HOLDING CLIP FOR OBJECTS

PRIORITY

The present application claims priority of U.S. patent applications 29/522,568, 29/522,577, which were filed on Mar. 31, 2015, and 29/556,646, which was filed on Mar. 2, 2016, all of whose disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a holding clip for objects, the holding clip which can be connected to clothing articles, such as footwear, and other articles, such as an accessory, for example a necklace, bracelet, or a keychain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuals, both adults and kids, like to express themselves. One way for individuals to express themselves is by adorning themselves with one or more trinkets on a clothing article, including footwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the present invention, a holding clip for objects includes (i) a first body including a first end and a second end, and (ii) a second body including at least a first surface and second surface. The second body is configured to be connected to an article and the first end of the first body is configured to be attached to a portion of the second body.

In another embodiment, the first surface is configured to accept an object.

In a further embodiment, the object is at least one of a photo and a drawing.

In yet another embodiment, the second surface includes a connector. The connector can be configured to receive a shoelace.

In an embodiment, the connector can be in a shape of a geometrical configuration. The geometrical configuration is in a shape of least one of a cylinder, corrugated cylinder, semi-cylinder, and corrugated cylinder.

In another embodiment, the connector is configured to grip a part of an article, such as a part of footwear.

In a further embodiment, the part of footwear can be a shoe collar or a shoe tongue.

In yet another embodiment, the connector can be a clip.

In yet another embodiment, the connector can include a first jaw and a second jaw.

In an embodiment, each of the first jaw and the second jaw includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be connected to at least a portion of the second surface.

In another embodiment, each of the second ends can include an edge configured to secure the holding clip for objects in a position.

In a further embodiment, the edge is configured to dig into an article to secure the holding clip for objects in the position. The edge can be straight or serrated edge.

In yet another embodiment, the second end of the first body is configured such that a gap is created between the second end and a portion of the first body.

In an embodiment, the second end comprises a protrusion.

In another embodiment, the protrusion is positioned substantially perpendicular to the second end.

In yet another embodiment, the protrusion includes dimensions such that when a force is applied to the protrusion, the second end becomes sufficiently misaligned relative to a portion of the first body for a user to insert a trinket or a charm onto the first body.

Additional features and advantages of various embodiments will be set forth, in part, in the description that follows, and will, in part, be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of various embodiments. The objectives and other advantages of various embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the description herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention in its several aspects and embodiments can be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a holding clip for objects attached to a shoelace of footwear;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the holding clip for objects in FIG. 1, wherein the first body and the second body are substantially in the same plane;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the holding clip for objects in FIG. 1, wherein the first body and the second body are in different planes;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the holding clip for objects in FIG. 2 showing a connector being perpendicular to the hook;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a holding clip for objects having a connector being parallel to the hook;

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of another alternative embodiment of a holding clip for objects having a segmented connector;

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of another alternative embodiment of a holding clip for objects having a segmented connector;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6B at line 6C;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a holding clip for objects having a connector with a first jaw and a second jaw, each having a straight edge;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a holding clip for objects having a connector with a first jaw and a second jaw, each having a serrated edge;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a holding clip for objects having a connector with a first jaw and a second jaw, each having a hook-like structure;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a holding clip for objects having a connector with a first jaw having a first knob and a second jaw having a second knob;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative holding clip for objects having a connector with corrugated exterior surface and being perpendicular to a hook;

FIG. 12 is a side view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative holding clip for objects having a connector with corrugated exterior surface and being parallel to a hook; and

FIG. 14 is a side view of FIG. 13.

Throughout this specification and figures like reference numbers identify like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In its broad and varied embodiments, the invention disclosed herein relates to a holding clip for objects, such as devices, pictures, charms, or trinkets that can be connected to an article, such as an accessory, for example a bracelet, a necklace, or a keychain, or a piece of clothing, for example footwear. Herein the term “objects” in the phrase “holding clip for objects” can be defined as any item, device, functional object, or ornamental object. The holding clip for objects can be used as a way for a child or an adult to express himself or herself by attaching an ornamental object, such as a trinket, to the holding clip for objects that can then be attached to an article, such as an accessory, for example a bracelet, a necklace, or a keychain, or a piece of clothing, for example footwear, as shown in FIG. 1. The holding clip for objects 30 can also be used by athletics, law enforcement, and military personal. In an embodiment, the holding clip for objects can be a clip configured to be connected to a portion of an article worn by a user to carry and/or support physical objects, such as personal items, equipment, devices, and articles of manufacture. Personal items, such as trinkets, pictures, electronic keys, such as key fobs, and keys can be attached and/or connected to a portion of the holding clip for objects 30 that may be already connected to or can then be connected to an article worn by the user. Equipment, devices, and articles of manufacture can include items such as small Swiss Army knife, compass, and handcuffs that can be connected to a portion of the holding clip for objects 30 that has already been secured or can be secured by the user to a portion of an article of clothing or a portion of an accessory.

