DEVICE FOR SECURING AN ARTICLE OF CLOTHING

Abstract

A device for securing an article of clothing to a desired length or position and a method for using the device are described. The device is comprised of a first member and a second member pivotally coupled together on corresponding ends thereof and a closure means attached at the opposing ends of the first and second members. The device can be used to secure an article of clothing by disengaging the closure means to open the device, sliding the second member of the opened device beneath the article of clothing to be secured, and engaging the closure means to close the device over the article of clothing.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for securing an article of clothing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device that releasably attaches to an article of clothing to secure the article to an adjusted length or position while being worn by a person.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

It is desired, or even necessary, at times for people to modify or adjust their clothing, whether to suit their particular style, to change the look of the clothing, for convenience, or comfort (e.g., accommodate weather changes, engage in a particular activity, etc.). For example, people often adjust the length of sleeves or pants by cuffing, scrunching up, or rolling.

The fabrics used to make different articles of clothing come in a variety of different weights and textures. It is sometimes difficult to cuff, roll up very light weight or very heavy weight fabric so that the material will remain secured in the modified position. Therefore, these commonly employed techniques often result in the cuff falling out or the sleeves/legs rolling or sliding down through repeated use of the limbs, gravity, and/or stretching of the garment material.

The prior art contains several types of clip assemblies for clothing that have attempted to address this problem and have been specifically designed to hold clothing in an adjusted position. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,454 describes an alligator type clip for retaining shirt sleeves that has two arms connected in a central region by a spring so that the arms are biased against each other at a first end and form separated levers on the other end. By pressing the levers together, the jaws of the clip at the other end separate. A problem with this type of clip, however, is that the jaws can pull or tear the clothing material or scratch the skin of the wearer.

Another example of clothing clips found in the art is that described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0173781, which is a split arm clip that requires a wearer to apply a downward force to a lever in order to urge apart one arm of the clip in order to secure the clip to clothing. A problem with this type of clip is that continuous force exerted to the lever may weaken the clamping power of the clip, and since there is no closure on the open end of the clip, heavier material may not remain securely adjusted.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a device for securing an article of clothing that: (1) easily attaches to fabric or the clothing material; (2) will securely hold the fabric in place until the device is removed by the wearer; and (3) will not damage the fabric.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention comprises a device for securing an article of clothing. Specifically, the present invention comprises a device that releasably attaches to an article of clothing to secure the article to an adjusted length or desired position while being worn by a person.

A fabric clamping device in accordance with the present invention generally includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled together with a hinge on corresponding ends thereof and having a closure means fixedly attached at the opposing ends of the first and second members. In certain embodiments of the invention, a closure means includes one or more magnets disposed proximate the opening of the device and upon one or more of the device arms or first and second members.

An embodiment of the invention may include a device for securing an article of clothing, or for being secured to an article of clothing for decorative purposes, the device including a first member having a first end and a second end and a second member having a first end and a second end. The first member and said second member are pivotally coupled at the second end of the first member and the second end of the second member. A closure means (such as a magnet) for securing the first end of the first member to the first end of the second member is attached to the inner surface of the first member or second member, or both, proximate a first end thereof. A gripping means is affixed to an inner surface of the second member. A cushioning means is affixed to an outer surface of the first member. A decorative element is affixed to an outer surface of the cushioning means. The device thereby defines, within the space between and enclosed by the first member and second member, a receiving area for holding an article of clothing between the first member and the second member when the closure means is engaged to close the device.

A method of using the fabric clamping device is also described herein, wherein the method comprises adjusting an article of clothing to a desired position; opening the fabric clamping device by disengaging the closure means; positioning the opened device over the article of clothing to be secured; and engaging the closure means to secure the device over the article of clothing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is front elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a left elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a right elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is right elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention with the closure means disengaged.

FIG. 9 is an alternative perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a right elevation view of a second embodiment of the present invention with the closure means disengaged.

FIG. 11 is a right elevation view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates the device in use.

FIG. 13 is a left elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention comprising a cushion and decorative element.

FIG. 14 is a left elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention wherein the hinge is replaced by a resilient, curved segment of the device.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1-12, the fabric clamping device 10 of the present invention generally comprises two elongated arms attached to each other at one end of the device 10 and separated from one another at the other end of the device 10 to form a device opening, open end, or mouth 11 for receiving an item such as a portion of clothing therein. A first arm may comprise an elongated first member 12 and a second arm may comprise an elongated second member 14. The first member 12, the second member 14, or both, may be arcuate or partially arcuate. In certain embodiments of the invention, the first member 12 and the second member 14 may each have a length ranging from about 0.5″ to about 4″ and a width ranging from about 0.25″ to about 2″. The first member 12 and second member 14 may each have a generally rectangular shape. Other possible shapes and sizes of the first member 12 and second member 14 may be, for example, circular, oval, square, or triangular shaped and of suitable size to enable the device to be secured to an article of clothing of various weights. The first member 12 and second member 14 can be made from a variety of materials known in the industry, including, but not limited to, metal, a flexible polymeric material (such as plastic), or combinations thereof. Preferably, the material of the first and second members is metal. Each of the first member 12 and the second member 14 further comprise a first end 18, 19 (proximate the open end of the device 10) and a second end 22, 23 (proximate the closed end of the device 10), as well as an outer surface and an inner surface. In one embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1-9, the second end 22 of the first member 12 is L-shaped. In a second embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 10-11 the second end 22 of the first member 12 is curved.

