U.S. patent application number 13/869712 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for decorative self-locking "c" clip for garment straps.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jennco, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is JENNCO, LLC. Invention is credited to Jennie Hanaoka, Coleman Kao.
Application Number | 20140068895 13/869712 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50231715 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140068895 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hanaoka; Jennie ; et
al. |
March 13, 2014 |
DECORATIVE SELF-LOCKING "C" CLIP FOR GARMENT STRAPS
Abstract
A self-locking clip assembly for decorating garment strap
comprises a first piece and a second piece. The first piece
comprises a first flat surface that serves as a platform to affix
decorative ornaments, a bridge connected to the first flat surface
and a channel. The second piece comprises a second flat surface and
a third flat surface, wherein the third flat surface has a curved
indentation that matches the shape of the bridge, such that the
curved indentation is flush with the contour of the bridge to lock
the assembly. The garment strap is allowed to slip through bridge
of the first piece and rest in the channel of the first piece. As a
person wears the garment strap, the wearer's body presses against
the third flat surface, consequently pressing the second flat
surface against the strap and the first flat surface to
automatically lock the clip assembly in place.
Inventors: |
Hanaoka; Jennie; (Chino
Hills, CA) ; Kao; Coleman; (Chino Hills, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JENNCO, LLC |
Chino Hills |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Jennco, LLC
Chino Hills
CA
|
Family ID: |
50231715 |
Appl. No.: |
13/869712 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61699128 |
Sep 10, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/3.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/13 20150115;
A41D 27/08 20130101; A44C 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/3.1 |
International
Class: |
A44C 1/00 20060101
A44C001/00 |
Claims
1. A removable self-locking clip assembly for decorating a garment
strap comprising: a first piece, further comprising: a first flat
surface for affixing decorative ornaments; a bridge connected to
the first flat surface; and a channel; and a second piece, further
comprising: a second flat surface; and a third flat surface with a
curved indentation that matches the shape of the bridge, such that
the curved indentation is flush with the contour of the bridge to
lock the assembly.
2. The removable self-locking clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the
first flat surface is round.
3. The removable self-locking clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the
first flat surface is square.
4. The removable self-locking clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the
bridge further comprises symmetrical bridges with an opening in
between the bridges to allow access for the garment strap to slip
through.
5. The removable self-locking clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the
bridge further includes a depth to allow the first piece and the
second piece to be movable in relation to each other.
6. The removable self-locking clip assembly of claim 5, wherein the
clip assembly automatically locks when the third flat surface is
pressed against the body of a garment strap wearer, moved along the
depth of the bridge to close the channel and pressed the second
flat surface against the strap and an underside portion of the
first flat surface.
7. The removable self-locking clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the
third flat surface has a curved indentation and a curved end having
a shape of a wing.
8. A removable self-locking clip assembly for decorating a garment
strap comprising: a first piece, further comprising: a first flat
surface for affixing decorative ornaments; a set of hooks having a
gap in between the hooks; and a channel; and a second piece,
further comprising: a second flat surface; and a third flat surface
with a curved indentation that matches the shape of the hooks, such
that the curved indentation is flush with the contour of the hooks
to lock the assembly.
9. The removable self-locking clip assembly of claim 8, wherein the
first flat surface is round.
10. The removable self-locking clip assembly of claim 8, wherein
the first flat surface is square.
11. The removable self-locking clip assembly of claim 8, wherein
the third flat surface has a curved indentation and a curved end
having a shape of a wing
12. The removable self-locking clip assembly of claim 8, wherein
the set of hooks further includes a depth to allow the first piece
and the second piece to be movable in relation to each other.
13. The removable self-locking clip assembly of claim 12, wherein
the clip assembly automatically locks when the third flat surface
is pressed against the body of a garment strap wearer, moved along
the depth of the set of hooks to close the channel and pressed the
second flat surface against the strap and an underside portion of
the first flat surface.
