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United States Patent Application	20120011637
Kind Code	A1
Fries; Christopher L.	January 19, 2012

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Claims

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1. A weighted apparatus, comprising: a first member having an inwardly disposed surface configured to be placed in abutting relation with an outer surface of an article of clothing; and a second member having an inwardly disposed surface configured to be placed in abutting relation with an inner surface of said article of clothing and one or more magnets configured to magnetically engage said first member to secure said weighted apparatus on said article of clothing with a lower end of said article of clothing sandwiched between said first member and said second member, said first member and said second member cooperatively configured so as to prevent wind or other moving air from substantially raising said lower end of said article of clothing.

2. The weighted apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first member comprises an outer plate made out of metal selected so as to be magnetically engaged by said one or more magnets of said second member.

3. The weighted apparatus of claim 2, wherein said outer plate has an outwardly disposed surface in corresponding relation to said outer surface of said article of clothing at said lower end thereof.

4. The weighted apparatus of claim 2, wherein said outer plate has an outwardly disposed surface in contrasting relation to said outer surface of said article of clothing at said lower end thereof.

5. The weighted apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a cover material attached to, around or substantially enveloping said outer plate of said first member.

6. The weighted apparatus of claim 5, wherein said cover material has a pattern that is in corresponding relation to said outer surface of said article of clothing at said lower end thereof.

7. The weighted apparatus of claim 5, wherein said cover material has a pattern that is in contrasting relation to said outer surface of said article of clothing at said lower end thereof.

8. The weighted apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first member comprises a decorative item.

9. The weighted apparatus of claim 8, wherein said decorative item has a design that is in corresponding relation to said outer surface of said article of clothing at said lower end thereof.

10. The weighted apparatus of claim 8, wherein said decorative item has a design that is in contrasting relation to said outer surface of said article of clothing at said lower end thereof.

11. The weighted apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second member further comprises a base plate supporting said one or more magnets.

12. The weighted apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second member is a magnet.

13. A weighted apparatus, comprising: a first member having a metal outer plate, said outer plate having an inwardly disposed surface configured to be placed in abutting relation with an outer surface of an article of clothing and an outwardly disposed surface facing away from said outer surface of said article of clothing; and a second member having a base member with an inwardly disposed surface configured to be placed in abutting relation with an inner surface of said article of clothing, an outwardly disposed surface facing away from said inner surface of said article of clothing and one or more magnets supported by said base member, said one or more magnets configured to magnetically engage said outer plate of said first member to secure said weighted apparatus on said article of clothing with a lower end of said article of clothing sandwiched between said first member and said second member, said first member and said second member cooperatively configured so as to prevent wind or other moving air from substantially raising said lower end of said article of clothing.

14. The weighted apparatus of claim 13, wherein said outwardly disposed surface of said outer plate is in corresponding relation to said outer surface of said article of clothing at said lower end thereof.

15. The weighted apparatus of claim 13, wherein said outwardly disposed surface of said outer plate is in contrasting relation to said outer surface of said article of clothing at said lower end thereof.

16. The weighted apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a cover material attached to, around or substantially enveloping said outer plate of said first member, said cover material having a pattern that is in one of corresponding relation and contrasting relation to said outer surface of said article of clothing at said lower end thereof.

17. The weighted apparatus of claim 13, wherein said first member comprises a decorative item having a design.

18. A weighted apparatus for use in combination with a lower end of an article of clothing, said weighted apparatus comprising: a first member having an inwardly disposed surface configured to be placed in abutting relation with an outer surface of said article of clothing; and a second member having an inwardly disposed surface configured to be placed in abutting relation with an inner surface of said article of clothing and one or more magnets configured to magnetically engage said first member to secure said weighted apparatus on said article of clothing with said lower end of said article of clothing sandwiched between said first member and said second member, said first member and said second member cooperatively configured so as to prevent wind or other moving air from substantially raising said lower end of said article of clothing.

19. The weighted apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first member comprises an outer plate made out of metal selected so as to be magnetically engaged by said one or more magnets of said second member.

20. The weighted apparatus of claim 18, wherein said second member further comprises a base plate supporting said one or more magnets.

