Abstract:
A device purposed to adjust the size or shape of a garment or other item, or to be worn Itself as an accessory, has a flexible clipping element structured to grasp a portion of the garment or other item and hold it in a predetermined position. A removable display element is dimensioned to be received by the clipping element and held firmly in assembled relationship during use. A face portion of the display element may be shaped to display thereon selective logos, designs or other functional or aesthetic items at the discretion of the user.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates, generally, to functional fashion accessories. More specifically, the invention relates to a clipping device useful for adjusting the size or shape of a garment.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Oversized clothing is commonly worn as part of current fashion trends. However, such clothing is frequently cumbersome, and can interfere with the routine activities of the wearer. In the case of oversized trousers, for instance, the bottom cuffs often get dirty or wetfrom contacting the ground, particularly in the wet and salty conditions of winter. Moreover, the cuffs of such pants become damaged from constant dragging on the ground under the wearer&#39;s feet, In such cases, as well as a variety of other envisioned situations, there exists a need for temporary adjustment of the size and/or shape of one&#39;s garment.  
         [0003]     Canadian Patent No. 1,150,903 discloses a device using two clips to elevate the leg bottoms of a car driver&#39;s trousers, thereby protecting the bottom ends thereof from getting dirty and wet from the accumulated dirt beneath his feet. However, this device is only useful within a car, since it is designed for attachment to the steering column. Such a device is therefore not amenable to use in varied environments.  
         [0004]     Other garment securement devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,665,562 and 5,570,470. The &#39;562 patent discloses an apparatus for protecting the pants leg of a bicycle rider, which includes a cover to be wrapped around the user&#39;s leg, thereby preventing chain grease from reaching the pants leg. The &#39;470 patent discloses a legging apparatus to be worn by a lawn maintenance person in order to protect the person&#39;s lower legs from chemicals and pesticides. However, such devices are specifically utilitarian in design, and are not useful with all types of garments.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,862 discloses a pants hem guard, having a frame with a U-shaped inner portion and a U-shaped outer portion, and a clip insert attached to the outer portion of the frame. The guard is attached to the back portion of a shoe, with the clip insert remaining on the outside of the shoe just above the shoe heel. The pants hem is tucked behind the clip insert which keeps the hem above the shoe heel. This device is particularly ineffective for running, since the clip does not tightly grip the pants leg. In addition, the device is not useful with varied forms of clothing, since it is specifically adapted for use in conjunction with a shoe. High rise shoes and boots are also not suited for use with the hem guard disclosed in the &#39;862 patent.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,582 discloses a trouser leg retaining device for maintaining one&#39;s trouser legs in the proper position in relation to their shoes. The trouser leg retaining device includes an elongated elastic strap with a snap fastener device at one end and either a locking clip or an O-ring at the opposite end. The elastic strap has an adjuster positioned on it to adjust the length of the strap. A similar device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,156, which includes a central elastic strap to which link chains are affixed at each end. The restraining device of the &#39;156 patent is placed across the sole or bottom of a boot or shoe so that when the wearer&#39;s knee is bent, and the pant legs moves up the wearers leg as a result thereof, the restraining device resiliently urges the leg of the trousers to return to its fully extended or normal position against the boot or shoe. As a result of the need to secure the &#39;582 and &#39;156 devices to the wearer&#39;s shoes, they are only useful for securing trouser legs. Moreover, they are not particularly fashionable, and are inappropriate to be worn with formal or dress clothes.  
         [0007]     None of the above documents discloses an apparatus that is appropriate for use with varied categories and styles of clothing. Rather, they are predominantly designed for exclusive use with trouser legs, and are not particularly fashionable. Thus, a need exists for a more versatile clothing adjustment device which can be used with various types and styles of clothing.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a versatile garment or accessory adjustment or clipping device which can be used with various types and styles of clothing. A fashionable aspect of such device may be further enhanced by incorporating a decorative element therewith.  
         [0009]     Another object of the invention is to provide a flexible clipping element for use as part of the garment or accessory adjustment or clipping device, the flexible clipping element being structured to grasp a portion of the garment and hold it in a predetermined rearranged position.  
