GARMENT FASTENER

Abstract

A garment fastener including a first clip with two jaws being resiliently biased toward each other and openable to receive a first portion of a garment grippingly therein, and a second clip having a second set of two jaws being resiliently biased toward each other and openable to receive a second portion of the garment grippingly therein. The invention also includes a central ring, at least one releasable coupler coupled to the first clip and formed and dimensioned to releasably couple the first clip to the central ring. The second clip is also coupled to the central ring. Two decorative embellishments are coupled with one of the first cushioned clip and the second cushioned clip.

Description

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/501,471 entitled "Garment Fastener" filed Jun. 27, 2011 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to garment fasteners. More particularly, the invention relates to garment fasteners for fastening garments that may not have fasteners incorporated as part of the garment structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A variety of garments exist, that are worn by wrapping, draping or laying about part of the body, but in which the garments may not include any specific fastener to hold the garment in place. Such garments include for example, scarves, shawls, shrugs, kimonos, swing coats, vests and some robes. Sometimes these garments are tied to secure them, more often, however, their draped relatively loosely because that is part of their fashion appeal. In addition, many of these garments are made from sheer or loosely woven fabrics having a see through or partially see through quality about them so that garments worn beneath them are at least partially visible. Current fasteners for such garments generally take the form of brooch or pin that are secured to the garment by piercing the garment with the pin or other sharp structure. The piercing of the material of the garment may cause damage to or stretching of the fabric or other undesirable results.

[0004] Another problem with loosely worn garments is that they may open or gape at times and in places that may expose parts of the wearer's body that the wearer does not wish to expose to view.

[0005] Further, if a pin or brooch type garment fastener is removed from the garment, for example, when it is desirable to temporarily remove the garment from the body, it is easy to lose parts of the pin type fastener that may become loose when the fastener is not secured to the garment. If a part of the fastener is lost, generally the fastener becomes inoperable and of little value to the owner. Accordingly, there is room for improvement in the area of garment fasteners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention solves many of the above discussed problems. A garment fastener according to an embodiment of the invention generally includes a first spring clip, a first releasable coupler, a central ring, an optional second releasable coupler, a second spring clip and a first and/or second decorative structure or decorative embellishment.

[0007] The first and second spring clip may be similar in structure. In an example embodiment, the first and second spring clips each include two opposing jaws and a spring member that causes the opposing jaws to be biased toward each other. The first and second spring clip may also include cushioning or padding on the jaws to assist in inhibiting harm to the fabric structure of the garment to be fastened. At least one of the first and second spring clips is secured to a releasable coupler attached to the spring clip, for example, on an end opposing the jaws. Alternately, the releasable coupler is coupled to the axle of the spring clips or to the spring. The releasable coupler is structured to be releasably coupleable to the central ring. The central ring, in one example embodiment, is generally circular in structure and has an outside diameter ranging between two and one half centimeters and four and one half centimeters. In another example embodiment, the central ring has an outside diameter ranging between one centimeter and four and one half centimeters. In one example embodiment, the ring outside diameter is about 3.2 centimeters. In another example embodiment the outside diameter of the ring is about 4.2 centimeters.

[0008] The central ring may be formed of a metallic material or other material and has a ring thickness of approximately 0.20 centimeters and 0.35 centimeters. In one example embodiment, the ring thickness is about 0.30 centimeters. These dimensions provide aesthetically pleasing dimensions as well as sufficient weight for proper draping of the garment and the garment fastener of the invention.

[0009] Each of the first and second spring clips is operably coupled to a first or second decorative structure. The first and second decorative structure may be similar to one another, may be mirror images of one another or may be quite different from one another. The first and second decorative structure may be unique but thematically linked such as an image of a starfish and an image of an anchor. The first and second decorative structures may be rigid in nature, such as jewelry like objects or may be flexible and yielding in nature such as bows, ribbons, artificial flowers or feathers. The first and second decorative structure may be permanently secured to the first and second spring clip or may be removably secured to the first and second spring clip so as to be exchangeable.

[0010] At least one releasable coupler is structured to be releasably securable to the central ring.

[0011] In operation, the garment fastener, according to an embodiment of the invention, is coupled by the first spring clip to a first portion of the garment and coupled by the second spring clip to a second portion of the garment. The garment is then secured to itself via the garment fastener. When it is desired to release the garment from its secured position, for example, to remove the garment, the releasable coupler may be disconnected from the central ring permitting removable of the garment while also leaving the garment fastener secured to the garment to inhibit loss of the parts. When it is desired to place the garment in a secured orientation again, the releasable coupler may be coupled to the central ring.