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Description

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

[0003] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A. Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates generally to accessories utilized with an article of clothing. In particular, the present invention relates to devices and apparatuses used with a dress, skirt or like article of clothing to substantially reduce the likelihood that the article of clothing will be lifted by a gust of wind or other source of moving air. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to such devices and apparatuses that removably attach to the article of clothing.

[0006] B. Background

[0007] Dresses, skirts and like articles of clothing are popular attire for girls and women of all ages and for a wide variety of different occasions. For instance, many girls and young women will wear a dress or skirt to school and many other functions. Girls and women of all ages wear dresses, skirts and like articles of clothing to the store, church, shopping and for many other activities. Women frequently wear a dress or skirt to work and a variety of formal or informal social functions. One common problem with wearing a dress or skirt is that the wind or other moving sources of air, such as fans, steam vents or the like, can cause the lower end of the dress or skirt to blow or raise generally upward. If the moving air is of sufficient strength and/or duration, it can raise the lower end of the dress or skirt high enough to expose much more than what the wearer intends to be seen by others, including the upper leg area and undergarments. Naturally, this can be quite embarrassing for the female, particularly in a professional setting or for a public person. The problem of clothing blowing up is made much worse by many of the lightweight, wispy materials that are commonly used for modern dresses, skirts and like articles of clothing.

[0008] Many girls and women have attempted to adapt their dress or skirt wearing to windy conditions by holding the lower end of the dress/skirt down with their hands and arms as they walk or stand outside. Alternatively, they may choose to wear pants or shorts on windy days to avoid the potential problems with wearing a dress or skirt. Several well known limitations exist with regard to utilizing the hands/arms to prevent an embarrassing moment resulting from the lower end of a dress, skirt or like article of clothing from blowing upward. One such limitation is that the female may be caught off-guard by a sudden gust of wind or moving air from a source, such as a fan, duct, vent or the like, that is of sufficient strength to raise the lower end of her clothing and expose what was not intended to be generally seen. Another well known limitation is that the female cannot easily and/or effectively utilize her hands or arms to prevent the lower end of the clothing from raising due to wind or a sudden gust of air if she is carrying objects, such as a briefcase, books, coffee, soda or the like, in one or more of her hands. Attempts to prevent the clothing from lifting up due to the moving air can result in the girl or woman dropping the object, which can cause damage to the object or spill liquid or food on her body or clothing. If the object is hot coffee, the spilling of the coffee onto an exposed part of the body can be quite painful.

[0009] The problem with wind or other sources of moving air raising up the lower end of an article of clothing has been known for many years and numerous attempted solutions have been provided to reduce or eliminate this problem. For instance, in the pioneer days women used to sew rocks or small stones into the hem of their dresses to weight the lower end of the dress down. Other materials, including BBs and shot, have been utilized in this same manner. One obvious problem with such a solution is that it requires the wearer to open the hem of the dress, insert the weighted material and then sew up the hem with the material inside. Naturally, to be effective at keeping all sides of the clothing from raising up, the wearer must do this at several areas around the lower end of the dress and, at least to a certain extent, isolate the weighted materials in the area where it is placed. Another problem, is that this solution must be independently applied to each such article of clothing, as the weighted material cannot be easily moved from one article of clothing to another.

[0010] Another attempted solution to the problem of moving air raising up the lower end of an article of clothing is a wind maintenance device for clothing known as the Averter. This product comprises a weighted object that is attached to the inside of the clothing utilizing hook and loop material, such as Velcro.RTM.. One half of the hook and loop material has an adhesive on its backside that allows it to be stuck to the article of clothing. The other half of the hook and loop material has a weighted component that is on or attached to its backside. The two pieces of the hook and loop material are joined to provide a weighted area that, with other weighted areas around the lower end of the clothing, will resist the wind or other source of air raising the lower end of the clothing embarrassingly upward. One apparent limitation to this product is that it must be stuck to the article of clothing. Depending on the fabric for the clothing, many women will not want to stick any adhesive substance against the fabric that could possibly tear or otherwise damage the clothing, particularly because the adhesive must be strong enough to prevent the product from falling off the clothing due to the weighted portion thereof. In addition, reuse of the product from one article of clothing to another may be somewhat difficult to achieve without replacing the adhesive or using a new adhesive portion of the hook and loop material. This issue may also be a problem when the user wants to wear the article of clothing after it has been washed or dry cleaned.

