CLOTHING CORD CLIP

The present invention relates to a clothing cord clip usable on clothing, backpack cords/straps, and numerous other cords or straps that include front and back plates that have gripping rails, a pinch ring, curvilinear locking ribs, and raised support ribs. A flexible connector interconnects the front and back plates, allowing the interior surfaces to be opposed, aligned, and press-fitted together, interlocking the curvilinear locking ribs. In operation, a clothing cord or other cord or strap can be positioned between the gripping rails and secured such that the clothing cord clip hangs the cord or strap. In exemplary embodiments, emblems are affixed to the exterior surface of the front and/or back plates. A recess channel in the front and back plates provides a clothing cord ingress and egress pathway through the clothing cord clip. The gripping rails can have teeth along a contact edge to grip the clothing cord.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates a clothing cord clip that includes a front and back plate that has a gripping rail, a pinch ring, curvilinear locking ribs, and raised support ribs. A flexible connector interconnects the front plate and the back plate, allowing the interior surfaces to be opposed, aligned, and press-fitted together by interlocking the curvilinear locking ribs. In operation, a clothing cord can be positioned between the gripping rails and secured so that the clothing cord clip can hang from the clothing cord. In exemplary embodiments, emblems can be affixed to the exterior surface of the front and/or back plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Before our invention clothing strings such as those on hoodies, sweatpants, sweatshirts, shorts, backpacks, and other items were highly visible but from a fashion perspective mostly ignored. Their intended purpose is most often associated with cinching, closings, or otherwise tightening an opening such as on pants, a hood, or other openings.

A shortcoming with clothing strings is that while they are sized to encompass the circumference of an opening often they can be pulled one way or the other causing one end of the clothing string to ingress into the item rendering it unreachable by the user.

Another shortcoming with clothing strings can be their length which can hang down from an item in an excessive length and/or undesirable manner, or become wadded up such as when tying two ends into a bow which can be bulky and unattractive-looking. In both cases, while the functionality of the clothing strings has a purpose there are limited options for managing the loose end of the clothing strings while at the same time enhancing the fashion look of the item being worn by the user.

The present invention addresses these and other shortcomings by providing a clothing cord clip that attaches to clothing cords and provides other advantages. For these reasons and shortcomings as well as other reasons and shortcomings there is a long-felt need that gives rise to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a clothing cord clip that comprises a front plate that has a first exterior surface and a first interior surface, the first interior surface comprises at least one of a first gripping rail, a pinch ring positioned around the first gripping rail, more than one of a first curvilinear locking rib positioned around the pinch ring, and more than one of a first raised support rib positioned around the first curvilinear locking rib. A back plate has a second exterior surface and a second interior surface. The second interior surface can comprise at least one of a second gripping rail, more than one of a second curvilinear locking rib positioned around the second gripping rail, and more than one of a second raised support rib positioned around the second curvilinear locking rib. A flexible connector interconnects the front plate and the back plate, allowing the first interior surface and the second interior surface to be opposed, aligned, and press-fitted together by interlocking the first curvilinear locking rib and the second curvilinear locking rib.

In operation, at least one clothing cord is positioned between the first gripping rail and the second gripping rail. The clothing cord is secured between the pinch ring and the first gripping rail, the pinch ring and the second gripping rail, the first gripping rail and the second interior surface, and the second gripping rail and the first interior surface.

Additional shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a clothing cord clip that comprises a front plate that has a first exterior surface and a first interior surface. The first interior surface can comprise at least one first gripping rail, a pinch ring positioned around the first gripping rail, more than one of a first curvilinear locking rib positioned around the pinch ring, more than one of a first raised support rib positioned around the first curvilinear locking rib, and a first recess channel that traverses the first interior surface. A back plate has a second exterior surface and a second interior surface. The second interior surface can comprise at least one second gripping rail, more than one second curvilinear locking rib positioned around the second gripping rail, more than one second raised support rib positioned around the second curvilinear locking rib, and a second recess channel that traverses the second interior surface. A flexible connector interconnects the front plate and the back plate, The flexible connector can be bent allowing the first interior surface and the second interior surface to be opposed, aligned, and press-fitted together by interlocking the first curvilinear locking rib and the second curvilinear locking rib.

In operation, when the front plate and the back plate are interlocked together the first recess channel and the second recess channel are opposed and aligned, creating an ingress and egress pathway for the clothing cord, through the clothing cord clip. At least one clothing cord can be positioned through the first channel recess and the second channel recess and between the first gripping rail and the second gripping rail. The clothing cord can be secured between the pinch ring and the first gripping rail, the pinch ring and the second gripping rail, the first gripping rail and the second interior surface, and the second gripping rail and the first interior surface.

Additional shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a clothing cord clip that comprises a front plate that has a first exterior surface and a first interior surface. The first interior surface comprises at least one of a first gripping rail, a pinch ring positioned around the first gripping rail, more than one of a first curvilinear locking rib positioned around the pinch ring, and more than one of a first raised support rib positioned around the first curvilinear locking rib. A back plate that has a second exterior surface and a second interior surface. The second interior surface comprises at least one of a second gripping rail, more than one of a second curvilinear locking rib positioned around the second gripping rail, and more than one of a second raised support rib positioned around the second curvilinear locking rib. A flexible connector interconnects the front plate and the back plate, allowing the first interior surface and the second interior surface to be opposed, aligned, and press-fitted together by interlocking the first curvilinear locking rib and the second curvilinear locking rib. At least one emblem can be secured to at least one of the first exterior surface or the second exterior surface.

