Abstract:
A device and method for protecting clothing are disclosed and claimed. The clip has a core and a sleeve. The sleeve encases the core. The clip is substantially rectangular in shape and has a first end and a second end. The clip is bendable into a shaped configuration. In the shaped configuration the first end of the clip is positioned next to the second end of the clip, the first end of the clip being substantially parallel to the second end of the clip, the first end of the clip and the second end of the clip defining an internal space between the first end of the clip and the second end of the clip. The clip is placed over the waist band of a user&#39;s pants to prevent portions of the waist band from rubbing on the underside of a user&#39;s shirt.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/708,201 filed on May 9, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/991,268 filed on May 9, 2015. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention pertains generally to clothing accessories and more particularly to a malleable device and method for protecting clothing. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    T-shirts have become a staple product in all wardrobes for men and women. T-shirts are as diverse as the millions who wear them and prices and fabrics vary. Some shirts are sold for upwards of $500.00. Fabric used for t-shirts range from modal, blends of rayon/cotton/polyester and cotton. These fabrics are used because they have a sensual feel. Some t-shirts brands (especially high-end) have mastered the very thin, light weight, soft and comfortable fabric t-shirt that has become an imported item in high-fashion brand collections. 
         [0004]    The most popular type of pants to wear are denim jeans. In contrast to the soft materials utilized for shirts, denim is a stiff and coarse material. Jeans normally have a pair of flaps surrounding the zipper with a button or a snap placed at top. Through movement and bending over, the corner of the front flap of the jeans bends outward. Because the most popular dress attire is the combination of t-shirt and jeans, the stiff, hardened corner of the jeans frequently comes into contact with the inside of the soft t-shirt. Over time, the continuous rubbing and movement of the corner of the jeans wears away the fabric of the t-shirt, causing a hole to appear in the lower front of the t-shirt. What is needed is a method and device to protect the t-shirt from the abrasion caused by the waistband of jeans at the button closure area. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0005]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0006]    A clip for adhering to clothing comprising a core and a sleeve. The core is an elongated rectangular body having a first end and a second end. The sleeve encases the core. The sleeve is composed of a soft and pliable material. The clip is substantially rectangular in shape and has a first end and a second end. The clip is bendable into a shaped configuration. In the shaped configuration the first end of the clip is positioned next to the second end of the clip, the first end of the clip being substantially parallel to the second end of the clip, the first end of the clip and the second end of the clip defining an internal space between the first end of the clip and the second end of the clip. 
         [0007]    The core may be composed of a metal. The metal for the core is chosen from a group consisting essentially of: aluminum, steel, copper, nickel, gold, spring steel, tin, iron, silver, and zinc. The sleeve may be composed of a material chosen from the group consisting essentially of: leather, rubber, synthetic rubber, sponge, synthetic sponge, silicone, polymer, and elastomer. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment of the invention the core further comprises one or more core joints, the one or more core joints extending the width of the core, the one or more core joints being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment of the invention the sleeve further comprises one or more sleeve joints, the one or more sleeve joints extending the width of the sleeve and the one or more sleeve joints being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. In another embodiment of the invention the sleeve further comprises a textured region. The textured region may further comprise a tactile adhesive. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment of the invention the core further comprises a first magnetized region and a second magnetized region. The first magnetized region is disposed toward the first end of the core. The second magnetized region is disposed toward the second end of the core. The first magnetized region is configured to exert an attractive force on the second magnetized region when the clip is bent into the shaped configuration. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment of the invention the sleeve consists of two sleeve sections, the first sleeve section encasing the first end of the core, the second sleeve section encasing the second end of the core. In another embodiment of the invention the shaped configuration the clip is shaped to consist of a front member measuring 1.5 inches wide by 1.5 inches long, a rear member measuring 1.5 inches wide by 2 inches long, and an upper connector measuring 1.5 inches wide by ⅜ inches deep from the outer point of the front member to the outer point of the rear member and ¼ inches deep from the inner point of the front member to the inner point of the rear member. 
         [0012]    The invention is also directed toward method of preventing a section of the waist band of pants from rubbing against a shirt. The method comprises utilizing a clip in a first configuration, bending the clip into a second configuration, placing the clip over the waist band of a pair of pants, compressing the front member toward the rear member, and compressing the waist band of a pair of pants within the internal space between the front member and the rear member. The clip comprises a core and a sleeve. The sleeve encases the core. The sleeve is a soft and pliable material. The core is an elongate body having a first end and a second end. The clip is substantially rectangular in shape and has a first end and a second end. In the second configuration the first end of the clip is positioned next to the second end of the clip. The first end of the clip is substantially parallel to the second end of the clip and the first end of the clip and the second end of the clip define an internal space between the first end of the clip and the second end of the clip. When placed over the waist band of the pair of pants the first end of the clip is disposed between the waist band of a pair of pants and the shirt worn by the user, the second end of the clip is disposed between the waist band of a pair of pants and the user, and the waist band of the pair of pants is disposed within the internal space between the first end of the clip and the second end of the clip. 
