U.S. patent application number 10/097076 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-18 for garment having an internal protective liner and liner clip for affixing a protective liner within a garment.
Invention is credited to Young, David A..
Application Number | 20030172433 10/097076 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28039110 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030172433 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young, David A. |
September 18, 2003 |
Garment having an internal protective liner and liner clip for
affixing a protective liner within a garment
Abstract
A garment having an internal protective liner and a liner clip
for securing a protective liner within a garment are provided.
Specifically a protective liner is secured in a fixed position
between an inner garment layer and an outer garment layer with a
liner clip. The liner clip include at least one liner extension for
affixing the liner clip to the protective liner and a garment
extension for securing the clip between the garment layers.
Inventors: |
Young, David A.; (Delmar,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOFFMAN WARNICK & D'ALESSANDRO, LLC
3 E-COMM SQUARE
ALBANY
NY
12207
|
Family ID: |
28039110 |
Appl. No.: |
10/097076 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/04 20130101;
A41D 27/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/97 |
International
Class: |
A41D 003/02; A41D
001/00 |
Claims
1. A garment having an internal protective liner, comprising: a
inner garment layer; an outer garment layer affixed to the inner
garment layer; and a protective liner affixed between the inner
garment layer and the outer garment layer, wherein the protective
liner is affixed between the inner garment layer and the outer
garment layer with a liner clip that includes at least one liner
extension and a garment extension.
2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the at least one liner extension
is affixed to the protective liner, and wherein the garment
extension is affixed to at least one of the inner garment layer and
the outer garment layer.
3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the liner clip comprises: a
first liner extension affixed to a first side of the protective
liner; a second liner extension affixed to a second side of the
protective liner; and a garment extension affixed to at least one
of the inner garment layer and the outer garment layer.
4. The garment of claim 3, wherein the garment extension comprises
the first liner extension joined to the second liner extension.
5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment extension comprises
means for affixing the liner clip to at least one of the inner
garment layer and the outer garment layer.
6. The garment of claim 5, wherein the means for affixing is
selected from the group consisting of snaps, buttons, hooks and
eyes, zippers and rivets.
7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment extension is affixed
to at least one of the inner garment layer and the outer garment
layer with stitching.
8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment extension is affixed
to at least one of the inner garment layer and the outer garment
layer with adhesive.
9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the liner clip is comprised of a
material selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic,
metal, wood, composite and fabric.
10. A garment having an internal protective liner, comprising: a
closed pocket formed between an inner garment layer and an outer
garment layer; and a liner clip for affixing a protective liner
within the closed pocket, wherein the liner clip comprises at least
one liner extension affixed to the protective liner and a garment
extension affixed to at least one of the inner garment layer and
the outer garment layer.
11. The garment of claim 10, wherein the garment extension
comprises means for affixing the liner clip to at least one of the
inner garment layer and the outer garment layer
12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the means for affixing is
selected from the group consisting of stitching, adhesive, snaps,
buttons, hooks and eyes, zippers and rivets.
13. The garment of claim 10, wherein liner clip comprises: a first
liner extension affixed to a first side of the protective liner; a
second liner extension affixed to a second side of the protective
liner; and a garment extension affixed to at least one of the inner
garment layer and the outer garment layer.
14. The garment of claim 13, wherein the garment extension is
comprised of the first liner extension joined to the second liner
extension.
15. The garment of claim 10, wherein the liner clip is comprised of
a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic,
metal, wood, composite and fabric.
16. A liner clip for affixing a protective liner within a garment,
comprising: a first liner extension for affixing the liner clip to
a first side of the protective liner; and a garment extension for
affixing the liner clip to at least one of an inner garment layer
and an outer garment layer.
17. The liner clip of claim 16, further comprising a second liner
extension for affixing the liner clip to a second side of the
protective liner.
18. The liner clip of claim 16, wherein the liner clip is comprised
of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber,
plastic, metal, wood, composite and fabric.