[0011] What is needed, therefore, is an improved apparatus for weighting down an article of clothing to prevent the lower end thereof from raising upward due to wind or other sources of moving air. The preferred apparatus should be adaptable to a wide variety of clothing, including dresses, skirts, blouses and the like and effectively weigh down the lower end thereof to prevent it from raising embarrassingly upward. Preferably, the user should be able to be easily install the apparatus on an article of clothing and remove it from the clothing for washing the clothing and/or moving the apparatus from one article of clothing to another. The preferred apparatus should be configured so as to not utilize any adhesive or like material which has to stick to or otherwise chemically bond with the fabric such that it could possibly damage the article of clothing. The apparatus should be adaptable to being configured to be generally inconspicuous on an article of clothing or compliment the clothing, as desired, and be relatively inexpensive to manufacture so that it may be widely utilized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The weighted apparatus for an article of clothing of the present invention provides the benefits and solves the problems identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses an improved apparatus for weighing down the lower end of an article of clothing to prevent the clothing from being raised embarrassingly upward due to wind or other source of moving air. In a preferred embodiment, the weighted apparatus of the present invention is easily adaptable to a wide variety of dresses, skirts, blouses and other articles of clothing so as to prevent the lower end thereof from raising embarrassingly upward due to wind or other moving air. In its preferred configuration, the weighted apparatus is easy to install on an article of clothing and to remove from the clothing when the user desires to clean the clothing and/or move the apparatus to another article of clothing. The weighted apparatus of the present invention does not utilize any adhesive or other material that chemically bonds with the fabric and is configured not to otherwise damage the clothing. In one embodiment, the weighted apparatus is configured to substantially match or compliment an article of clothing. In its preferred configuration, the weighted apparatus is relatively inexpensive to manufacture so that it may be widely utilized.

[0013] In a primary embodiment of the present invention, the weighted apparatus generally comprises a first member that is positioned on the outside surface of an article of clothing and a second member that is positioned on the inside surface of the clothing, with the second member magnetically attracted to the first member so as to secure the weighted apparatus in place and weigh down the lower end of the clothing to prevent it from being raised embarrassingly upward. In a preferred embodiment, the first member has a metal outer plate with an inwardly disposed surface that is placed in abutting relation with an outer surface of the article of clothing and an outwardly disposed surface that faces away from the outer surface of the article of clothing and the second member has a base member with an inwardly disposed surface configured to be placed in abutting relation with an inner surface of the article of clothing, an outwardly disposed surface facing away from the inner surface of the article of clothing and one or more magnets supported by the base member. The magnets are configured to magnetically engage the metal outer plate of the first member to secure the weighted apparatus on the article of clothing with the lower end of the article of clothing sandwiched between the first member and the second member. The first and second members are cooperatively configured to provide sufficient weight to prevent the wind or other moving air from substantially raising the lower end of the article of clothing. In one embodiment, the outwardly disposed surface of the outer plate is painted, coated or otherwise treated to be in corresponding relation to the outer surface of the article of clothing at the lower end thereof. In another embodiment, the outwardly disposed surface of the outer plate is in contrasting relation to the outer surface of the article of clothing at the lower end thereof. In yet another embodiment, a cover material is attached to, wrapped around or substantially envelops the outer plate of the first member, with the cover material having a pattern that is in corresponding or contrasting relation to the outer surface of the article of clothing at the lower end thereof. If desired, the first member can alternatively or additionally comprise a decorative item having a design that compliments the article of clothing. If desired, the second member can be just a magnet, thereby eliminating the need for the base member.

[0014] Accordingly, the primary aspect of the present invention is to provide a weighted apparatus for an article of clothing that has the advantages discussed above and which overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with prior art apparatuses and devices for weighing down the lower end of an article of clothing.

[0015] It is an important aspect of the present invention to provide a weighted apparatus that can be removably placed on an article of clothing to prevent the wind or other sources of moving air from raising the lower end thereof embarrassingly upward.

[0016] It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a weighted apparatus for an article of clothing that prevents the wind or other source of moving air from raising the lower end thereof which can be easily and quickly be placed on and removed from the article of clothing without causing any damage to the clothing.