14. A method of decorating a garment strap using a removable
self-locking clip assembly comprising: providing a platform that
allows ornaments to be affixed, wherein the platform comprises a
first piece having a first flat surface, a bridge connected to the
first flat surface and a channel; placing the platform with the
affixed ornaments on the garment strap by sliding the garment strap
through the channel; securing the platform on the garment strap,
including providing a second piece having a second flat surface and
a third flat surface with a curved indentation that matches the
shape of the bridge to enclose the strap; and locking the clip
assembly on the garment strap, including pressing the second piece
against the first piece.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of providing a
platform that allows ornaments to be affixed further comprises
providing symmetrical bridges with an opening in between the
bridges to allow access for the garment strap to slip through.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of providing a
platform that allows ornaments to be affixed further comprises
providing a bridge having an inward facing horizontal flat
portion.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of providing a
platform that allows ornaments to be affixed includes providing a
first flat surface with a round shape.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of providing a
platform that allows ornaments to be affixed includes providing a
first flat surface with a square shape.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of securing the
platform on the garment strap, including providing a second piece
having a second flat surface and a third flat surface with a curved
indentation that matches the shape of the bridge to enclose the
strap further comprises providing a curved indentation that is
flush and movable in relation to the bridge to allow the channel to
be widened or closed.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of locking the clip
assembly on the garment strap, including pressing the second piece
against the first piece comprises allowing the third flat surface
to press against the body of a garment strap wearer, move along the
bridge to close the channel and press the second flat surface
against the strap and an underside portion of the first flat
surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Related Application
[0002] This application claims the benefit of the provisional
Patent Application No. 61/699,128 filed on Sep. 10, 2012, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
[0003] 2. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to a removable self-locking
clip for garment straps with a flat surface that allows decorative
stones and gems to be affixed to the clip.
[0005] The present invention also relates to a method of attaching
decorative stones and gems to garment straps using a self-locking
clip without the use of glue.
[0006] 3. Description of Prior Art and Related Information
[0007] In fashion, arts and crafts industry, garments are often
decorated with ornaments, stones and jewelry. For example,
brassiere straps, shoe laces, purse straps, suspenders, sandal
thongs, and fabric wrist bands are often decorated with acrylic
stones and gems of different sizes and shapes for aesthetic
purposes.
[0008] Various methods to attach decorative ornaments on garments
straps are known in the art. These methods typically employ the use
of glue or sewing to attach ornaments such as stones or gems to the
garment straps. Once glued or sewn, the stones and gems are
permanently affixed to the straps and cannot be easily removed and
interchanged to match outfits. Thus, consumers must purchase new
garments with decorative designs that match particular outfits.
Further, sewing ornaments onto fabric material requires a sewing
skill, intensive labor time and penetration of the fabric, which
may damage the fabric.
[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a
removable self-locking clip that allows decorative ornaments of
different styles, sizes and shapes to be attached to it, such that
the ornaments can be used interchangeably on various garment
straps.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides devices and methods of
providing a self-locking clip assembly for decorating garment
straps having a flat surface for affixing decorative ornaments that
can be easily attached to and removed from the straps.
[0011] In one aspect, a self-locking clip assembly for decorating a
garment strap comprising a first piece and a second piece is
provided. The first piece further comprises a first flat surface
that serves as a platform to affix decorative ornaments, a bridge
connected to the first flat surface and a channel separating the
first flat surface and the bridge. The second piece further
comprises a second flat surface and a third flat surface, wherein
the third flat surface has a curved indentation that matches the
shape of the bridge, such that the curved indentation is flush with
the contour of the bridge to lock the assembly. To utilize the
self-locking clip assembly on a garment strap, the first piece and
the second piece are first disassembled. The strap is allowed to
slip through the bridge and rest in the channel of the first piece.
The second piece is inserted, or "clipped," into the first piece,
wherein the second flat surface is facing the garment strap and the
third flat surface is facing outward. The second piece is oriented
such that the contour of the bridge of the first piece and the
curved indentation of the second piece are matched and movably
flush against each other. The strap is now secure inside the
channel of the clip assembly. As a person wears the garment strap
(e.g., a brassiere), the wearer's body presses against the third
flat surface, consequently pressing the second flat surface against
the strap and the inside portion of the first flat surface to
automatically lock the clip assembly in place.
