U.S. patent application number 12/834988 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-03 for spillguard.
Invention is credited to Gordon J. Lee.
Application Number | 20110025107 12/834988 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43526289 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110025107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Gordon J. |
February 3, 2011 |
SPILLGUARD
Abstract
A system operable to detachably secure a bib to a restraint
device (e.g. a strap in a vehicle). The system may include a clip
having a strap section and a bib section that are rotatably
interconnected. As such, the strap and bib sections may be rotated
relative to each other in order to for a bib (engaged by the bib
section) to hang in a desired position. The strap and bib section
may be adapted to respectively detachably mount a strap and a bib.
In one embodiment, a retention force between the strap section and
a strap may be selected from the mechanical devices, magnetic
devices, and combinations of mechanical and magnetic devices.
Inventors: |
Lee; Gordon J.; (Moorhead,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSH, FISCHMANN & BREYFOGLE LLP
8055 East Tufts Avenue, Suite 450
Denver
CO
80237
US
|
Family ID: |
43526289 |
Appl. No.: |
12/834988 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61226329 |
Jul 17, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.1 ;
2/48 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2011/0071 20130101;
A44B 99/00 20130101; A41D 13/04 20130101; B60R 11/00 20130101; B60R
2011/0031 20130101; A47G 21/165 20130101; B60R 2011/0059 20130101;
A45F 5/04 20130101; B60R 2011/0063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/217.1 ;
2/48 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/62 20060101
A47C007/62; A41D 13/04 20060101 A41D013/04 |
Claims
1. A restraint system, comprising: a strap engageable with a seat
occupant; and a clip comprising a strap section and a bib section,
wherein said strap section and said bib section are rotatably
interconnected, and wherein said clip is mounted on said strap.
2. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap comprises a
shoulder harness.
3. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap section is
detachably mounted on said strap.
4. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap section is
adapted to be repeatedly mountable on and removable from said
strap.
5. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein a retention force
between said strap section and said strap is selected from the
group consisting of mechanical, magnetic, and any combination
thereof.
6. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap section
comprises a spring.
7. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap section
comprises first and second strap sections that are movable relative
to each other.
8. The restraint system of claim 7, wherein moving said first and
second strap sections apart accommodates installation of said clip
on said strap.
9. The restraint system of claim 7, wherein said first and second
strap sections are biased to a strap-retaining position.
10. The restraint system of claim 7, wherein at least one of said
first and second strap sections comprises a magnet.
11. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said strap section
comprises first and second strap interface sections that are spaced
from each other, wherein said first and second strap interface
sections exert a greater retention force on said strap than a
portion of said strap section that extends between said first and
second strap interface sections.
12. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said clip comprises a
pivot pin that interconnects said strap section and said bib
section.
13. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said bib section is
rotatable relative to said strap section about a first axis.
14. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said bib section may
be rotated relative to said strap section between a plurality of
predetermined positions.
15. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said clip further
comprises a plurality of retention positions between said strap
section and said bib section, wherein each of said retention
positions provides a greater resistance to relative rotational
motion between said strap section and said bib section than a
separate transition position that extends between each adjacent
pair of retention positions.
16. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein a retention force
between said bib section and a bib engaged by said bib section is
selected from the group consisting of mechanical, magnetic, and any
combination thereof.
17. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said bib section
comprises a spring.
18. The restraint system of claim 1, wherein said bib section
comprises first and second bib sections that are movable relative
to each other.
19. The restraint system of claim 18, wherein moving said first and
second bib sections apart accommodates installation of a bib within
said bib section.
20. The restraint system of claim 18, wherein said first and second
bib sections are biased to a bib-retaining position.
21. The restraint system of claim 18, wherein at least one of said
first and second bib sections comprises a magnet.
22. The restraint system of claim 1, further comprising a bib
engaged by said bib section.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/226,329, that is entitled "SPILLGUARD," that was filed on
Jul. 17, 2009, and the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of
clothing protection devices, and more particularly, to devices that
allow an occupant of a seat to secure a bib relative to a body
portion while in the seat.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Bibs are often used by people of different ages at home,
restaurants, nursing homes, and the like to prevent or reduce the
likelihood of clothes becoming soiled. Bibs are made in a variety
of sizes to cover a user anywhere between the user's neck to the
user's lap. Some bibs are reusable and as such may be made from
cloth or plastic, while others are disposable and may be made from
inexpensive materials such as a plastic-coated paper or thin
plastic. Typically, the bib is secured behind the user's neck using
devices such as ties, snaps, and the like.
[0004] It has become increasingly popular for drivers and
passengers in vehicles to eat and drink while in transit, which
often results in spills due to vehicle movements (e.g.,
accelerations and decelerations; encountering bumps in the road;
swerving of the vehicle). Drivers sometimes attempt to use bibs to
prevent their clothing from being soiled by food and beverage
spills.
SUMMARY
[0005] A first aspect of the present invention is embodied by a bib
system including a clip, the clip having strap and bib sections
(e.g., first and second clip sections or clasps) that are rotatably
interconnected to each other. The clip is adapted to be mounted on
a strap (e.g., a strap of a restraint system of any appropriate
type, such as one commonly used, in a vehicle such as a motor
vehicle (e.g., a passenger seat in a car), a train, or an airplane,
or the like; in an infant car seat), that in turn is engageable
with a seat occupant.
[0006] A number of feature refinements and additional features are
applicable to the first aspect of the present invention. These
feature refinements and additional features may be used
individually or in any combination. The following discussion is
applicable to the first aspect, up to the start of the discussion
of a second aspect of the present invention.
[0007] The strap and bib sections may detachably mount to a strap
and a bib in any appropriate manner. That is, the strap and bib
sections may be configured so that detaching the same from a strap
or bib does not adversely affect the structure of the strap and bib
sections, such that they may thereafter be mounted to a strap or
bib (e.g., the strap section may be repeatedly mounted to and
dismounted from a strap without "breaking" the strap section; the
bib section may be repeatedly mounted to and dismounted from a bib
without "breaking" the bib section).
[0008] Any appropriate mount configuration may be used by each of
the strap and bib sections. Generally, each of the strap and bib
sections may be characterized as having a pair of clamping members
that are movable away from each other to allow a strap or bib to be
positioned therebetween, and that are biased in some fashion toward
each other (e.g., by a spring force, by a magnetic attraction, by a
clamping force exerted on the pair of clamping members by another
structure) to provide a clamping force to retain a strap or bib
between these clamping members. The pair of clamping members may be
interconnected in any appropriate manner, such as by a living hinge
or the like, and may in fact be part of a common structure. One or
both of the strap and bib sections could be in the form of a money
clip or an at least generally U-shaped, spring-biased clamping
device, a clothes-pin like arrangement, or any other type of
clamping arrangement. One or both of the strap and bib sections
could also be in the form of a pair of clamping members that are
movable relative to each other between open and closed positions
(e.g., via a living hinge between the pair of clamping members),
and that are magnetically retained in the closed position (e.g., by
one or both of the clamping members may include one or more
magnets) to retain a strap or bib therebetween. Any appropriate
combination of mount configurations may be used for the strap and
bib sections.
[0009] The strap section of the clip may be adapted to be mounted
(e.g., removably or detachably) on a strap of a restraint system,
and the bib section of the clip may be adapted to detachably engage
a bib. In other arrangements, the bib system may be used vice
versa, such that the strap section may be adapted to detachably
engage a bib, while the bib section may be adapted to be mounted
(e.g., removably or detachably) on a strap. Although the bib system
may be preferably for use with a strap of a restraint system, it
could be installed on other types of objects such as clothing.
[0010] Any type of clip including rotatably connected strap and bib
sections may be used as part of the bib system. In one arrangement,
the strap section may be adapted to be detachably mounted on the
strap. For instance, the strap section may be designed such that a
seat occupant (e.g., a driver of a vehicle, a passenger of a
vehicle, an infant in a car seat or the like,) may be able to
repeatedly mount the strap section onto and remove the strap
section from the strap. In this regard, the seat occupant may mount
the strap section onto the strap each time the occupant is going to
sit on the associated seat (e.g., each time the occupant enters a
vehicle). In other arrangements, the seat occupant may mount the
strap section onto the strap and leave such strap section mounted
to the strap for future use (e.g., upon exiting the vehicle). The
strap section may be slid relative to the strap, for instance to
allow for adjustment of the position of the clip during use or to
accommodate/facilitate storage of the strap (e.g., if the strap is
retractable).