In operation, at least one clothing cord can be positioned between the first gripping rail and the second gripping rail. The clothing cord can be secured between the pinch ring and the first gripping rail, the pinch ring and the second gripping rail, the first gripping rail and the second interior surface, and the second gripping rail and the first interior surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings in greater detail, it will be seen that inFIGS.1through3there are illustrated examples of user202wearing or otherwise using a clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500on a clothing string/cord304. In an exemplary embodiment, inFIG.1, user202is illustrated wearing outerwear302and other items. Such outerwear302and other items can be a hoodie, a windbreaker, a jacket, a coat, a sweatshirt, a shirt, backpack cords and straps, purses, lanyards, bag straps, luggage, or other types and/or kinds of clothing or other items without limitation. Such outerwear302can comprise clothing strings/cords304which can also be referred to as drawstrings. Such clothing strings/cords304can be proximate to a hood as a way to cinch tight around the head of user202, around the waist of the jacket to cinch tight around the waist of user202, or located in other positions in the outerwear302, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

In an exemplary embodiment, a clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500can be attached or otherwise interconnected with the clothing string/cord304. Any number of clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500can be added to a clothing string/cord304. Additionally, clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500can be added to more than one of the clothing strings/cords304as many garments may have two or more as illustrated in at leastFIG.1.

An advantage, in the present invention, is that the clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500while managing the loose end of clothing string/cord304from being pulled or otherwise ingressed backward into the clothing where the end is no longer accessible, the clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500also acts as a display platform for fashionable emblems102, charms, jewelry, and other items collectively referred to as emblems102or emblems520for disclosure purposes. In this regard, user202can select emblem102/520of all types that can be interconnected with the clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500and worn by user202. Such emblems102/520can be decorative, accomplishment-related, inspirational, or meaningful to the user202in other ways without limitation. As an example, and not a limitation, the clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500inFIG.1comprises an emblem102/520that is the imagery of a butterfly,FIG.2comprises an emblem102/520that is the imagery of an outdoorsman, andFIG.3comprises an emblem102/520that is the imagery of sports. In general, in addition to being functional in managing the loose ends of clothing strings340, the present invention also adds considerable fashion STRINGBLING to user202outfits.

In an exemplary embodiment, as examples and not limitations, applications, features, and/or use cases for the clothing cord clip100/500/600/700/800can include being illuminated, glowing in the dark, producing audio sounds, having computing power or be a computing accessory, or interfacing to a smartphone such as an iphone, Android, or other computing device. Continuing, being a flash or thumb drive, having a microphone for recording audio, being an interface to an artificial intelligence (AI) system, having wireless communication capabilities, having a camera, taking pictures or video by way of the camera, having a user display or user input capability, the display being a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other suitable display having the ability to scroll words, show images, etc., Continuing, being motorized for spinning and other purposes, being a mirror or locket, being a teething toy for babies, being a glasses holder, acting as a headphone case, or for other applications or purpose, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

In an exemplary embodiment, the clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500/600/700/800can be fabricated from plastic, elastomer, metal, rubber, a combination thereof, and/or other suitable materials as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500can be circular in shape, or other suitable shapes as may be required and or desired in a particular embodiment.

In an exemplary embodiment, the clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500and emblem102/520can be fabricated in different shapes and sizes. Additionally, and with reference to at leastFIG.38, the emblems can be different shapes than the clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500, even shapes that are larger than the clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500as long as the emblems102/520are configured to fasten to the front plate112/502and/or back plate104/504,FIG.38reference ‘A’ is one example. Furthermore, emblems102/520can be configured to be secured to the front plate112/502and/or back plate104/504, in a permanent manner or temporary manner, allowing user202to interchange the emblems102/520, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

Referring toFIG.2there is illustrated user202wearing a clothing string clip100on a clothing string/cord304that is part of a backpack306. In this regard, the clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500can be attached to the clothing string/cord304that is associated with backpack306or other types and/or kinds of purses, backpack cords and straps, lanyards, bag straps, luggage or other items having clothing string or cords304. In a plurality of exemplary embodiments, clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500can be interconnected or otherwise attached to all types of clothing strings/drawstrings/cords304that a user202might use or wear even if only worn or carried intermittently such as a backpack306, hat, glasses, beanie, or other types and/or kinds of items as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3there is illustrated one example of user202wearing a clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500on a clothing string/cord304that is part of pants306. In an exemplary embodiment, the clothing string clip100or clothing cord clip500can be worn on drawstring types of pants such as sweat pants, other types of pants, shoelaces, and other types and kinds of clothing without limitation.

Referring toFIGS.4-14, there is illustrated one example of a clothing cord clip500that folds around one or more clothing cords304and press-fits together with emblem mounting holes.FIG.4illustrates the clothing cord clip500being folded around one or more clothing cords304.FIGS.5and6are perspective views of the interior surfaces.FIGS.7and8are perspective views of the exterior surfaces.FIG.9is a left side view andFIG.10is a right side view.FIG.11is a bottom side view andFIG.12is a top side view.FIG.13is a back side view showing the interior surface, andFIG.14is the front view showing the exterior surface.