[0012] In yet another aspect, a method of decorating a garment
strap using a removable self-locking clip is provided. The method
comprises providing a platform that allows ornaments to be affixed,
wherein the platform further comprises a first piece having a first
flat surface, a bridge connected to the first flat surface and a
channel. Various jewelry, stones and gems can be glued on the first
flat surface. The platform with the affixed ornaments is then
placed on the garment strap by sliding the garment strap through
the bridge and into the channel. Once the garment strap is placed
in the channel, the platform is secured to the garment strap by
providing a second piece having a second flat surface and a third
flat surface with a curved indentation that matches the shape of
the bridge to enclose the strap. After the second piece is inserted
into the first piece, the clip assembly is automatically locked in
place on the garment strap by pressing the second piece against the
first piece.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a preferred embodiment
of a removable self-locking clip assembly.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the preferred
embodiment of the removable self-locking clip assembly.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of
the removable self-locking clip assembly.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the removable self-locking clip assembly as it is being assembled
to be attached to a garment strap.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the removable self-locking clip assembly as it is attached to the
garment strap.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment
of the removable self-locking clip assembly.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of a first piece of the
removable self-locking clip assembly.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective bottom view of the first piece of
the removable self-locking clip assembly.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a top and side views of the first piece of the
removable self-locking clip assembly.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of a second preferred
embodiment of the first piece of the removable self-locking clip
assembly.
[0023] FIG. 11 is perspective bottom view of the second preferred
embodiment of the first piece of the removable self-locking clip
assembly.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective top view of a second piece of the
removable self-locking clip assembly.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective bottom view of the second piece of
the removable self-locking clip assembly.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective bottom and side views of a second
embodiment of the second piece of the removable self-locking clip
assembly.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a diagram of a preferred method of decorating a
garment strap using a removable self-locking clip assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The invention and its various embodiments can now be better
understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein
illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly
understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as
examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as
ultimately defined in the claims.
[0029] Throughout the specification, positional and directional
terms below refer to the following: [0030] "Top" shall refer to the
side or direction in which a first flat surface or a second flat
surface is located. [0031] "Bottom" shall refer to the side or
direction in which a third flat surface is located.
[0032] In FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a removable
self-locking clip assembly, or simply a clip assembly, is
designated by a reference numeral 10. Here, a perspective top view
of the clip assembly 10 is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the
clip assembly 10 comprises a first piece 20 and a second piece 30
which are detachable from each other. The first piece 20 further
comprises a first flat surface 22, a bridge 24 connected to an
underside 21 (not shown in FIG. 1) of the first flat surface 22,
and a channel 26. Preferably, the first piece 20 comprises a pair
of symmetrical bridges 24 located opposite of each other. From this
perspective top view, the second piece 30 comprises a second flat
surface 32 and a curved end 38. According to a preferred
embodiment, the second piece 30 comprises a pair of curved ends 38
positioned opposite each other (not shown in FIG. 1). As assembled,
the channel 26 creates a distance between the underside 21 of the
first flat surface 22 and the second flat surface 32 to allow a
garment strap 12 to slip through.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the clip
assembly 10. Here, the preferred embodiment of the pair of
symmetrical bridges 24 located opposite of each other is shown.
Each bridge 24 has a depth 23 and further comprises an elongated
horizontal flat portion 25 that faces inward toward the center of
the assembly. The second piece 30 is shown to further comprise a
third flat surface 34 having a curved indentation 36 and the curved
end 38. According to the preferred embodiment, the third flat
surface 34 comprises a pair of symmetrical curved indentations 36
and the pair of symmetrical curved ends 38 to resemble the shape of
a wing.
[0034] As the first piece 20 and the second piece 30 are assembled,
the curved indentations 36 perfectly match the contour of the
elongated horizontal flat portions 25 such that the curved
indentations 36 are flush with the elongated flat portions 25.
