UNDERGARMENT CLIP

Abstract

An undergarment clip constraining the undercup support bands and wires of a brassiere or similar undergarment, and in particular a novel clip designed to attach to the edge of a brassiere having an underwire support to limit the protrusion of the underwire through the brassiere material. The device can also be utilized to similarly constrain boning and other support components in brassieres, corsets and other such undergarments,

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is related generally to a protective clip for apparel, and more specifically, to an improved device for constraining the support bands and wires of a brassiere or similar undergarment, and in particular a novel clip designed to attach to a brassiere constructed with an underwire support along the edge of the brassiere in proximity to an end of the underwire so as to protect the wearer from chafing or rubbing from the end of the underwire pressing against the wearer's skin either by protrusion through the brassiere material or from an exposed underwire. Various embodiments of the device can also be utilized to similarly constrain boning and other support rods and/or similar components housed in fabric sleeves of brassieres, corsets and other such undergarments so as to protect the wearer from the protrusion of such rods and/or components through the undergarment material.

It is well known that many fabric undergarments are constructed with components that are rigid or stiff, which often have ends or edges that are sharp or pointed or otherwise capable of protrusion through the fabric of the undergarment. Such components include, for example, the underwire of a brassiere or the boning in a corset. Undergarments are generally designed and constructed to house such components within the fabric of the undergarment, such as for example in a sleeve, or to position fabric or some other soft buffer between such components and the wearer. However, often the construction of the undergarment is insufficient to fully protect the user from pain or discomfort arising from a rigid or stiff component pressing through the fabric and against or into the skin. This is particularly true of the ends of underwires in the gore and along the wings of underwire brassieres. Further, if exposed due to wear or damage, these components can chaff, bruise or cut the skin when positioned or pressed against the body when the undergarment is donned, worn or removed. Such exposure can occur as a result of use and wear of the undergarment, and as the fabric ages and loses strength and resilience.

Often, the owner of an undergarment with an underwire or other rigid component that is exposed or has worn or thinning fabric in the vicinity of the component, will dispose of the otherwise usable garment rather than risk injury. This can be very costly. It would therefore be desirable to minimize the potential for such discomfort or injury, and to minimize the casts of replacing undergarments prematurely. Wearers will sometimes apply tape, fingernail polish or even bandages to an exposed underwire or other rigid component of an undergarment. Yet each of these “fixes” each has its own shortcoming and falls short of solving the problem.

A need therefore exists for a compact, comfortable and protective device that can be readily attached to and, if desired, removed from an undergarment that incorporates a rigid or stiff component, such that the device protects a wearer from chafing, rubbing, bruising or other similar discomfort or injury that could otherwise arise from the component during use of the undergarment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown in the following drawings which form a part of the specification:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first representative embodiment of the undergarment clip of the present disclosure attached to the upper edge of one side of a representative underwire brassiere, with the undergarment clip positioned over the end of the underwire, and having ghost lines depicting various features of the clip.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the first representative embodiment of the undergarment clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cut-away view of the first representative embodiment of the undergarment clip of FIG. 1, showing the inner face of the front blade of the undergarment clip.

FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the first representative embodiment of the undergarment clip of FIG. 1, showing the inner face of the rear blade of the undergarment clip.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front side of the first representative embodiment of the undergarment clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the back side of the first representative embodiment of the undergarment clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the first representative embodiment of the undergarment clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a second representative embodiment of the undergarment clip of the present disclosure attached to a representative underwire brassiere at the top edge of the center-front gore and positioned over both underwires, and having ghost lines depicting various features of the clip.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a traditional underwire brassiere.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an area about the center-front gore of a representative underwire brassiere with one end of one of the underwires protruding out of the end of its respective underwire channel.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention will be described and disclosed here in connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, it can be seen that a representative brassiere B has two cups C on either side of a center-front gore G. The gore G attaches to the center-most ends of each of the cups C. A pair of wings W extend from the outer sides of each of the cups C and attach together with a hook and eye clasp H. This representative brassiere B includes a set of shoulder straps S that extend from an apex A at the top of each of the cups C and attach to the upper edge of their respective wings W between the cups C and the clasp H. Each of the cups C has a curved underwire channel V sewn along the underside of the cup that runs from the center-front gore G, under the front portion of the cup C, along the full length of the interface between the cup C and the wing W, and terminates at the intersection of the upper edge of the wing W and the cup C. An elongated underwire U is secured within and runs the full length of the underwire channel V. The underwire U is designed to provide form and support to the underside of the brassiere below the breast, but must also be somewhat flexible or pliant for comfort and fit. Accordingly, the underwire U is typically constructed of a strong, yet resilient wire or rod-like material such as, for example, a spring-steel or a strong plastic with limited elasticity. The underwire U may have a cross-section that is circular, oval, rectangular or formed of some other shape. Of course, there exist many different configurations of underwire brassieres, and the brassiere B is depicted by way of representation and not in a limiting sense.