As shown in FIG. 1, Arabic numeral 10 shows the holding clip for objects 30 being connected to shoelace 20 of footwear 15. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the holding clip for objects 30 being connected to the shoelace 20, it is understood that the holding clip for objects 30 can be connected to any articles worn by a user or any portion of footwear, such as the shoe collar and/or shoe tongue.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the holding clip for objects 30. The holding clip for objects 30 can include a first body 100 and a second body 200. The first body 100 can include a configuration that can enable a user to connect or attach a physical object, such as a trinket, to the holding clip for objects 30. In one example, the first body 100 can removably receive a physical object. The second body 200 can include a configuration that can enable a user to connect the holding clip for objects 30 on to a portion of an article of clothing or to a portion of an accessory.

Numeric values and ranges herein, unless otherwise stated, are intended to have associated with them a tolerance and to account for variances of design and manufacturing. Thus, a number is intended to include values “about” that number. For example, a value X is also intended to be understood as “about X”. Likewise, a range of Y-Z, is also intended to be understood as within a range of from “about Y-about Z”. Unless otherwise stated, significant digits disclosed for a number are not intended to make the number an exact limiting value. Variance and tolerance is inherent in mechanical design and the numbers disclosed herein are intended to be construed to allow for such factors (in non-limiting e.g., ±10 percent of a given value). Example numbers disclosed within ranges are intended also to disclose sub-ranges within a broader range which have an example number as an endpoint. A disclosure of any two example numbers which are within a broader range is also intended herein to disclose a range between such example numbers. Likewise, the claims are to be broadly construed in their recitations of numbers and ranges.

In an embodiment, the first body 100 can include any shape or can be in any configuration capable of receiving an object, such as a charm, trinket, key fob, or key. For example the first body 100 can be in a shape of a ring, can be spiral, like a key chain ring, or can include a hook like structure, as shown in FIG. 2. In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first body 100 can be cylindrical in shape and can include a first end 105 and a second end 110. The first end 105 can be connected to or be secured to a portion of the second body 200, such that the first body 100 can be at any angle relative to the second body 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first body 100 can be substantially parallel (i.e., at an angle of substantially 0) to the second body 200. However the first body 100 can be at other angles, such as at 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, or can be at 90° (i.e., substantially perpendicular with respect to the second body 200, as shown in FIG. 3).

In an exemplary embodiment, the second end 110 can be configured such that it faces a portion of the first body 100. However, the second end 110 does not come in contact with the portion of the first body 100. In another example (not shown in the figures) the second end 100 can come in contact with a portion of the first body 100.

In another embodiment, the second end 110 can include a knob 115. To attach an object such as a charm, a trinket, or a key onto the first body 100, a user can further separate the second end 110 from the portion of the first body 100, which it faces by pressing on the knob 115 and optionally, at the same time, pulling on the portion of the first body 100 facing the second end 110. For example, the user can uses his index finger to pull on the portion of the first body facing the second end while, at the same time, pushing on the knob 115 with his thumb, thereby further separating the gap between the portion of the first body 100 facing the second end 110 and the second end 110. The widening of the gap will allow the user to more easily slip the object over the second end 110.

The knob 115 can be in any shape or form. For example, the knob 115 can be in a shape of the first body 100. For example, if the first body 100 is cylindrical in shape, the knob 115 can be also cylindrical in shape. Alternatively, the knob 115 can be in a shape different from the shape of the first body 100. For example if the first body 100 is cubical, then the knob 115 can in in a shape of a semi-sphere.

In an embodiment, the diameter or width of the knob 115 can be equal to, greater than, or less than the diameter or width of the first body 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the diameter of the knob 115 is substantially same as the diameter of the first body 100. In another example, the height of the knob 115 can be less than, equal to, or more than the diameter of the first body 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the height of the knob 115 is larger than the diameter of the first body 100.