19. The liner clip of claim 16, wherein the garment extension
comprises means for affixing the liner clip to at least one of the
inner garment layer and the outer garment layer.
20. The liner clip of claim 19, wherein the means for affixing is
selected from the group consisting of adhesive, stitching, snaps,
buttons, hooks and eyes, zippers and rivets.
21. The liner clip of claim 16, wherein the inner garment layer is
affixed to the outer garment layer to form a closed pocket in which
the liner clip and the protective liner are secured in a fixed
position.
22. A method for affixing a protective liner within a garment,
comprising: affixing a first liner extension of a liner clip to a
first side of the protective liner; affixing a garment extension of
the liner clip to at least one of an inner garment layer and an
outer garment layer; and forming a closed pocket around the liner
clip and the protective liner by affixing the inner garment layer
to the outer garment layer.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising affixing a second
liner extension of the liner clip to a second side of the
protective liner.
24. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing means for
affixing the garment extension to at least one of the inner garment
layer and the outer garment layer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a garment having
an internal protective liner and a liner clip for affixing a
protective liner within a garment. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a garment having a protective liner that is
secured in a fixed position between an inner garment layer and an
outer garment layer.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] As the demand for personal security becomes more prolific,
individuals are increasingly seeking ways to better protect
themselves. One growing trend in the field of personal security is
the purchase of anti-ballistic vests. Such vests can be worn under
clothing and will prevent the penetration of certain projectiles.
Unfortunately, most anti-ballistic vests are often bulky and highly
noticeable. Moreover, most vests fail to protect the majority of
the wearer's body. Specifically, current anti-ballistic vests only
offer protection for the wearer's torso from below the neckline to
above the waistline. Such a configuration not only fails to protect
the neckline and leg area of the wearer, but also fails to protect
the side torso areas of the wearer. In addition, existing
anti-ballistic vests are extremely inconvenient to use in that they
are not easily donned or taken off.
[0005] Rather, the wearer must typically shed layers of clothes to
put on or take off the vest.
[0006] Heretofore, some have attempted to provide improved
protection by incorporating protective material into outer
clothing. Examples of such attempts are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,459,491, 5,495,620, and 6,029,270 to Rasmussen, Schoenweiss et
al., and Ost et al., respectively (all of wherein are herein
incorporated by reference). None of these attempts, however,
provide a protective liner that is secured in a particular position
within the layers of a garment. In contrast, the protective
material in these references, is removable and/or not secured in a
fixed position within the layers of the garment. In both cases, the
wearer is subject to increased risk. Specifically, when the
protective material is removable, the wearer may remove and later
neglect to re-insert the protective material. Moreover, when the
protective material is not secured in a fixed position within the
layers of the garment, the protective material may shift and leave
vital bodily areas unprotected. In addition, the removal and
re-insertion of the protective material can cause great
inconvenience to the wearer. In particular, if the wearer needs to
quickly put on the garment (e.g., in an emergency situation), he or
she may expend valuable time re-inserting the protective material
into the proper places.
[0007] In view of the foregoing, there exists a need for a garment
that includes an internal protective liner. A further need exists
for the internal liner to be secured in a fixed position within the
garment layers. Another need exists for the protective liner to be
capable of protecting the wearer from projectiles such as shrapnel
and bullets as well as stab/puncture wounds from knives and the
like. Still yet, a need exists for a liner clip for securing a
protective liner in a fixed position within the layers of a
garment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of existing
art by providing a garment having an internal protective liner.
Specifically, the internal protective liner is secured in a fixed
position between an inner garment layer and an outer garment layer
by a liner clip. The liner clip includes at least one liner
extension for affixing the liner clip to the protective liner, and
a garment extension for affixing the liner clip (and protective
liner) between the garment layers. Thus, the present invention
provides a garment having an internal protective liner that is
fixed and will not shift in position.