[0017] It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a weighted apparatus for an article of clothing that prevents the wind or other source of moving air from raising the lower end thereof which does not require adhesive to attach to the clothing or require the apparatus to be fixedly secured to or incorporated into the clothing.

[0018] It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a weighted apparatus for an article of clothing that is easily removed from the clothing when the user desires to clean the clothing or to move the apparatus to another article of clothing.

[0019] Another important aspect of the present invention is to provide a weighted apparatus for an article of clothing that prevents the wind or other source of moving air from raising the lower end thereof which can be configured to substantially match or compliment the article of clothing.

[0020] Yet another important aspect of the present invention is to provide a weighted apparatus for an article of clothing that prevents the wind or other source of moving air from raising the lower end thereof which comprises a first member that is placed on the outside of the article of clothing and a second member that is placed on the inside of the clothing, with the second member being magnetically attracted to the first member so as to secure the weighted apparatus in place at the lower end of the clothing.

[0021] The above and other aspects and advantages of the present invention are explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of the above presently described and understood by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a front view of a woman wearing a skirt having three weighted apparatuses positioned at the lower end thereof that are configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front or outwardly facing side of the first member of the weighted apparatus of the present invention positioned at the lower end of an article of clothing;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front or inwardly facing side of the second member of the weighted apparatus of the present invention positioned at the lower end of an article of clothing;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a side view of a weighted apparatus having the first and second members of FIGS. 2 and 3 shown positioned at the lower end of an article of clothing;

[0027] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the weighted apparatus of FIG. 4;

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front or outwardly facing side of a first member of the weighted apparatus of the present invention shown covered with a cover material and positioned at the lower end of an article of clothing;

[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the front or inwardly facing side of an alternative embodiment of the second member of the weighted apparatus of the present invention positioned at the lower end of an article of clothing;

[0030] FIG. 8 is a side view of a weighted apparatus having the first and second members of FIGS. 6 and 7 shown positioned at the lower end of an article of clothing; and

[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the front or outwardly facing side of a first member of the weighted apparatus of the present invention shown as a decorative item and positioned at the lower end of an article of clothing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed text and drawings are merely illustrative of one or more preferred embodiments and, as such, disclose one or more different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although the figures and description provided herein show certain shapes and configurations for the first and second members of the weighted apparatus and use of the invention by women, those skilled in the art will understand that this is merely for purposes of simplifying this disclosure and that the present invention is not so limited.

[0033] A weighted apparatus that is configured pursuant to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in the figures. As set forth in more detail below, the weighted apparatus 10 is utilized with an article of clothing 12 to weigh down the lower end 14 thereof to keep the lower end 14 from being easily blown or raised upward due to the wind or another source of moving air, such as a fan, duct, vent or the like, so as to prevent an embarrassing "exposure" incident for user 16 who is wearing article of clothing 12. Typically, a plurality of weighted apparatuses 10 (such as 10a, 10b and 10c shown in FIG. 1) will be utilized with an article of clothing 12 to prevent all sides of the article of clothing 12 from raising upward. As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6-9, the weighted apparatus 10 will usually be positioned at the lower end 14 of article of clothing 12, which is near the lower edge or hem 18 of the article of clothing 12. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, weighted apparatus 10 can be utilized with a variety of different articles of clothing 12, including dresses, skirts (such as shown in FIG. 1), blouses and the like, which are subject to be blown or raised upward by wind, whether blowing or gusting, or other sources of moving air. As set forth in the Background above, the upward movement of the lower end 14 of a dress, skirt, blouse or other article of clothing 12 due to the wind or other moving air can embarrass the person who is wearing the article of clothing 12. For professional women and those in the public light, such an incident can be highly embarrassing and, in certain circumstances, end up in a tabloid or in a video on YouTube or the like. The weighted apparatus 10 of the present invention substantially eliminates the likelihood of the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12 being raised upward due to normal wind or other sources of moving air. As set forth in more detail below, in a preferred embodiment the weighted apparatus 10 is configured so as to be easy to place on and remove from the lower end 14 of the article of clothing and substantially match, compliment or even enhance the article of clothing 12.