FIG.4illustrates in reference ‘A’ the clothing cord clip500in the open position. Reference ‘B’ illustrates the clothing cord clip500being folded422around the clothing cords304. Reference ‘C’ illustrates the clothing cord clip500press fit together with the clothing cords secured inside such that the clothing cord clip500can hang from the clothing cords304.

In an exemplary embodiment and as better illustrated in at leastFIG.9, a clothing cord clip500can comprise a front plate502that has a first exterior surface536and a first interior surface532. With reference to at leastFIGS.4-6, the first interior surface532can comprise at least one of a first gripping rail508A, a pinch ring516positioned around the first gripping rail508A, more than one first curvilinear locking ribs512A-B positioned around the pinch ring516, and more than one first raised support ribs510A-B positioned around the first curvilinear locking rib512A-B.

In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to at leastFIG.9, a back plate504can have a second exterior surface538, and a second interior surface534. With reference to at leastFIGS.4and5, the second interior surface534can comprise at least one of a second gripping rail508B, more than one second curvilinear locking rib512C-D positioned around the second gripping rail508B, and more than one second raised support rib510C-D positioned around the second curvilinear locking rib512C-D.

In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to at leastFIG.4, a flexible connector506interconnects the front plate502and the back plate504, allowing the first interior surface532and the second interior surface534can be positioned opposed, aligned, and press-fitted together, as illustrated in reference ‘B’ and ‘C’, by interlocking the first curvilinear locking rib512A-B and the second curvilinear locking rib512C-D.

In operation, at least one clothing cord304can be positioned between the first gripping rail508A and the second gripping rail508B. The clothing cord clip500can be folded422around the clothing cord304securing the clothing cord304between the pinch ring516and the first gripping rail508A, the pinch ring516and the second gripping rail508B, the first gripping rail508A and the second interior surface534, and the second gripping rail508B and the first interior surface532.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, there are illustrated perspective views of the first interior surface532and the second interior surface534of a clothing cord clip500.

In an example embodiment, the first gripping rail508A can comprise a first set of teeth518A formed along the edge that contacts the clothing cord304, and the second gripping rail comprises a second set of teeth518B formed along the edge that contacts the clothing cord304.

In an exemplary embodiment and referring to at leastFIGS.10and13, the front plate502can comprise a first recess channel528that traverses the central portion of the first interior surface532and the back plate504can comprise a second recess channel530that traverses the central portion of the second interior surface534. In operation, when the front plate502and the back plate504are interlocked together the first recess channel528and the second recess channel530are opposed and aligned creating an ingress and egress pathway for the clothing cord304, through the clothing cord clip500.

In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to at leastFIG.13, each of the first curvilinear locking ribs512A-B and the first curvilinear support rails510A-B begin and end at a first boundary edge524of the first recess528, and each of the second curvilinear locking ribs512C-D and the second curvilinear support rails510C-D begin and end at a second boundary edge526of the second recess530.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first gripping rail508A runs perpendicular to and extends beyond426the first recess channel524(length428), and the second gripping rail508B runs perpendicular to and extends beyond430the second recess channel530(length432).

In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to at leastFIG.1reference ‘C’, when the front plate502and the back plate504are interlocked together the first curvilinear support rail510A and the second curvilinear support rail510B are opposed, aligned, and contact each other establishing a fixed distance434between the front plate and the back plate

In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to at leastFIG.7, at least one emblem520can be affixed to at least one of the first exterior surface536of the front plate502, or the second exterior surface538of the back plate504.

In another exemplary embodiment, the front plate502can have at least one first emblem mounting hole514therethrough, and the back plate504can have more than one second emblem mounting hole552therethrough.

Each of the first emblem mounting holes514can be positioned to intersect the first raised support rib510A-B, and each of the second emblem mounting holes552can be positioned to intersect the second raised support rib510C-B. In this regard, providing more of a gripping contact surface for the peg legs522to engage when the emblem is attached to the front plate502or the back plate504.

In operation, the emblem520can comprise at least one peg leg522. The peg legs522can be fitted through the first emblem mounting holes514to secure the emblem to the first exterior surface536of the front plate502, or the peg legs522can be fitted through the second emblem mounting holes552to secure the emblem520to the second exterior surface538of the back plate504, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

In an exemplary embodiment, a clothing cord clip500can comprise a front plate502that has a first exterior surface536and a first interior surface532. The first interior surface532can comprise at least one first gripping rail508A, a pinch ring516positioned around the first gripping rail508A, more than one of a first curvilinear locking rib512A-B positioned around the pinch ring516, more than one of a first raised support rib510A-B positioned around the first curvilinear locking rib512A-B, and a first recess channel528that traverses the first interior surface532.

A back plate has a second exterior surface538and a second interior surface534. The second interior surface534can comprise at least one second gripping rail508B, more than one second curvilinear locking rib512C-D positioned around the second gripping rail508B, more than one second raised support rib510C-D positioned around the second curvilinear locking rib512C-D, and a second recess channel530that traverses the second interior surface534.

A flexible connector506interconnects the front plate502and the back plate504, The flexible connector506can be bent422allowing the first interior surface532and the second interior surface534to be opposed, aligned, and press-fitted together by interlocking the first curvilinear locking rib512A-B and the second curvilinear locking rib512C-D.

In operation and better illustrated in at leastFIG.4, when the front plate502and the back plate504are interlocked together the first recess channel528and the second recess channel530are opposed and aligned, creating an ingress and egress pathway for the clothing cord304, through the clothing cord clip.