[0011] The strap section may be adapted or operable to exert a
retention force towards or against the strap, and such a retention
force may be generated by any appropriate device or combination of
devices, such as one or more mechanical devices (e.g., springs,
biasing members), magnetic devices (e.g., magnet/ferromagnet
combinations) and/or any combination of such devices. The strap
section may be in the form of any structure or design operable to
releasably retain or mount a bib, strap, or the like thereto. In
one embodiment, the strap section may include first and second
strap sections (e.g., first and second clamp portions) that are
movable relative to each other; in some variations, the strap
section may be in the form of a "money clip". For instance, such
strap sections may be moved between at least a "strap installation"
position and a "strap-retaining" position. Such first and second
strap sections may be moved apart or otherwise separated to
accommodate installation of the clip on the strap. The strap
section may be operable to exert a force towards the
strap-retaining position, even when the strap is in the strap
installation position (e.g., the first and second strap sections
may be biased to a strap-retaining position). In other variations,
the strap section may be appropriately manipulated such that the
retention force may be selectively "turned on" and "turned off".
For instance, the strap section may include first and second strap
sections that are connected by a hinge of any appropriate type
(e.g., a living hinge), along with a slidable member (e.g., a
spring or clasp) that may be operable to slide over and/or compress
the first and second strap sections to exert the retention force on
the strap. Generally, the strap section may be characterized as a
clamp or a clamping structure of any appropriate type.
[0012] To increase the gripping or retention ability of the strap
section against the strap, the strap section may include one or
more strap interface sections (e.g., first and second strap
interface sections that are spaced from each other). Any such strap
interface sections may be in the form of protrusions, teeth, bumps,
or the like. In some embodiments, such strap interface sections
each include an elongated concave portion of the strap section; in
other embodiments, each strap interface section may include at
least one row of teeth. The strap interface sections may be
designed or adapted to exert a greater retention force on the strap
than a portion of the strap section that extends between the strap
interface sections, or that portion of the strap section that is
located between the strap interface sections. Stated otherwise, the
portion of the strap section portion extending between the first
and second strap interface sections may or may not be adapted to
make contact with a strap retained by the strap section.
[0013] In another arrangement, the bib section may be operable to
removably or detachably mount or connect to a bib. As such, the
strap and bib sections may be adapted to collectively operate to
removably or detachably mount a bib to a strap associated with a
seat (e.g., in a vehicle). The bib section may be operable to exert
a retention force against a bib, and such a retention force may be
selected from one or more mechanical devices, magnetic devices
and/or combinations thereof. The bib section may be in the form of
any structure or design operable to releasably retain or mount a
bib, strap, or the like thereto. For instance, the bib section may
include first and second bib sections (e.g., first and second clamp
sections or members) that are movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to
each other. For instance, the bib section may include any type of
spring device, and such a spring device may be operable (in
combination with the first and second bib sections) to exert the
retention force against the bib. In some arrangements, the first
and second bib sections may be pivotally connected by a pivot pin
that may extend through a portion of a spring (e.g. a spring
hinge). In other arrangements, the first and second bib sections
may be pivotally connected by way of ball and socket type
arrangements. Regardless of the specific arrangement utilized to
accommodate movement of the first and second bib sections relative
to each other, moving such first and second bib sections apart may
accommodate installation of a bib in the clip. Generally, the bib
section may be characterized as a clamp or a clamping structure of
any appropriate type.
[0014] In some instances, the first and second bib sections may be
biased towards a "bib-retaining" position. As such, once a user
separates the first and second bib sections or otherwise moves such
sections apart and inserts a bib therebetween, the first and second
bib sections may be designed to automatically close or compress
into the bib-retaining position to detachably secure the bib within
the bib section. The first and second bib sections may
alternatively or additionally be associated with magnetic devices
that may be operable to exert the retention force against the bib.
As a further example, each of the bib sections may be associated
with hook portions (e.g., the hook portion of a hook and loop
arrangement) that may be operable to interact with each other and
thus resist separation of the bib sections. Such hook sections may
additionally increase the gripping ability of the bib section
against a bib. In other embodiments, at least one of the first and
second bib sections may be associated with hook portions of a hook
and loop arrangement while the other of the first and second bib
sections may be associated with loop portions of a hook and loop
arrangement. The bib section may also include spaced apart
bib-interface sections that may be operable to increase the
gripping ability of the bib section against a bib.
[0015] A portion of the bib and/or strap section may include a
facilitation member that may be operable to aid in the loading,
unloading and/or adjustment of a bib into, from or within the bib
section. For instance, the facilitation member may be in the form
of a roller or cylindrical member associated with one of the first
and second bib sections (and rotatable relative thereto) that may
be operable to contact and exert a retention force against the
other of the first and second bib sections. During loading of a bib
into a bib section including such a roller, a user may not need to
separate the first and second bib sections. Instead, the user may
be able to simply insert the bib between the roller and one of the
first and second bib sections, and then pull the bib into a
receiving space situated between the first and second bib sections.
Once the user stops pulling the bib, the roller may be operable to
inhibit or at least reduce the potential for is relative movement
of the bib out of the receiving space owing to the retention force
generated by the roller against one of the first and second bib
sections. Fine adjustments and unloading of the bib may be made in
a similar way. In other arrangements, the roller or facilitation
member may be associated with a portion of one of the bib and strap
sections and may be operable to urge a portion of a bib or strap
against a portion of the other of the bib strap sections.
[0016] At least a portion of the bib section and/or strap section
may include a handle and/or finger grip to aid in the separation of
the first and second bib sections and/or first and second strap
sections. For instance, the handle may facilitate separation of the
first and second bib sections and/or first and second strap
sections against a biasing force generated by a spring, magnetic
arrangement, or the like, and including any combination
thereof.
[0017] The bib and strap sections may be rotatably interconnected
to each other by way of any appropriate pivot assembly. The pivot
assembly may allow the bib and strap sections to at least rotate or
move about a first axis extending through a portion of the bib and
strap section. In some instances, the pivot assembly may allow the
bib section to be freely rotated relative to the strap section to
one of an infinite number of rotational positions between the bib
and strap sections. In other instances, the clip may include at
least one pivot pin interconnecting the strap and bib sections that
allows at least one of the bib and strap sections to be rotated
relative to the other of the bib and straps sections between a
plurality of predetermined positions. For instance, the clip may
further include a plurality of retention positions for the strap
section relative to the bib section. In this case, each of the
retention positions may provide a greater resistance to relative
rotational motion between the strap and bib sections than a
separate transition position extending between each adjacent pair
of retention positions. In one embodiment, the pivot assembly may
include at least one protrusion (e.g., ball-shaped protrusion) on
one of the strap and bib sections that may be repeatedly movable
into and out of one of series of apertures, the apertures being
situated in the shape of a circle. In another variation, the strap
section may be repeatedly mountable on and removable from the bib
section. For instance, the strap and bib sections may be
interconnected via a magnetic coupling. As an example, a portion of
the strap section may include a first connection member which may
be in the form of a magnetic member (e.g., a ferromagnet or a
magnet), while a portion of the bib section may include a second
connection member which may be in the form of another magnetic
member (e.g., a ferromagnet or a magnet). The magnetic members may
be engaged to removably secure the strap section to the bib
section. In this regard, a user may choose to removably secure the
strap section to an object (e.g., strap) and then removably secure
the bib section to another object (e.g., bib), the two objects
initially being located in different locations. Thereafter, the
user may appropriately connect the bib and strap sections utilizing
the above-discussed magnetic members. Other types of connection
members may be used (e.g., mechanical devices). In any case, the
bib and strap sections still remain rotatable relative to each
other.
[0018] In another arrangement, the clip may include a third section
in addition to the bib and strap sections that may also serve to
releasably engage any appropriate object. The third section may be
rotatably interconnected to the bib and strap sections by way of
the same pivot assembly so as to rotate about the first axis. In
other embodiments, the third section may be interconnected to the
clip by another pivot assembly that allows the third section to
rotate about the first axis or about a second axis different than
the first axis (e.g., the second axis is perpendicular or otherwise
at an angle to the first axis). Moreover, the third section may be
appropriately repeatedly mountable on and removable from the bib
and/or strap sections. Additional sections may be incorporated into
or onto the clip.
[0019] A second aspect of the present invention is embodied by a
restraint system that includes a strap engageable with a seat
occupant, and the previously described clip comprising rotatably
interconnected strap and bib sections. In this aspect, the clip is
mounted on the strap.