         [0013]    The method may further comprise lifting the first end of the clip away from the second end of the clip and removing the clip from the waist band of a pair of pants. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment of the method the sleeve of the clip further comprises a textured area. In this embodiment the method further comprises ensuring the textured area is disposed within the internal space between the front member and the rear member when the clip is in the second configuration. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment of the method the core of the clip further comprises a first magnetized area disposed toward the first end of the core and a second magnetized area disposed toward the second end of the core with the first magnetized region being configured to exert an attractive force on the second magnetized region when the clip is bent into the second configuration. In this embodiment the method further comprises ensuring the first magnetized area is disposed adjacent to the second magnetized area when the clip is bent into the second configuration. 
         [0016]    As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the clip; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of the clip; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3A  is a top view of the core; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the core; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the sleeve; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the sleeve; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the sleeve; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the core; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the clip in a straightened configuration; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the clip in a straightened configuration; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the clip; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the clip; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a schematic describing the use of the clip. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0031]    The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims. 
         [0032]    The invention is directed toward a clip for placing over the front button flap of a user&#39;s jeans to prevent the corner of the flap from wearing on a shirt worn by the user. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the clip  10  is displayed. The clip  10 , when worn by the user, has a front member  12  and a rear member  16  connected by an upper connector  14 . When worn by a user, the front member  12  is positioned on top of the button flap of the jeans. The upper connector  14  extends over the top edge of the button flap of the jeans and the rear member  16  extends behind the button flap of the jeans. The button flaps of the jeans are positioned in the space between the rear member  16  and front member  12  when worn by the user. When worn, the front member  12  is positioned between the button flap of the jeans and the user&#39;s t-shirt. The front member  12  holds down the button flap and prevents the button flap of the jeans from rubbing on the t-shirt and causing wear. 
         [0033]    The clip  10  is a thin elongated rectangular body. The clip  10  is malleable and bendable so that a user can angle and position the clip  10  in any desirable position. The user can also bend and angle the rear member  16  and front member  12  into any shape and position. The rear member  16  and front member  12  may be positioned relative to each other in any manner so that the upper connector  14  can be any length. The upper connector  14  may be positioned short in length so that the space between the rear member  16  and front member  12  is small and the clip  10  is tightly compressed onto the button flaps of the jeans. Alternatively the upper connector  14  may be positioned longer in length so that the space between the rear member  16  and front member  12  is greater and the clip  10  is loosely compressed onto the button flaps of the jeans. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a cross section of the clip  10  is displayed. The clip comprises a core  100  and a sleeve  200 . The core  100  is a thin elongate rectangular member. The core  100  may be made of any material. In the preferred embodiment the core  100  is composed of a malleable metal, such as aluminum, steel, copper, nickel, gold, spring steel, tin, iron, silver, zinc, or any other commercially available metal. The sleeve  200  is an elongate rectangular member with an internal cavity for holding the core  100 . The sleeve  200  is composed of a soft and pliable material. Any type of material may be used for the sleeve  200 . The sleeve  200  may be composed of leather, silicone, synthetic rubber, sponge, polymer, elastomer, or any other commercially available material. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 3A , the core  100  is displayed. When not in use the core  100  is an elongated rectangular member. Positioned approximately midway along the length of the core is a core joint  110 . The core joint  110  extends along the width of the core  100  and substantially traverses the length of the core  100 . The core joint  110  provides a point of flexibility such that the core  100  can be folded so that one end of the core  100  is disposed within the front member  12  and the opposite end of the core  100  is disposed within the rear member  16 . The core joint  110  is disposed within the upper connector  14  when the core  100  is folded and in use. The core  100  may have one core joint  110  as displayed in  FIG. 3A  or may have two core joints  110   a ,  110   b  as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . Between the first core joint  110   a  and the second core joint  110   b  is the upper core connector  112 . The upper core connector  112  is disposed in the upper connector  14  when the clip  10  is in use. Each of the core joints  110   a ,  110   b  may be formed by a groove in the surface of the core  100 . Alternatively, each of the core joints  110   a ,  110   b  may be formed by a depression or thinning of the thickness of the core  100 . Alternatively, each of the core joints  110   a ,  110   b  may be formed by a hinge. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  the preferred embodiment of the sleeve  200  is displayed. The sleeve  200  has a sleeve back  202  and a sleeve front  204 . The sleeve  200  has a first sleeve joint  210   a  and a second sleeve joint  210   b . Positioned between the first sleeve joint  210   a  and a second sleeve joint  210   b  is the upper sleeve connector  212 . The upper sleeve connector  212  is disposed in the upper connector  14  when the clip  10  is in use. The first sleeve joint  210   a  and a second sleeve joint  210   b  are respectively disposed adjacent to the first core joint  110   a  and the second core joint  110   b . The upper sleeve connector  212  is disposed adjacent to the upper core connector  112 . The sleeve joints  210   a ,  210   b  extend along the width of the sleeve  200  and substantially traverses the length of the sleeve  200 . The sleeve joints  210   a ,  210   b  provide points of flexibility such that the sleeve  200  can be folded so that one end of the sleeve  200  is disposed within the front member  12  and the opposite end of the sleeve  200  is disposed within the rear member  16 . 