At least one clothing cord can be positioned through the first channel recess528and the second channel recess530and between the first gripping rail508A and the second gripping rail508B. The clothing cord can be secured between the pinch ring516and the first gripping rail508A, the pinch ring516and the second gripping rail508B, the first gripping rail508A and the second interior surface530, and the second gripping rail508B and the first interior surface528.

Referring toFIGS.15-24, there is illustrated one example of a clothing cord clip500that folds422around one or more clothing cords304and press fits. In an exemplary embodiment, the clothing cord clip500illustrated inFIGS.15-24is absent the emblem mounting holes514/552and the set of teeth518A-B along the gripping rails508A-B.FIGS.15and16are perspective views of the interior surfaces.FIGS.17and18are perspective views of the exterior surfaces.FIG.19is a left side view andFIG.20is a right side view.FIG.21is a bottom side view andFIG.22is a top side view.FIG.23is a back side view showing the interior surface, andFIG.24is the front view showing the exterior surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, a clothing cord clip500can comprise a front plate502that has a first exterior surface536and a first interior surface532. The first interior surface532can comprise at least one first gripping rail508A, a pinch ring516positioned around the first gripping rail508A, more than one first curvilinear locking rib512A-B positioned around the pinch ring516, and more than one first raised support rib510A-B positioned around the first curvilinear locking ribs512A-B. A back plate504can have a second exterior surface538and a second interior surface534. The second interior surface534can comprise at least one second gripping rail508B, more than one second curvilinear locking rib512C-D positioned around the second gripping rail508B, and more than one second raised support rib510C-D positioned around the second curvilinear locking rib512C-D. A flexible connector506can interconnect the front plate502and the back plate506, allowing the first interior surface532and the second interior surface534to be opposed, aligned, and press-fitted together by interlocking the first curvilinear locking rib512A-B and the second curvilinear locking rib512C-D. At least one emblem520can be snap fitted or otherwise fastened, in a permanent or a removable manner, to at least one of the first exterior surface532or the second exterior surface534.

In operation, at least one clothing cord304can be positioned between the first gripping rail508A and the second gripping rail508B. The clothing cord304can be secured between the pinch ring516and the first gripping rail508A, the pinch ring516and the second gripping rail508B, the first gripping rail508A and the second interior surface534, and the second gripping rail508B and the first interior surface532.

Referring toFIG.25there is illustrated one example of a perspective view of a clothing string clip100in the closed or locked position around a clothing string304. In an exemplary embodiment, user202can pivot404the rotatable hub118/132/136opening the front plate112with respect to the back plate104, as better illustrated in at leastFIG.27. In the open position, a portion of the interior region152is exposed including at least the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172which are better illustrated in at leastFIGS.30and31. Once opened user202can insert a clothing string304across the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172and into the clothing string channel166.

In an exemplary embodiment, the rotatable hub is formed by the assembly of fastener118, spring132, and insert136along with the front plate112and the back plate104. This assembly is better illustrated in at leastFIG.29. For disclosure purposes, the rotatable hub can be referred to as rotatable hub118/132/136. In operation, spring132tightens when the rotatable hub118/132/136is pivoted open by the user and the spring aids in applying a rotational force to pivot the rotatable hub118/132/136closed when released by the user aligning the front plate112with the back plate104.

With reference toFIG.25, as user202releases the top plate112the spring132pivots the rotatable hub118/132/136, aligning the top plate112and the back plate104closed. In the closed position, the clothing string clip100constricts and friction grips the clothing string304within the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172and clothing string channel166, abating slipping of the clothing string clip100along the clothing string304during use, such as wearing, by user202.

The term “friction grip”, in the present invention, is intended to mean two or more surfaces pressed close together with the clothing string304therebetween. The action of pinching increases the friction and creates a grip between the contacting surfaces and the clothing spring304. This can be referred to as a friction grip. In the present invention, an exemplary embodiment of friction grip can be when the clothing string clip100constricts and friction grips the clothing string304between the contacting surfaces which are the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172.

Referring toFIG.26, there is illustrated one example of a perspective view of a clothing string clip100in the closed or locked position around a clothing string304.

In an exemplary embodiment, an emblem102can be secured, fastened, or otherwise interconnected402to the outer surface of the front plate112by way of the mounting slot114. The mounting slot114can be curvilinear in shape to follow the perimeter of the front plate112.

In another exemplary embodiment, an emblem102can be secured, fastened, or otherwise interconnected402to the outer surface of the front plate112by way of the mounting slot114and an orientation slot116. The front plate113comprises the orientation slot116. In this regard, orientation slot116can better ensure that emblem102is connected by at least two points (the mounting slot114and the orientation slot116) and that emblem102is orientated correctly on the surface of the front plate112.

In another exemplary embodiment and as better illustrated in at leastFIG.31, the back plate104can comprise a back mounting slot128where emblem102can be secured, fastened, or otherwise interconnected on the back plate104. The back mounting slot128can be curvilinear in shape to follow the perimeter of the back plate104.

In another exemplary embodiment, the back plate104can comprise a back mounting slot128and a back orientation slot106where emblem102can be secured, fastened, or otherwise interconnected on the back plate104. In this regard, back orientation slot106can better ensure that emblem102is connected by at least two points (the back mounting slot128and the back orientation slot106) and that emblem102is orientated correctly on the surface of the back plate104.