         [0010]     A further object of the invention includes the provision of a display element for use as part of the garment or accessory adjustment or clipping device, the display element enabling logos, designs or similar markings to be displayed there on and which is dimensioned to be received by the flexible clipping element and held firmly in assembled relationship by the clipping element during the wearing of the garment.  
         [0011]     Accordingly, as an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment or accessory clipping device comprising a flexible clipping element for use with a display element, the flexible clipping element comprising:  
         [0012]     a grasping portion structured to grasp a portion of the garment or accessory and hold it in a predetermined position; and  
         [0013]     a display element engagement portion shaped and dimensioned to engage with and secure the display element In an assembled relationship with the clipping element,  
         [0014]     wherein the flexible clipping element is removable from the display element, the display element facilitating the display of functional or aesthetic items or designs thereon.  
         [0015]     The display element engagement portion typically comprises two resilient arrow-shaped securement members shaped and dimensioned to be received within a cavity defined by a sleeve of the display element, with the arrows adapted to secure the clipping element to the display element upon engagement with recessed openings formed in said sleeve of the display element. The securement members are preferably provided a distance apart, with a spring bridging said distance to facilitate outward urging of the arrows into the recessed openings of the display device.  
         [0016]     The grasping portion of the flexible clipping element generally comprises a U-shaped clip formed from a resilient material effective to facilitate tight grasping of the garment or accessory, and may be provided with a rubberized grip to prevent slippage of the device from the garment or accessory.  
         [0017]     Another aspect of the invention provides a display element for use with a flexible clipping element of a garment or accessory clipping device, the display element comprising:  
         [0018]     a clipping element engagement portion shaped and dimensioned to engage with and secure the flexible clipping element in an assembled relationship with the display element; and  
         [0019]     a display portion sized and shaped to facilitate the display of functional or aesthetic items or designs thereon,  
         [0020]     wherein the display element is removable from the flexible clipping element, the flexible clipping element facilitating the grasping of a portion of a garment or accessory to hold it in a predetermined position.  
         [0021]     The display element typically comprises a sleeve defining a sleeve cavity as at least part of the clipping element engagement portion, and two recessed openings in opposing sides of the sleeve, the recessed openings being adapted to facilitate the securing of the display element to the flexible clipping element upon engagement with two resilient arrow-shaped securement members of the flexible clipping element.  
         [0022]     The display portion of the display element is preferably provided on a face of the sleeve, and typically displays an aesthetic or functional item. The aesthetic or functional item may be selected from engravings, artworks, colours, icons, logos, brand names, sports teams, three dimensional shapes, spinners, containers, golf ball markers and golf tee holders or any other aesthetic or functional item.  
         [0023]     As a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a garment or accessory clipping device comprising a flexible clipping element and a display element, the flexible clipping element comprising:  
         [0024]     a grasping portion structured to grasp a portion of the garment or accessory and hold it in a predetermined position; and  
         [0025]     a display element engagement portion shaped and dimensioned to engage with and secure the display element in an assembled relationship with the clipping element, the display element comprising:  
         [0026]     a clipping element engagement portion shaped and dimensioned to engage with and secure the flexible clipping element in an assembled relationship with the display element; and  
         [0027]     a display portion sized and shaped to facilitate the display of functional or aesthetic Items or designs thereon.  
         [0028]     While nota requirement of the invention, the device maybe adapted to permit variability in the shape and/or design thereof. In order to facilitate changes in such shape and/or design by the user, it is preferred that the display element be removable from the clipping element. For instance, the face portion of the display element may be adapted to display thereon logos, designs or colour combinations which may be selected at the discretion of the user. Accordingly, the clipping element and removable display element maybe provided separately. Alternatively, the display element of the device may be permanently secured to the flexible clipping element.  