[0020] A number of feature refinements and additional features are
applicable to the second aspect of the present invention. These
feature refinements and additional features may be used
individually or in any combination. The following discussion is
applicable to the second aspect, up to the start of the discussion
of a third aspect of the present invention.
[0021] In an embodiment, the strap may be appropriately
incorporated as part of a restraint device (e.g., three point
restraint device) in any type of vehicle (e.g., motor vehicle,
plane, train) or as part of an infant seat or the like. In one
arrangement, the strap may be in the form of a belt (e.g., shoulder
harness) that may be operable to extend across the chest of a seat
occupant. In other embodiments, the strap may be in the form of a
lap belt. Other appropriate types of belts may be incorporated as
part of the restraint system.
[0022] In another embodiment, the restraint system may have a bib
situated in or otherwise detachably held by the clip. Such a bib
may be in the form of any appropriate garment or body-protecting
device. For instance, the bib may be in the form of a traditional
cloth or paper napkin used for preventing or reducing the potential
of spilled food and drinks from moving or transferring from one
side of the bib to the other side of the bib (e.g., from the front
side of the bib to the back side of the bib, which may be disposed
adjacent to the user's body). The bib may also be in the form of a
dual-layered bib having at least one liquid absorbent layer and at
least one liquid repellant layer. Such an absorbent layer may face
away from the body of the user so as to catch and absorb spilled
drink and food, while the liquid repellant layer may face towards
the user's body to prevent such spilled liquids and foods from
contacting the clothes or body portions of the user.
[0023] In one embodiment, the bib may include first and second
portions that may be of varying dimensions and shapes. For
instance, the bib may include an upper portion (e.g., a first bib
section) and a second bib portion (e.g., a second bib section). The
first bib section may by engaged by the clip and have a tapering
width. The second bib section may extend from the first bib section
and have a width greater than an entirety of the first bib section.
As an example, a width of the bib may increase along the first bib
section while progressing away from the clip, and thereafter may
remain constant along the second bib section. The tapered width of
the first bib section may allow vehicle passengers and other users
of the bib more freedom in the use of their arms than a bib having
a constant width along the entire length of such bib. In other
arrangements, the bib may include a third bib section with
dimensions different than those of the first and/or second bib
sections. For instance, the third bib section may extend from the
second bib section and have a width greater than the width of the
first and/or second bib sections. As an example, a width of the bib
may increase along the third bib section while progressing away
from the second bib section. In this regard, the third bib section
may be draped over the surface of the leg(s), seat cushions and/or
other vehicle equipment to prevent or reduce the potential of
spilled food and drinks from staining or otherwise marring or
damaging such surfaces.
[0024] A third aspect of the present invention is embodied by a
method of removably securing a bib to a restraint system (e.g., in
a vehicle). The method initially includes opening a strap section
of a clip. For example, the strap section includes first and second
strap sections that may be appropriately separated. Thereafter,
such first and second strap sections may be sandwiched against or
otherwise compressed on a strap of the restraint system, and then
the strap section may be closed. If not so oriented, a bib section
of the clip may be rotated so as to be in a substantially vertical
orientation (e.g., a receiving space within the bib section may
open downwardly). In other arrangements, the bib section may either
be left in whatever orientation it was in after the strap was
compressed by the strap section, or may even be rotated to a
non-vertical orientation to provide a desired positioning of the
bib section. In any case, a bib may be secured to the bib
section.
[0025] Other methods of removably securing a bib to a restraint
system are envisioned. For instance, a bib section of a clip may be
appropriately removably secured to a bib and a strap section of the
clip may be removably secured to a strap of the restraint system,
irrespective of the order in which such bib and strap sections are
respectively removably attached to the bib and strap. Thereafter
and assuming the bib and strap sections are separated, the bib
section may be removably attached to the strap section. The bib
section may thereafter be appropriately moved (e.g., rotated) to
position the bib in a desired orientation relative to a body and/or
clothing portion of a passenger.
[0026] A number of feature refinements and additional features are
separately applicable to each of above-noted first, second and
third aspects of the present invention as well. These feature
refinements and additional features may be used individually or in
any combination in relation to each of the first and second
aspects. Initially, any feature that is intended to be limited to a
"singular" context or the like will be clearly set forth herein by
terms such as "only," "single," "limited to," or the like. Merely
introducing a feature in accordance with commonly accepted
antecedent basis practice does not limit the corresponding feature
to the singular (e.g., indicating that a clip includes "a spring"
alone does not mean that the clip includes only a single spring).
Finally, use of the phrase "at least generally" or the like in
relation to a particular feature encompasses the corresponding
characteristic and insubstantial variations thereof (e.g.,
indicating that a part is at least generally cylindrical or the
like encompasses the part actually being cylindrical).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
restraint system including a strap, a bib, and a clip.
[0028] FIG. 2 is another more detailed perspective view of the clip
used by the restraint system of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the clip of FIG.
2.
[0030] FIG. 4a is a side view of the clip of FIG. 2, showing a
first clip section in a bib and/or strap retaining position.
[0031] FIG. 4b is another side view of the clip of FIG. 2, showing
the first clip section in a bib and/or strap installation
position.
[0032] FIG. 5a is a bottom view of the clip of FIG. 2, showing a
second clip section in a bib and/or strap retaining position.
[0033] FIG. 5b is another bottom view of the clip of FIG. 2,
showing the second clip section in a bib and/or strap installation
position.
[0034] FIG. 6a is a top view of the clip of FIG. 2, showing the
first clip section in a first orientation relative to the second
clip section.
[0035] FIG. 6b is another top view of the clip of FIG. 2, showing
the first clip section in a second orientation relative to the
second clip section, and after the clip sections having been
rotated or pivoted relative to each other.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a top view of the clip of FIG. 2, illustrating an
access hole.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a top view of the clip of FIG. 2 being mounted
onto a restraint, such as the strap of the restraint system of FIG.
1.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
clip that may be used with a restraint system.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the clip of FIG.
9.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
clip that may be used with a restraint system.
[0041] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the clip of FIG.
11.
[0042] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the clip of FIG. 11.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of
clip that may be used with a restraint system.
[0044] FIG. 15 is another top perspective view of the clip of FIG.
14.
[0045] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the clip in FIG.
14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] A perspective view of one embodiment a restraint system 10
is illustrated in FIG. 1. This restraint system 10 may be utilized
by a user U (e.g., a seat occupant) to position a bib 14 or other
appropriate garment protecting device across a portion of the
user's chest, upper torso, and/or other appropriate body
portion(s). In this regard, the restraint system 10 may be used
with the bib 14 to prevent or otherwise inhibit food, beverages or
other substances from contacting the user's clothing and garments.
The restraint system 10 broadly includes a strap 18 and a clip 22.
As will be more fully described below, the clip 22 may serve to
releasably mount or attach the bib 14 to the strap 18 to position
the bib 14 over a user's chest or other appropriate body portion
(e.g., legs), and when not in use, the clip 22 may be stored in any
appropriate location (e.g., on a user's belt; on the strap 18; in a
glove compartment). The clip 22 may also be slid along the strap 18
as desired/required.
[0047] The strap 18 may be in the form of a shoulder harness or
belt that may be used as part of a three-point restraint device in
a vehicle. For instance, the strap 18 may be connected at one end
19 to any appropriate retraction mechanism (e.g., spool and rewind
spring assembly, not shown) and at another end 20 to a buckle
arrangement 21 (e.g., buckle and tongue assembly). The strap 18 may
also be in the form of other types of belts and restraints (e.g.,
lap belt). The clip 22 may be used with any appropriate restraint,
such as in conjunction with an infant harness for a car seat. The
clip 22 may also be used to attach to clothing.
[0048] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the bib 14 of the
restraint system 10 may include an upper (e.g., first) portion or
section 26 and a lower (e.g., second) portion or section 30. As
illustrated, the upper portion 26 may be tapered as it extends away
from the lower portion 30. Stated otherwise, as the bib 14 hangs or
otherwise extends from the clip 22 while the bib 14 and clip 22 are
in use (e.g., the upper portion 26 is engaged with the clip 22), a
width of the upper portion 26 may gradually increase along its
length from the clip 22 to the lower portion 30 (e.g., as one
progresses away from the clip 22). Moreover, a width of the lower
portion 30 may be at least generally constant over an entire length
of the lower portion 30, although such may not be required in all
instances. As such, numerous advantages may result. The tapering
design of the upper portion 26 may allow the user U increased
freedom in the use of his or her arms while driving or else at
least being a passenger or seat occupant in a vehicle. More
specifically, as the user U lifts or otherwise manipulates his or
her arms while utilizing the restraint system 10, the bib 14 may
not impede such motion of the arms and/or arm movement should not
appreciably move the bib 14. Additionally, the generally constant
width of the lower portion 30 may serve to increase the coverage
area of the bib 14 over the torso portion of the user U, and may
lead to greater protection of the user U from spilled food,
beverages, makeup, and the like. Although the edges of the upper
portion 26 that defined its tapered configuration are linear in the
illustrated embodiment, such edges may be of any appropriate shape
(e.g., curved). Other shapes and dimensions of the bib 14 are also
contemplated.