Further, the channel 26 enables the first piece 20 and the second
piece 30 to be movable in relation to each other along the depth
23, to allow easy removal or placement of the clip assembly 10
along the garment strap 12.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, to utilize the self-locking clip
assembly 10 on a garment strap 12, the first piece 20 and the
second piece 30 are first disassembled. The strap 12 is allowed to
slip through the bridge 24 and rest in the channel 26 of the first
piece 20. The second piece 30 is inserted, or "clipped," into the
first piece 20, wherein the second flat surface 32 is facing the
garment strap 12 and the third flat surface is 34 facing outward.
The second piece 30 is oriented such that the contour of the bridge
24 of the first piece 20 and the curved indentation 36 of the
second piece 30 are matched and movably flush against each other.
The strap 12 is now secure inside the channel 26 of the clip
assembly 10. The clip assembly 10 is automatically locked by
pressing the first piece 20 and the second piece 30 toward each
other.
[0036] As illustrated in the cross sectional view of the clip
assembly 10 in FIG. 6, to adjust the placement of the clip assembly
10 along the garment strap 12, the wearer simply pulls the first
piece 20 and the second piece 30 in opposite directions away from
each other along the depth 23, so as to widen the channel 26 and
allow the clip assembly 10 to slide along the garment strap 12.
Once a desired location along the strap 12 is determined, the
wearer can again fasten the clip assembly 10 on the strap 12 by
pushing the first piece 20 and the second piece 30 in opposite
directions toward each other to close the channel 26. As in the
case of a strap 12 for a brassiere, this can be done simply by
allowing the clip assembly 10 to press against the body of the
wearer, wherein the third flat surface 34 is pressed against the
body of the wearer, consequently moving it along the depth 23 to
close the channel 26 and pressing the second flat surface 32
against the strap 12 and the underside portion 21 of the first flat
surface 22.
[0037] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the first
piece 20 of the clip assembly 10. As shown here, the first piece 20
comprises the first flat surface 22, the bridge 24 and the channel
26. To use the first piece 20 as a platform for decorative
ornaments, various jewelry, stones and gems (not shown in FIGS.
7-9) are affixed to the first flat surface 22 using commonly known
adhesives such as glue or 3M backing tapes. The bridge 24 is
connected to the underside 21 and further comprises the horizontal
flat portion 25 that faces inward toward the center so as to form a
hook or a clip. In FIG. 8, the horizontal flat portion 25 is shown
to have an elongated shape. However, any shape that can function as
a hook or a clip to attach the second piece 30 to the first piece
20 may be employed. Further, according to the preferred embodiment,
the first piece 20 comprises the pair of symmetrical bridges 24
that are opposite each other, such that an opening or gap 27 is
created between the bridges 24 to allow access for the garment
strap 12 to slip through and be placed inside the channel 26. As
illustrated in FIG. 9, viewed from its side, the first flat surface
22, the pair of symmetrical bridges 24 and the channel 26 according
to the preferred embodiment resembles a "C" shape. Suitable
diameters for the first piece 20 may include 8 mm, 12 mm and 15 mm.
However, any diameter size may be used as desired.
[0038] Although the first flat surface 22 is illustrated as having
a round shape in FIGS. 1-9, any shape can be used to suit any
decorative purpose. For example, FIGS. 10-11 illustrate a
perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the first
piece 20a, where elements of similar structure are designated by
the same reference numerals followed by "a". Here, the first piece
20a comprises a square first flat surface 22a, a bridge 24a and a
channel 26a. Similar to the first preferred embodiment 20, the
bridge 24a is connected to the underside 21a and further comprises
a depth 23a and a horizontal flat portion 25a that faces inward
toward the center so as to form a hook or a clip. Preferably, the
horizontal flat portion 25a includes an elongated shape, although
any shape that can function as a hook or a clip may be used.
Further, according to the preferred embodiment, the first piece 20a
comprises a pair of symmetrical bridges 24a that are opposite each
other, such that an opening or gap 27a is created between the
bridges 24a to allow access for the garment strap 12 to slip
through and be placed inside the channel 26a.