The first member 12 includes an outer surface 12a and an inner surface 12b. Similarly, the second member 14 includes an outer surface 14a and an inner surface 14b. It is preferred that the outer surface 14a of the second member 14 is substantially smooth and flat so as to avoid discomfort to the wearer. It is also preferred that the inner surface 12b and/or 14b comprise or bear a surface enhancement or element (e.g. gripping means 15) for gently enhancing friction between inner surface 12b and/or 14b and the fabric of an article of clothing while avoiding damage to the fabric. The outer surface of the first member 12 may optionally include a decorative element 24 (see FIG. 15) fixedly adhered thereto to increase the aesthetic value or interest of the device 10.

The inner surface 12b of the first member 12 or the inner surface 14b of the second member 14 may additionally include a gripping means 15 affixed thereto, as clearly depicted in FIGS. 1, 9 and 15. The gripping means 15 may comprise any element that will aid in securing the device to an article of clothing so that the device does not move, slide, fall off, or otherwise reposition itself on the fabric, but yet does not cause damage to the fabric. In certain embodiments, the gripping means 15 comprises a rubber pad, the outer surface of which may be smooth or texturized. The pad may be fixedly attached (using adhesive or equivalent means) to a portion of length of the inner surface of the first member 12 or second member 14 or both members. In alternative embodiments, the gripping means 15 may comprise a texturized inner surface of the first and/or second members, for example, by including a plurality of protrusions, such as ridges, ribs, nubs, and the like, horizontally or vertically disposed along the inner surface.

The first member 12 and the second member 14 may be pivotally joined or coupled at the second ends 22, 23 using any joining means and processes capable of producing a strong, durable, aesthetically pleasing joint. In a preferred embodiment, the first member 12 is coupled to the second member 14 via a hinge 16. In some embodiments, the hinge 16 is a separate structure comprising a first hinge plate 16a and a second hinge plate 16b pivotally jointed to one another with a pin or axle 16c as is known in the art. Preferably, the first hinge plate 16a is fixedly attached to the inner surface 12b of the first member 12 at the second end 22 thereof, and the second hinge plate 16b is fixedly attached to the inner surface 14b of the second member 14 at the second end 23 thereof. While the hinge plates 16a, 16b could be attached to the outer surfaces of the first and second members 12, 14 and remain operative, such disposition would tend to render the device 10 less comfortable to wear and more likely to snag or damage fabric. Attachment of the hinge plates 16a, 16b to the first and second members 12, 14 may be via adhesive, welding or soldering, mechanical fastener or other operative means known in the art.

In alternative embodiments, the first member 12 and the second member 14 may be joined or coupled to a living hinge or flexible segment of material. In further alternative embodiments, each member 12, 14 may be comprised of a plurality of separate pieces without departing from the scope of the invention.

In further embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the hinge 16 is integral to the first and second members 12, 14 thus avoiding disadvantages and additional construction steps of separate hinge plates 16a, 16b. In yet further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, a curved portion of resilient material may replace the hinge 16 as a spring closure 25. A spring closure 25 is a generally elongated, curved segment or portion of resilient material that may bend as the first ends 18, 19 of the first and second members 12, 14 are moved toward or away from each other to close or open the device 10, respectively. The spring closure 25 may comprise any bendable, resilient material, such as plastic or metal. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the first member 12 and second member 14 are integral and formed from one piece of relatively thin metal that is bent substantially halfway between the first ends 18, 19 to form the curved spring closure 25. The spring closure 25 may be biased in either a closed position, whereby the ends 18 and 19 are touching or only narrowly separated, or biased in an open position leaving a gap between ends 18 and 19. In the latter case, closure is achieved via a closure means 20, as described below.

The device 10 further comprises a closure means 20 for releasably attaching the device to an article of clothing. The closure means may be means for securely attaching, locking, or clamping the first end 18 of the first member 12 to the corresponding first end 19 of the second member 14. For example, the closure means may be selected from the group consisting of: a snap, a magnet, a hook and loop fastener, a button, or combinations thereof. The closure means 20 should be of sufficient strength and durability so that, when in use, it is able to securely attach or clamp the device onto the article of clothing. It is preferred that the closure means used with the present invention is not damaging to fabric.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the closure means 20 comprises a magnet. The closure means 20 may be fixedly attached to the inner surface 12b of the first member 12 at the first end 18 or may be attached to the inner surface 14b of the second member 14 at the first end 19, but is preferably attached to the inner surface of the second member 14 at the first end 19 as depicted in FIGS. 1-5, 8-11 and 13-14. In those embodiments where a gripping means 15 is affixed to the inner surface of the first member 12 or the inner surface of the second member 14, an aperture (not pictured) may be included in the gripping means 15 near the first end 19 of the second member 14 for receiving the closure means 20. Alternatively, the closure means 20 may be adhered or otherwise attached directly to the gripping means 15. Means for attaching a closure means 20, such as a neodymium magnet, typically comprises an adhesive known in the art. In embodiments wherein the closure means 20 comprises a magnet, the magnet is attached to either the first member 12 or second member 14 and a ferrous material is attached to or comprises the other member. In preferred embodiments, the first member 12 and second member 14 each comprise a ferrous metal.