[0049] The bib 14 may be made of any appropriate material (e.g.,
pliable) and may include at least some liquid repellency
properties. For instance, the bib 14 may include a lower layer (not
shown) of a water repellent type material such as nylon sheath,
plastic sheath, combinations thereof, and the like. Such a layer
may generally face towards the user U and may serve to prevent
liquids and other moist food and objects from contacting a portion
of the user U, or at least reduce the likelihood of such events
from occurring. An upper layer (not shown) may be disposed or
attached over the lower layer (the upper layer being able to face
away from the user U in use), and may serve to absorb or otherwise
receive liquids, food particles and the like, may serve to prevent
or inhibit such liquids and food particles from spilling onto other
portions of the user U not covered by the bib 14, or both. For
instance, the upper layer may include at least one of cotton, open
cell foam, towel-type materials, and the like, and may be
appropriately attached to the lower layer such as by gluing,
stitching, and the like. In other embodiments, the bib 14 may be in
the form of a napkin (e.g., paper and/or cloth) or other
appropriate garment and/or body protecting devices. The bib 14 may
be a reusable (e.g., washable) or disposable item.
[0050] With continued reference to FIG. 1, along with FIGS. 2-8,
the clip 22 of the restraint system 10 is illustrated and may be
broadly construed as having a first clip section 34, a second clip
section 38, and a pivot assembly 42 that may be operable to
rotatably interconnect the first and second clip sections 34, 38.
The first and second clip sections 34, 38 being rotatably
interconnected does not require a full 360.degree. of relative
motion between these parts, although such may be utilized. As shown
in FIG. 1, the first clip section 34 may be detachably or
releasably attached to the bib 14 and may be in the form of a "bib
section," while the second clip section 38 may be detachably or
releasably attached to the strap 18 and may be in the form of a
"strap section". In a more typical arrangement, however, the first
clip section 34 may be detachably or releasably attached to the
strap 18 and thus may be in the form of a "strap section," while
the second strap section 38 may be detachably or releasably
attached to the bib 14 and thus may be in the form of a "bib
section". In either arrangement, the clip 22 may broadly serve to
repeatedly detachably or releasably attach the bib 14 to the strap
18. Moreover, either or both the bib 14 or the strap 18 may be
repeatedly mountable on and/or removable from either the first
and/or section clip section 34, 38.
[0051] The first clip section 34 may include first and second clamp
portions 46, 50 that may be movable relative to each other with a
receiving space 54 formed between the first and second clamp
portions 46, 50 for accepting the strap 18, bib 14, etc. As shown,
the first clip section 34 may be in the form of a one-piece "money
clip". A biasing section 58 (e.g., spring; living hinge)
interconnects the first and second clamp portions 46, 50 and may
serve to provide a bias or compressive force between the first and
second clamp portions 46, 50 so as to bias the first and second
clamp portions 46, 50 to a strap and/or bib retaining position as
illustrated in FIG. 4a (not all features of the clip 22 being
illustrated in FIG. 4a for clarity). Stated otherwise, the biasing
section 58 may tend to urge the first and second clamp portions 46,
50 back toward a static position when deflected from the static
position. As such, at least a portion of the biasing section 58 may
engage in elastic deformation. Thus and as will be later described,
when a user applies an appropriate force to separate the first and
second clamp portions 46, 50 into a strap and/or bib loading
position as shown in FIG. 4b (not all features of the clip 22 being
illustrated in FIG. 4b for clarity), the user may insert an object
(e.g., strap 18, bib 14) into the receiving space 54. In this
regard, the first and second clamp portions 46, 50 may accommodate
installation of the strap 18 and/or bib 14. Thereafter, the biasing
section 58 may be operable to compress the first and second clamp
portions 46, 50 towards each other to releasably or detachably
attach the object to the first strap section 34 when the user
releases the above-mentioned applied force. Although the first
clamp portion 46, second clamp portion 50, and biasing section 58
have been described as separate parts, they may be associated with
a common structure. For instance, the first clamp portion 46,
second clamp portion 50 and biasing section may be appropriately
formed as a one-piece structure.
[0052] The first clamp portion 46 of the first clip section 34 may
be in the form of an elongated member having first and second strap
interface sections 59, 62 that may be spaced from each other, and
may include a finger catch 66 that may be appropriately lifted or
otherwise manipulated by a user to separate the first clamp portion
46 from the second clamp portion 50 against the compressive force
of the biasing section 58. The first and second strap interface
sections 59, 62 may be operable to contact the object (e.g., strap
18) situated within the receiving space 54. In this regard, the
first and second strap interface sections 59, 62 may be operable to
exert a greater force on the strap 18 than a portion (not labeled)
of the first clip section 34 that extends and/or is positioned
between the first and second strap interface sections 59, 62. In
use and after the first and second clamp portions 46, 50 have been
separated to the loading position illustrated in FIG. 4b, a user
may insert the strap 18 into the receiving space 54 until the strap
18 contacts or is substantially adjacent the biasing section 58 (or
otherwise into a suitable position within the receiving space 54).
Once the first and second clamp portions 46, 50 are allowed to
return to an original position as illustrated in FIG. 4a (e.g., via
the action of the biasing section 58), the first strap interface
section 59 may be operable to urge the strap 18 against the second
clamp portion 50 and thus restrict or otherwise reduce relative
movement of the strap 18 with respect to the first clip section
34.
[0053] Moreover, the second strap interface section 62 may serve a
number of functions. If a portion of the strap 18 is situated
between the second strap interface section 62 and the second clamp
portion 50 after the strap 18 has been inserted into the receiving
space 54, the second strap interface section 62 may be operable to
urge the strap 18 against the second clamp portion 50 and thus
restrict or otherwise reduce relative movement of the strap 18 with
respect to the first clip section 34. Additionally, if the entire
width of the strap 18 is situated between the biasing section 58
and the second strap interface section 62 (e.g., the strap 18 is
not situated between the second strap interface section and the
second clamp portion 50) after the strap 18 has been inserted into
the receiving space 54, the second strap interface section 62 may
be operable to maintain contact with the second clamp portion 50
and thus function to serve as a stop to prevent (or at least reduce
the potential of) the strap 18 from exiting the receiving space 54
in a direction from the biasing section 58 to the second strap
interface section 62. It will be appreciated that the first and/or
section strap interface sections 59, 62 may be designed to exert
any desired level of gripping pressure against a strap 18 or other
object disposed within the receiving space 54, and may take various
shapes, dimensions and forms. For instance, the first and/or second
strap interface sections may be in the form of one or more
protrusions, teeth, spring-loaded ball bearings, or the like.
Additional strap interface sections may be incorporated with the
clip 22.
[0054] The second clamp portion 50 of the first clip section 34 may
be in the form of an elongated member having a receiving surface 70
for receiving or accepting an object. The receiving surface 70 may
be substantially planar to inhibit or otherwise reduce marring or
degradation of a strap 18 and/or bib 14 received thereon. Moreover,
the receiving surface 70 may include at least one pivot aperture 74
extending therethrough and a pair of adjustment protrusions 75
(more or fewer than a pair may be provided) on an underside thereof
that will be more fully described below. The first clip section 34
may be constructed of any appropriate material such as metals
(e.g., stainless steel), plastics, and the like. While the first
and second clamp portions 46, 50 have been described as being
biased together by way of a biasing section 58 which may be in the
form of a spring, other arrangements are envisioned. For instance,
each of the first and second clamp portions 46, 50 may additionally
or alternatively include magnetic members (e.g., magnets, metals)
that may be operable to pull the first and second portions 46, 50
towards each other or otherwise force or urge the first clamp
portion 46 against the second clamp portion 50. Other embodiments
envision that the first clip section 34 may include any other
structure or design operable to releasably hold or mount a bib 14,
strap 18, or the like thereto.
