Patent Publication Number: US-2018049495-A1

Title: Garment Protector

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to garment accessories, and more specifically, to garment accessories which protect or retain pants cuffs while providing a preferred aesthetic effect. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Within many equestrian, motorcycling, or like communities, it may be preferred to wear pants, trousers, or the like which employ a longer inseam than a person of the same stature would normally wear. When mounted upon a horse or motorcycle, pant material in the groin region is pressed upwards upon the user, effectively shortening the inseam of the pants. The additional length to the inseam of the longer pants provides ample material to fully cover footwear when seated on a horse, motorcycle, or the like. Unfortunately, when the user is not seated on their preferred steed, the additional inseam length allows the cuff of the pants to drag on the ground, and may even be stepped on. This causes a great deal of unneeded wear to the cuff of the pants, which may be aesthetically unpleasing, and further reduces the usable lifespan of the pants. 
     Many methods have been employed to prevent this type of wear. One modality sees the use of a user-detachable ribbon of cloth with imbedded distal magnets. The user attaches the device to the top of the heel of the preferred footwear with the ribbon hanging downward. The user then folds the ribbon upwardly back upon itself, subsequently attracting the two magnets onto each other. This creates a loop of fabric for which the pant cuff can sit in while the magnets pinch the fabric proximal to the top of the footwear. Unfortunately, this can create an undesired aesthetic effect, and furthermore, requires the user to modify potentially-expensive footwear in order to attach the device for use. 
     U-shaped devices are known within the art. Such devices are comprised of an elastic or springy material in an extended “U” shape. This allows the user to pull the arms of the U open and essentially clamp the pant cuff onto the back of the footwear using the spring tension built up within the device when opened. Unfortunately, this modality does not produce a firm clamp upon the pant cuff, and minor jostling may cause the device to fall off, rendering it not very effective in sporting or movement-based applications. Additionally, this method only sees a small round springbar holding the pant cuff in place, which may not be aesthetically pleasing to the user. 
     Several modalities within the art see clips being employed in a plurality of methods. One such embodiment has the user clip an X-shaped adjustable device onto the cuff of the shoe. This device features reversed distal clips on the bottom of the device in order to clip onto the user&#39;s pant cuff. Unfortunately, this device must be placed partially within the shoe, creating a potential for unwanted heel contact with the device, and subsequent discomfort. This device also only allows for a maximum height of the cuff of the shoe, as boots may be too tall for the device to attach to. 
     Another such device employs opposing clips. One end of the device is clipped into the shoe, and the other clip holds the pant cuff. Not only does this require the potential discomfort of having a device inserted into the shoe, the pant cuff will be held above the height of the shoe cuff, causing an unpleasant aesthetic effect. 
     Another device employs a springsteel money-clip device which folds back onto itself in order to capture a pant cuff after it has been folded onto itself at the correct length. Unfortunately, this device must be readjusted when the user wishes to lengthen or shorten the pants, and can eventually create wear on the material from constant folding and compression. This device may also be aesthetically unpleasing in its construction. 
     Riding spurs have long been used to encourage a horse to perform at peak ability. Traditionally, a spur has a generally U-shaped metal component, referred to as a band, that fits about the rear of the rider&#39;s boot adjacent the heel and has a rearward projection which often carries a point or a rowel having a multiplicity of points. In conventional designs, each spur normally has two straps that are attached to the opposite ends of the band and also serve to releasably attach the spur to the rider&#39;s boot. In such conventional designs, one strap passes under the instep of the boot, while the second strap is buckled above the foot of the boot, thereby releasably attaching the spur to the boot through a plurality of buttons on the U-shaped component of the spur. In conventional spur designs, the rear of the heel of the boot frequently urges the band of the spur to ride upward, causing the projection of the spur carrying the point or rowel to extend in a direction that is more or less parallel to the rider&#39;s leg. 
     It could be said there lies a need for a pants cuff protector which allows the user to attach the device steadfastly to the footwear of the user which disallows the cuff of the over-lengthened pants to drag on the ground while maintaining an aesthetically-pleasing appearance. 
     The present invention meets this need by providing the user with an aesthetically-pleasing plate-like pant cuff protector which attaches to the footwear of the user through either spring tension or a secured button and strap system, and does not require the user to modify their footwear, or otherwise require the pants to be folded in any way. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a garment protector for securing a pant leg to a boot so that the pant leg does not become ensnared or dirty. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible pant leg retainer designed so that it presses the end of the pant leg against a piece of footwear, such as a boot, in a tight, secure manner. The pant leg remains in place due to the friction between the pant leg and the boot created by the retainer. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, an elongated u-shaped retainer is provided that secures a pant leg to a boot by sliding over the pant leg and around the rear portion, heel, of the boot. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, an elongated u-shaped pant leg retainer is provided with decorative features that are visible from the rear or sides of the retainer. The decorative features enhance the aesthetic value of the retainer when it is attached to a pant leg. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an elongated u-shaped pant leg retainer is provided with strap attachments located on the end of each arm of the retainer. The strap attachments are designed so that a strap can be placed over the top of the center portion of the boot in a manner that aids in securing the retainer to the boot. 