FIG. 10 depicts the gore area of a used representative underwire brassiere, such as for example the gore G of FIG. 9, in which the end of one of the brassiere's two underwires has worn a hole through the end of its underwire channel and is protruding through that hole, As can be appreciated, at a minimum such a protrusion can cause discomfort to a person donning such damaged underwire brassiere, but could also cause injury such as cuts, bruises, punctures or scrapes.

In referring again to the drawings, a first representative embodiment of the novel protective clip or undergarment clip 10 of the present invention is shown generally in FIGS. 1-7, where the present invention is depicted by way of example, both independently and in association with a representative brassiere, such as at B.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, the entire clip 10 is constructed of a durable, generally rigid, yet slightly pliant plastic or polymer, with a generally flat and “badge-shaped” front blade 12 having an inner face 14, and an outer face 16 generally parallel to and opposite the inner face 14. The front blade 12 also has an upper end 18 and a lower end 20 opposite the upper end 18. A generally flat and rectangular rear blade 22 likewise has an inner face 24, and an outer face 26 generally parallel to and opposite the inner face 24. The rear blade 22 also has an upper end 28 and a lower end 30 opposite the upper end 28. The front blade 12 and the rear blade 22 have approximately the same length. However, while having an irregular shape, the front blade 12 is approximately twice as wide as the rear blade 22.

A slightly arched and elongated spine 32 extends along and joins the upper end 18 of the front blade 12 to the upper end 28 of the rear blade 22. In a relaxed state, the spine 32 holds the front blade 12 and rear blade 22 in an orientation relative to each other such that the lower ends 20 and 30 of the inner faces 14 and 24 of the front and rear blades 12 and 22 touch, or preferably slightly press against each other with a bias engineered to impart a specific force between the two blades. The blades 12 and 22 are not entirely flat, but instead are shaped such that a small and slightly variable gap G is presented between the center portions of the inner faces 14 and 24, although the inner faces 14 and 24 may touch or press against each other as previously mentioned.

The spine 32 is molded to form a semi-circular outer surface with an inner cylindrical cavity 34 along its full length. The cylindrical cavity 34 has a diameter slightly greater than the width of the gap G (see FIGS. 2, 7). The cavity 34 imparts elasticity and strength to the spine 32 when the front blade 12 and rear blade 22 are forced away from each other, such as when the undergarment clip 10 is being placed upon or removed from a brassiere or other undergarment. As can be appreciated, because the clip 10 is constructed of an elastic plastic material or polymer, the spine 32 thereby imparts a spring-tension on the front blade 12 and rear blade 22 that is biased to hold the blades substantially parallel while separated at least in part by the gap G. That is, the front blade 12 and the rear blade 22 can be constructed so as to be separated from one another along the entire gap G or can be constructed so as to press against each other under a desired bias at certain points along the gap G as shown, by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 7.