         [0029]     In one possible embodiment of the invention, a garment clip is provided comprising a clip member capable of clipping securely to a portion of a garment to maintain the garment in a predetermined position, and a sleeve adapted to cooperate with the clip member such that the clip member can slide into the sleeve to facilitate mutualinter-engagement thereof, either when the garment clip is clipped to a garment or when not in use. Such a device is particularly useful for temporarily adjusting the hem of a pant leg, a skirt, a shirt sleeve or other such article of clothing.  
         [0030]     In the above embodiment, the sleeve of the garment clip can be changeable, and may be designed for attachment to the clip member to give the garment clip a fashionable look. Accordingly, the sleeve can bear a variety of artworks, colours, icons, brand names or three dimensional shapes. The sleeve may also include spinners or containers, eg. candy containers or other such containers.  
         [0031]     It is particularly important to note that the removable sleeve can be manufactured and sold separately from the clip member. Additionally, the sleeve and clip-member can be manufactured using a wide variety of materials, including metal, plastic and other materials commonly used in the art. It is not necessary for the sleeve and clip-member to be manufactured using identical materials. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0032]     Examples of preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of one example of an embodiment of the invention secured to the bottom of a pant leg to maintain a hem thereof in a raised position;  
         [0034]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating an exterior face portion of the sleeve when attached to the clip-member;  
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  showing an interior face portion of the sleeve and an exterior clip portion of the clip-member when the two parts are attached together;  
         [0036]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  showing the exterior face portion of the sleeve and an interior clip portion of the clip-member when the two parts are detached from each other;  
         [0037]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  showing the interior face portion of the sleeve and the exterior clip portion of the clip-member when the two parts are detached from each other;  
         [0038]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the clip-member illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the clip-member illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 8  is an end view of the bottom of the clip-member illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 9  is an end view of the top of the clip-member illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the clip-member illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ;  
         [0043]      FIG. 11  is a front view of an embodiment of the sleeve illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0044]      FIG. 12  is a back view of an embodiment of the sleeve illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the sleeve illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0046]      FIG. 14  is a bottom plan view of the sleeve illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5  showing a cavity therein for receiving the clip member; and  
         [0047]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the sleeve illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0048]     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the following is a description of certain preferred embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the overall inventive concept as is taught herein.  
         [0049]      FIG. 1  shows a garment or accessory clipping device of the present invention, otherwise referred to herein as garment clip ( 1 ), fixed to a cuff ( 2 ) of a pant-leg ( 3 ) in a manner to raise somewhat the lower edge ( 4 ) of the cuff ( 2 ) to a predetermined position and preferably out of contact with an adjacent ground surface.  
         [0050]     According to the embodiment shown in FIGS.  2  to  5 , the garment clip ( 1 ) is constructed of two separate parts, namely a flexible clipping element, or clip-member ( 5 ), and a display element, as represented in the drawings as sleeve ( 6 ). The clip member ( 5 ) and sleeve ( 6 ) are capable of being joined together.  
         [0051]     The clip-member ( 5 ) may be a clip having a U form, as shown in  FIG. 10 , and is designed to securely grip a garment, in this case a pant leg, in order to facilitate shortening thereof. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the clip-member typically includes a grasping portion, as represented by the exterior clip portion ( 10 ), which grips the interior face of the pant leg ( 3 ), and a display element engagement portion, such as interior clip portion ( 11 ), which is structured to receive the display element. As illustrated, the interior clip portion ( 11 ) is designed to match in size and geometry with a flexible clipping element engagement portion of the display element, such as the cavity ( 9 ) defined in sleeve ( 6 ). While other arrangements for securement of the clip-member to the sleeve are possible, the interior clip portion ( 11 ) shown in  FIG. 4  comprises two arrow-shaped securement members ( 7 ). Preferably, a spring ( 8 ) is provided between the securement members ( 7 ) to ensure flexibility of the separation distance (d 1 ) therebetween. The securement members ( 7 ) have a thickness less than that of the cavity ( 9 ) of the sleeve ( 6 ), thereby enabling the sleeve to receive the interior clip portion ( 11 ) of the clip-member ( 5 ). When detached, the distance (d 1 ) between the two securement members ( 7 ) Is slightly greater than a width (d 2 ) of the cavity ( 9 ) of the sleeve ( 6 ). A firm liaison and friction between the clip-member ( 5 ) and the sleeve ( 6 ) is provided by the spring ( 8 ) to ensure that the two parts are firmly attached together.  