     Other novel features which are characteristics of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying figures, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the figures are for illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the following description. The invention resides not in any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a garment protector with a solid decorative area as according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of a garment protector with a solid decorative area as according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a garment protector with a mesh decorative area as according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of a garment protector with a frame decorative area as according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a garment protector with a frame decorative area on a boot as according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of a garment protector with a frame decorative area on a boot as according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an outside view of a garment protector with a frame decorative area attached to a boot strap as according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an inside view of a garment protector with a frame decorative area attached to a boot strap as according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an inside view of a garment protector with a frame decorative and a metal plate with a boot strap attachment as according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a garment protector with a solid decorative area and boot strap attachments attached directly to the solid decorative area as according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the accompanying description. Although the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary of methods for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the illustrations and the following description. The figures are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the terms “embodiment(s) of the invention”, “alternative embodiment(s)”, and “exemplary embodiment(s)” do not require that all embodiments of the method(s) or apparatus include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or use. 
     There has thus been broadly outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form additional subject matter. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may be readily utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that any embodiments of the present invention be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Further, the purpose of the Abstract herein is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of this application nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
     Referring now to the present invention, there is introduced a garment protector comprised of an elongated u-shaped base component, a rear decorative area, and in some embodiments, attachments for attaching a boot strap. For the purpose of clarity, all like elements mentioned in this description will have the same designations. The terms “garment protector”, “protector”, “retainer”, “apparatus”, “invention”, and “present invention” may be used interchangeably. In addition to the functions, features, components, and abilities of the invention already discussed in this specification, the invention may also have, but not be limited to, the following features contained within the description below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-10 , that will be discussed together, there are shown views of embodiments of the present invention. An embodiment of the present invention generally comprises an elongated u-shaped base component ( 100 ), hereinafter referred to as a “base component ( 100 )”, a decorative area ( 101 ,  106 ,  107 ), and decorative items ( 102 ). The base component ( 100 ) is of sufficient structural rigidity that it secures embodiments of the present invention to articles of footwear, such as boot or shoes ( 103 ). The base component ( 100 ) also possess sufficient flexibility to allow embodiments of the present invention to be slid on and off of the heel area of the footwear ( 103 ). 
     The present invention secures the leg of garments, such as pants, jeans, or the like, to the heel of the footwear ( 103 ). The base component ( 103 ) is designed to slide over the leg of a garment while the leg of the garment is over an item of footwear ( 103 ) and hold the garment leg in place. The base component ( 100 ) is shaped so that it contacts the leg of the garment along the inner portion of its sides and along the inner portion of the curved rear area. The parts of the base component ( 100 ) that contact the leg of the garment can be collectively referred to as the base component&#39;s inner contact side, or inner side. 
     Friction generated by the compressive force between the base component ( 100 ) and the footwear ( 103 ) prevents the garment leg from coming loose or slipping out of the invention. By securing the leg of garments to the heel of footwear ( 103 ), the present invention prevents the garment leg from contacting the ground, becoming dirty, or entangling in foreign objects. The garment leg is kept clean and damage free. 
     The base component ( 100 ) is constructed of a material that provides sufficient gripping force to prevent the invention from inadvertently dislodging from the footwear ( 103 ) or allowing the leg of a garment to unwantedly come loose. However, the base component ( 100 ) material allows the invention to be easily removed by a user when the user is finished using the invention. Materials that the base component ( 100 ) can be constructed of include, but are not limited to: metal (including steel), plastic, rubber, wood, or mixtures of different materials. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a decorative area ( 101 ,  106 ,  107 ) that provides aesthetic value to the invention. The decorative area ( 101 ,  106 ,  107 ) is attached to some or all of the top of the base component ( 100 ). The top of the base component ( 100 ) is considered to be the side of the base component ( 100 ) that is roughly opposite of the side that faces the ground when the invention is in use. That is, the top of the base component ( 100 ) can be said to be the side of the elongated u-shaped base component ( 100 ) that faces up when the invention is securing a garment leg to an item of footwear ( 103 ). The decorative area ( 101 ,  106 ,  107 ) is configured differently for different embodiments. Some embodiments provide a solid decorative area ( 101 ). The solid decorative area ( 101 ) may be constructed from leather, metal, or plastic, depending on the requirements of the specific embodiment. It should be noted that steel and variations thereof, such as stainless, carbon, alloy, and tool steel are considered to be metal for purposes of this Description. 
     It should be noted that the decorative are ( 103 ) is secured to the base component ( 100 ) on an area of the base component ( 100 ) so that the decorative area ( 103 ) exerts less compressive pressure on the leg of a garment when the invention is in use. In some embodiments, the decorative area ( 103 ) is attached to the midpoint of the upper side of the base component ( 100 ) thereby setting the decorative area ( 103 ) back from the inner, contact edge of the base component ( 100 ). The offset between the leading edge, or side, of the base component ( 100 ) causes the decorative area ( 103 ) to exert less, if any, compressive force on the leg of a garment when the invention is in use. 