[0055] The second clip section 38 may include first and second
portions 78, 82 that may be appropriately connected to each other
such as by adhesives, stitching, and/or the like. The first portion
78 may include first and second members or layers 90, 94, each of
which may be in the form of a generally planar member that may be
attached to each other such as by stitches 98 or in any other
appropriate manner. In one embodiment, a stiffening element (e.g.,
cardboard, not shown) may be disposed between the first and second
members 90, 94, and each of the first and second members 90, 94 may
be made of plastic or vinyl for instance (or any other appropriate
material). In any case, a receiving area (not shown) may be formed
between the first and second members 90, 94 for accepting a portion
of a pivot pin 146 as will be described below.
[0056] The second portion 82 may include first and second clamp
members 102, 106 that may be pivoted or moved relative to each
other, and a receiving space 110 that may formed between the first
and second clamp members 102, 106 for accepting an object (e.g.,
bib 14, strap 18) upon separation of the first and second clamp
members 102, 106 as will be described below. In this regard, moving
the first and second members 102, 106 may accommodate installation
of the bib 14 or strap 18 within the second clip section 38.
Although the second clip section 38 has been described above as
including the first portion 78 with the receiving area for
accepting a portion of a pivot assembly 42, the second clip section
38 in other embodiments may not include a first portion 78. For
instance, the second clip section 38 may only include a second
portion 82 that may serve to accommodate installation of the bib 14
and/or strap 18 within the second clip section 38 and thus the clip
22. In this regard, a portion of the pivot assembly 42 (e.g., pivot
pin 146) may be embedded within the first clamp member 102. Further
embodiments envision that a portion of the pivot assembly 42 may be
embedded or otherwise received within other portions of the second
clip section 38 in any appropriate manner.
[0057] The first clamp member 102 may be in the form of any
appropriate device. For instance, the first clamp member 102 may
include a first layer 114 and a second layer 118 that may be
appropriately attached (e.g., non-movably) to each other (e.g., by
stitching, bonding) and may form a receiving area (not shown)
therebetween for receiving or otherwise holding a magnetic member
(not shown), the purpose of which will be described below. The
first layer 114 may be constructed of any appropriate material, and
in one embodiment may be in the form of a pliable planar base layer
(e.g., plastic leather, vinyl) bonded over a web of any type of
foam material. The first layer 114 may be appropriately attached or
bonded (e.g., by adhesive) to the second member 94 of the first
portion 78, or may even accept a portion of the pivot assembly 42
to pivotally connect the second clip section 38 to the first clip
section 34. The second layer 118 may also be constructed of any
appropriate material, and may be in the form of a pliable planar
base layer (e.g., vinyl, plastic leather) with hook members 122
(loop members may also be used) disposed on one surface of the base
layer and a foam material disposed on another surface of the base
layer. In other embodiments, the first clamp member 102 may be
constructed of only a single layer or member which may include hook
and/or loop members on a surface thereof. In such an embodiment, a
portion of the pivot assembly 42 (e.g., pivot pin 146) could be
embedded within such a single layer. Such a single layer could
itself be manufactured of a magnetic member (e.g., magnet).
[0058] The second clamp member 106 may also be in the form of any
appropriate device. For instance, the second clamp member 106 may
include a first layer 126 and a second layer 130 that may be
appropriately attached (e.g., non-movably) to each other (e.g., by
stitching, bonding) and may form a receiving area (not shown)
therebetween for receiving or otherwise holding a magnetic member
(not shown) that may be operable to appropriately interact with the
magnetic member of the first clamp member 102. The first layer 126
may be constructed of any appropriate material, and in one
embodiment may be in the form of a pliable planar base layer (e.g.,
plastic, leather, vinyl) bonded over a web of any type of foam
material. The second layer 130 may also be constructed of any
appropriate material and may be in the form of a pliable planar
base layer (e.g., plastic leather, vinyl) with hook members 134
(loop members may be also be used) disposed on one surface of the
base layer (operable to engage with the hook members 122 of the
first member 102) and a foam material disposed on another surface
of the base layer.
[0059] In some embodiments, at least one of the first and/or second
clamp members 102, 106 may be constructed of only a single layer or
member that may include hook and/or loop members on a surface
thereof. Such a single layer could additionally or alternatively be
manufactured of a magnetic member (e.g., magnet). In the situation
where the first clamp member 102 is constructed of a single layer
or member, a portion of the pivot assembly 42 (e.g., pivot pin 146)
could be embedded within such a single layer. Additional or fewer
layers and/or features may be incorporated with the first and/or
second clamp members 102, 106.
[0060] The first and second clamp members 102, 106 may be
appropriately connected by any device or connection that allows the
first and second clamp members 102, 106 to pivot or move (e.g.,
flex) with respect to one another and thus form receiving space 110
therebetween for accepting an object (e.g., bib 14). For instance,
at least a portion of the first and second clamp members 102, 106
may be appropriately attached at a first end 138 of the second
strap section 38 such as by adhesives, stitching and the like.
Moreover, the first and second clamp members 102, 106 may be biased
to a strap and/or bib retaining position as illustrated in FIG. 5a
(not all features of the clip 22 being illustrated in FIG. 5a for
clarity) by way of a biasing force. For instance, the biasing force
may be created and/or applied owing to the interaction of the
magnetic members of the first and second clamp members 102, 106,
and the interaction of the hook members 122, 134. For instance,
first clamp member 102 may include any appropriate magnet (e.g.,
flexible, ceramic, ferrite) located within its above-described
receiving area, and the second clamp member 106 may have any
appropriate ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron, nickel) located
within its above-described receiving area. As previously described,
at least one of the first and/or second clamp members 102, 106 may
include a member or layer that is constructed of a magnetic member.
As such, the first and/or second clamp member 102, 106 may or may
not include a receiving space situated therein.
[0061] In use, a user may appropriately grasp one of the first and
second clamp members 102, 106 and pull or push the other of the
first and second clamp members 102, 106 against the interaction of
the magnet members and the hook members 122, 134 to separate the
first and second clamp members 102, 106 into a loading position and
accordingly expose receiving space 110 as illustrated in FIG. 5b
(not all features of the clip 22 being illustrated in FIG. 5b for
clarity). Thereafter, the user may insert any appropriate object
(e.g., bib 14) into the receiving space 110, preferably until such
object abuts or is substantially adjacent to the first end 138 of
the second strap section 38. The user may then either release the
first and second clamp members 102, 106 or else urge one of the
first and second clamp members 102, 106 towards the other of the
first and second clamp members 102, 106 to allow the magnetic
members to be attracted to each other and exert the biasing force
against the bib 14. Additionally, the magnetic attraction of the
magnetic members may also be operable to urge the hook members 122,
134 into gripping contact with the bib 14. At this point, the bib
14 may be considered to be releasably or detachably attached or
mounted to the second clip section 38, and thus the clip 22. The
biasing force may also be created or applied by other arrangements.
For instance, a mechanical device such as a spring may be
incorporated with the second clip section 38 that would tend to
create or provide a biasing force tending to urge the first and
second clamp members 102, 106 together.
[0062] The second clip section 38 thereby may be characterized as
including first and second clamp members 102, 106 that are movable
between an open or "loading" position, and a closed or retaining
position, and furthermore that are magnetically attracted to each
other at least in the closed position (e.g., to retain a strap 18
or bib 14 between the clamp members 102, 106 by the retention or
clamping force provided by their magnetic attraction). At least one
of the first and second clamp members 102, 106 may incorporate one
or more magnets in any appropriate manner to provide the noted
magnetic interaction between the first and second clamp members
102, 106. Although a hook and loop fastening arrangement could be
used on the interfacing surfaces of the clamp members 102, 106,
such is not required in all instances. The above-described first
clip section 34 of the clip 22 could also be in the form of the
first clamp member 102 and the second clamp member 106 (e.g., the
clip 22 could be in the form of a pair of clip sections that are
rotatably interconnected, with each clip section including a pair
of members that may be moved between open and closed positions, and
that are magnetically attracted to each other at least in the
closed position).
[0063] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, 6a and 6b, and with particular
reference to FIG. 3, the clip 22 additionally may include a pivot
assembly 42 that may be operable to rotatably interconnect the
first and second clip sections 34, 38 such that the first and
second clip sections 34, 38 may be operable to swivel about a first
axis 142. Any appropriate arrangement may be utilized for the pivot
assembly 42. In this regard, the pivot assembly 42 may be operable
to allow one of the first and second clip sections 34, 38 to be
rotated relative to the other of the first and second clip sections
34, 38 between a plurality of predetermined positions. As an
example, the pivot assembly 42 may broadly include a pivot pin 146,
a covering member 150, an adjustment plate 154, and a washer 158.
