Patent Publication Number: US-9427037-B1

Title: Clip for fabric and method of use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the filing benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/850,912, filed Feb. 26, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention pertains generally to fabric, and more particularly to a clip for gripping the fabric in order to make alterations such as to a garment or other fabric article. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The common method used for making an alteration to a garment or other fabric article is to use a needle and thread to alter the shape and size of the article. In the majority of these cases the alteration is permanent. A first problem arises when the alteration is either too tight, too loose, too short, too long or otherwise not to the satisfaction of the user. A second problem associated with the conventional method of alteration is the state of permanency that is made to the altered article. Once altered, the alteration cannot be undone and the article brought back to its original state without some sort of damage made by the needle and thread. To try and undo an alteration made to an article of fabric can be extremely difficult and more often then not impossible to repair because the article has already been modified/cut and/or damaged in the process of making the alteration. A third problem associated with the conventional method of alteration is the time and money spent in performing the alteration. Many users do not have the skill to make the alteration themselves, and as such must hire the services of a professional tailor. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a clip which connects to a garment or other article of fabric by clamping layers of fabric together creating the alteration needed to provide the look, feel and fit desired by the user. Once installed, the clip has a quick release which gives the user the option to quickly undo and reverse any and all modifications, thereby bringing the garment or other article back to its original state. The clip provides the user with a useful option to the conventional ‘needle and thread’ method of tailoring/alterations for a vast majority of minor needed adjustments. Further, the clip will create a variety of angles, shapes and designs which will further compliment the garment or article, as well as give the user a means of quick and easy, convenient and affordable, non permanent tailoring/alterations options. The clip provides the ability to instantly alter or mend a garment or other fabric article without puncturing the fabric, as well as being able to instantly undo any and all modifications bringing the garment or other fabric article back to its original state. The clip can also add a decorative aspect to the garment or fabric for attractiveness. 
     For example, if a user buys a blouse at the store but later finds that it is a little too big in the waist . . . instead of taking the blouse to the tailors to have them perform minor alterations for a better fit . . . the user will be able to use the clip to pull the fabric together to create a similar adjustment that can be used on a temporary basis. In another example, a user is out for dinner and discovers a rip in her dress . . . the user can use the clip to pull the fabric together . . . therefore, covering up the rip. Of course, this fix is temporary, but will provide a convenient solution until permanent repair can be effected. The clip allows the user to make minor adjustments or repairs to a garment or other article of fabric without having to use a needle and thread. The clip provides a way to make temporary adjustments without puncturing the fabric, and which can be readily removed bringing the garment or other fabric article back to its original state. 
     The clip can be used on ladies shawls, wraps and scarves which often have to be used with a brooch/pin to keep the garment from coming off. The clip can also be used to make minor alterations to bedding, pillows cases, draperies and curtains. The clip provides an alternative that does not puncture the users garment/fabric. Any alterations for use on fabrics where the user does not wish to make permanent or have any type of puncture damage from needles and thread would apply. 
     The clip grips the fabric by clamping two or more layers of fabric together to create a ‘dart like’ closure for alteration. In an embodiment, the clip can have a decorative aspect which further compliments the garment or fabric and can be worn on-the-go and requires no skill to use. 
     Moreover, the clip comprises a “mending application” which enables the wearer to quickly resolve an alteration that needs immediate attention without damaging the fabric with a puncture from a needle or pin. The decorative appearance of the clip allows the wearer to go out in public without feeling or looking like they are covering up a rip or hole in the garment. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, a clip for fabric includes a first jaw which has a first end and an opposite second end, and a second jaw which has a first end and an opposite second end, the first end of the second jaw is pivotally connected to the first end of the first jaw. The first and second jaws are positionable to an open position and to a closed position. The first end of the first jaw and the first end of the second jaw form a spreading mechanism which causes the first end of the first jaw to spread apart from the first end of the second jaw. The second end of the first jaw and the second end of the second jaw form a ratchet which engages in the closed position and connects the second end of the first jaw to the second end of the second jaw. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the spreading mechanism includes a biasing device which urges the first end of the first jaw and first end of the second jaw together. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the spreading mechanism includes (1) the first end of the first jaw having a pivot pin, (2) the first end of the second jaw having a slot which receives the pivot pin, and (3) a biasing device which urges the first end of the first jaw and the first end of the second jaw together. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the biasing device includes a leaf spring which is connected to the second jaw and abuts the pivot pin. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, when the fabric is placed between the first jaw and the second jaw and a closing force is applied to the second end of the first jaw and the second end of the second jaw, the fabric blocks closure of the first jaw with the second jaw thereby causing the first end of the first jaw to spread apart from the first end of the second jaw when the closing force is applied. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first jaw has a first plurality of teeth and the second jaw has a second plurality of teeth, the first plurality of teeth and the second plurality of teeth for gripping the fabric therebetween. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first plurality of teeth of the first jaw and the second plurality of teeth of the second jaw each are rectangular solids. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first plurality of teeth of the first jaw includes a first row of teeth and a second row of teeth are separated by a first cavity, and the second plurality of teeth of the second jaw includes a first row of teeth and a second row of teeth are separated by a second cavity. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the ratchet includes one of the second end of the first jaw and the second end of the second jaw having a toothed member, and the other of the second end of the first jaw and the second end of the second jaw having a pawl which engages the toothed member when the first and second jaws are in the closed position. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a pawl release disengages the pawl from the toothed member. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the jaw may or may not have teeth. 