Referring toFIG.27there is illustrated one example of a perspective view of a clothing string clip100in the open or unlocked position. And, referring toFIG.28there is illustrated one example of a front view of a clothing string clip100in the open or unlocked position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the clothing string clip100can be opened or otherwise unlocked by way of a user202pivoting404around the rotatable hub118/132/136, as better illustrated in at leastFIG.29. The rotatable hub118/132/136can be formed by fastener118passing through the hub hole138on the front plate112, then insert136passes through the back plate104insert hole146, the insert136then passes through spring132and the assembly secured together by the interconnection of fastener118and insert136. Insert136can have a threaded insert134to grip the fastener118. The front plate112and back plate104are secured together in a manner that allows the front plate112to pivot404open and closed with respect to the back plate104so that user202can insert or remove a clothing string304from the interior152of the clothing string clip100.

In an exemplary embodiment, fastener118can be a screw, rivet, or other suitable fastener as may be required and or desired in a particular embodiment. The insert136can be plastic, metal, or other suitable material. The threaded insert134can be metal or other suitable material and be pressed or molded into the insert136as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

An advantage, in the present invention, is a press-to-release feature. In this regard, in an exemplary embodiment, when the clothing string clip100is in the closed position the front tab108and the back tab130interlock. To disengage and unlock the front tab108and back tab130so that the clothing clip100can be opened, the user in a press-to-release manner420can press the front plate112and the back plate104closer together while pivoting404the front plate112with respect to the back plate104to open the clothing clip100exposing a portion of the interior region152. Such press-to-release feature in the present invention prevents inadvertent opening of the clothing string clip100and also adds a child-proof type of lock feature for safety around young kids.

Referring toFIG.29there is illustrated one example of a disassembled view of a clothing string clip100. Referring toFIG.30there is illustrated one example of a front view in reference ‘A’, a back view in reference ‘B’, a bottom view in reference ‘C’, and a perspective view in reference ‘D’ of the front plate112. Referring toFIG.31there is illustrated one example of a front view in reference ‘A’, a back view in reference ‘B’, a bottom view in reference ‘C’, and a perspective view in reference ‘D’ of the back plate104.

In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to at leastFIGS.29,30, and31, the clothing string clip100attaches to a clothing string304. In this regard, the clothing string clip100can comprise more than one raised clothing string ridge124/158/162/170. The raised clothing string ridge124/158/162/170can have contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172along a portion of the peak of the raised clothing string ridge124/158/162/170. The clothing string clip100can also comprise a front plate112that has a mounting slot114, and a hub hole138. The back side of the front plate112can comprise at least one front tab108, at least one clothing string channel166, at least one raised spring ridge148/150forming a spring recess180, and more than one raised clothing string ridge158/162. At least one of the raised clothing string ridges158/162is positioned on each side of the clothing string channel166.

In an exemplary embodiment, the clothing string channel166on the back side of the front plate112can be formed between a front plate channel tab168and one of the front tab156which are positioned proximate to each other with a gap therebetween which creates the clothing string channel166. In operation, there can be more than one front tab108/156and more than one back tab130/176as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

The clothing string clip100can also comprise a back plate104that has an insert hole146. The back side of the back plate104can comprise at least one back tab130, at least one clothing string channel pressure tab174, a spring seat140/142/182, and more than one raised clothing string ridge124/170. At least one raised clothing string ridge124/170is positioned on each side of the clothing string channel pressure tab174. An insert136is fitted into the insert hole146. In operation, the spring seat140/142/182can comprise a raised ring182sized in diameter and thickness to allow the spring132to fit snuggly within the rotatable hub assembly between the front plate112and the back plate104, and more than one perimeter ring140/142to keep the spring132in position atop the raised ring182.

The clothing string clip100can also comprise the spring132that is positioned on the spring seat140/142/182and fitted into the spring recess180. A fastener118passes through the hub hole138and fastens with the insert136securing the front plate112and the back plate104together forming a rotatable hub118/132/136. The back side of the front plate112and the back side of the back plate104are opposed forming an interior region152.

In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the spring seat140/142/182can be configured to fit within the diameter of the spring recess180retaining the spring132therein when the front plate112and back plate104are fastened together. In this regard, spring132is captured within the spring recess180and contained within the boundaries of the spring seat140/142/182.

In an exemplary embodiment, the spring132can be fabricated from rubber, plastic, metal, a combination thereof, or other suitable materials as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

In operation, user202can pivot404the rotatable hub118/132/136opening the front plate112with respect to the back plate104. In the open position, the interior region152is exposed including at least the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172. User202can insert a clothing string304across the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172and into the clothing string channel166. Once the clothing string304has been inserted as mentioned above, user202can release the top plate112, the spring132pivots404the rotatable hub118/132/136, aligning the top plate112and the back plate104in a closed position. In the closed position, the clothing string clip100constricts and friction grips the clothing string304within the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172and clothing string channel166, abating slipping of the clothing string clip100along the clothing string304during use by user202.

Use by user202can include, as an example and not a limitation, wearing or carrying an article with clothing strings304such as clothing, backpacks, and other articles as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the clothing string clip100is in the closed position, such as illustrated in at leastFIG.25, the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172on the top plate112and back plate104are aligned along a central reference line408as illustrated in at leastFIG.29allowing the clothing string304to pass in a gripping manner centrally through the interior region152of the clothing string clip100.

