CUFF CLASP FOR MULTI-LAYERED CLOTHING

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a cuff clasp for multi-layered clothing. The cuff clasp includes a loop which may be pulled by the user's fingers and a clasp which may be temporarily secured to the cuff or hem of a garment. The user may secure one or more cuff clasps to the cuffs and hems of a garment, and then wear the garment as an inner layer as part of multi-layered clothing.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION (S)

[0001] Under provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119, the Applicant(s) claim the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/641,312 filed on Mar. 10, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to clothing accessories, and in particular to a cuff clasp for multi-layered clothing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The use of multi-layered clothing, particularly on the upper body and comprised of shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets and the like, has proven to be very useful for those people dwelling in colder climates. Adding or removing a layer of clothing to acclimate to the surrounding atmosphere, makes these users more comfortable. Unfortunately, compared to single layered clothing, the use of multiple layers can cause inner layers to bunch up while putting them on, and straightening out these inner layers is annoying and time consuming.

[0004] A search of the prior art reveals various devices which have been developed to address this set of problems or related problems. None are closely related to the present invention, but several include features which resemble those of the present invention. Each has proven to be less than satisfactory for the present purpose in its own way.

[0005] Accordingly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,452 (priority Apr. 23, 2005), titled "Magnetically clasping clothing fastener for presenting an adornment" provides a separable clothing fastener comprising a first magnetic clasp member having a means for magnetically engaging a second magnetic clasp member, wherein the means for magnetically engaging the first and second magnetic clasp members comprises a generally elongated female connector portion and a generally elongated male connector portion that magnetically bind to one another when the male connector portion is seated in the female connector portion. At least one of the magnetic clasp members is permanently or releasably attachable to an adornment member. However, the disclosed magnetic clasp may not provide a strong grip to avoid bunching up of the inner layers of the garment.

[0006] Further, U.S. Patent Appl. No. 2013/0160190A1 (priority Dec. 25, 2011), titled "Trouser cuff accessory" provides a clothing accessory to be worn on the bottom cuffs of the wearer's trousers includes a sleeve or ring of fabric that folds over to cover the trouser cuffs. The fabric is held in place with a fastener such as a clip, which in preferred embodiments is fastened with permanent magnets that attract each other through the fabric and trouser leg, thus urging the layers of the sleeve together while allowing the user to easily apply a countervailing force to urge the fastener open and thereby allowing the accessory to be removed. However, the disclosed clothing accessory may not provide a strong grip to avoid bunching up of the inner layers of the garment.

[0007] Further, U.S. Patent Appl. No. 2011/0083254A1 (priority Oct. 13, 2009), titled "Magnetic clasp unit and suspender system" provides a suspenders system having at least one magnetic clasp comprising a strong permanent magnet attached to a suspenders arrangement that allows most of the suspenders to be worn underneath a wearer's clothing. With the suspenders arrangement in place, the only exterior elements of the suspenders system are either ferrous metal belt attachments or matching permanent magnet buttons. The magnetic clasp underlays at least one layer of clothing allowing the suspenders system to be worn in a concealed fashion. However, the disclosed magnetic clasp may not provide a strong grip to avoid bunching up of the inner layers of the garment.

[0008] Further, U.S. Pat. No. 8,347,416 (priority Jun. 11, 2010), titled "Method and apparatus for modifying an article of clothing" provides a button or disk and an oval shaped or elongated receiver or collar. A shirt, blouse, dress or other article of clothing can be modified at any selected location(s) by placing the disk or button behind a portion of the fabric of the article of clothing, encapsulating or twisting the button or disk so that it is covered with the fabric, then pushing the fabric covered button or disk through a second layer or section of the article of clothing. The disk or button with both sections of fabric are then passed through a central elongated opening of the collar or receiver. The collar or receiver then retains the button and the portions of the article of clothing in a position that produces a gathering of fabric, thus modifying the design or look of the garment. However, the disclosed button may not be convenient for the users.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved which enables the user to apply touchscreen typing skills in a conventional keyboard setting that may also overcome one or more of the abovementioned problems and/or limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

[0011] Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a cuff clasp for multi-layered clothing. The cuff clasp provides a loop which may be pulled by the user's fingers and a clasp which may be temporarily secured to the cuff or hem of a garment. The user may secure one or more cuff clasps to the cuffs and hems of a garment, and then wear the garment as an inner layer as part of multi-layered clothing.

[0012] The disclosed cuff clasp is designed to easily prevent inner layers from bunching up. The disclosed cuff clasp for multi-layered clothing, includes a clasp to secured to the cuff or hem of a garment, and a loop which may be pulled by the user's fingers. The loop may be placed in between the thumb and the index finger, running across the palm. Alternatively, the loop may be placed between two or more fingers with loop stretching across the palm and back of the hand. This may allow the user to clench the first or straighten fingers while putting on the outer layer of the garment, thereby preventing the sleeve from bunching up.