As depicted in FIGS. 4, 5, and 11, when the device is closed position, whereby the closure means 20 is engaged at the first ends 18, 19 of the first and second members 12, 14, the device 10 defines a receiving area 21 for holding a quantity of fabric or material between the first member 12 and the second member 14. The receiving area 21 is preferably sufficiently wide to engage several layers of fabric or material of a variety of weights. FIGS. 8-10 illustrate the device 10 in an opened position whereby the closure means is disengaged at the first ends 18, 19 of the first and second members 12, 14.

An individual may use the device of the present invention to secure or an article of clothing (e.g., scarf, cuffed sleeve or pant leg) to a desired position by providing an article of clothing to be secured, disengaging the closure means 20 to open the device 10; sliding the second member 14 of the opened device 10 beneath the portion of the article to be secured; and engaging the closure means 20 close the device 10 over the article of clothing. FIG. 12 depicts several ways in which the device 10 may be secured to an article of clothing, illustrating multiple uses of the device 10 to hold or modify an article of clothing, for example, shirt sleeves, a shirt neckline, a bathing suit wrap, a scarf, a skirt, or as an accessory to leggings or footwear.

The device of the present invention may also be used to secure a scarf around a neck, rather than using a knot or a pin or brooch which can cause damage to the fabric.

The device of the present invention may also be used to secure portions of a shirt in a taught configuration, thereby preventing flapping and achieving a fashionable appearance.

The device of the present invention may also be used to adjust a shirt or sweater neckline to provide a better or more flattering fit.

The device of the present invention may also be used to secure a sarong, bathing suit wrap, or towel around the waist to prevent slippage.

The device of the present invention may also be used to decorate or accessorize articles of clothing or footwear, such as by attaching to the top of a boot, to a lapel of a coat, shirt, or blouse, to a scarf, or to the hem of pants or leggings.

In certain embodiments, a decorative element 24 (see FIG. 15) is attached to the outer surface 12a of the first member 12 may to increase the aesthetic value or interest of the device 10. The decorative element 24 may include any decorative materials typically used to form pins, brooches, barrettes, jewelry or the like including metal, precious stones, plastic, wood or other materials known in the art. The decorative element 24 may be attached directly to the outer surface 12a of the first member 12 but preferably is attached to a cushioning element or cushion 26. The cushion 26 may comprise an elongate strip of rubber, neoprene or equivalent shock-absorbing material and is disposed and attached along the outer surface 12a using adhesive or other operative means. The decorative element 24 is attached to the outer or upper surface of the cushion 26a so that the cushion is interposed between the decorative element 24 and the first member 12. The decorative element 24 is typically attached to the cushion 26 via adhesive but may be removably attached using mechanical fasteners such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, screws or other means for removable fastening known in the art. It should be appreciated that the cushion 26 and decorative element 24 may be attached to the outer surface 14a of the second member 14 if the relative dispositions of the first and second members 12, 14 are reversed so that the second member 14 is disposed upward from the first member 12.

It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular embodiments of the invention have been chosen to illustrate and describe the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for securing an article of clothing comprising:

first member having a first end and a second end;

a second member having a first end and a second end;

a closure means for securing said first end of said first member to said first end of said second member;

said first member and said second member being pivotally coupled at said second end of said first member and said second end of said second member; wherein said device defines a receiving area for holding said article of clothing between said first member and said second member when said closure means is engaged.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said device further comprises a gripping means.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said gripping means is affixed to said first member, said second member, or both.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein said gripping means comprises a rubber pad.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said closure means comprises a means for securely attaching, locking, or clamping said first end of said first member to said first end of said second member.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said closure means is selected from the group consisting of: a snap, a magnet, a hook and loop fastener, a button, and combinations thereof.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein said closure means comprises a magnet.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said first member and said second member are comprised of metal.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said first member is pivotally coupled to said second member with a hinge.

10. A device for securing an article of clothing comprising:

a first member having a first end and a second end;

a second member having a first end and a second end;

a closure means for securing said first end of said first member to said first end of said second member;

a gripping means affixed to an inner surface of said second member;

a cushioning means affixed to an outer surface of said first member; and

a decorative element affixed to an outer surface of said cushioning means;

said first member and said second member being pivotally coupled at said second end of said first member and said second end of said second member;

wherein said device defines a receiving area for holding said article of clothing between said first member and said second member when said closure means is engaged to close said device.

11. A method for securing an article of clothing using the device of claim 1, the method comprising:

a. providing an article of clothing to secured;

b. opening the device by disengaging the closure means;

c. sliding the second member of the opened device beneath the portion of the article of clothing to be secured; and

d. closing the device over the article of clothing by engaging the closure means.