Abstract:
An apparatus for holding the straps or sleeves of a sports or group pinny (also called a scrimmage vest) from falling off the shoulders and thereby improving the fit of the garment and allowing the wearer better mobility. The apparatus secures a first and a second strap of a sports or group vest, the apparatus having a horizontal section and a pair of loops extending from the horizontal section. Each loop includes an aperture for receiving one of the shoulder straps of the sports or group pinny.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/785,848, filed Mar. 14, 2013, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of sport apparel, and particularly, to an apparatus and method for securing the straps or sleeves of a sports or group pinny (also known as a scrimmage vest). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A pinny is a sleeveless shirt made of a thin material that is worn over existing clothing. Some team sports normally utilize a pinny during games or practice. It is normally worn during a sporting activity where players are broken up into two opposing teams to scrimmage against each other. The pinnies are reversible, with a different color on each side to identify team members. As such, pinnies are typically offered in one size and are usually made to fit the larger participant in the group. However, average to small sized participants, even with the use of athletic shoulder pads, as is the case in lacrosse, find that the pinny straps fall off the shoulder across the upper arm and restricts arm movement. 
     When participating in sports or competitive activities, optimal performance is important. Since pinnies tend to be of one size for the team and since a team is comprised of different sized players, some players have to wear an ill fitting pinny. An ill fitting pinny is frustrating to wear. Players wearing ill fitting pinnies are constantly pulling up their pinny straps as they tend to fall down often during the activity. When a pinny strap falls down, it normally cuts across the arm and prevents the arm from moving easily or prevents full range motion of the arm. When a player is running down the field, the straps tend to fall and flap on the shoulders and it can be an annoyance and a distraction to the player. 
     In a game and practice situations when players are wearing team pinnies and the pinny does not fit properly, players, coaches and parents have made a number of on-field modifications. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , one solution was to tape the back of the two straps  101  and  102  of pinny  100  together with athletic grip tape  104  to keep the straps from falling off the shoulders. While this alteration works in securing the pinny straps, thereby preventing the straps from falling on the shoulder, it is difficult to see the player&#39;s number  106  on the back of the pinny  100 . The folds formed by the pinny  100  as a result of the taping obscure the player&#39;s number  106 . The tape  104  has to be secured and removed by someone other than the player. Furthermore, the tape  104  looks messy and in order to take off the pinny  100 , the grip tape  104  must be removed. The process of removing the tape is tedious, has to be removed by someone else, and results in a sticky pinny from the remaining residual tape adhesive, even after washing. 
     As another solution, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the two straps  101  and  102  of pinny  100  are crisscrossed over the participant&#39;s head, thereby shortening the straps  101  and  102  to keep the pinny  100  from falling off the shoulders. This alteration requires the assistance from another person, like a coach or a parent. Coaches tend to use this method in the midst of a game when they notice a player is having difficulty with mobility because the pinny has slipped past their shoulders and a strap is restricting their arm movements. In sports that require a hat or a helmet, those items may need to be removed first in-order to crisscross the straps—which slows down the game. While this alteration method is somewhat effective in keeping the pinny straps on the shoulders, crisscrossing the straps of the pinny obscures the player&#39;s number  106  on the back of the pinny and any printing (normally the team name) on the front of the pinny (not shown). When a player&#39;s number  106  is obscured, it causes confusion among the players, coaches, referees and spectators. 
     In general, the above modifications are ineffective as a long term solution to the falling pinny straps. Both modifications have sloppy appearance and require adult assistance to make and remove the pinny modification. Further, both modifications obscure any printing on the back and/or front of the pinny, which usually includes the participants&#39; numbers and the name of the organization or team. 
     Therefore, what is needed is an apparatus and method to secure the straps or sleeves of a sport or group pinny, which does not obscure any indicia on the pinny, and which can be easily put on and removed while staying secure during the intended activity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the previous inventions. 
     Another object of the invention is to solve the problem of poor fitting sports pinnies, also known as scrimmage vests. 
     Another object of the invention is to secure the straps or sleeves of a sport or group pinny. 
     Another object of the invention is to improve the fit of the pinny and thereby improving the appearance and mobility of the players. 
     Another object of the invention is to secure the straps or sleeves of a sport or group pinny while allowing the player&#39;s number and team name to be visible. 
     Another object of the invention is to improve player&#39;s mobility and thereby helping to improve the player&#39;s performance. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a pinny clip that stays secure during sport activity, but which is easy to put on and remove. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a pinny clip that can be customized. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a clip for securing a first and a second strap of a sports or group vest, comprising: a horizontal section having a front surface and a rear surface extending from a first end to a second end; a first loop extending from a first end to a second free end and comprising a first aperture formed therethrough, wherein the first end of the first loop is connected to the first end of the horizontal section, wherein the first end and the second free end of the first loop are in proximity to each other and form a first gap therebetween; and a second loop extending from a first end to a second free end and comprising a second aperture formed therethrough, wherein the first end of the second loop is connected to the second end of the horizontal section, wherein the first end and the second free end of the second loop are in proximity to each other and form a second gap therebetween; wherein the first strap of the sports or group vest is inserted through the first gap and into the first aperture of the first loop, and wherein the second strap of the sports or group vest is inserted through the second gap and into the second aperture of the second loop. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of systems, methods, and apparati for carrying out the 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 drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended hereto or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. 