[0012] The central ring is sized in such a way as to be aesthetically pleasing as well as to be functional to support and secure other objects. For example, the temple of a pair of reading glasses may be inserted through the central ring to provide a convenient way of carrying the pair of reading glasses when the glasses are not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment fastener according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a garment fastener as worn with a scarf according to an example embodiment of the invention

[0015] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a garment fastener including exchangeable decorative embellishments according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a garment fastener including mirror image decorative embellishments according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a garment fastener including decorative embellishments that are unique but thematically linked according to an example embodiment of the invention

[0018] FIG. 6 is a detailed depiction of an exchangeable decorative embellishment according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 7 is another detailed depiction of an exchangeable decorative embellishment according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a garment fastener including an alternate embodiment of the jaws according to an example embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention is use supporting a pair of glasses by one temple inserted through a central ring; and

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention coupled to a necklace as a decorative clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, garment fastener 10 according to an example embodiment, generally includes first spring clip 12, second spring clip 14, first releasable coupler 16, optional second releasable coupler 18, central ring 20, first decorative structure 22 and second decorative structure 24. First decorative structure 22 and second decorative structure 24 may also be referred to as decorative embellishments

[0024] Garment fastener 10 will first be described in a fully assembled state.

[0025] First spring clip 12 and second spring clip 14 are similar in structure. Accordingly, first spring clip 12 will be described here with the understanding that the description also applies to second spring clip 14.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3-5, first spring clip 12 generally includes first jaw 26, second jaw 28, axle 30 and spring member 32. First jaw 26 is pivotally mated to second jaw 28 via axle 30. Spring member 32 biases first jaw 26 towards second jaw 28. First jaw 26 includes first extension 36. Second jaw 28 includes second extension 38. First extension 36 and second extension 38 are positioned to be manipulated by the fingers to open first jaw 26 relative to second jaw 28 against the bias of spring member 32. First jaw 26 and second jaw 28 are internally covered by padding 34. Padding 34 is adapted to cushion a garment to be clipped to inhibit damage to the garment fabric when fabric is gripped between first jaw 26 and second jaw 28.

[0027] First releasable coupler 16 is coupled to first spring clip 12, second releasable coupler 18 is coupled to second spring clip 14 for example at axle 30. First releasable coupler 16 and second releasable coupler 18 may take the form of resilient "S" hooks (not shown) or as depicted, having larger hook 42 and smaller hook 44. At least one of first releasable coupler 16 and second releasable coupler 18 is adapted to clip onto central ring 20.

[0028] First decorative structure 22 is coupled to first spring clip 12; second decorative structure 24 is coupled to second spring clip 14. First decorative structure 22 and second decorative structure 24 can take virtually any decorative form and include button like structures as depicted herein as well as structures that may be coupled to dangle from first spring clip 12 and second spring clip 14.

[0029] First decorative structure 22 and second decorative structure 24 can take many forms. First decorative structure 22 and second decorative structure 24 may be rigid in nature, such as jewelry like objects or may be flexible in nature such as bows, ribbons, artificial flowers or feathers.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, first decorative structure 22 and second decorative structure 24 may be similar to one another, may be mirror images of one another as depicted in FIG. 4 or may be quite different from one another as depicted in FIG. 5. First decorative structure 22 and second decorative structure 24 may be unique but thematically linked such as an image of starfish and an image of anchor depicted in FIG. 5.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, first decorative structure 22 and second decorative structure 24 may be exchangeable or be permanently attached to first spring clip 12 and second spring clip 14. An example exchangeable decorative structure 22 or second decorative structure 24 includes coupler 46. In this example coupler 46 includes spring hook 48 and hook receiver 50. Other couplers 46 known to those skilled in the art may be used as well.

[0032] FIG. 8 depicts two alternative embodiments of first jaw 26 and second jaw 28. To the right of the drawing first jaw 26 and second jaw 28 are flat and have no teeth. To the left side first jaw 26 and second jaw 28 are flat and have padding thereon.

[0033] In operation, garment fastener 10 may be utilized to fasten scarves, shawls, shrugs, kimonos, robes, swing coats, vests and like garments that may not include fasteners in the garment structure. Garment fastener 10 may also be utilized to fasten garments that include fasteners in the garment structure. For example, a user may place a scarf around the neck and shoulders with the ends of the scarf dangling down the front of the torso. Garment fastener 10 may also be utilized to fasten garments that include fasteners in the garment structure such as to secure the neckline of a dress or top to inhibit undesired gaping of the garment with movement of the wearer.