     Other embodiments, in addition to the embodiments enumerated above, will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the clip and method of use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a clip for fabric shown in an open position; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the clip shown in a closed position; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the clip in the open position with fabric placed between the jaws of the clip; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the clip with the jaws closed and gripping the fabric; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the clip in the open position; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the clip in the open position; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the clip in the open position; 
         FIG. 8  is an end elevation view of the clip in the open position; 
         FIG. 9  is an opposite end elevation view of the clip in the open position; 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the clip in the closed position; 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of the clip in the closed position; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom plan view of the clip in the closed position; 
         FIG. 13  is an end elevation view of the clip in the closed position; 
         FIG. 14  is an opposite end elevation view of the clip in the closed position; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of the clip; 
         FIG. 16  is a cutaway side elevation view of the clip in the closed position; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view of the clip along the line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged fragmented cutaway view of area  18  of  FIG. 11  showing a ratchet engaged; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged fragmented cutaway view as in  FIG. 18  showing the ratchet disengaged; 
         FIG. 20  is a side elevation view showing the clip gripping the fabric; 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged fragmented view of area  21  of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged fragmented view as in  FIG. 21  showing the first ends of the first and second jaws spread apart; 
         FIG. 23  is a functional diagram showing the clip in position to close on the fabric; 
         FIG. 24  is a functional diagram showing the clip closed on the fabric and the first ends of the first and second jaws spread apart; 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded side elevation view of the clip and a decorative panel; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the clip with the decorative panel installed; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the clip in an inverted position with a decorative panel; and, 
         FIG. 28  is a side elevation view showing another embodiment of the clip gripping the fabric. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-2  there are illustrated perspective views of a clip for fabric shown in open and closed positions respectively, the clip generally designated as  20 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  are perspective views of clip  20  in the open and closed positions respectively with clip  20  being used to grip fabric  500 . Clip  20  includes a first jaw  22  having a first end  24  (proximal end) and an opposite second end  26  (distal end), and a second jaw  28  having a first end  30  (proximal end) and an opposite second end  32  (distal end). First end  30  of second jaw  28  is pivotally connected to first end  24  of first jaw  22  by a pivot pin  34 , so that first  22  and second  28  jaws are selectively positionable to the open position of  FIGS. 1 and 3  and to the closed position of  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Second end  26  of first jaw  22  and second end  32  of second jaw  28  combine to form a ratchet  36  (also refer to  FIGS. 18-19 ) which engages in the closed position and connects second end  26  of first jaw  22  to said second end  32  of second jaw  28 . That is, the jaws  22  and  28  are in the closed position when ratchet  36  is engaged. In an embodiment, first jaw  22  has a first plurality of teeth  38  and second jaw  28  has a second plurality of teeth  40 . First plurality of teeth  38  and second plurality of teeth  40  are shaped and dimensioned to grip fabric  500  therebetween as is shown in  FIG. 4 . It is noted however, that in another embodiment first jaw  22  and second jaw  28  do not have teeth (refer to  FIG. 28  and the associated discussion). As used herein the term “fabric” broadly means any cloth made of natural or synthetic material. In  FIGS. 3 and 4  it is noted that multiple layers of fabric  500  are placed between jaws  22  and  28  of clip  20  (also refer to  FIG. 20  and the associated discussion). 