A set of small horizontal ridges or grips 35 are formed in the lower ends 20 and 30 of the inner faces 14 and 24. When the undergarment clip 10 is positioned on an undergarment, such as for example the underwire brassiere B, the compressive bias between the front blade 12 and rear blade 22 imparts a force on these grips 35 to press against the fabric and structure of the brassiere to which the undergarment clip 10 is attached. As can be appreciated, the grips 35 thereby releasably secure the undergarment clip 10 to the undergarment to reduce the likelihood that the undergarment clip 10 will slide upward or slide off the undergarment. Of course, the grips 35 are not limited to being ridges, but may be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as for example a pattern of small knobs or bumps, so long as the grips 35 are capable of assisting to secure the undergarment clip 10 to an undergarment.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, it can be seen that a substantially linear vertical channel or groove 36 is formed in the inner face 14 of the front blade 12, The groove 36 extends vertically from the center of the bottom edge of the lower end 20 to a point that is a short distance from the cylindrical cavity 34. The groove 36 has a rounded rectangular cross-section that has a depth of approximately half the thickness of the front blade 12 and a width that is slightly greater than its depth. FIG. 4 shows a matching substantially linear vertical channel or groove 38 that is formed in the inner face 24 of the rear blade 22. The groove 38 extends vertically from the center of the bottom edge of the lower end 30 to a point a short distance from the cylindrical cavity 34. Like the groove 36, the groove 38 has a depth of approximately half the thickness of the rear blade 22 and a width that is slightly greater than its depth.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, the grooves 36 and 38 are matched to form a unified track 39 between the inner face 14 of the front blade 12 and the inner face 24 of the rear blade 22. The track 39 is therefore sized and shaped to receive the end length of a brassiere underwire. As can be appreciated, when the undergarment clip 10 is properly placed onto an undergarment (such as for example the brassiere B) over one end of one of the undergarment support components, such as the underwires U as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, the end of the underwire U will fit snugly into the track 39. The undergarment clip 10 thereby prevents the end of the underwire U from chaffing the wearer, even if the end of the underwire U protrudes through the fabric of the brassiere B.

The undergarment clip 10 also features a set of holes or orifices 50 and 52 that allow the undergarment clip 10 to be stitched or sewn to a desired undergarment, such as for example the underwire brassiere B. Such holes or orifices are preferably positioned along the perimeter of the undergarment clip as shown, but can be located at virtually any position on the undergarment clip. Of course, the number, size and shape of the holes 50 and 52 can vary substantially so long as they provide a means by which the undergarment clip 10 can be sewn to an undergarment. Further, the undergarment clip 10 may also be constructed to include tabs or wings or knobs or other such constructs through which the holes or orifices 10 are formed.

FIG. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment undergarment clip 100 of the present disclosure having a pair of tracks 120 and 122, shown as ghost images in position over respective underwires U. The undergarment clip 100 is otherwise constructed substantially the same as the undergarment clip 10. The undergarment clip 100 can be used to secure the two separate support rods in proximity to one another, such as for example a pair of underwires that meet at the center gore G of an underwire brassiere as depicted in FIG. 8 for a brassiere, such as for example the brassiere B.

While I have described in the detailed description several configurations that may be encompassed within the disclosed embodiments of this invention, numerous other alternative configurations, that would now be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, may be designed and constructed within the bounds of my invention as set forth in the claims. Moreover, the above-described novel undergarment clip of the present disclosure, including the undergarment clips 10 and 100, can be arranged in a number of other and related varieties of configurations without departing from or expanding beyond the scope of my invention as set forth in the claims.

For example, the track 39 for the underwire can be formed to varying depths and lengths on both the front and rear blades 12 and 22, with grooves having different depths or the same depth as depicted in FIGS. 2-7. Alternately, the track 39 can be formed entirely in either the front blade 12 or the rear blade 22.

Of course, the track 39 can be of many varied shapes and sizes without departing from the novel features of the invention. That is, the track 39 can for example have a cross-section that is alternately oval, square, rectangular or irregular-shaped, or can be thicker, thinner or of varied thickness, so long as the undergarment clip 10 or 100 can be secured to an undergarment as indicated in this disclosure and receive and hold at least one end of one or more of the undergarment support components, such as brassiere underwires. Further, the track 39 can include fluting or a mouth that opens wider at the outer edge of the undergarment clip 10 or 100 to allow the user to more easily position the end of the underwire in the track 39 as the undergarment clip is slipped onto the undergarment. As can be appreciated, such fluting at the bottom end of the track 39 allows for more tolerance in the placing of the underwire U into the track 39.