[0034] In the example of a scarf, the user couples first spring clip 12 to one side of the scarf and second spring clip 14 to the other side of the scarf thus securing the first and second sides of the scarf together with garment fastener 10. The presence of garment fastener 10 assists in preventing the scarf from falling from the shoulders. When it is desired to removed the garment, the user can decouple first releasable coupler 16 from central ring 20 and remove the scarf without the necessity from removing garment fastener 10 from the scarf thus inhibiting the loss of parts of garment fastener 10.

[0035] Garment fastener 10 may also be coupled to two parts of a garment when it is desired to keep the garment from gaping open and possibly leading to exposure of body parts that the wearer may not want exposed.

[0036] Garment fastener 10 may include only one of first releasable coupler 16 and second releasable coupler 18 so that garment fastener 10 may be uncoupled only from one side of central ring 20. A user may also couple other decorative items to central ring 20 for fashionable presentation. As depicted in FIG. 9, central ring 20 may also be utilized to support an unused article, for example, reading glasses by slipping one temple of the reading glasses through central ring 20.

[0037] Garment fastener 10 as depicted in FIG. 8 has flat toothless first jaw 26 and second jaw 28 and optionally padding 34 which whether padded or unpadded may reduce the likelihood of damage to delicate fabrics if applied to garments made of delicate fabrics.

[0038] As depicted in FIG. 10, garment fastener 10 can be coupled to a necklace or a scarf or other garment or item of jewelry. First decorative structure 22 and second decorative structure 24 can be separated from central ring 20 and coupled by one of first spring clip 12, second spring clip 14, first releasable hook 16 and second releasable hook 18. Alternately, garment fastener 10 can be couple to the item of jewelry or garment as a complete unit including first decorative structure 22, second decorative structure 24 and central ring 20.

[0039] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the essential attributes thereof; therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A garment fastener, comprising: a first garment clip having a first set of two jaws, the first set of two jaws being resiliently biased toward each other and openable to receive a first portion of a garment grippingly therein when closed; a second garment clip having a second set of two jaws, the second set of two jaws being resiliently biased toward each other and openable to receive a second portion of the garment grippingly therein; a central ring; at least one releasable coupler operably coupled to the first cushioned clip and formed and dimensioned to releasably operably couple the first cushioned clip to the central ring; the second cushioned clip also being operably coupled to the central ring; and two decorative embellishments, each of the two decorative embellishments being operable coupled with one of the first cushioned clip and the second cushioned clip.

2. The garment fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two decorative embellishments are similar.

3. The garment fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two decorative embellishments are mirror images of each other.

4. The garment fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two decorative embellishments are unique from one another.

5. The garment fastener as claimed in claim 4, wherein the two decorative embellishments are thematically linked.

6. The garment fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central ring has a diameter of about one centimeter to about four and one half centimeters.

7. The garment fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central ring has a ring thickness of about 0.20 to about 0.35 centimeters.

8. The garment fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the decorative embellishments is flexible.

9. The garment fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of further comprising padding at least partially covering at least one of the first set of two jaws and the second set of two jaws.

10. A method of securing a worn garment to itself and of releasing the worn garment, comprising: attaching a first garment clip having a first set of two jaws covered at least partially by first padding material to a first portion of the worn garment; attaching a second garment clip having a second set of two jaws covered at least partially by second padding material to a second portion of the worn garment; uncoupling at least one releasable coupler from a central ring that interconnects the first garment clip to the second garment clip via the releasable coupler while leaving the first garment clip attached to the first portion of the worn garment and the second garment clip attached to the second portion of the garment.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising securing a decorative embellishment to at least one of the first garment clip and the second garment clip.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising securing a first decorative embellishment to the first garment clip and securing a second decorative embellishment to the second garment clip.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising selecting the first decorative embellishment to be similar to the second decorative embellishment.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising selecting the first decorative embellishment to be a mirror image of the second decorative embellishment.

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising selecting the first decorative embellishment to be unique from the second decorative embellishment.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, further comprising selecting the first decorative embellishment to be thematically linked the second decorative embellishment.

17. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising selecting at least one of the first decorative embellishment and the second decorative embellishment to be flexible.