Additionally, the raised clothing string ridges124/158/162/170and the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172are offset with respect to each other between the front plate112and back plate104so that in operation they don't bind or otherwise interfere with the pivoting404and gripping action of the clothing string clip100during use.

In an exemplary embodiment and better illustrated in at leastFIG.32, when the clothing string clip100is in the closed position the contoured clothing string recessed channels160/164on the top plate112and the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/172on the back plate104are adjacent forming a constriction point between the contoured clothing string recessed channels160/172and126/164that pinches or otherwise friction grips the clothing string304therebetween. In operation, the clothing string304is tightly held in position within the interior region152of the clothing string clip100.

Referring toFIG.32there is illustrated one example of a front plate112overlaid with a back plate104showing the interior component alignment. InFIG.32, reference ‘A’ is a front view of the clothing string clip100, and reference ‘B’ is a top view of the clothing string clip100.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the clothing string clip100is in the closed position the front tab108and the back tab130interlock in a removable manner, pulling the front plate112and the back plate104closer together, constricting tightly the clothing string304between the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172.

In an exemplary embodiment, more than one set of front tabs108/156and more than one set of back tabs130/176can be utilized. In such an embodiment, when the clothing string clip100is in the closed position the front tab108/156and the back tabs130/176interlock in a removable manner, pulling the front plate112and the back plate104closer together, constricting tightly the clothing string304between the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172.

An advantage, in the present invention, of using such multiple front tabs108/156and back tabs130/176interconnection points is that a more even constricting force is maintained along the clothing string304. Such even constricting force better prevents the front plate112and back plate104from bowing or otherwise separating unequally which can reduce the constricting force, also referred to as friction grip, on the clothing string304. Such a reduction in constricting force can cause the clothing string to undesirably slip within the clothing string clip100.

In this regard, in an exemplary embodiment, the clothing string clip100can comprise two of the front tabs108/156and two of the back tabs130/176. When the clothing string clip100is in the closed position, one pair of the front tab108and the back tab130interlocks in a removable manner proximate to the mounting slot114and the back mounting slot128, and one pair of the front tab156and the back tab176interlocks in a removable manner proximate to the orientation slot116and the back orientation slot106, pulling the front plate112and the back plate104closer together, constricting tightly the clothing string304between the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172.

Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the front tabs108/156and back tabs130/176can be right-angled to expose an edge that engenders the front tabs108/156and back tabs130/176to overlap and more easily interlock or otherwise engage as they come into proximity of each other when the clothing string clip100is pivoted404closed.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the clothing string clip100is in a closed position the front tabs108/156, the back tabs130/176, and the rotatable hub118/132/136are aligned along a central reference line418.

In an exemplary embodiment, the rotatable hub118/132/136is located414proximate to the perimeter of the front plate114and back plate104at one end of the central reference line418and the front tab108and the back tab130are located416proximate to the perimeter of the front plate112and the back plate104at the opposite end of the central reference line418.

In an exemplary embodiment where additional front tab156and back tab176are used, the front tab156and the back tab176can be located412proximate to the center of the front plate112and the back plate104near the midpoint of the central reference line418.

In an exemplary embodiment, the raised clothing string ridge124/158/162/170can be curvilinear is shape to increase their length and better align with each other. Additionally, the curvilinear shape of the raised clothing string ridge124/158/162/170allows the clothing string clip100to operate more smoothly with the rotational motion associated with the rotatable hub118/132/136, and fit better on the back surfaces of the front plate112and back plate104with a circular shaped clothing string clip100.

Referring toFIG.33there is illustrated one example of a front view of a clothing string clip100with an emblem attachment. In an exemplary embodiment, the emblem102can comprise at least one clip110or other suitable size/shape/configuration clip110as better illustrated in at leastFIG.37that can interconnect406with the mounting slot114to secure the emblem102to the front plate112or back plate104as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

In an exemplary embodiment, emblem102can be attached to the front plate112or back plate104by way of clip110, adhesive, hook-and-loop, or other suitable methods as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. In this regard, mounting slots114/128and orientation slots106/116can be utilized regardless of the method in which the emblem is fastened to the clothing string clip100.

In another exemplary embodiment, the front plate112can comprise a mounting slot114and an orientation slot116where the emblem102can be fastened. In operation, the orientation slot116can be used to not only retain the emblem102but also to provide orientation allowing the emblem102to interconnect and fasten in only one location and in only one orientation on the surface of the front plate112.

In a similar manner, in an exemplary embodiment and as better illustrated in at leastFIG.31, the back plate104can comprise a back mounting slot128where the emblem102can be fastened.

In another exemplary embodiment, the back plate104can comprise a back mounting slot128and a back orientation slot106where the emblem102can be fastened. In operation, the back orientation slot106can be used to not only retain the emblem102but also to provide orientation allowing the emblem102to interconnect and fasten in only one location and in only one orientation on the surface of the back plate104.

As such, an emblem102can be attached to the outer surface of the back plate104by way of a back mounting slot128. The back plate104can comprise the back mounting slot128.

Additionally, an emblem102can be attached to the outer surface of the back plate104by way of a back mounting slot128and the back orientation slot106. The back plate104can comprise the back mounting slot128and the back orientation slot106.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting slot114and the back mounting slot128are different sizes to discriminate between which of the emblem102can be fastened on the front plate112and which of the emblem102can be fastened on the back plate104. In this regard, the different-sized mounting slot114and back mounting slot128can be used to force which of the emblems102can be interconnected to the clothing string clip102including on which side (front plate112or back plate104).