[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a
garment having an internal protective liner is provided. The
garment comprises: (1) a inner garment layer; (2) an outer garment
layer affixed to the inner garment layer; and (3) a protective
liner affixed between the inner garment layer and the outer garment
layer, wherein the protective liner is affixed between the inner
garment layer and the outer garment layer with a liner clip that
includes at least one liner extension and a garment extension.
[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a
garment having an internal protective liner is provided. The
garment comprises: (1) a closed pocket formed between an inner
garment layer and an outer garment layer; and (2) a liner clip for
affixing a protective liner within the closed pocket, wherein the
liner clip comprises at least one liner extension affixed to the
protective liner and a garment extension affixed to at least one of
the inner garment layer and the outer garment layer.
[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a
liner clip for affixing a protective liner within a garment is
provided. The liner clip comprises: (1) a first liner extension for
affixing the liner clip to a first side of the protective liner;
and (2) a garment extension for affixing the liner clip to at least
one of an inner garment layer and an outer garment layer.
[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a
method for affixing a protective liner within a garment,
comprising: (1) affixing a first liner extension of a liner clip to
a first side of the protective liner; (2) affixing a garment
extension of the liner clip to at least one of an inner garment
layer and an outer garment layer; and (3) forming a closed pocket
around the liner clip and the protective liner by affixing the
inner garment layer to the outer garment layer.
[0013] Therefore, the present invention provides a garment having
an internal protective liner, a liner clip for affixing a
protective liner within a garment, and a method for affixing a
protective liner within a garment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other features of this invention will be more
readily understood from the following detailed description of the
various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1A depicts a liner clip for securing a protective liner
within a garment, according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 1B depicts a liner clip for securing a protective liner
within a garment, according to another embodiment of the present
invention FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary protective liner, according
to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3A depicts a first exemplary garment having a
protective liner, according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3B depicts a second exemplary garment having a
protective liner, according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts the liner clip of FIG. 1A secured between an
inner garment layer and an outer garment layer, according to the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 depicts the liner clip of FIG. 1A secured between an
inner garment layer and an outer garment layer, according to the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 depicts the liner clip of FIG. 1B secured between an
inner garment layer and an outer garment layer, according to the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 depicts the liner clip of FIG. 1B secured between an
inner garment layer and an outer garment layer, according to the
present invention. FIG. 8 depicts a liner clip for securing a
protective liner within a garment, according to another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 depicts the liner clip of FIG. 8 secured between an
inner garment layer and an outer garment layer, according to the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 depicts the liner clip of FIG. 8 secured between an
inner garment layer and an outer garment layer, according to the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 11 depicts a liner clip for securing a protective liner
within a garment, according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 12 depicts the liner clip of FIG. 11 secured between an
inner garment layer and an outer garment layer, according to the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 13 depicts the liner clip of FIG. 11 secured between an
inner garment layer and an outer garment layer, according to the
present invention.
[0028] The drawings are merely schematic representations, not
intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The
drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the
invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the
scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents
like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1A, a liner clip 10 for affixing a
protective liner 12 within a garment is shown. As depicted, liner
clip include liner extensions 14 and 16, and garment extension 22.