As will be described below, the pair of adjustment protrusions 75
situated on the underside of the second portion 50 of the first
clip section 34 may be operable to be seated in respective pairs of
a plurality of adjustment apertures 162 situated through the
adjustment plate 154 to define the plurality of predetermined
positions. It is envisioned that the plurality of adjustment
apertures 162 may take other forms such as depressions, slots,
and/or the like.
[0064] The adjustment plate 154 may be in the form of a generally
circular or oval-shaped plate of any appropriate material (e.g.
metallic, plastic) with top and bottom surfaces 155, 156. A central
bore 166 may extend through the middle of the adjustment plate 154
and may be surrounded by the plurality of adjustment apertures 162.
An outer surface 157 may be situated on the top surface 155 outside
of the adjustment apertures 162. The adjustment plate 154 may be
mounted on top of the first member 90 such that the central bore
166 is aligned over a corresponding pivot bore 170 that extends
through the first member 90 and into the receiving area between the
first and second members 90, 94. The adjustment plate 154 may be
operable to be appropriately non-rotatably mounted to a top portion
(not labeled) of the first member 90. In other words, the
adjustment plate 154 may be mounted so that it cannot rotate
relative to the second clip section 38 as will be shown below.
[0065] The covering member 150 may be a generally pliable planar
member (e.g., plastic, vinyl) of any appropriate shape having top
and bottom surfaces 151, 152 with a central bore 174 extending
therethrough. After the adjustment plate 154 has been disposed over
the top of the first member 90, the covering member 150 may be
placed over the adjustment plate 154 such that: a) the central bore
174 of the covering member 150 is aligned over both the central
bore 166 and adjustment apertures 162 of the adjustment plate 154;
and b) a portion of the bottom surface 152 of the covering member
150 is in contact with a portion of the outer surface 157 of the
adjustment plate 154. Thereafter, the covering member 150 may be
appropriately attached to the top surface of the first member 90
such as by stitching 178 (see FIG. 2) or in any other appropriate
manner (e.g., adhesives, staples). Because a bottom surface 152 of
the covering member 150 is in contact with the outer surface 157 of
the adjustment plate 154, the adjustment plate 154 may be inhibited
from rotating relative to the second clip section 38. In other
embodiments, a portion of the bottom surface 156 of the adjustment
plate 154 may be appropriately non-rotatably attached to the first
member 90, such as by adhesives, welding, etc. In further
embodiments, a depression (not shown) may be formed in a top
surface of the first member 90 that corresponds in shape to the
adjustment plate 154. The adjustment plate 154 may then be situated
within the depression and covered by covering member 150 to prevent
the adjustment plate 154 from rotating relative to the second clip
section 38. Other arrangements are envisioned to maintain the
adjustment plate 154 in a fixed position relative to the first
member 90.
[0066] The pivot pin 146 may include a head 182 with a shaft 186
extending from the head 182. The diameter of the shaft 186 may be
slightly smaller than that of the pivot aperture 74 and central
bore 166. Thus, in assembly the shaft 186 may be inserted: a) into
the pivot aperture 74 from a top side to the underside of the
second portion 50 of the first clip section 34; and then b) through
the central bore 174 of the covering member 150, central bore 166
of the adjustment plate 154, pivot bore 170 in the first member 90,
and into the receiving area between the first and second members
90, 94 of the first portion 78 of the second clip section 38. It is
noted that the first and second members 90, 94 may in some
embodiments not be fully stitched or otherwise appropriately
attached to each other until after the pivot assembly 42 has been
fully assembled so as to provide access to the receiving area.
[0067] Once a portion of the shaft 186 of the pivot pin 146 has
been inserted into the receiving area between the first and second
members 90, 94 of the second clip section 38 as previously
described, the washer 158 may be appropriately slid onto or over
the end of the shaft 186 within the receiving area (e.g., from
underneath the first member 90). At this point, a user or assembler
may appropriately pull on the end of the shaft 186 in a direction
from a top portion of the first member 90 towards the receiving
area which will correspondingly clamp or sandwich the section
portion 50 of the first clip section 34, the covering member 150
and the adjustment plate 154 between the head 182 of the pivot pin
146 and the first member 90 of the second slip section 38.
Thereafter, the user or assembler may appropriately manipulate the
end of the shaft 186 to prevent the shaft 186 from sliding within
the pivot bore 170, central bore 166, central bore 174 and pivot
aperture 74 in a direction from the receiving area towards the
first clip section 34. For instance, a portion of the end of the
shaft 186 may be appropriately formed so as to have an expanded
portion 190 having a diameter or width dimension that is at least
somewhat larger than the diameter of the pivot bore 170. In some
embodiments, a portion of the end of the shaft 186 may be
appropriately stamped, pressed or otherwise manipulated to form of
a series of flared portions as illustrated in FIG. 3. In other
embodiments, the expanded portion 190 illustrated in FIG. 3 may not
be formed until after the shaft 186 has been inserted into the
receiving area between the first and second members 90, 94. In even
further embodiments, the expanded portion 190 may be formed before
the shaft 186 is inserted into the receiving area so long as the
expanded portion 190 may be urged through the pivot bore 170.
[0068] In other embodiments, a portion of the end of the shaft 186
received within receiving area may be threaded (not shown), and a
nut (not shown) may be threaded onto the end of the shaft 186
within the receiving area to sandwich the section portion 50 of the
first clip section 34, the covering member 150 and the adjustment
plate 154 between the head 182 of the pivot pin 146 and the first
member 90 of the second clip section 38. In such an arrangement,
the head 182 of the pivot pin 146 may have appropriately formed
slots or depressions for any type of tool (e.g., flathead
screwdriver, Philips screwdriver) that would allow the pivot pin
146, and thus the entire pivot assembly 42, to be loosened or
tightened by such tool. With reference to FIG. 7 (not all features
of the clip 22 being illustrated in FIG. 7 for clarity), an access
aperture 194 may be formed through the first portion 46 of the
first clip section 34 that may be aligned over the pivot aperture
74 to allow a user to access the head 182 of the pivot pin 46 with
a tool through such access aperture 194.
[0069] In some arrangements, the adjustment plate 154 and covering
member 150 may be appropriately disposed over and attached to a
portion of the first clamp member 102 instead of over a top surface
of the first member 90 of the first portion 78. In such an
arrangement, the first portion 78 may not even be provided, and the
pivot pin 146 may appropriately extend through the adjustment plate
154 and covering member 150 and be attached to or embedded within
the first clamp member 102 using one of the above-described
arrangements or other arrangements. Regardless of how the pivot
assembly 42 is attached to the various portions of the clip 22, the
pivot assembly allows the first and second clip portions 34, 38 to
pivot relative to each other.
[0070] After the pivot assembly 42 has been appropriately assembled
and the first and second members 90, 94 of the second clip section
38 have been appropriately attached or connected to each other as
described above, the adjustment protrusions 75 will either be
engaged with the top surface 155 of the adjustment plate 154 or
else be disposed or located within a corresponding pair of opposed
adjustment apertures of the plurality of adjustment apertures 162.
Disposition of the pair of adjustment protrusions 75 within a
corresponding pair of opposed adjustment apertures of the plurality
of adjustment apertures 162 may define a number of retention
positions that may be occupied by one of the first and second clip
sections 34, 38 relative to the other of the first and second clip
sections 34, 38. Additionally, disposition of the pair of
adjustment protrusions 75 on top of opposed portions (not labeled)
of the adjustment plate extending between the adjustment apertures
162 may define a number of separate transition positions that may
be occupied by one of the first and second clip sections 34, 38
relative to the other of the first and second clip sections 34, 38.
As such, each of the retention positions provides a greater
resistance to relative rotational motion between the first and
second clip sections 34, 38 than each of the separate transition
positions. Stated otherwise, disposition of the pair of adjustment
protrusions 75 within the plurality of adjustment apertures 162
provides a greater resistance to relative rotational motion than
when the pair of adjustment protrusions 75 is not situated or
located within the plurality of adjustment apertures 162.