       FIGS. 5-9  are top plan, side elevation, bottom plan, end elevation, and opposite end elevation views respectively of clip  20  in the open position showing first jaw  22  having first end  24  and second end  26 , second jaw  28  having first end  30  and second end  32 . First plurality of teeth  38  of first jaw  22  and second plurality of teeth  40  of second jaw  28  are each rectangular solids. That is, each tooth has six sides one of which is connected to a common tooth plate  41  (refer to  FIG. 15 ). The teeth have rounded edges so as not to damage fabric  500  when it is gripped. Moreover, first plurality of teeth  38  of first jaw  22  includes a first row of teeth  42  and a second row of teeth  44  separated by a first cavity  46 . Cavity  46  accepts fabric  500  as it is being gripped, and tends to reduce stress on the fabric. Similarly, second plurality of teeth  40  of second jaw  28  includes a first row of teeth  48  and a second row of teeth  50  separated by a second cavity  52 . It is noted that in  FIG. 6 , the opposite side is the mirror image of that shown. 
       FIGS. 10-14  are top plan, side elevation, bottom plan, end elevation, and opposite end elevation views respectively of clip  20  in the closed position. It is noted that in the shown fully closed position ratchet  36  is engaged (refer also to  FIG. 18 ) and that first plurality of teeth  38  mesh with second plurality of teeth  40 . However, even in the closed position with ratchet  36  engaged, fabric  500  can prevent the teeth from meshing as is shown in  FIG. 20 . It is noted that in  FIG. 11 , the opposite side is the mirror image of that shown. In an embodiment, clip  20  has a length L of about 2.5 inches, however larger or smaller sizes can also be used as a function of user needs. 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of clip  20 , showing first jaw  22  having first end  24  and second end  26 , second jaw  28  having first end  30  and second end  32 , pivot pin  34 , first plurality of teeth  38 , second plurality of teeth  40 , and two tooth plates  41 . Other elements are also shown as is discussed below. 
       FIG. 16  is a cutaway side elevation view of clip  20  in the closed position showing first jaw  22 , second jaw  28 , pivot pin  34 , ratchet  36 , first plurality of teeth  38 , and second plurality of teeth  40 . 
       FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view of clip  20  along the line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 10  showing first jaw  22 , second jaw  28 , pivot pin  34 , ratchet  36 , first plurality of teeth  38 , and second plurality of teeth  40 . 
       FIG. 18  is an enlarged fragmented cutaway view of area  18  of  FIG. 11  showing ratchet  36  engaged, and  FIG. 19  is an enlarged fragmented view as in  FIG. 18  showing ratchet  36  disengaged. Ratchet  36  includes one of second end  26  of first jaw  22  and second end  32  of second jaw  28  having a toothed member  54  which has a plurality of teeth, and the other of second end  26  of first jaw  22  and the second end  32  of second jaw  28  having a pawl  56  which engages toothed member  54  when first  22  and second  28  jaws are in the closed position of  FIG. 18 . That is, toothed member  54  is either on second end  26  of first jaw  22  (as shown), or could be on second end  32  of second jaw  28 , with pawl  56  being on the other jaw. Pawl  56  is biased by a spring  57  in direction  55  into contact with toothed member  54  (refer to  FIG. 15 ). Ratchet  36  allows linear relative movement between toothed member  54  and pawl  56  in one direction (toothed member  54  moving down in the direction of the arrow as shown), but prevents motion in the opposite direction. As such, once pawl  56  engages the first tooth of toothed member  54 , second end  26  of first jaw  22  is connected to second end  32  of second jaw  28 , and the jaws are in the closed position. The jaws can only be moved back toward the open position by disengaging pawl  56  from toothed member  54  as is shown in  FIG. 19 . The disengagement is effected by manually activating pawl release  58  which overcomes the spring bias of spring  57  and moves pawl  56  in direction  59  and out of contact with toothed member  54 . 
       FIG. 20  is a side elevation view showing clip  20  gripping a plurality of layers of fabric  500  as in  FIG. 4 . First end  24  of first jaw  22  and first end  30  of second jaw  28  combine to form a spreading mechanism  60  which causes first end  24  of first jaw  22  to spread apart from first end  30  of second jaw  28 . That is, first end  24  of first jaw  22  and first end  30  of second jaw  28  linearly (not rotationally) move away from each other (spread apart) in the direction of arrows  62  and  64 . Directions  62  and  64  are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes  23  and  29  of first jaw  22  and second jaw  28  respectively when the jaws are in the closed position. 