Liner extensions 14 and 16 are affixed to sides 18 and 20 of
protective liner 12, respectively. In a typical embodiment, liner
extensions 14 and 16 are permanently affixed to sides 18 and 20 by
stitching or adhesive. However, it should be understood that liner
extensions 18 and 20 could be affixed in any way known in the art
such as snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes, etc. Sides 24 and 26 of
garment extension 22 are formed by joining and affixing ends 32 and
34 of liner extensions 14 and 16. Similar to the affixing of liner
extension 14 and 16 to protective liner 12, ends 32 and 34 can be
affixed to each other by stitching, adhesive, rivets, zipper(s),
hooks and eyes, etc. As will be further described below, garment
extension 22 is typically secured in a fixed position within the
layers of a garment by stitching and/or adhesive. However, in lieu
of stitching and/or adhesive, sides 24 and 26 could be optionally
provided with attachment mechanisms 28 and 30. Attachment
mechanisms 28 and 30 could be snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes,
zippers, rivets, etc. In addition, although shown on both sides 24
and 26, it should be appreciated that an attachment mechanism could
be provided on only one side 24 or 26. The use of stitching and/or
adhesive to secure garment extension 22 will result in a permanent
affixation. In any event, liner clip 10 provides a way to secure
protective liner 12 in a fixed position within the layers of a
garment.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1B, an alternative liner clip 11 for
affixing a protective liner 12 within a garment is shown. As
depicted, liner clip 11 is formed as a single unitary (e.g.,
integral) piece and includes liner extensions 14 and 16 and garment
extension 22. Similar to liner clip 10, liner extensions 14 and 16
are affixed to sides 18 and 20 of protective liner 12,
respectively. In a typical embodiment, liner extensions 14 and 16
are permanently affixed to sides 18 and 20 by stitching or
adhesive. However, it should be understood that liner extensions 18
and 20 could be affixed in any way known in the art such as snaps,
rivets, zipper(s), buttons, hooks and eyes, etc. Unlike liner clip
10 where sides 24 and 26 of garment extension 22 are formed by
joining and affixing ends 32 and 34 of liner extensions 14 and 16,
sides 25 and 27 are opposing sides of a single piece (namely
garment extension 22). As will be further described below, garment
extension 22 is typically secured in a fixed position within the
layers of a garment by stitching and/or adhesive. However, in lieu
of stitching and/or adhesive, sides 24 and 26 could be optionally
provided with attachment mechanisms 28 and 30. Attachment
mechanisms 28 and 30 could be snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes,
zippers, rivets, etc. In addition, although shown on both sides 24
and 26, it should be appreciated that an attachment mechanism could
be provided on only one side 24 or 26. The use of stitching and/or
adhesive to secure garment extension 22 will result in a permanent
affixation. In any event, liner clip 11 provides a way to secure
protective liner 12 in a fixed position within the layers of a
garment.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary protective liner 12 is
shown. As depicted, protective liner can be provided with numerous
layers 36 and 38. Layers 36 could be anti-ballistic/shrapnel
layers, while layers 38 could be stab/puncture proof layers.
Anti-ballistic layers 36 could be any type of body armor or anti5
ballistic material such as KEVLAR.RTM. available from E. I. du Pont
de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del., or ZYLON.RTM. available
from Toyobo Corp. of Osaka, Japan. Stab/puncture proof material can
be that such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,903,920 and 6,247,298
to Granqvist and Bourgois et al., respectively (herein incorporated
by reference). The precise configuration of protective liner 12 is
not intended to be a limiting part of the present invention.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a garment 40 having internal
protective liners 12 in accordance with the present invention is
shown. Under the present invention, protective liners 12 are
secured within the layers of garment 40. Moreover, any and all
areas of garment 40, such as those shown, may include protective
liners 12. Liner clips 10 and 11 of FIGS. 1A-B allows protective
liners 12 to be held in a fixed position within garment areas such
as the sleeves and torso so that minimal displacement occurs. As
indicated above, previous attempts to provide protective clothing
have all failed to secure a protective material in a fixed position
within a garment. It should be appreciated that the teachings of
the present invention can be incorporated into any region of any
available garment. For example, FIG. 3B shows a full length
overcoat 42 having protective liners 12. As shown, the present
invention allows protective liners 12 to be used to protect the
torso, sleeve, leg and neck areas of a wearer. It should also be
understood that although not shown, the teachings of the present
invention could be implemented in any other garment, such as
dresses, hats, scarves, gloves, shirts, etc.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, protective liner 12 secured between
layers 48 and 50 of a garment, such as garment 40 or 42, is shown.
As depicted, garment layers 48 and 50 are affixed to each other to
form a closed pocket 52 and are intended to be representative of an
inner garment layer and an outer garment layer. For the purposes of
the present invention, garment layers 48 and 50 will be referred to
as inner garment layer 48 and outer garment layer 50, respectively.