         [0052]     Whether it is manufactured using high density plastic or spring steel, the clip-member ( 5 ) is designed to bend open and retain its shape to a closed position.  
         [0053]     When manufactured using a metal material, eg. stainless steel or the like, a rubberised grip ( 12 ), as shown in  FIG. 10 , can be provided on the interior face of the exterior clip portion ( 10 ) of the clip-member ( 5 ). Such a grip prevents the clip from slipping down and being lost while walking, running or dancing, especially if the garment is made of a smooth material.  
         [0054]     The sleeve ( 6 ), as is shown in  FIGS. 4, 5 ,  11  and  12 , may be provided separately from the clip-member ( 5 ). The sleeve typically will have an Interior face portion ( 14 ), a display portion as illustrated by exterior face portion ( 15 ), an open bottom end, and define a cavity ( 9 ) therein, the cavity ( 9 ) having a geometry and depth sufficient to firmly contain the interior clip portion ( 11 ) of the clip-member ( 5 ). In order to coordinate with the arrow-shaped securement members ( 7 ) of the clip-member ( 5 ), the sleeve has two recessed openings formed on sides thereof. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , these openings form hooks ( 13 ) for receiving the arrow ends of the securement members ( 7 ), and thereby facilitate firm liaison between the two parts.  
         [0055]     As is provided by the invention, the removable sleeve ( 6 ) Is interchangeable with other removable sleeve designs, and can therefore be used with any clip-member. A variety of engravings, artworks, colours, icons, logos, brand names, sport teams, three dimensional shapes, spinners, containers, golf ball markers, golf tee holders, etc. maybe displayed on the exterior face ( 15 ) of the decorative sleeve ( 6 ). As another possibility, the sleeve can bear a reflector or a light.  
         [0056]     In view of the interoperability between the removable sleeve ( 6 ) and clip-member ( 5 ), removable sleeves of different designs can be manufactured and sold separately. Accordingly, any clip-member ( 5 ) having an arrangement such as that shown in FIGS.  6  to  10  can be used with any sleeve having an arrangement similar to that represented in FIGS.  11  to  15 , regardless of the design of the exterior face portion ( 15 ) thereof.  
         [0057]     The garment clip ( 1 ) can be manufactured using many materials. For instance, it can be made of a high density plastic which is easily affordable and available for high-scale production. Metals including stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminium and others may also be used. Furthermore, it is to be noted that the removable sleeve ( 6 ) can be made of the same materials used in the fabrication of the clip-member ( 5 ). However, since only minimal portions of the clip-member are observable when the two parts are attached together, any combination of materials and colours can be used for the removable sleeve and clip-member material. The versatility of the invention enables the end-user to select desired colours and materials to match with the colour and style of their clothing.  
         [0058]     Generally, the interior face portion ( 14 ) of the removable sleeve ( 6 ) has a smooth outside surface that does not scratch, mark or abrade the exterior face of a garment. The garment clip ( 1 ) is also commonly manufactured to be comfortable and practical, with rounded corners and smooth curves to make it easy to use and to protect the garment material.  
         [0059]     By using the garment clip of the present invention, personal expenses may be reduced by avoiding excessive wear and washing of one&#39;s clothing. This allows the clothing to remain in a good condition for a longer period, reduces clothing replacement costs, and cuts down on washing expenses.  
         [0060]     While the garment clip is described above in terms of It&#39;s use for raising the hem of a pant leg, it is intended that the device can also be used to narrow the width of a pant leg to any predetermined degree. Additionally, the garment clip can be used to raise the hem of a skirt, or adjust the sleeves of a sweater or shirt. The garment clip may also be used with any style of clothing, from casual to formal attire, or as a money clip, etc.  
         [0061]     The present invention has been described herein in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, although further modifications and variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the Invention as claimed.