     In other embodiments of the present invention, the decorative area ( 103 ) is attached to the outer side of the base component ( 100 ) so that the decorative area ( 103 ) provides less, if any, compressive force upon the leg of a garment than the inner contact side of the base component ( 100 ). 
     A plurality of decorative items ( 102 ) can be attached to the solid decorative area ( 101 ). The decorative items ( 102 ) further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the present invention. The decorative items ( 102 ) can be rhinestones, buttons, jewels, beads, or any other item that aesthetically enhances the invention. Furthermore, the decorative items may be a homogeneous collection, or a heterogeneous mixture of varying items. 
     Other embodiments of the present invention provide a mesh decorative area ( 106 ). The mesh decorative area ( 106 ) is attached to the base component ( 106 ) directly, such as by welding or gluing, or can be attached by fasteners such as screws or rivets. It should be noted that garment legs may or may not contact the decorative areas ( 101 ,  106 ,  107 ). Contact with the decorative areas ( 101 ,  106 ,  107 ) is not required for proper functioning of the invention. Although pictured without decorative items ( 102 ), some embodiments provide mesh decorative areas ( 106 ) with decorative items ( 102 ) attached. 
     Still other embodiments of the present invention provide a frame decorative area ( 107 ). The frame decorative area ( 107 ) provides a pattern of solid components that, when taken together, constitute a frame. The frame decorative area ( 107 ) can have decorative items ( 102 ) attached at a plurality of locations, such as at the junctions of the frame components. The frame decorative area ( 107 ) can be constructed of metal, plastic, wood, or the like. Portions of the frame decorative area ( 107 ) can have decorative items ( 102 ) affixed thereto. The decorative items ( 102 ) may improve the aesthetics of the invention. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention are configured to attach to a boot strap ( 104 ). A boot strap ( 104 ) is traditionally used with equine footwear to secure spurs on to a boot. Embodiments of the present invention have a boot strap attachment ( 105 ) affixed to the front part of the base component ( 100 ). The front part of the base component ( 100 ) is considered to be either, or both, of the leading edges of the base component ( 100 ). The leading edges of the base component ( 100 ) are the ends of each side that are the first to be slid over a pant leg when the device is in use. That is, the front part is either one, or both, of the ends of the u-shaped base component ( 100 ). 
     The boot strap attachment ( 105 ) comprises one or more components that allow the invention to be detachably attached to a boot strap ( 104 ). In an embodiment of the present invention, a metal D-ring is welded on to the base component ( 100 ). A steel plate is wrapped around the D-ring in a manner that allows the plate to rotate around the D-ring, but does not allow the plate to come loose from the D-ring. A portion of the plate has a button or rivet attached, the button or rivet being inserted into the boot strap. 
     It should be noted that a boot strap ( 104 ) is not required as the single means for securing the present invention to a boot, or for the invention to properly secure the leg of a garment to a boot. The boot strap attachment ( 105 ) and the purpose of attaching the invention to a boot strap serves the dual purpose of improving the aesthetic value for a user wearing the invention, and provides an additional means of securing the invention to a boot ( 103 ). 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , some embodiments of the present invention provide a metal plate attached directly to the base component ( 100 ). The metal plate provides an anchoring point for the boot strap attachment ( 105 ). Other embodiments may provide anchoring points for the boot strap attachment ( 105 ) on other areas of the present invention. 
     In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the boot strap attachment ( 105 ) can attach directly to the invention without the need for a metal plate or other type of anchoring point. A steel plate, comprising any one or combination of types of steel, is considered a type of metal that can be used with this invention. Such an embodiment can be seen in  FIG. 10  where the boot strap attachment ( 105 ) is a rivet or a button that attaches directly to the decorative area ( 103 ). The boot strap attachment ( 105 ) could also attach directly to the base member ( 100 ) or a frame decorative area ( 107 ). 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention the boot strap is attached to the boot strap attachment ( 105 ) and extended underneath the sole of the boot. The placement of the boot strap attachments ( 105 ) on the invention allow for the boot strap to be placed under the boot without difficulty. 
     There are described and illustrated new and improved garment protector. The inventive portions of the garment protector include several components and steps that, when taken together, constitute an embodiment of the present invention. The above detailed description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that its contributions to the art may be better appreciated. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that this description be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Although certain example methods, apparatus, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this application is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this application covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the invention either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. 
     Directional terms such as “front”, “forward”, “back”, “rear”, “in”, “out”, “downward”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower” and the like may have been used in the description. These terms are applicable to the embodiments shown and described herein. These terms are merely used for the purpose of description and do not necessarily apply to the position in which components or items within the present invention may be used. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of a garment protector. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the garment protector to the exact construction and operation