However, it should be appreciated that this is for illustrative
purposes only. It is not important which layer is the inner garment
layer or the outer garment layer. It should also be understood that
garments may include other layers such as insulation, etc. Such
layers are not shown for clarity purposes. In addition, it should
further be appreciated that although garment layers 48 and 50 are
typically permanently affixed together using stitching and/or
adhesive, any other system for affixing garment layers 48 and 50
could be implemented (e.g., snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes,
zippers, rivets, etc.).
[0034] Secured within closed pocket 52 (i.e., between inner garment
layer 48 and outer garment layer 50) is protective liner 12. As
indicated above protective liner is secured in a fixed position by
liner clip 10. As shown, liner extensions 14 and 16 are affixed
(e.g., stitched, adhered, etc.) to opposing sides of protective
liner 12. In one embodiment of the present invention, garment
extension is secured to both inner garment layer 48 and outer
garment layer 50 in the manner shown. Specifically, garment
extension 22 is positioned between and secured to ends 54 and 56 of
garment layers 48 and 50. As described above in conjunction with
FIG. 1A, garment extension 22 could be secured to inner garment
layer 48 and outer garment layer 50 by stitching and/or adhesive.
Alternatively, garment extension 22 could be secured with
attachment mechanisms 28 and 30 (e.g., snaps, hooks, and eyes,
buttons, zippers, rivets, etc.). In the case of the latter, ends 54
and 56 of garment layers 48 and 50 could be provided with
corresponding attachment mechanisms 44 and 46 to receive attachment
mechanisms 28 and 30. In either event, the purpose of garment
extension 22 is to secure protective liner 12 in a fixed position
between inner garment layer 48 and outer garment layer 50.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the present
invention is shown. Similar to FIG. 4, protective liner 12 is
secured within a closed pocket 52 (between inner garment layer 48
and outer garment layer 50), which is formed by affixing (e.g.,
stitching, adhering, etc.) inner garment layer 48 to outer garment
layer 50. However, instead of being secured between ends 54 and 56
of layers 48 and 52, garment extension 22 is affixed to a side 60
of outer layer 50. As depicted, liner extensions 14 and 16 are
typically affixed to protective liner 12 by stitching and/or
adhesive while garment extension 22 can be affixed to outer garment
layer 50 by stitching and/or adhesive. Alternatively, garment
extension 22 can be secured to outer garment layer 50 by attachment
mechanism 28. In this event, outer garment layer could include
corresponding attachment mechanism 58 to receive attachment
mechanism 28. It should be understood that the depiction of garment
extension 22 affixed to side 60 of outer garment layer 50 is for
illustrative purposes only and other variations exist. For example,
garment extension 22 could be affixed to side 62 of inner garment
layer 48, or to both side 62 of inner garment layer 48 and side 60
of outer garment layer 50. In the case of the latter, additional
attachment mechanisms could be provided on garment extension 22
and/or side 62.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 6, liner clip 11 is shown for securing
protective layer 12 within closed pocket 52 (i.e., between inner
garment layer 48 and outer garment layer 50). As shown, liner
extensions 14 and 16 are affixed (e.g., stitched, adhered, etc.) to
opposing sides of protective liner 12. In one embodiment of the
present invention, garment extension 22 is secured to both inner
garment layer 48 and outer garment layer 50 in the manner shown.
Specifically, garment extension 22 is positioned between and
secured to ends 54 and 56 of garment layers 48 and 50. As described
above in conjunction with FIG. 1B, garment extension 22 could be
secured to inner garment layer 48 and outer garment layer 50 by
stitching and/or adhesive. Alternatively, garment extension 22
could be secured with attachment mechanisms 28 and 30 (e.g., snaps,
hooks, and eyes, buttons, zippers, rivets, etc.). In the case of
the latter, ends 54 and 56 of garment layers 48 and 50 could be
provided with corresponding attachment mechanisms 44 and 46 to
receive attachment mechanisms 28 and 30. In either event, the
purpose of garment extension 22 is to secure protective liner 12 in
a fixed position between inner garment layer 48 and outer garment
layer 50.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 7 another embodiment of implementing
liner clip 11 under the present invention is shown. Similar to FIG.