[0034] The weighted apparatus 10 generally comprises a first member 20 and a second member 22, as best shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8. In the preferred embodiment of weighted apparatus 10, the first member 20 is intended to be placed on the outer surface 24 of the article of clothing 12, the second member 22 is intended to be placed on the inner surface 26 of the article of clothing 12 and the second 22 member is configured to magnetically engage first member 20, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner surface 26 against which the second member 22 is placed may be the folded portion 28 of the article of clothing 12 that is used to form the hem 18.

[0035] The first member 20 comprises a outer plate 30 that is made out of a metal which can be magnetically engaged by the second member 22. In the preferred configuration, the outer plate 30 has an outwardly disposed surface 32 that faces generally outward from the outer surface 24 of the article of clothing 12 and an inwardly disposed surface 34 that faces inward toward and abuts outer surface 24 of the article of clothing 12 during use, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2-5, at least the outwardly disposed surface 32 of the outer plate 30 is painted, coated or otherwise treated so as to be generally in corresponding relation (e.g., substantially match the color thereof) with the outer surface 24 of the article of clothing 12 so the first member 20 will be somewhat inconspicuous on the article of clothing 12. For instance, in one embodiment, the outer plate 30 can be painted or powder coated in black so that the first member 20 will be at least somewhat inconspicuous on a black dress, skirt, blouse or other article of clothing 12. Other colors can be utilized to provide a weighted apparatus 10 that can be used with an article of clothing having another, but matching, color. In an alternative embodiment, the user 16 can select an outer plate 30 for first member 20 that has an outwardly disposed surface 32 with a contrasting color such that the outer plate 30 intentionally stands out from the article of clothing 12. As set forth below, other mechanisms can be utilized to provide a first member 20 that is in corresponding or contrasting relation with the outer surface 24 of the article of clothing 12. In addition, outer plate 30 can be at least partially enveloped or substantially encased by plastic or another material. Preferably, inwardly disposed surface 34 of outer plate 30 is substantially smooth so as to not tear or otherwise damage article of clothing 12. In one embodiment, inwardly disposed surface 34 is generally planar. If desired, inwardly disposed surface 34 can be coated or covered with a smooth material to further reduce the likelihood of any damage to article of clothing 12, provided however, that any such coating/covering should not substantially interfere with the ability of second member 22 to magnetically engage the first member 20, which could result in the weighted apparatus 10 not being able to remain in place on the article of clothing 12 during use by the user 16.

[0036] In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the second member 22 comprises one or more magnets 36 (two are shown) supported by a base plate 38. The magnets 36 are selected so as to magnetically engage the inwardly disposed surface 34 of the outer plate 30 of first member 20. Base plate 38 is configured to support the magnets 36 in a manner to facilitate, or at least not interfere with, the magnetic engagement of magnets 36. The magnets 36 should be chosen so as to sufficiently engage the outer plate 30 such that weighted apparatus 10 will be securely held onto the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12 while in use by user 16. The second member 22 has an outwardly disposed surface 40 that faces generally outward from inner surface 26 of the article of clothing 12 and an inwardly disposed surface 42 that faces inward toward and abuts inner surface 26 of the article of clothing 12 during use, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In a preferred embodiment, the outwardly disposed surface 40 of second member 22 will be substantially smooth, planar or otherwise configured so as to reduce the likelihood of any discomfort against the body of the user 16. In one embodiment, the entire outwardly disposed surface 40 can be covered with a smooth plastic, cloth or cloth-like material. Preferably, inwardly disposed surface 42 of second member 22 is also configured to be generally smooth or planar so as to reduce the likelihood of tearing or otherwise damaging the inner surface 26 of the article of clothing 12. Various mechanisms well known in the art can be utilized to achieve the preferred smooth outwardly 40 and inwardly 42 disposed surfaces of second member 22.

[0037] One or both of the first member 20 and the second member 22 can provide the weight desired to prevent the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12 raising embarrassingly upward as a result of blowing wind or other moving air. In one embodiment, the first member 20 and second member 22 are approximately the same weight, with the combined weight of the two members 20/22 providing the total desired weight, which may be a function of the fabric for the article of clothing 12. In another embodiment, the first member 20 and second member 22 are different weights to allow the user 16 to mix and match different sets of these members 20/22 as desired or needed to provide the total amount of weight necessary to prevent the embarrassingly upward movement of the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12 due to wind or other moving air.