       FIG. 21  is an enlarged fragmented view of area  21  of  FIG. 11  showing first end  24  of first jaw  22  and first end  30  of second jaw  28  in an unspread position. Also referring to  FIG. 15 , spreading mechanism  60  includes (1) first end  24  of first jaw  22  having a pivot pin  34  (which in the shown embodiment is press fit into two holes in first end  24  of first jaw  22 ), (2) first end  30  of second jaw  28  having a slot  66  which slidably receives pivot pin  34 , and (3) a biasing device which urges first end  24  of first jaw  22  and first end  30  of second jaw  28  together. In the shown embodiment the biasing device is a leaf spring  68  (refer also to  FIGS. 1 and 15 ) which is connected to second jaw  28  and which abuts pivot pin  34  forcing pivot pin  34  (in the direction of the arrow  65 ) to one end of slot  66  (the lower end as shown). It is noted that direction  65  is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis  29  of second jaw  28 . In other words, the biasing mechanism forces first end  24  of first jaw  22  and first end  30  of second jaw  28  together as is shown in  FIG. 21 . In this unspread position first jaw  22  and second jaw  28  have a width W. It is noted that while in the shown embodiment the biasing device is a leaf spring  68 , it may be appreciated that with appropriate structural redesign, other biasing devices (such as a coil spring) could also be utilized to bias first ends  24  and  30  together. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 20 , when fabric  500  (multiple layers of fabric  500  as shown) is placed between first jaw  22  and second jaw  28  and a closing force F (a force which causes first ends  26  and  32  to move together engaging ratchet  36 ) is applied to second end  26  of first jaw  22  and second end  32  of second jaw  28 , fabric  500  blocks closure of first jaw  22  with second jaw  28  thereby causing first end  26  of first jaw  22  to spread apart from first end  30  of second jaw  28  as closing force F is applied (also refer to  FIGS. 23 and 24  and the associated discussions). This is because fabric  500  prevents first jaw  22  from closing with second jaw  28 , and the only possible motion of jaws  22  and  28  in response to closing force F is spreading of the first ends  24  and  30 . The spreading action of ends  24  and  30  ensures that the force applied by the jaws of clip  20  is evenly distributed across fabric  500 . Conversely, if first ends  24  and  30  did not spread apart during closure of clip  20 , more pressure would be applied to the gripped fabric  500  near pivot pin  34  resulting in possible cutting or other damage to fabric  500 . It is also noted that as closing force F continues to be applied, toothed member  54  moves with respect to pawl  56  (downwardly as shown) to further engage ratchet  36 , but is prevented from moving back in the opposite direction (refer also to  FIG. 18  and the associated discussion). 
       FIG. 22  is an enlarged fragmented view as in  FIG. 21  showing first ends  24  and  30  of first  22  and second  28  jaws spread apart as described above. Closing force F (refer to  FIG. 20 ) causes first end  24  of first jaw  22  to linearly spread apart from first end  30  of second jaw  28  in direction  62 . Closing force F overcomes biasing device  68  and results in pivot pin  34  moving in slot  66 , and first end  24  of first jaw  22  spreading apart from first end  30  of second jaw  28 . In this spread apart position first jaw  22  and second jaw  28  have a width W 1 , wherein spread width W 1  is greater than unspread width W shown in  FIG. 21 . Slot  66  has a distal end  69  (refer to  FIG. 22 ). In the unspread position of  FIG. 21  pivot pin  34  abuts the distal end  69  of slot  66 . It is noted that in the spread apart position of  FIG. 22 , pivot pin  34  moves away from the distal end  69  of slot  66  which it occupied in  FIG. 21 . 
       FIG. 23  is a functional diagram showing clip  20  in position to close on fabric  500 , and  FIG. 24  is a functional diagram showing clip  20  closed on fabric  500  and first ends  24  and  30  of first  22  and second  28  jaws respectively spread apart. Elements of first jaw  22  are shown with one direction cross hatching, and elements of second jaw  28  are shown with opposite direction cross hatching. In  FIG. 23  first end  24  of first jaw  22  and first end  30  of second jaw  28  are in the unspread apart position (refer to  FIG. 21 ), and pawl  56  is disengaged from toothed member  54 . First jaw  22  and second jaw  28  are just starting to close on fabric  500 . In this position pivot pin  34  is disposed at the bottom of slot  66  because of the action of biasing device  68  (refer to  FIG. 21  and the associated discussion). 