[0071] Based upon the foregoing, as a user rotates one of the first
and second clip sections 34, 38 relative to the other of the first
and second clip sections 34, 38, one of the first and second clip
sections 34, 38 may be disposed in a number of discrete retention
positions (e.g., eight) relative to the other of the first and
second clip sections 34, 38 as the pair of adjustment protrusions
75 moves between respective pairs of adjustment apertures of the
plurality of adjustment aperture 162. For example, the first clip
section 34 may be rotated from a first retention position as is
illustrated in FIG. 6a (not all features of the clip 22 being
illustrated in FIG. 6a for clarity) to a second retention position
relative to the second clip section 38 as is illustrated in FIG. 6b
(not all features of the clip 22 being illustrated in FIG. 6b for
clarity).
[0072] At least some portion of the clip 22 may be resilient to
allow the pair of adjustment protrusions 75 to exit a corresponding
pair of adjustment apertures 162. For instance, if the first member
90 of the first portion 78 of the second clip section 38 includes a
pliable layer or layer of cardboard, then the adjustment plate 154
may "give" a bit and allow the pair of adjustment protrusions 75 to
exit a corresponding pair of adjustment apertures 162 upon rotation
of one of the first and second clip sections 34, 38 relative to the
other of the first and second clip sections 34, 38. In other
embodiments, each adjustment protrusion of the pair of adjustment
protrusions 75 may include a spring-loaded ball bearing. In further
arrangements, each adjustment protrusion of the pair of adjustment
protrusions 75 may be constructed of a material that is elastically
deformable. Notwithstanding the foregoing description, any
appropriate way of rotatably interconnecting the first and second
clip sections 34, 38 may be utilized. Moreover, any appropriate way
of providing a plurality of predetermined positions of the first
clip section 34 relative to the second clip section 38 may be
utilized.
[0073] With reference to FIGS. 1, 4b, 5b and 8, one method of
detachably mounting a bib 14 to a strap 18 will now be described.
It will be appreciated that other assembly methods may be possible.
Initially, the first and second clamp members 102, 106 of the
second portion 82 of the second clip section 38 may be
appropriately separated against a biasing force that exists between
the first and second clamp members 102, 106 (e.g., the magnetic
attraction of the magnetic members and interaction of the hook
members 122, 134) to the loading position illustrated in FIG. 5b,
and a strap 18 may be inserted into the receiving space 110.
Thereafter, one of the first and second clamp members 102, 106 may
be released or else pushed or pulled towards the other of the first
and second clamp members 102, 106 to sandwich or compress the strap
18 between the first and second clamp members 102, 106 as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8 (not all features of the clip 22 being
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8 for clarity). Thereafter, the first
clip section 34 may be appropriately rotated relative to the second
clip section 38 so as orient the length of the first clip section
34 in a substantially vertical orientation. In other words, the
receiving space 54 may be appropriately oriented in a downward
direction. In other embodiments, the second clip section 38 may be
rotated or otherwise positioned to orientations other than vertical
orientations. In any case, the first and second clamp portions 46,
50 of the first clip section 34 may then be appropriately separated
against the biasing (e.g., spring) force of the biasing section 58
to the loading position illustrated in FIG. 4b, and the upper
portion 26 of the bib 14 may be inserted into the receiving space
54 so as to engage with the first clip section 34. One of the first
and second clamp portions 46, 50 of the first clip section 34 may
be released or else pushed or pulled towards the other of the first
and second clamp portions 46, 50 to sandwich or compress the bib 14
between the first and second clamp members 46, 50 as illustrated in
FIG. 1. As previously described, the strap 18 could instead be
detachably mounted within the first clip section 34 and the bib 14
could be detachably mounted within the second clip section 38.
[0074] FIGS. 9-10 present a variation of the clip 22 of FIGS. 1-8.
Corresponding components between the two embodiments are identified
by a common reference numeral. Those corresponding components that
differ in at least some respect are identified by a "single prime"
designation in FIGS. 9-10. Each of the first clip section 34 and
the second clip section 38' again may be detachably mounted to a
bib 14 or a strap 18. In this embodiment, the second portion 82' of
the second clip section 38' of the clip 22' may include a first
member 102', and this first member 102' may include a member 198
with a receiving surface 202. Further, the second clamp member 106'
may include a trap member 206 having a roller 210 rotatably
disposed thereon (the roller 210 may rotate about a portion of the
trap member 206) that may be operable to compress an object (e.g.,
bib 14, strap 18) against the receiving surface 202 of the member
198. Further advantages of the roller 210 will be described below.
A biasing member 214 (e.g., torsion spring) interconnects the first
and second clamp members 102', 106' and may serve to provide a bias
or compressive force between the first and second clamp members
102', 106' so as to bias the first and second clamp members 102',
106' to a strap and/or bib retaining position as illustrated in
FIGS. 9-10. Stated otherwise, the biasing member 214 may tend to
urge the first and second clamp members 102', 106' back toward a
static position when deflected from the static position.
[0075] The biasing member 214 may include a first leg 224 that may
be attached to the member 198 in any appropriate manner (e.g.,
staples 228), and a second leg 232 that may be appropriately
removably disposed about a portion of the trap member 206.
Moreover, the trap member 206 may include a pivot pin 236 that may
extend through a portion of the biasing member 214 and may be
pivotable relative thereto. As a result, the second leg 232 may
serve to urge the trap member 206 towards the receiving surface 202
even when the first and second clamp members 102', 106' are
separated from each other. A user may also disengage or otherwise
remove the second leg 232 from the trap member 206 in which case
the biasing member 214 may be operable to not exert a biasing force
and urge the trap member 206 against the receiving surface 202.
[0076] In use and when the second leg 232 is appropriately engaged
with the trap member 206, a user or operator may appropriately
grasp one of the first clamp member 102' and second clamp member
106' and pull or push the other of the first clamp member 102' and
second clamp member 106' against the biasing force of the biasing
member 214 to separate the first and second clamp members 102',
106' into a loading position and accordingly expose receiving space
110'. Thereafter, the user may insert any appropriate device (e.g.,
bib 14) into the receiving space, preferably until the bib 14 is
substantially adjacent to the biasing member 214. The user may then
release either of the first and second clamp members 102', 106' to
allow the biasing member 214 exert a compressive force between the
first and second clamp members 102', 106' and allow at least a
portion of the trap member 206 (e.g., roller 210) to urge the bib
14 against the receiving surface 202. At this point, the bib 14 may
be considered to be releasably or detachably attached or mounted to
the second clip section 38' and thus the clip 22'.
[0077] The roller 210 may advantageously facilitate loading,
unloading and/or adjustment of the bib 14 or other device situated
within the receiving area 110' of the second clip section 38'. For
instance, if a user desires to not attempt to separate the first
and second clamp members 102', 106' for loading of a bib 14, the
user may simply insert an edge of the bib 14 into the space between
the roller 210 and the receiving surface 202 of the member 198 and
pull the bib 14 into the receiving space 110' to a desired
location. The roller 210 may facilitate such loading by reducing
friction between the trap member 206 and the bib 14 (e.g., by the
roller 210 rotating as the bib 14 is being inserted between the
first and second clamp members 102', 106'). Once the desired
location is reached, the user may simply stop pulling or otherwise
moving the bib 14 and the roller 210 may serve to urge the bib 14
against the receiving surface 202 and thus detachably connect or
mount the bib 14 to the second clip section 38'. Thereafter, the
user may enact fine adjustments of the bib 14 within the receiving
area 110' by pulling or otherwise moving a portion of the bib 14
without separating the first and second clamp members 102', 106'.
Additionally, a user may unload the bib 14 from the receiving area
110' by pulling the bib 14 out of the receiving area 110' again
without separating the first and second clamp members 102',
106'.
[0078] As previously discussed, the clip 22 may be provided without
a first portion 78. As such, the member 198 of the first clamp
member 102' of the clip 22' may incorporate at least a portion of
the pivot assembly 42. In further embodiments, the trap member 206
of the second clamp member 106' and biasing member 214 may be
appropriately attached or mounted to the first portion 78 of the
second clip section 38'.