[0038] In use, the outer plate 30 of first member 20 is positioned at the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12 with the inwardly disposed surface 34 thereof in abutting relation to the outer surface 24 of the article of clothing 12 and the second member 22 is positioned at the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12 in alignment with the first member 20 with the inwardly disposed surface 42 thereof in abutting relation to the inner surface 26 of the article of clothing 12 such that the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12 is sandwiched between the first member 20 and the second member 22, as shown in FIG. 4. The one or more magnets 36 of the second member 22 will magnetically engage the metal outer plate 30 of the first member 20 to secure the weighted apparatus 10 in the desired position at the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12. The weight provided by the weighted member 10 will prevent the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12 from raising upward and exposing the user's undergarments and/or more of the user's body than was intended to be seen by others. In a preferred embodiment, the user 16 will be supplied with multiple sets of weighted apparatus 10, such as shown in FIG. 1 as 10a, 10b and 10c, so she may disperse the sets around the lower end 14 of the article clothing 12 in a manner that prevents any side of the article of clothing from being raised by wind or other moving air. In a typical package, the user 16 can be provided with three to six such sets.

[0039] The embodiment of FIGS. 6-8 shows the first member 20 having a cover material 44 around or substantially around the outer plate 30 and the use of a magnet 36 as the second member 22 (i.e., no base plate 38). In a preferred embodiment, the cover material 44 has a pattern 46 that is in a substantially corresponding relation, such as complimentary or matching relation, to the outer surface 24 of article of clothing 12 or in contrasting relation thereto. The pattern 46 comprises the color, texture, thread count, material design and/or other features of the cover material 44. In the embodiment shown, the pattern 46 of the cover material 44 can be a color and texture that matches that of the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12. Alternatively, the pattern 46 of the cover material 44 can be flowered, checkered, paisley or virtually any other pattern that may be desired to match or compliment at least the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12. In one embodiment, the pattern 46 of the cover material 44 is chosen such that the first member 20 is substantially inconspicuous when worn at lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12. In another embodiment, the pattern 46 of cover material 44 is chosen such that first member 20 at least somewhat compliments the outer surface 24 of the article of clothing 12. In yet another embodiment, the pattern 46 of cover material 44 is chosen such that the first member 20 is in contrasting relation to the outer surface 24 of the lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12. Cover material 44 can be wrapped around outer plate 30, attached to the outwardly disposed surface 32 of outer plate 30 or substantially enveloping outer plate 30. As stated above, the second member 22 in this embodiment is entirely or substantially the magnet 36. As with the above embodiment, lower end 14 of the article of clothing 12 is sandwiched between the first member 20, having cover material 44 with pattern 46, and the second member 22, comprising just the magnet 36. If desired, user 16 can mix and match various combinations of first member 20 and second member 22 to obtain a desired visual appearance for weighted apparatus 10 on the article of clothing 12.

[0040] Another embodiment of the weighted apparatus 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the first member 20 comprises a decorative item 48 having a design 50 that can be utilized to compliment or even enhance the look of the article of clothing. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the decorative item 48 is shown with a design 50 in the shape of a star. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, a wide variety of designs 50 can be utilized with the decorative item 48. For instance, the decorative item 48 can have a design 50 that is a circle, oval, square or rectangular shape, have a simulated jewel thereon, be made out of metal that appears to be silver or gold, be in the form of a bead made out of wood or mineral or a wide variety of other designs 50. With any such configuration, first member 20 and second member 22 must be cooperatively configured for, in the preferred embodiment, the second member 22 to magnetically engage the first member 20 so as to hold weighted apparatus 10 on the article of clothing 12 during use.

[0041] While there are shown and described herein one or more specific embodiments of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to various modifications with regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein, with regard to its assembly, size, shape and use and with regard to the materials used in its construction. For instance, there are a number of components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present invention. In addition, although the description and drawings are primarily directed to women and/or women's clothing, the weighted apparatus 10 of the present invention is equally applicable and useful for men and/or men's clothing.

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