[0039] FIGS. 12-13 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the second
piece 30 of the clip assembly 10. As shown, the second piece 30
comprises the second flat surface 32 and the third flat surface 34,
wherein the third flat surface 34 further comprises the curved end
38 and the curved indentation 36. The curved indentation 36 matches
the contour of the elongated horizontal flat portion 25 of the
first piece 20 such that the curved indentation 36 is flush with
the elongated flat portion 25. The curved indentation 36 provides
for easy attachment and detachment of the first piece 20 by
snapping the bridge 24 of the first piece 20 on or off the curved
indentation 36. Preferably, as stated above, the third flat surface
34 comprises the pair of symmetrical curved indentations 36 and the
pair of symmetrical curved ends 38 to resemble the shape of a
wing.
[0040] FIG. 14 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the
second piece 30a, where elements of similar structure are
designated by the same reference numerals followed by "a". In FIG.
14, the second piece 30a comprises the second flat surface 32a and
the third flat surface 34a, wherein the third flat surface 34a
further comprises curved ends 38a and 38a-1, and curved
indentations 36a. The curved indentations 36a match the contour of
the elongated horizontal flat portions 25 of the first piece 20
such that the curved indentations 36a are flush with the elongated
flat portions 25. Preferably, the third flat surface 34a comprises
the pair of symmetrical curved indentations 36a and the pair of
symmetrical curved ends 38a and 38a-1 to resemble the shape of a
wing. Viewed from the side, it is shown that the curved end 38a-1
has a more tapered end than the curved end 38a so as to resemble a
wedge. This configuration allows the second piece 30a to be easily
inserted into the first piece 20.
[0041] FIG. 15 illustrates a preferred method 200 of decorating a
garment strap using a removable self-locking clip assembly. The
method 200 comprises a step 210 of providing a platform that allows
ornaments to be affixed, wherein the platform comprises a first
piece having a first flat surface, a bridge connected to the first
flat surface and a channel, a step 212 of placing the platform with
the affixed ornaments on the garment strap by sliding the garment
strap through the channel, a step 214 of securing the platform on
the garment strap, including providing a second piece having a
second flat surface and a third flat surface with a curved
indentation that matches the shape of the bridge to enclose the
strap, and a step 216 of locking the clip assembly on the garment
strap, including pressing the second piece against the first
piece.
[0042] The step 212 of providing a platform that allows ornaments
to be affixed, wherein the platform comprises a first piece having
a first flat surface, a bridge connected to the first flat surface
and a channel further comprises providing symmetrical bridges with
a depth and an opening in between the bridges to allow access for
the garment strap to slip through.
[0043] The step 214 of securing the platform on the garment strap,
including providing a second piece having a second flat surface and
a third flat surface with a curved indentation that matches the
shape of the bridge to enclose the strap further comprises
providing a third flat surface with a pair of curved indentations
and a pair of curved ends to resemble the shape of a wing.
Additionally, according to yet another preferred embodiment, the
step 216 further comprises providing a curved indentation that is
flush and movable in relation to the bridge to allow the channel to
be widened or closed, consequently allowing the platform to be
placed in any desired location along the garment strap.
[0044] The step 216 of locking the clip assembly on the garment
strap, including pressing the second piece against the first piece
comprises allowing the clip assembly to press against the body of a
garment strap wearer, wherein the third flat surface is pressed
against the body of the wearer, consequently moving it along the
depth of the bridge to close the channel and pressing the second
flat surface against the strap and the underside portion of the
first flat surface.
[0045] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that
the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the
purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting
the invention as defined by the following claims. For example,
notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth
below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood
that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or
different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not
initially claimed in such combinations.
[0046] The words used in this specification to describe the
invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only
in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by
special definition in this specification the generic structure,
material or acts of which they represent a single species.
[0047] The definitions of the words or elements of the following
claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only
include the combination of elements which are literally set forth.
In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent
substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the
elements in the claims below or that a single element may be
substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements
may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even
initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that
one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases
be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination
may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a
subcombination.
[0048] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
[0049] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is
specifically illustrated and described above, what is
conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and
also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
* * * * *