     In  FIG. 24  closing force F has been applied to second ends  26  and  32  causing ratchet  36  to engage thereby connecting second ends  26  and  32  together. As more closing force F is applied, fabric  500  compresses until it can compress no more. At this point fabric  500  effectively acts as a fulcrum FUL about which jaws  22  and  28  can relatively rotate, the rotation causing first ends  24  and  30  to spread apart. In the shown embodiment second jaw  28  is shown as stationary and first end  24  of first jaw  22  is shown rotating away from first end  30  of second jaw  28 . First jaw  22  rotates about fulcrum FUL in direction  67 . It is noted that the term “relatively rotate” means that the jaws rotate with respect to each other. This includes (1) first jaw  22  rotating away from a stationary second jaw  28  (as shown in  FIG. 24 ), (2) second jaw  28  rotating away from a stationary first jaw, and (3) first jaw  22  and second jaw  28  both rotating away from each other. 
     In the above discussions of  FIGS. 20-24  one specific spreading mechanism  60  has been disclosed. However, other spreading mechanisms  60  could also be utilized, so long as the mechanism allows the first ends of the jaws to spread apart when closing force F is applied, but otherwise resiliently urges the first ends of the jaws together. A useful feature of the spreading mechanism is that the biasing device  68  urges the first ends  26  and  32  of the jaws together. That biasing device  68  can be the shown leaf spring, a coil spring, or any other such device which accomplishes the urging together purpose. 
       FIGS. 25 and 26  are exploded side elevation and perspective views respectively of clip  20  and a decorative panel  70 . Optional decorative panel  70  includes decorations  72  such as ornaments, writing and/or patterns. Decorative panel  70  can include decorations  72  such as assorted ornamental jewelry embellishments, i.e., gemstones, rhinestones, crystals, beads, metals and other materials of the like that will provide a decorative aspect to the clip. It is also noted that decorative panel  70  can come in a variety of sizes and shapes ranging from the shown plain panel to larger and more ornate panels which overhang all sides of clip  20  and cover the body of the clip completely. 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of clip  20  in an inverted position with decorative panel  70 . It may be appreciated that clip may be used in either the position of  FIG. 26  with first jaw  22  on top, or in the position of  FIG. 27  with second jaw  28  on top. A decorative panel  70  and decorations  72  are also shown. Decorative panel  70  can be attached to either or both jaws of clip  20   
       FIG. 28  is a side elevation view showing another embodiment of clip  20  gripping the fabric  500 . In this embodiment first jaw  22  and second jaw  28  do not have teeth, but rather have flat surfaces which clamp down and grip fabric  500 . Otherwise the operation of the embodiment of  FIG. 28  is the same as that previously described for the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-27 . 
     In another embodiment, of clip  20  and fabric  500  combine to form a fabric fastening system. 
     In terms of use, a method for fastening fabric includes: (refer to  FIGS. 1-28 ) 
     (a) providing an article of fabric  500 ; 
     (b) providing a clip  20  for the article of fabric  500 , including;
         a first jaw  22  having a first end  24  and an opposite second end  26 ;   a second jaw  28  having a first end  30  and an, opposite second end  32 , first end  30  of second jaw  28  pivotally connected to first end  26  of first jaw  22 ;   first  22  and second  28  jaws rotatably positionable to an open position and to a closed position;   first end  26  of first jaw  22  and first end  30  of second jaw  28  forming a spreading mechanism which causes first end  26  of first jaw  22  to spread apart from first end  30  of second jaw  28 ;   second end  26  of first jaw  22  and second end  32  of second jaw  28  forming a ratchet  36  which in the closed position connects second end  26  of first jaw  22  to second end  32  of second jaw  28 ;       

     (c) placing first  22  and second  28  jaws in the open position; 
     (d) placing article of fabric  500  between first jaw  22  and second jaw  28 ; and, 
     (e) applying a closing force F to second end  26  of first jaw  22  and second end  32  of second jaw  28  to place first jaw  22  and second jaw  28  in the closed position. 
     The method further including: 
     in (e), article of fabric  500  blocking closure of first jaw  22  with second jaw  28  thereby causing first end  24  of first jaw  22  to spread apart from first end  30  of second jaw  28  when closing force F is applied. 
     The method further including: 
     in (b), ratchet  36  including one of second end  26  of first jaw  22  and second end  32  of second jaw  28  having a toothed member  54 , and the other of second end  26  of first jaw  22  and second end  32  of second jaw  28  having a pawl  56  which engages toothed member  54  when first  22  and second  28  jaws are in the closed position of (e); 
     in (b), providing a pawl release  58  for disengaging ratchet  36 ; and, 
     after (e), using pawl release  58  to disengage ratchet  36 . 
     The embodiments of the clip and method of use described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, combinations, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims. Further, nothing in the above-provided discussions of the clip and method should be construed as limiting the invention to a particular embodiment or combination of embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.