By way of further example, the undergarment clip 10 can also be configured with more than one track 39, such as disclosed in undergarment clip 100 to accommodate the two underwires conversing at the center gore G, but can also be configured with multiple tracks 39 to receive a single support component or underwire at different lateral positions on the clip. This provides versatility such that a single undergarment clip can fit a variety of styles and sizes of undergarments, such as for example underwire brassieres.

Additionally, the shape and dimensions of the undergarment clip of the present disclosure, including the undergarment clips 10 and 100, including the gap G, can have a variety of shapes and sizes, so long as the undergarment clip 10 can be secured to a desired undergarment, such as for example an underwire brassiere, as indicated in this disclosure, and receive and hold the end of one or more of the undergarment support structures or rods, such as brassiere underwire. In one such embodiment, the undergarment clip 10 or 100 can be sized and shaped to fit under the fabric of an underwire brassiere at the end of the underwire, such that the clip can be a component of the underwire brassiere during production of the garment.

The undergarment clips 10 and 100 may also be constructed such that the spine comprises a pivot or hinge that is preferably biased such that the front and rear blades rotate about the pivot or hinge to engage the end of the underwire or other such support rod or component in the undergarment. The undergarment clips 10 and 100 may also include a biasing member, such as for example a spring, an elastic arm or other such device, such that the biasing member imparts the bias to urge the front and rear blades 12, 22 toward one another. By way of further example, the either or both of the front and rear blades may be constructed to extend above the spine.

Additional variations or modifications to the configuration of the novel undergarment clip of the present disclosure, including the undergarment clips 10 and 100, may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the subject matter of this invention. Such variations, if within the spirit of this disclosure, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention. Therefore, the description of the embodiments as set forth herein, and as shown in the drawings, is provided for illustrative purposes only and, unless otherwise expressly set forth, is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which set forth the metes and bounds of my invention.

Claims

1. A protective clip for an undergarment, the undergarment having a fabric sleeve surrounding at least in part a support rod, the support rod having a first end segment positioned within an end portion of the fabric sleeve, said first end segment terminating in proximity to an edge of the undergarment, the protective clip comprising: a. a substantially rigid first blade, the first blade being generally flat and having an outer surface with an inner surface opposite the outer surface, the first blade further having an upper edge and a lower edge generally opposite the upper edge;b. a substantially rigid second blade, the second blade being generally flat and having an outer surface with an inner surface opposite the outer surface, the second blade having an upper edge and a lower edge generally opposite the upper edge;c. a spine joining the upper edge of the first blade to the upper edge of the second blade such that the inner surface of the first blade faces and is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the second blade; andd. a track formed between the inner surface of the first blade and the inner surface of the second blade, said track being shaped and sized to receive the first end segment of the support rod;wherein the protective clip is sized and shaped to enable the first and second blades to be mounted at least in part over the edge of the undergarment in proximity to the first end segment of the support rod so as to receive the first end segment of the support rod and surrounding sleeve in the track and securely and releasably attach the protective clip to the undergarment over the support rod.

2. The protective clip of claim 1, wherein the first and second blades are separated at least in part by a gap.

3. The protective clip of claim 2, wherein the gap is sized to snugly receive at least in part the first portion of the fabric sleeve of the undergarment and the first end of the support rod when the clip is positioned on the undergarment with the first end of the rod oriented at least in part in the track.

4. The protective clip of claim 1, wherein the clip is constructed to impart a bias on at least one of said first blade and said second blade when the clip is positioned on the undergarment over the first end of the support rod, said bias urging the blades towards one another.

5. The protective clip of claim 4, wherein the spine imparts the bias.

6. The protective clip of claim 4, further comprising a spring, said spring imparting at least in part the bias.

7. The protective clip of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second blades is elastic.

8. The protective clip of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of one of said first blade and said second blade comprises a grip.

9. The protective clip of claim 8, wherein the grip comprises a protrusion.

10. The protective clip of claim 9, wherein the protrusion comprises a ridge.

11. The protective clip of claim 1, wherein the track comprises one or more of a groove, a slot and a protrusion.

12. The protective clip of claim 11, wherein the track is formed entirely in one of said first blade and said second blade.