Referring toFIG.34there is illustrated one example of a back view of a clothing string clip100. Referring toFIG.35there is illustrated one example of a top view in reference ‘A’ and a bottom view in reference ‘B’ of a clothing string clip100. And, referring toFIG.36there is illustrated one example of a left side view in reference ‘A’ and a right side view in reference ‘B’ of a clothing string clip100.

In an exemplary embodiment, a clothing string clip100can be attached to clothing strings304. In this regard, the clothing string clip100can comprise more than one raised clothing string ridge124/158/162/170each having a contoured clothing string recessed channel126/160/164/172along a portion of the peak of the raised clothing string ridge124/158/162/170.

The clothing string clip100further comprises a front plate112having a mounting slot114, and a hub hole138. The back side of the front plate112comprises at least one front tab108, at least one clothing string channel166, at least one raised spring ridge148/150forming a spring recess180, and more than one of the raised clothing string ridges158/162. At least one of the raised clothing string ridges158/162is positioned on each side of the clothing string channel166.

The clothing string clip100further comprises a back plate104having an insert hole146. The back side of the back plate104comprises at least one back tab130, at least one clothing string channel pressure tab174, a spring seat140/142/182, and more than one of the raised clothing string ridges124/170. At least one of the raised clothing string ridges124/170is positioned on each side of the clothing string channel pressure tab174. An insert136can be fitted into the insert hole146.

The clothing string clip100further comprises a spring132that is positioned on the spring seat140/142/182and fitted into the spring recess180. A fastener118passes through the hub hole138and fastens with the insert136securing the front plate112and the back plate104together forming a rotatable hub118/132/136. The back side of the front plate112and the back side of the back plate104are opposed forming an interior region152. An emblem102can be secured by way of the mounting slot114to the outer surface of the front plate112.

In operation, user202can pivot404the rotatable hub118/132/136opening the front plate112with respect to the back plate104. In the open position, a portion of the interior region152is exposed including at least the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172. The user202can insert a clothing string304across the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172and into the clothing string channel166.

The user202can then release the top plate112. The spring132pivots404the rotatable hub118/136/136, aligning the top plate112and the back plate104closed. In the closed position, the front tab108and the back tab130interlock in a removable manner pulling the front plate112and the back plate104together. The clothing string clip100constricts and friction grips the clothing string304within the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172, and the clothing string channel pressure tab174aligns within the clothing string channel166, retaining the clothing string304within the clothing string channel116and applying pinch pressure to the clothing string304against back side of the front plate112by way of the clothing string channel pressure tab174, abating slipping of the clothing string clip100along the clothing string304during use by user202.

Referring toFIG.37illustrates one example of a top perspective view in reference ‘A’ and a back perspective view in reference ‘B’. In an exemplary embodiment, emblem102can be secured by way of clips110to the mounting slot114on the outer surface of the front plate112and/or the back mounting slot128on the outer surface of the back plate104as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

Referring toFIG.38there are illustrated exemplary embodiment of emblems that can be interchangeably used in the present invention. For example, and not a limitation, in reference ‘A’ a pair of animal or wildlife emblems102A and102B can be secured to the front plate112and the back plate104. In reference ‘B’ a pair of team or logo emblems102A and102B can be secured to the front plate112and the back plate104. And, in reference ‘C’ a pair of sport or athletic emblems102A and102B can be secured to the front plate112and the back plate104.

Referring toFIG.39, there is illustrated one example of a clothing cord clip600. In an exemplary embodiment, in reference ‘A’ a front plate602and a back plate604can be aligned and snapped together around a clothing cord304. Reference ‘B’ illustrates the assembled clothing cord clip600. Reference ‘C’ illustrates pathway440of the clothing cord304through the clothing cord clip600, notably around a connection peg614and receptacle612. Reference ‘D’ illustrates the top plate602which comprises more than one of a locking rib606A-B, a recess channel610A-B for the clothing cord304, and the receptacle612. Reference ‘E’ illustrates the back plate604which comprises more than one locking edge608A-B, a recess channel610C-D for the clothing cord304, and the connection peg614. Reference ‘F’ is a section view of the assembled clothing cord clip600. In operation, the locking ribs606A-B and the locking edge608A-B as well as the connection peg614and the receptacle612each interlock hold the top plate602and the bottom plate604together with the clothing cord captured therebetween.

Referring toFIG.40, there is illustrated one example of a clothing cord clip700. In reference ‘A’, a front plate702and back plate704can be fastened together in a movable hinged manner by way of locking pins706A-B. Reference ‘B’ illustrates tab708and latch710that can be interconnected to fasten the clothing cord clip700together. Reference ‘C’ illustrates the closed clothing cord clip700having more than one emblem mounting hole712. Such emblem mounting holes can be on the front plate702and the back plate704. Reference ‘D’ illustrates the emblem500with pegs legs522. References ‘E’ and ‘F’ illustrate the emblems520fitted to the front plate702and back plate704by way of the peg legs522inserted into the emblem mounting holes712. Such emblems520can be snap fitted in a removable manner or adhered in a permanent manner, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.