       For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a back view of a prior art method of securing a pinny; 
         FIG. 1B  is a back view of an alternative prior art method of securing a pinny; 
         FIG. 2A  is an elevational front view of a pinny clip according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is an elevational rear view of the pinny clip of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  is an elevational left side view of the pinny clip of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2D  is an elevational right side view of the pinny clip of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2E  is a plan top view of the pinny clip of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2F  is a plan bottom view of the pinny clip of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is an elevational front view of a pinny clip according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is an elevational front view of a pinny clip according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3C  is an elevational front view of a pinny clip according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3D  is an elevational front view of a pinny clip according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a back view of a pinny utilizing the pinny clip of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4B  is an enlarged back view of a pinny utilizing the pinny clip of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. However, techniques, systems, and operating structures in accordance with the invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein, which define the scope of the invention. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     The present invention comprises an apparatus, and particularly, a pinny clip  200  illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2F , to secure the straps or sleeves of a sport or group pinny. The pinny clip can be used by boys, girls, men and women for any sport or activity where pinnies are used, whether in game or practice conditions. As such, pinny clip  200  may comprise various sizes, for example, a small size for children, a medium size for teens, and a large size for adults. Pinny clip  200  may be used in various activities, including, but not limited to, lacrosse, soccer, football, volleyball, ice hockey, field hockey, crew, rugby, ski racing, golf caddy, cross country, lifeguard, camp activities, fraternities and sororities, referee, intramural sports, other group games and events, corporate team building activities, and the like. 
     According to one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2F , pinny clip  200  comprises a horizontal section  201  extending from a first end  203  to a second end  204 . Horizontal section  201  may comprise a rectangular shape having a front surface  202  and a rear surface  207  extending between two parallel side walls  215  and  218 . In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , horizontal section  301  may comprise a curved shape. As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2F , a pair of loops  205  and  206  extend from first and second ends  203  and  204  of the horizontal section  201 . Loops  205  and  206  are preferably circular in shape. However, loops  205  and  206  can be designed in any shape, for example, semi-circles, squares, rectangles, ovals, triangles, diamonds, pentagon, hexagons, octagons, stars, hearts, flowers, or the like. Preferably, each loop  205  and  206  includes an aperture  210  and  211 , respectively, located in its center. Apertures  210  and  211  are preferably shaped to correspond to the loop shapes. As such, apertures  210  and  211  are preferably circular. However, apertures  210  and  211  can be designed in any shape, for example, semi-circles, squares, rectangles, ovals, triangles, diamonds, pentagon, hexagons, octagons, stars, hearts, flowers, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, loop  205  extends from a first end  208 , connected to the first end  203  of the horizontal section  201 , to a second free end  209  (i.e., it is not connected to the horizontal section). Preferably, the second free end  209  is in proximity to the first end  208  of loop  205 , forming a gap  217  therebetween. In one embodiment, the second free end  209  comes into a flush contact with the first end  208  of loop  205 . Similarly, loop  206  extends from a first end  214 , connected to the second end  204  of the horizontal section  201 , to a second free end  212 . Preferably, the second free end  212  is in proximity to the first end  214  of loop  206 , forming a gap  219  therebetween. In one embodiment, the second free end  212  comes into a flush contact with the first end  214  of loop  206 . Gaps  217  and  219  may be located at the bottom portion of loops  205  and  206 . In an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3B , gaps  313  and  314  may be formed at the top portion of loops  311  and  312  of pinny clip  310 . 
     In another alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3C , loops  321  and  322  may comprise a spiral design. As such, second free end  324  of loop  321  spirals towards first end  323  of loop  321 , and slightly overlaps it, forming gap  327  therebetween. Similarly, second free end  325  of loop  322  spirals towards first end  326  of loop  322 , and slightly overlaps it, forming gap  328  therebetween. In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3D , second free ends  334  and  335  of loops  331  and  332  further comprise hooks  337  and  338 , respectively. The aforementioned configurations further ensure that pinny clips  320  and  330  hold the straps of the pinny together, as will be later described. 
     Pinny clip  200  may be made of rubber, plastic, cloth, or other flexible material. Pinny clip  200  may be manufactured by being cut out, molded, or extruded. Pinny clip  200  may comprise any color and may be made of a reflective material for better visibility thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , pinny clip  200  is configured to hold the two straps  401  and  402  of pinny  400  together, thus preventing the straps  401  and  402 , and thereby pinny  400 , from falling off the shoulders of the wearer. To use the pinny clip  200 , strap  401  is inserted through gap  217  into aperture  210  and strap  402  is inserted through gap  219  into aperture  211 . Apertures  210  and  211  are preferably spaced apart at an optimal distance for the best fit. In a preferred embodiment, apertures  210  and  211  are preferably located three and a half inches apart. Apertures  210  and  211  hold straps  401  and  402  in place on each shoulder of the wearer so that the straps  401  and  402  do not fall off the shoulders and on to the arms of the wearer, which otherwise would impede arm mobility, limiting throwing, catching, blocking, shooting, running, twisting or other movements. The wearer of the pinny  400  can easily put on and remove pinny clip  200  without anyone&#39;s help. While pinny clip  200  can be easy put on and removed, the construction of the pinny clip  200  allows it to stay secure during the activity. Furthermore, pinny clip  200  allows the player&#39;s number  406  on the back of the pinny  400  and/or any other indicia on the pinny  400 , such as team name, to be visible. Most importantly, the pinny clip  200  improves player&#39;s mobility and thereby helps to improve the player&#39;s performance. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 4B , horizontal section  201  can be customized by printed, embossed, or embroidered indicia  221 . Indicia  221  may include, but is not limited to, the name or symbol of the school, town, sponsor, team, camp, company, or motivational saying, cheer, pop culture reference or catch phrase, or the like. As such, customized pinny clips  200  can be used as incentives and as memorabilia for an event or organization. 
     It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed features and other similar method, system, and apparatus may be utilized without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that the invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.