13. The protective clip of claim 1, wherein the track extends vertically from a point in proximity to the lower edge of one of said first blade and second blade to a point in proximity to the upper edge of one of said first blade and second blade.

14. The protective clip of claim 1, wherein the spine comprises a pivot, the first and second blades being adapted to rotate about said pivot.

15. The protective clip of claim 14, wherein the pivot comprises a hinge.

16. The protective clip of claim 15, wherein at least one of said first blade and said second blade extends at least in part vertically above the spine.

17. The protective clip of claim 1, wherein the support rod comprises an underwire.

18. The protective clip of claim 1, further comprising a hole in one of said first blade and said second blade, said hole being sized and shaped to receive a fiber there through.

19. A protective clip for an underwire brassiere, the brassiere having a fabric sleeve surrounding at least in part an underwire, the underwire having a first end segment positioned within an end portion of the fabric sleeve, said first end segment terminating in proximity to an edge of the brassiere, the protective clip comprising: a. a substantially rigid first blade, the first blade being generally flat and having an outer surface with an inner surface opposite the outer surface, the first blade further having an upper edge and a lower edge generally opposite the upper edge;b. a substantially rigid second blade, the second blade being generally flat and having an outer surface with an inner surface opposite the outer surface, the second blade having an upper edge and a lower edge generally opposite the upper edge;c. a pliant spine joining the upper edge of the first blade to the upper edge of the second blade such that the inner surface of the first blade faces and is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the second blade, said spine adapted to allow said first blade to rotate about the spine relative to said second blade; andd. a track formed between the inner surface of the first blade and the inner surface of the second blade, said track being substantially linear and oriented perpendicular to one of said lower edge of said first blade and said lower edge of said second blade, said track shaped and sized to releasably receive the first end segment of the underwire;wherein the protective clip is sized and shaped to enable the first and second blades to be mounted at least in part over the edge of the brassiere in proximity to the first end segment of the underwire so as to receive the first end segment of the underwire and surrounding sleeve in the track and securely and releasably attach the protective clip to the brassiere over the underwire.

20. The protective clip of claim 19, wherein the track comprises a receiving end, the receiving end being fluted.

21. The protective clip of claim 19, wherein the inner surface of one of said first blade and said second blade comprises a grip.

22. The protective clip of claim 21, wherein the grip comprises a protrusion.

23. The protective clip of claim 19, wherein the first and second blades are separated at least in part by a gap, said gap being sized to snugly receive at least in part the first portion of the fabric sleeve of the brassiere and the first end of the underwire when the clip is positioned on the brassiere with the first end of the underwire oriented at least in part in the track.

24. The protective clip of claim 19, wherein the clip is constructed to impart a bias on one or more of said first blade and said second blade, said bias urging the first and second blades towards one another.

25. The protective clip of claim 24, wherein the spine imparts said bias.

26. The protective clip of claim 24, further comprising a biasing member, said biasing member imparting said bias urging the first and second blades towards one another.

27. The protective clip of claim 19, wherein at least one of said first and second blades is elastic.

28. The protective clip of claim 19, wherein the inner surface of one of said first blade and said second blade comprises a grip in proximity to the lower edge, said grip comprising a protrusion.

29. The protective clip of claim 19, wherein the track comprises one or more of a groove, a slot and a protrusion.

30. The protective clip of claim 19, wherein the track is formed entirely in one of said first blade and said second blade.

31. The protective clip of claim 19, wherein the track extends vertically from a point in proximity to the lower edge of one of said first blade and second blade to a point in proximity to the upper edge of one of said first blade and second blade.

32. The protective clip of claim 19, wherein the spine comprises a horizontal pivot, the first and second blades being adapted to rotate about said pivot.

33. The protective clip of claim 32, wherein the pivot comprises a hinge.

34. The protective clip of claim 32, wherein one of said first blade and said second blade extends at least in part vertically above the spine. The protective clip of claim 19, further comprising a hole in one of said first and second blades, said hole being sized and shaped to receive a fiber there through.