         [0037]    Positioned on the sleeve front  204  is a textured region  206 . The textured region  206  is an area on the sleeve front  204  that provides an enhanced frictional surface to ensure the adhesion to the clip  10  to the button flaps of the jeans. The textured region  206  may be any size and shape. The textured region  206  may be formed by a dimpling in the material composing the sleeve  200 . Alternatively, the textured region  206  may be an additional pad of material adhered to the sleeve front  204 . The textured region  206  may be formed by a rigid polymer or rough type fabric. Alternatively, the textured region  206  may be a smooth area further comprising a tactile adhesive to removably secure the clip  10  to the button flap of the user&#39;s jeans. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 5  the sleeve  200  is displayed in a folded configuration as when it is in use. The sleeve back  202  is disposed on the external areas of the clip  10 . The sleeve front  204  is disposed on the areas of the clip  10  adjacent to the button flaps of the user&#39;s jeans. The textured region  206  is disposed on areas of the front member  12  and rear member  16  adjacent to the button flaps of the user&#39;s jeans. The first sleeve joint  210   a  and second sleeve joint  210   b  are positioned on the outer edges of the upper connector  14 . The upper sleeve connector  212  is coextensive with the upper connector  14 . The first sleeve joint  210   a  is located at the joint between the upper connector  14  and rear member  16 . The second sleeve joint  210   b  is located at the joint between the upper connector  14  and rear front member  12 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an alternative embodiment of the core is displayed. In the alternative embodiment the core  100  further comprises a first magnetized area  120  and a second magnetized area  122 . The first magnetized area  120  is disposed on one end of the core  100  and the second magnetized area  122  is disposed on the opposite end of the core  100  and are separated by the core joint  110 . The first magnetized area  120  has a magnetic charge opposite from the magnetic charge of the second magnetized area  122 . The first magnetized area  120  exerts an attractive force on the second magnetized area  122  through the button flaps of the jeans when the clip  10  is folded and being used. In this manner the first magnetized area  120  is disposed in the front member  12  and the second magnetized area is disposed in the rear member  16 . The attractive force between the first magnetized area  120  and the second magnetized area  122  draw the front member  12  and rear member  16  closer together, increasing the frictional hold of the clip  10  on the button flaps of the jeans and preventing the accidental removal of the clip  10 . 
         [0040]    Alternative embodiments of the clip  10  are possible. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the core  100  may be fully encompassed by the sleeve  200 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the core  100  may be encompassed on one end by a first sleeve section  200   a  and the other end of the core  100  may be encompassed by a second sleeve section  200   b . In this embodiment the front member  12  is encased in the first sleeve section  200   a  and the rear member  16  is encased in the second sleeve section  200   b . In this embodiment the upper connector  14  is composed solely of the core  100 . 
         [0041]    The clip  10  may be configured to be any size and shape. The front member  12 , upper connector  14 , and rear member  16  may each be any size and shape. Referring to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  the preferred dimensions of the clip  10  are displayed. In the preferred embodiment the front member  12  is 1.5 inches wide and 1.5 inches long. The rear member  16  is 1.5 inches wide 2 inches long. The outer width of the upper connector  14  is ⅜ inches. The internal width of the upper connector  14  is ¼ inches. The thickness of the clip  10  is 1/16 inches. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 11  the method of utilizing the clip  10  is illustrated. First the user bends the clip into a curved shape  300 . Shaping the clip  10  into the curved structure substantially forms the front member  12 , upper connector  14 , and rear member  16 . The user places the clip over the button flaps of the jeans  302 . The user then compresses the front member  12  and rear member  14  together to adhere the clip to the button flaps of the jeans  304 . 
         [0043]    Still other embodiments and methods of protecting clothing from rigid button flaps of jeans are conceivable. In one embodiment, the button flaps of the jeans are coated in a rigid material preventing distortion of the button flaps. For instance the button flaps may be dipped in a liquid polymer or elastomer which then dries and hardens into a stiff and unflexible sleeve. In other embodiments the clip can be sewn or otherwise adhered onto one of the two button flaps. The second button flap then fits within the internal space when the user buttons their pants. The user can then compress the front member and rear member together onto the two button flaps. 
         [0044]    What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.