In another embodiment, the first body 100 can be made of any material. For example, the material can be a flexible or pliable material or can include a diameter of a size that would allow a user to reversibly manipulate or bend the material. In one example, the material of the first body 100 can be a polymer-based material, metal-based material, paper-based material, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the overall relative size ratio of the first body 100 to the second body 200 can be any ratio. For example, the overall ratio of the first body 100 to the second body 200 can be from less than 1:1 to more than 1:1. For instance, the ratio of the first body 100 to second body 200 can be 1:100 to 100:1. As shown in FIG. 2, the ratio of the first body 100 to the second body 200 can be 1:1.

In an embodiment, the second body 200 can include at least a first surface 205 and a second surface 220. The first surface 205 can encompass the entire top surface area of the second body 200 or it can encompass a portion of the top surface area of the second body 200. When the first surface 205 encompasses a portion of the top surface of the second body 200, a flange or an edge 210 can surround the first surface 205. In the example wherein the first surface 205 encompasses a portion of the top surface of the second body 200, the first surface 205 can cover an area the size of a credit card, photograph or a picture. For example, the first surface 205 can cover from 1% or less to 99% or more of the top surface are, such as front 10% to 99% or 20% to 90%, or 30% to 90% or 40% to 90%, or 50% to 90%, or 60% to 90%, or 70% to 90%, or 80% to 90%.

The flange or the edge 210 can include a height H and a width W. The height H of the flange or edge 210 can be equivalent 1/10^thof the thickness of the photograph or the picture or less to more than 1/10^thof the thickness of the photograph or the picture. For example, the height H can be equivalent to the thickness of the photograph or a picture or more. When the height of the flange or edge 210 is more than the thickness of the photograph or the picture, a cover can be place over the photograph or picture to protect the photograph or the picture. In one example, the flange or edge 210 also includes a groove (not shown in the figures) so that the photo and/or the cover can be securely positioned on to the first surface 205 without the need to use adhesives. The groove should include a height that is equivalent to at least the thickness of the photograph or picture. In one example, the height of the groove can be at least equivalent to the combined thickness of the photograph or picture and a cover, such as a glass or polymer based cover.

The sum of the width W area of the flange or edge 210 can be equivalent to the remaining top surface area of the second body 200 that is not part of the first surface 205. For example the width W area of the flange or edge 205 can over from 1% or less to 99% or more of the top surface area of the second body 200. For example, the width W area of the flange or edge 205 can be from 1% to 90%, such as from 1% to 80%, or 1% to 70%, or 1% to 60%, or 1% to 50% or 1% to 40% or 1% to 30% or 1% to 20%, or 1% to 10%, or 5%.

The second surface 220 can include a connector 240 that can enable a user to connect the holding clip for objects 30 to an article worn by the user. The connector 240 can include any shape and configuration that can at least removably secure the holding clip for objects 30 to an article worn by the user. In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, the connector 240 can be in a shape of a semi-circle or a semi-ring having an opening or a cavity 300. The opening 300 can include a diameter or a width that is less than the greater of the length or width of a second body 200. For example the diameter can be the size of the width of a shoelace, wider than the size of the width of a shoelace or narrower than the size of the width of a shoelace. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the diameter of the opening 300 is larger than the width of the shoelace. In this example, a user can insert the shoelace into one end of the opening and pull out the shoelace from the other end of the opening to removably secure the holding clip for objects 30 on to the footwear.

The position of the connector 240 can be at any angle relative to the axis of the first body 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the connector 240 is on an axis that is at about 90° (i.e., substantially perpendicular) relative to the longitudinal axis of the first body 100. However, the connector 240 can be at other angles, such as at 80°, 70°, 60°, 50°, 45°, 40°, 30°, 20°, 10°, or 0°, as shown in FIG. 5.

In an embodiment, the connector 240 can be segmented as shown in FIG. 6A. For example, the connector 240 can include a plurality of segments, such as segments 240A, 240B, and 240C. The shoelace 20 can pass through each of the segments 240A-240C.

In another example, at least one of the segments includes an indentation. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, segment 240B′ includes an indentation such that the shoelace 20 can lay on top of the segment 240B′ but within the indentation. Although FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate the indentation being on the middle segment 240B′, in another embodiment, the segment 240B′ may not include an indentation, but instead segments 240A and 240C may include indentations that enable the shoelace 20 to lay on the indentations of each of the segments 240A and 240C.

In another embodiment, the connector 240 can include a pair of jaws, such as first jaw 240D and second jaw 240E. In this embodiment each of jaws 240D and 240E include a first end 245 and second end 250. Each of the first ends 245 can be connected to a part of the second surface 220. Each of the second ends 250 can, at least partially, face away from the second surface 220, can, at least partially, face one another, or both. The second ends 250 can include an edge 255. The edge 255 can be configured at an angle such that if a pulling force is applied to the holding clip for objects 30, the edge 255 can dig into the article to prevent the holding clip for objects 30 to easily dislodge. For example, if the holding clip for objects 30 is connected to a portion of the she tongue, and a pulling force is accidently applied to the holding clip for objects 30, then the edge 255 on each of the jaws 240D and 240E can dig into the shoe tongue to prevent the holding clip for objects 30 to dislodge.

