 90 of the brassiere 12, so that the first portion 62, the hook material, of the fastener 60, and the second part 64 of the fastener 60, the loop material, are engaged to fasten the removable display apparatus 20 around the band 90 of the brassiere 12.
FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of a removable display apparatus 20 demonstrating an exemplary fastening feature, namely a clasp and an attached ring. In this embodiment, the first portion 62, the clasp, of the fastener 60 may be attached to the body 30 at the first end 33, and the second portion of the fastener 60 64 may be attached to the body 30 at the second end 34. The first portion 62, the clasp may be attached to the first end 33 of the body 30 and the second portion 64, the ring, may be attached to the second end 34 of the body 30 33 by sewing, stapling or other means known to the skilled artisan. The loop may be swivelably attached to the body 30. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the first and second ends 33, 34 of the body 30 are positioned on the back portion 19 of band 90 of the brassiere 12, so that the first portion 62, the clasp, of the fastener 60, and the second portion 64, the ring, of the fastener 60, are engaged to fasten the removable display apparatus 20 around the band 90 of the brassiere 12.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C, Positioning the first and second ends 33, 34 of the body 30 on the back portion 19 of the band 90 of the brassiere 12 has the advantage of concealing the fastener 60 of the body 30, so that the fastener 60 may be not visible on the portion of the body 30 positioned on the front portion 17 of the band 90 of the brassiere 12. The first and second ends 33, 34 of the body 30 may also be positioned on the front portion 17 of band 90 of brassiere 12, particularly when there may be a decorative function associated with the fastener 60.
FIG. 5A illustrates an end view of an embodiment of the cincture 70. In this embodiment, the cincture 70 has a cylindrical shape with an outer surface 35 and an inner surface 37. The cylindrical shape of the cincture 70 defines an aperture 38 configured to receive the body 30 of the removable display apparatus 20. The inner surface 37 of the cincture 70 contacts the body 30 of the removable display apparatus 20. The cincture 70 illustrated in FIG. 5A may also be a ring or a circular band. FIG. 5B illustrates a cross sectional side view of the cincture 70. In this embodiment, the cincture 70 has a cylindrical shape with outer and inner surfaces 35, 37 and an aperture 38 configured to receive the body 30. In operation, the body 30 of the removable display apparatus 20 may be in contact with the inner surfaces 37 of the cincture 70.
FIGS. 6A through 6C illustrate the use of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention using an exemplary fastener 60, namely a hook and eye system, with the cincture 70 as a slidably adjustable band. FIG. 6A shows the removable display apparatus 20 30 in the open position after the body 30 has been looped around band 90 of brassiere 12. To position the body 30 of the removable display apparatus 20 in the position illustrated in FIG. 6A, the first end 33 of the body 30 was positioned at the back portion 19 of band 90. The arrow shows the movement of the second portion 64, the eyelet, of fastener 60 toward the first portion 62, the hook, of the fastener 60. FIG. 6B illustrates the movement of the cincture 70 after the first portion 62, the hook, of the fastener 60 has been attached to the second portion 64, the eyelet, of the fastener 60. The cincture 70 may be moved along the body 30 of the display apparatus 20 toward the band 90 of the brassiere 12. FIG. 6C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the fastener 60, hook-and-eyelet system, fully engaged and the cincture 70 fully raised to secure part of the body 30 of the display apparatus 20 around the band 90 of the brassiere 12.
The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present inventions. Upon review of the specification, one skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying figures and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a brassiere comprising a first cup and a second cup secured together by a band extending between the first cup and the second cup; and

a display apparatus comprising a body and a display device, the body defining a first end and a second end and a first arm and a second arm, the first arm is removably attached to the second arm to form a loop secured around the band and the display device attached to the lower end of the body.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cincture defining an cincture aperture, the first arm and the second arm of the body extending through the cincture aperture and the cincture slidably engaged around the first arm and the second arm to secure the body about the band of the brassiere.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display device is removably attached to the body.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cincture, wherein the cincture is slidably attached to the body.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display device includes an alterable message or image.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the display device includes an alterable message or image.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises a locket, a charm, a strap, a button, a pin, a rope, a ribbon, a chain, or an elastic band.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first arm of the body is removably attached to the second arm of the body with a fastener.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the fastener comprises a hook and ladder fastener, a clasp, a snap, a button, a caribiner, a hook and eye, a buckle, a pin, or combinations thereof.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a pad that contacts the fastener.

11. A method of attaching and using a removable display apparatus comprising:

a) providing a brassiere comprising a band defining a front portion and a back portion;

b) providing a removable display apparatus comprising

i) a body comprising a first end and a second end and a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm is removably attached to the second arm with a fastener;

ii) a display device removably attached to the second end of the body, wherein the display device includes a message or image;

c) looping the first arm and second arm around a center front portion of the band of the brassiere; and

d) fastening the fastener to attach the second arm of the body to the first arm of the body.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the message or image of the display device is alterable, and further comprising attaching a message or image to the display device.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising detaching the display device from the display apparatus.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the display apparatus further comprises a cincture slidably attached to the body, and further comprising sliding the cincture along the body to secure the body to the center front portion of the band of the brassiere.