[0079] FIGS. 11-13 present another variation of the clip 22 of
FIGS. 1-8. Corresponding components between the two embodiments are
identified by a common reference numeral. Those corresponding
components that differ in at least some respect are identified by a
"double prime" designation in FIGS. 11-13. Each of the first clip
section 34 and the second clip section 38'' again may be detachably
mounted to a bib 14 or a strap 18. In this embodiment, the first
clip section 34 may be rotatably and removably attached to the
second clip section 38''. More specifically, the first portion 78''
of the second clip section 38'' may now be in the form of a
magnetic plate 218 with a receiving aperture 222 leading to a
receiving space 226 therein. The end portion and/or expanded
portion 190 of the shaft 186 of the pivot assembly 42 may be
removably located through the receiving aperture 222 and into the
receiving space 226, and the adjustment plate 154 may be
magnetically attracted to the magnetic plate 218. As a result, the
first clip section 34 may be repeatedly detachably connected to and
removed from the second clip section 38'' by simply inserting the
end portion and/or expanded portion 190 of the shaft 186 into the
receiving space 226 and allowing the adjustment plate 154 to be
magnetically attracted to the magnetic plate 218. Thus, the
adjustment plate 154 may be appropriately made of a ferromagnetic
material or appropriate type of metal.
[0080] Further, in this embodiment the second portion 82'' of the
second clip section 38'' may include a first clamp member 102''
that may include a platform 230 with a receiving surface 234
thereon. The second clamp member 106'' may include an arm 238 that
may be appropriately pivotally connected (e.g., by a ball and
socket arrangement, pivot pin) to the platform 230 and may be
operable to compress an object (e.g., bib 14, strap 18) against the
receiving surface 234. The arm 238 may include interface portions
242 for providing a gripping contact against the bib 14 or strap
18. The interface portions 242 may be operable to contact the bib
14 or strap 18 situated within the receiving space 110'' against
the receiving surface 234. In this regard, the interface sections
242 may be operable to exert a greater force on the bib 14 or strap
18 than a portion (not labeled) of the arm 238 that extends between
the interface sections 242. The arm 238 may also include finger
grips 246 that may facilitate separation of the interface portions
242 from the receiving surface 234.
[0081] A biasing member 250 (e.g., leaf spring) interconnects the
first and second clamp members 102'', 106'' and may serve to
provide a bias or compressive force between the first and second
clamp members 102'', 106'' so as to bias the first and second clamp
members 102'', 106'' to a strap and/or bib retaining position as
illustrated in FIG. 12. Stated otherwise, the biasing member 250
may tend to urge the first and second clamp members 102'', 106''
back toward a static position when deflected from the static
position. A user may load an object (e.g., bib 14, strap 18) into
the receiving space 110'' similar to methods as previously
described.
[0082] In other embodiments, the clip 22'' may be provided without
a first portion 78'' of the second clip section 38'', and at least
a portion of the second portion 82'' (e.g., first clamp member
102'') may be constructed of a magnetic material or otherwise
incorporate a magnetic member to interact with a portion of the
pivot assembly 42 (e.g., adjustment plate 154). In even further
embodiments, other types of devices and arrangements (e.g.
mechanical) may be provided to allow the first and second clip
sections 34'', 38'' to be removably and/or rotatably attached to
each other. For instance, detent/aperture types arrangement may be
provided between the first and second clip sections 34'', 38'' that
would allow the first and second clip sections 34'', 38'' to be
snapped into engagement with each other, and thereafter unsnapped
or otherwise disengaged.
[0083] FIGS. 14-16 present another variation of the clip 22 of
FIGS. 1-8. Corresponding components between the two embodiments are
identified by a common reference numeral. Those corresponding
components that differ in at least some respect are identified by a
"triple prime" designation in FIGS. 14-16. Each of the first clip
section 34''' and the second clip section 38''' again may be
detachably mounted to a bib 14 or a strap 18. In this embodiment,
the first clip section 34''' may include first and second clamp
portions 46''', 50''' that may be movable relative to each other
with a receiving space 54''' formed between the first and second
clamp portions 46''', 50''' for accepting the strap 18, bib 14,
etc. A biasing section 58''' may interconnect the first and second
clamp portions 46''', 50''' and may serve at least two functions:
a) to provide a bias force so as to bias the first and second clamp
portions 46''', 50''' into a strap and/or bib loading position, and
b) to provide a bias or compressive force between the first and
second clamp portions 46''', 50''' so as to bias the first and
second clamp portions 46''', 50''' to a strap and/or bib retaining
position as illustrated in FIG. 14, as will be described below.
[0084] The biasing section 58''' may include any appropriate device
serving to interconnect the first and second clamp portions 46''',
50''' and allow such portions to move relative to each other
between at least loading and retaining positions. Such a device may
also serve to provide a biasing force between the first and second
clamp portions 46''', 50'''. For instance, the biasing section
58''' may include a living hinge 254 movably connecting the first
and second clamp portions 46''', 50''' that may serve to provide a
biasing force that may tend to separate the first and second clamp
portions 46''', 50''' from each other when such portions are not
subject to outside compressive forces. The first and second clamp
portions 46''', 50''' could also be part of a clothes-pin type
structure.
[0085] The biasing section 58''' may also include a clip member
258. The clip member 258 may include a first leg 259 that may be
operable to slide into and out of a depression 255 situated within
a portion of the first clamp portion 46''' of the first clip
section 34''', and a second leg 260 that may be operable to slide
into and out of a depression (not shown) situated between the
second clamp portion 50''' of the first clip section 34''' and
another portion of the first clip section 34''' (e.g., platform
262). The platform 262 may be rigidly or otherwise non-movably
attached to the second portion 50''' of the first clip section
34''' and in this regard may be considered to be part of the first
clip section 34'''.
[0086] Based upon the foregoing, when a user slides the spring
member 258 out of depression 255 and the other depression to the
position illustrated in FIG. 15, the first and second clamp
portions 46''', 50''' may be biased into a strap and/or bib loading
position as shown in FIG. 4b owing in part to the biasing force of
the living hinge 254. A user may further appropriately manipulate
the first and second clamp portions 46''', 50''' by pulling or
pushing such members to increase the size of the receiving space
64. Thereafter, the user may insert an object (e.g., strap 18, bib
14) into the receiving space 64. In this regard, the first and
second clamp portions 46''', 50''' may accommodate installation of
the strap and/or bib. Thereafter, the first and second legs 259,
260 of the spring 258 may be slid back into their respective
depressions (255, the other not being shown) to compress the first
and second clamp portions 46''', 50''' towards each other and
overcome the biasing force of the living hinge 254; the object is
now releasably or detachably attached to the first strap section
34'''. Stated otherwise, the spring 258 may be operable to urge the
first and second clamp portions 46''', 50''' together. At least one
of the first and/or second clamp portions 46''', 50''' may include
at least one tooth 264 or other protrusion for increasing the
gripping ability of the first and/or second portions 46''',
50'''.
[0087] The second clip section 38''' may include first and second
clamp sections 268, 272 that may be pivoted relative to each other
via a pivot pin 276. In this regard, the first and second clamp
sections 268, 272 together may be in the form of a clamping member.
The second clamp section 272 may be in the form of an arm that may
be operable to compress an object (e.g., bib 14, strap 18) against
a portion of the first clamp section 268 and/or a receiving surface
280 of the platform 262. The second clamp section 272 may include
at least one interface portion 284 for providing a gripping contact
against the bib 14 or strap 18. The interface portion 284 may be
operable to urge the bib 14 or strap 18 situated within the
receiving space 110''' against the receiving surface 280. The
second clamp section 272 may also include a finger grip 288 which
may be in the form of a handle that may facilitate separation of
the at least one interface portion 284 from the receiving surface
280. Such finger grip 288 may be used in conjunction with a
corresponding finger grip or handle 289 situated on a portion of
the platform 262.
[0088] A biasing member 292 may be appropriately associated with
the pivot pin 276 and may serve to provide a bias or compressive
force between the first and second clamp sections 268, 272 so as to
bias the first and second clamp sections 268, 272 to a strap and/or
bib retaining position as illustrated in FIG. 16. Stated otherwise,
the biasing member 292 may tend to urge the first and second clamp
sections 268, 272 back toward a static position when deflected from
the static position. For instance, the biasing member 292 may be in
the form of a torsion spring that may be wrapped or otherwise
disposed about a portion of the pivot pin 276. A user may load an
object (e.g., bib 14, strap 18) into the receiving space 110'''
similar to methods as previously described. An appropriate pivot
assembly 296 may pivotally interconnect the first and second clip
sections 34''', 38''' such that the first and second clip sections
34''', 38''' may be disposed in one of a plurality of retention
positions or else can be freely disposed any desired rotational
position relative to each other. The pivot assembly 296 may be
similar to those as previously described or may be any other
appropriate pivot device.
[0089] The foregoing description of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description.
Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention
to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and
modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and
knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present
invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further
intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention
and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in
such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required
by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present
invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to
include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
* * * * *