In another embodiment the edges on each of the jaws 240D and 240E can be serrated, such as serrated edge 255A, shown in FIG. 8. The serrated edge 255A can provide a better grip on an article of clothing or an accessory so that a larger pulling force would be necessary to dislodge the holding clip for objects 30.

In another embodiment, the edges on each of the jaws 240D and 240E can include a hook, such as hook-like edge 255B, shown in FIG. 9. The hook-like edge 255B can provide a better grip on an article of clothing or an accessory by further hooking into the material when a pulling force is accidentally applied to the holding clip for objects 30. Thus a larger pulling force would be necessary to dislodge the holding clip for objects 30 when each of the jaws 240D and 240E include a hook-like edges 255B.

The Jaws 240D and 240E can be made of any material. For example, each of jaws 240D and 240E can be made of a polymer based or metal based material. In an embodiment, the material can be a flexible or pliable material or can include a diameter of a size that would allow a user to reversibly manipulate or bend the material to widen the gap between the two jaws 240D and 240E to properly position the holding clip for objects 30 on an article.

Once the holding clip for objects 30 has been properly positioned, the jaws 240D and 240E will want to go back to their natural state position where there is a minimal gap between the two jaws 240D and 240E. As such, the jaws 240D and 240E will removably secure the holding clip for objects 30 on to the article. In an alternative embodiment, the user can push the two jaws 240D and 240E together to bring them closer together and to secure the holding clip for objects 30 on to an article of clothing or an accessory.

To help the user better and more easily manipulate the position of the jaws 240D and 240E, each of the jaws may include a manipulation protrusion 260, as shown in FIG. 10. The user can grab each of the manipulation protrusions 260 and apply a force sufficient to widen the gap between the two jaws 240D and 240E. Once the holding clip for objects 30 has been positioned properly, the user can release each of the two manipulation protrusions 260 to allow the two jaws 240D and 240E to go back to their natural position; thereby, gripping on to the article. Alternatively, if the material does not have spring-like characteristics, the user can push each of the two manipulation protrusions 260 towards each other to close the gap between the two jaws 240D and 240E and, as such, secure the holding clip for objects 30 on to an article of clothing or an accessory.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the holding clip for objects 30 of the present invention. This alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiment described in FIG. 2; however the connector 240F includes a corrugated exterior and/or interior surface area. The corrugated surface area of the corrugated connector 240F provides a larger surface area. This provide a higher coefficient of friction between the shoelace and the connector 240G when the corrugation is inside the corrugated connector 240F or a higher coefficient of friction between the shoe tongue and the corrugated connector 240F when the corrugation is on the exterior surface of the corrugated connector 240F. Thus in this example, the holding clip for objects 30 is likely to be more stable in its position (i.e., not slide around about the shoelace).

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the holding clip for objects 30 of the present invention that is similar to the embodiment described in FIG. 5. However, the connector 240G, like FIGS. 11 and 12 includes a corrugated exterior and/or interior surface area. The advantages of having a corrugated interior and/or exterior surface area in this embodiment is the same as the advantages described with respect to FIGS. 11 and 12 above.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are intended to provide an explanation of various embodiments of the present teachings.

From the foregoing description, those skilled in the an can appreciate that the present teachings can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while these teachings have been described in connection with particular embodiments and examples thereof, the true scope of the present teachings should not be so limited. Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the teachings herein.

This scope disclosure is to be broadly construed. It is intended that this disclosure disclose equivalents, means, systems and methods to achieve the devices, activities and mechanical actions disclosed herein. For each device, article, method, mean, mechanical element or mechanism disclosed, it is intended that this disclosure also encompass in its disclosure and teaches equivalents, means, systems and methods for practicing the many aspects, mechanisms and devices disclosed herein. Additionally, this disclosure regards a cargo belt and its many aspects, features and elements. Such a device can be dynamic in its use an operation, this disclosure is intended to encompass the equivalents, means, systems and methods of the use of the device and/or article of manufacture and its many aspects consistent with the description and spirit of the operations and functions disclosed herein. The claims of this application are likewise to be broadly construed.

The description of the inventions herein in their many embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

HOLDING CLIP FOR OBJECTS

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