6, protective liner 12 is secured within a closed pocket 52
(between inner garment layer 48 and outer garment layer 50), which
is formed by affixing (e.g., stitching, adhering, etc.) inner
garment layer 48 to outer garment layer 50. However, instead of
being secured between ends 54 and 56 of layers 48 and 52, garment
extension 22 is affixed to a side 60 of outer layer 50. As
depicted, liner extensions 14 and 16 are typically affixed to
protective liner 12 by stitching and/or adhesive while garment
extension 22 can be affixed to outer garment layer 50 by stitching
and/or adhesive. Alternatively, garment extension 22 can be secured
to outer garment layer 50 by attachment mechanism 28. In this
event, outer garment layer could include corresponding attachment
mechanism 58 to receive attachment mechanism 28. It should be
understood that the depiction of garment extension 22 affixed to
side 60 of outer garment layer 50 is for illustrative purposes only
and other variations exist. For example, garment extension 22 could
be affixed to side 62 of inner garment layer 48, or to both side 62
of inner garment layer 48 and side 60 of outer garment layer 50. In
the case of the latter, additional attachment mechanisms could be
provided on garment extension 22 and/or side 62.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 8, a liner clip 100 according to
another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this
embodiment, liner clip 100 includes a single liner extension 102
and garment extension 104. Similar to liner extensions 14 and 16,
liner extension 102 is typically affixed to protective liner 12
using stitching and/or adhesive. Alternatively, liner extension 102
could be affixed to protective liner 12 using snaps, buttons, hooks
and eyes, zippers, rivets, etc. Garment extension 104 is affixed to
a garment as described above. Specifically, garment extension 104
can be affixed using stitching and/or adhesive. Optionally, garment
extension 104 could be provided with one or more attachment
mechanisms 106 and 108 for affixing garment extension 104 to a
garment layer.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 9, liner clip 100 is shown securing
protective liner in closed pocket 52 (between inner garment layer
48 and outer garment layer 50), which is formed by affixing inner
garment layer 48 to outer garment layer 50. As depicted, liner
extension 102 is typically stitched and/or adhered to protective
liner 12. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, garment
extension 104 is secured between ends 54 and 56 of garment layers
48 and 50. In one embodiment, garment extension 104 is affixed to
ends 54 and 56 using stitching and/or adhesive. In another
embodiment, garment extension 104 is affixed using attachment
mechanisms 106 and 108. In the case of the latter, corresponding
attachment mechanisms 44 and 46 could be provided on ends 54 and 56
to receive attachment mechanisms 106 and 108. As indicated above,
attachment mechanisms 106 and 108 could be snaps, buttons, zippers,
hooks and eyes, rivets, etc.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 10, another embodiment for
securing/affixing liner clip 100 within closed pocket 52 (between
inner garment layer 48 and outer garment layer 50) is shown.
Specifically, similar to FIG. 5, garment extension 104 is affixed
side 60 of outer garment layer 50. In one embodiment, garment
extension 104 is affixed to side 60 by stitching and/or adhesive.
In another embodiment, garment extension 104 could be provided with
attachment mechanism 106. In this case, attachment mechanism 106
could be snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes, zippers, rivets, etc.