[0013] Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the applicants. The applicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

[0015] Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a top view a cuff clasp, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view the cuff clasp of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a top left perspective view the cuff clasp of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a top right perspective view the cuff clasp of FIG. 1 with an upper jaw and a lower jaw in an open configuration.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a top right perspective view the cuff clasp of FIG. 1 with the upper jaw and the lower jaw in a closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being "preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[0023] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

[0024] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

[0025] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, "a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of the list."

[0026] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

[0027] The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of cuff clasps, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a top view a cuff clasp 10, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment. The cuff clasp 10 includes one or more of a clasp 11, and a loop 15.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a side view the cuff clasp 10. The clasp 11 includes one or more of an upper jaw 12 and a lower jaw 13, and a hinge 14. FIG. 3 is a top left perspective view the cuff clasp 10.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a top right perspective view the cuff clasp 10 with the upper jaw 12 and the lower jaw 13 in an open configuration. FIG. 5 is a top right perspective view the cuff clasp 10 with the upper jaw 12 and the lower jaw 13 in a closed configuration. Further, the clasp 11 includes a flange 12B.

[0031] The loop 15 which may be pulled by user's fingers, and the clasp 11 which may be temporarily secured to the cuff or hem of a garment. The loop 15 may be placed in between a thumb and an index finger of the user, running across the palm of the user. Alternatively, the loop 15 may be placed between two or more fingers with the loop 15 stretching across the palm and the back of the user's hand. This may allow the user to clench the first or straighten the fingers while putting on the outer layer of the garment, thereby preventing the sleeve from bunching up. The length of the loop 15 may be made adjustable by doubling back the fabric of the loop 15 with the clasp 11.

[0032] Further, the clasp 11 may include the upper jaw 12 and the lower jaw 13 which may be joined by the hinge 14. The clasp 11 may further include a plate 12A between the upper jaw 12 and the lower jaw 13. When the clasp 11 is closed, the plate 12A is pressed tightly against the lower jaw 13, securing any layer of fabric or similar material. The front edge of the upper jaw 12 includes the flange 12B, which may be grasped by the user's finger or thumb and lifted to open the clasp 11.

[0033] Further, the user may secure one or more cuff clasps 10 to the cuffs and hems of a garment, and then wear the garment as an inner layer as part of multi-layered clothing. Then, the user may pull the loop 15 while putting the garment on to prevent the sleeve of the garment from bunching up. Further, the user may grip the loop 15 between the thumb and the index finger; or between any two or more fingers. Further, the user may pull the loop 15 with a clenched first or with straight firm fingers.

[0034] The clasp 11 may be preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials which may provide a decorative element, such as steel, aluminum, plastic, or brass. The loop 15 may be preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material with substantial tensile strength, such as woven cotton fiber or nylon mesh. Optionally, the loop 15 may be manufactured from a flexible, durable material which provides an elastic qualify, such as elasticized cotton fabric or rubber. Components and methods listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and methods could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

[0035] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cuff clasp for multi-layered clothing, providing a loop which may be pulled by the user's fingers, and a clasp which is comprised of an upper jaw and a lower jaw which are joined by a hinge, and further comprised of a plate between the upper jaw and the lower jaw. which may be temporarily secured to the cuff or hem of a garment.

2. The cuff clasp of claim 1, wherein the loop may be placed in between the thumb and the index finger, running across the palm.

3. The cuff clasp of claim 1, wherein alternatively, the loop may be placed between two or more fingers with the loop stretching across the palm and the back of the hand, allowing the user to clench the first or straighten the fingers while putting on the outer layer of the garment, thereby preventing the sleeve from bunching up.

4. The cuff clasp of claim 1, wherein the length of the loop may be made adjustable by doubling back the fabric of the loop with a clasp or buckle.

5. The cuff clasp of claim 1, wherein when the clasp is closed, the plate is pressed tightly against the lower jaw, securing any layer of fabric or similar material.

6. The cuff clasp of claim 1, wherein the front edge of the upper jaw provides a flange, which may be grasped by the user's finger or thumb and lifted to open the clasp.

7. The cuff clasp of claim 1, wherein the user may secure one or more cuff clasps to the cuffs and hems of a garment, and then wear the garment as an inner layer as part of multi-layered clothing, pulling the loop while putting the garment on prevents the sleeve of the garment from bunching up.

8. The cuff clasp of claim 1, wherein alternatively, the loop may also be gripped between the thumb and the index finger; or between any two or more fingers.

9. The cuff clasp of claim 1, wherein pulling of the loop can be accomplished with a clenched first or with straight firm fingers.

10. The cuff clasp of claim 1, wherein the clasp is manufactured from rigid, durable materials which may provide a decorative element, such as steel, aluminum, plastic, or brass.

11. The cuff clasp of claim 1, wherein the loop is manufactured from a flexible, durable material with substantial tensile strength, such as woven cotton fiber or nylon mesh.

12. The cuff clasp of claim 1, wherein optionally, the loop may be manufactured from a flexible, durable material which provides an elastic qualify, such as elasticized cotton fabric or rubber.