Referring toFIG.41, there is illustrated one example of a clothing cord clip800. In an exemplary embodiment, in reference ‘A’, a front plate802can comprise a flexible membrane810A that forms a flexible bubble806A, and a back plate804can comprise a flexible membrane810B that forms a flexible bubble806B. The top plate802and the back plate804can be rigidly connected at a hinge808point, the flexible membranes810A-B and correspondingly the flexible bubbles806A-B are opposed and drawing snuggly together in a manner that a clothing cord304can be slid452between the flexible bubbles806A-B and retained therebetween by way of the flexible membranes810A-B. Reference ‘B’ illustrates the clothing cord304being retained between the flexible bubbles806A-B such that the clothing cord clip800can hang from the clothing cord304. In operation, the flexible bubbles806A-B under compression apply a force again the cord302by way of the flexible membranes810A-B holding clothing cord clip800in place on the cord302.

Referring toFIG.42, there is illustrated one example of a clothing cord clip. In an exemplary embodiment, a top plate802and a bottom plate804are integrally formed together by way of a hinge portion808forming a tight clip with an opening for a clothing cord304to slide therebetween.

Referring toFIG.43, there is illustrated one example of a clothing cord clip. In reference ‘A’, a top plate802can comprise a gripping rib806A, and a back plate804can comprise a gripping rib806B. The gripping ribs806A-B can be integrally formed together by way of a hinge808portion such that a clothing cord304can be slid454therebetween. Reference ‘B’ is a perspective view and reference ‘C’ is a front view of the clothing cord clip.

Referring toFIG.44there is illustrated one example of a method of using a clothing string clip that attaches to clothing strings. In an exemplary embodiment, the method begins in step1002.

In step1002, the clothing string clip100is opened by way of user202pivoting a rotatable hub118/132/136. The clothing string clip100comprises more than one raised clothing string ridge124/158/162/170having a contoured clothing string recessed channel126/160/164/172along a portion of the peak of the raised clothing string ridge124/158/162/170. A front plate112has a mounting slot114, and a hub hole138. The back side of the front plate112comprises at least one front tab114/116, at least one clothing string channel166, at least one raised spring ridge148/150forming a spring recess180, and more than one raised clothing string ridge158/162. At least one raised clothing string ridge158/162is positioned on each side of the clothing string channel166.

A back plate104has an insert hole146. The back side of the back plate104comprises at least one back tab130, at least one clothing string channel pressure tab174, a spring seat182, and more than one of the raised clothing string ridges124/170. At least one raised clothing string ridge127/170is positioned on each side of the clothing string channel pressure tab174. An insert136is fitted into the insert hole146, and a spring132is positioned on the spring seat140/142/182and fitted into the spring recess180.

A fastener118passes through the hub hole138and fastens with the insert136securing the front plate112and the back plate104together forming the rotatable hub118/132/136. The back side of the front plate112and the back side of the back plate104are opposed forming an interior region152.

In operation, user202opens the front plate112with respect to the back plate10. The open position exposes a portion of the interior region152including at least the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172. The method then moves to step1004.

In step1004, a clothing string304is positioned by user202across the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172and into the clothing string channel166. The method then moves to step1006.

In step1006, the clothing string clip100is secured to the clothing string304when user202releases the top plate112, allowing the spring132to pivot404the rotatable hub118/132/136, aligning the top plate112and the back plate104closed. In the closed position, the clothing string clip100constricts and friction grips the clothing string304within the contoured clothing string recessed channels126/160/164/172, and the clothing string channel pressure tab174aligns within the clothing string channel166, retaining the clothing string304within the clothing string channel166and applying pinch pressure to the clothing string304against back side of the front plate112by way of the clothing string channel pressure tab174, abating slipping of the clothing string clip100along the clothing string304during use by user202. The method is then exited.

Referring toFIG.45there are illustrated exemplary embodiments that can be interchangeably used with the methods of the present invention.

In step1008, an emblem102can be attached to the outer surface of the front plate112by way of the mounting slot114.

In step1010, an emblem102can be attached to the outer surface of the front plate112by way of the mounting slot114and an emblem102can be attached to the outer surface of the back plate104by way of a back mounting slot128. The back plate104comprises the back mounting slot128.

In step1012, the front plate112and the back plate104can be pressed closer together causing the front tab103and the back tab130to disengage and unlock allowing the front plate112to be pivoted open with respect to the back plate104.

Referring toFIG.46, there is illustrated one example of a method of using a clothing cord clip500. In an exemplary embodiment, the method begins in step2002by positioning the clothing cord304perpendicular to and across either the first gripping rail508A or the second gripping rail508B.

The method continues in step2004by bending422the flexible connector506to align the first interior surface532of the front plate with the interior of the back plate.

The method continues in step2006by snapping together the first curvilinear locking rib512A-B and the second curvilinear locking rib512C-D retaining the clothing cord304in place by pinching the clothing cord304with the first gripping rail508A and the second gripping rail508B, securing the clothing cord clip500to the clothing cord304. The method is then exited.

In an exemplary embodiment, the clothing cord clip500can be removed from the clothing cord304by unsnapping the first curvilinear locking rib512A-B and the second curvilinear locking rib512C-D.

Referring toFIG.47and with reference toFIGS.41-43, there is illustrated one example of a method of using a clothing cord clip800. In an exemplary embodiment, the method begins in step2102by positioning the clothing cord302at the external edges of the flexible bubbles806A-B.

The method continues in step2104by sliding the clothing cord between the flexible bubbles806A-B and then in step2106by adjusting the position of the clothing clip800along the length of the clothing cord304by sliding it up or down the clothing cord304.