Moreover, if attachment mechanism 106 is implemented, side 60 could
be provided with corresponding attachment mechanism 58 to receive
attachment mechanism 106. It should be understood that the
depiction of garment extension 104 affixed to side 60 of outer
garment layer 50 is for illustrative purposes only and other
variations exist. For example, garment extension 104 could be
affixed to side 62 of inner garment layer 48, or to both side 62 of
inner garment layer 48 and side 60 of outer garment layer 50. In
the case of the latter, additional attachment mechanisms could be
provided on garment extension 104 and/or side 62.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment of liner clip
120 is shown. As depicted, liner clip 120 includes liner extension
122 and garment extension 126. Liner extension 122 is fixed to
protective liner 112 by stitching and/or adhesive. Alternatively,
liner extension 122 could be affixed to protective liner using
snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes, zippers, rivets, etc. Similar to
liner clips 10 and 100, garment extension 126 could include
attachment mechanisms 128 and 130 for securing liner clip (and
protective liner 112) within layers of a garment.
[0042] Attachment mechanisms 128 and 130 could include, for
example, snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes, zippers, rivets, etc.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 12, liner clip 120 is shown securing
protective liner in closed pocket 52 (between inner garment layer
48 and outer garment layer 50) in a manner similar to FIGS. 4, 7
and 9. As depicted, liner extension 122 is typically stitched
and/or adhered to protective liner 12. Garment extension 126 is
secured between ends 54 and 56 of garment layers 48 and 50. In one
embodiment, garment extension 126 is affixed to ends 54 and 56
using stitching and/or adhesive. In another embodiment, garment
extension 126 is affixed using attachment mechanisms 128 and 130.
In the case of the latter, corresponding attachment mechanisms 44
and 46 could be provided on ends 54 and 56 to receive attachment
mechanisms 128 and 130. As indicated above, attachment mechanisms
128 and 130 could be snaps, buttons, zippers, hooks and eyes,
rivets, etc.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 13, another embodiment for securing
liner clip 120 within closed pocket 52 (between inner garment layer
48 and outer garment layer 50) is shown. Specifically, similar to
FIGS. 5, 7 and 10, garment extension 126 is affixed side 60 of
outer garment layer 50. In one embodiment, garment extension 126 is
affixed to side 60 by stitching and/or adhesive. In another
embodiment, garment extension 126 could be provided with attachment
mechanism 128. In this case, attachment mechanism 128 could be
snaps, buttons, hooks and eyes, zippers, rivets, etc. Moreover, if
attachment mechanism 128 is implemented, side 60 could be provided
with corresponding attachment mechanism 58 to receive attachment
mechanism 128. It should be understood that the depiction of
garment extension 126 affixed to side 60 of outer garment layer 50
is for illustrative purposes only and other variations exist. For
example, garment extension 126 could be affixed to side 62 of inner
garment layer 48, or to both side 62 of inner garment layer 48 and
side 60 of outer garment layer 50. In the case of the latter,
additional attachment mechanisms could be provided on garment
extension 126 and/or side.
[0045] The various embodiments of the present invention are
intended to provide a protective liner 12 secured in a fixed
position between the layers 48 and 50 of a garment. Because the
layers 48 and 50 of the garment are typically permanently fixed to
each other (e.g., by stitching or adhesives), the protective liner
12 is permanently secured within the garment. Thus, problems
associated with removable protective liners (e.g., loss, neglect to
re-insert, etc.) are eliminated. Moreover, the liner clips 10, 11,
100 and 120 of the present invention secure the protective liner 12
in a fixed position between the layers 48 and 50. Accordingly,
problems associated with shifting of the protective liner 12 are
eliminated. It should also be appreciated that whether the garment
extensions 22, 104, and 126 of the present invention are affixed
between ends 54 and 56 of garment layers 48 and 50, or affixed to
one or more sides 60 and/or 62 of garment layers 48 and 50, liner
clips 10, 11, 100, and 120 and protective liner 12 are still
referred to as being affixed/secured between (or to) inner garment
layer 48 and outer garment layer 50.
[0046] The foregoing description of the invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise
form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations
are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be
apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included
within the scope of this invention as defined by the accompanying
claims. For example, all liner clips 10, 11, 100 and 120 described
herein are typically formed from a cloth or fabric material.
However, it should be appreciated that other variations exist. For
example, liner clips 10, 11, 100 and 120 could be formed from
rubber, plastic, metal, composite or wood.
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