GB2504215A

GB2504215A - Clothing item part catch

Info

Publication number: GB2504215A
Application number: GB201312700A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sharon Dyke-Mills
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-16
Filing date: 2013-07-16
Publication date: 2014-01-22
Also published as: WO2014013212A1; GB201312700D0

Abstract

A clothing item part catch 10 comprises an attachment means 1 in the form of a flexible arm 12 which includes a curved or rounded tip, catch or hook 13. The catch 10 also defines a closed loop portion 2 which, in use, is used to stitch the catch 10 to an inside seam (5, figure 4) of an item of clothing (4, figure 4) where it engages with the hanging loop (6, figure 4) of the garment. The hanging loops (6, figure 3) are commonly attached to clothing items (4, figure 3) and are used to hang the item on hangers. When not in use such loops (6, figure 4) may be engaged with the catch 10 to avoid becoming a snagging hazard.

Description

A CLOTHING ITEM PART CATCH

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a clothing item part catch.

Background

Lower price clothing has led to fashion items being more readily affordable to a wider range of consumers. Garments and clothing are made from a wide range of materials. As technology evolves, and new fabrics are developed, a wider choice of garments and clothes, with unique properties, (such as smoothness and lightweight characteristics) becomes more readily available.

Increasingly these new materials enable ever more diverse garments to be made, such as: wide necked lumpers or tops, baggy blouses, slash-neck tops, strapless tops, as well as tops that are made of lightweight and smooth synthetic materials.

These garments are made with new materials and in styles that often render them difficult to store when not in use. Many of the materials, due to their relatively low coefficients of friction, tend to fall off or slide off, clothes hangers or mannequins.

Due to the relatively low coefficients of friction such items of clothing, made of lightweight and smooth synthetic materials, are folded and so risk crumpling in * 25 drawers.

As a consequence these sorts of clothing items are typically provided with bespoke * hanging strings or hanging loops that are sewn into, or attached to, the clothing item and extend from a neck, waist, back or shoulder region of the clothing item, and are intended to be used to hang the clothing item (on a clothes hanger or mannequin for storage or retail purposes), so that the clothing item is easier to hang or display and remains un-creased.

However, when not being used to hang the clothing item, the aforementioned hanging strings or hanging loops can be unsightly and problematic.

For example, when clothing items are worn the hanging loops should ideally be hidden from view. Often however, the hanging strings or loops "ride up with wear" and protrude out of the garment or clothing item. In the case of a dress, sometimes the hanging loop can protrude out of a neckline of the dress or a sleeve or armhole.

In the case of trousers or a skirt, the hanging string or loop can protrude out of a waist region. Items of clothing to which the part catch may be fitted include, without limitation: dress, skirt, top, trousers, shorts, vest, shirt, jumper, jacket, blazer, jeans, cardigan, pullover, knitwear, coat and cape.

Often therefore these hanging strings or loops look unsightly. However, occasionally the hanging loops may catch or snag on furniture -such as chairs -risking damage to the furniture and/or clothing. Worse still these hanging strings or loops may present a health and safety hazard to the wearer or other persons, if they catch or snag on things such as furniture or handles or other static objects.

In the past therefore many people have removed these hanging strings or loops by cutting them off the garments or clothing items, with the result that the inherent problems associated with the hanging or display of the garment, as mentioned above, recur and garments slide off hangers or mannequins.

The present invention therefore arose in order to provide a clothing item part catch which overcomes the aforementioned problems.

Prior Art

A number of attempts have been made to resolve similar problems. Some of these are described below.

Published UK Patent GB 190908002 (SEITZ) relates to an abdominal band or support with a hook and eye closure means and lacing for tightening the abdominal band around a waist.

The following publications are also referred to as relevant: Japanese Patent Application JP-A-3 143 608 (SHIMIZU); United States Patent US-B-6 179 657 (LEE et al); UK Patent Application GB-A-C 299 204 (MACLEAN MERCER): Chinese Patent Application CN-A-2010/39764 (ERYI ENTPR CO); and United States Patent Application US200210077029 (FILDAN et al). All these aforementioned publications relate to garment hooks or straps with garment hooks, used for securing straps under tension in garments such as brassieres or camisole tops, wherein the hooks allow removable securement of a strap to a garment. None of these disclose the problem of unsightliness of a hanging loop Spanish Patent Application ES-A-2209663 (DALMAU SITIES) discloses a clamp for securing by means of two coupled parts and a hook or a ring for securement to a garment.

UK Patent Application GB-A-i 034 796 (BIBBY LTD) refers to an outerwear garment having a draw cord threaded in a channel around said garment.

United States Patent US 7 900 277 (O'BRIEN et al) discloses a garment, comprising: a plurality of concentrated weights secured to a skirt portion along said first and second seams proximate said lower end, said plurality of concentrated weights are selected specifically to tension the skirt portion between said upper end and said lower end when the wearer is properly wearing the garment and standing erect.

United States Patent Application US 2008/109 942 (BUSHKIN et al) discloses a support comprising: a support device dimensioned to substantially cradle portions of the rear straps of a thong with the support device further comprising a front portion which includes securing means for engaging the rear straps of the thong and applying a downward pulling force on the thong so as to holding the thong in position.

United Kingdom Patent GB 2 439 514 (CHETELAT) discloses a pre-assembled stay device for garments comprising: a patch having front and back surfaces; and a stay strip affixed to the back surface and positioned and sized such that the patch extends beyond the edges of the stay strip, the stay strip has a free side coated with a contact adhesive for pre-application positioning of the stay device to the garment.

United States Patent Application US-B-6 076 193 (HOOD) discloses a clothing arrangement, comprising: a crotch area; a pant leg secured to said crotch area, said pant leg having a lateral inner area and an interior lateral lower edge: and a stay member secured to said lateral inner area of said pant leg, such that said stay member substantially prevents said interior lateral lower edge from moving towards said crotch area when said pant leg is worn by a person.

The pant leg has a first longitudinal axis the stay member includes an elongated portion having a first end, a second, and a second longitudinal axis. The first end of said elongated portion and said second end of said elongated portion are secured to the lateral inner area, such that said first longitudinal axis and said second longitudinal axis are in a substantially parallel relationship.

Granted United States Patent US-B-I 974 162 (SCHLAEPFER) comprises a garment stay embodying at one end a button, as commonly used in a soft shirt, adapted to take the place of the usual front collar button, and at the other end means for engaging the fabric of the shirt front or bosom so as to retain the bosom without bulging or wrinkles. The ordinary soft bosom shirt has a way of bulging out over the upper part of the chest in a manner which is objectionable to the man who is careful of his personal appearance. My stay is intended to prevent this climbing of the shirt bosom, and to keep it down and in orderly arrangement.

In contrast the present invention provides an easily operated means of ensuring that hanging strings or loops do not need to be removed (cut off) and continue to be available for hanging and display purposes, without a risking unsightly or inadvertent display of the hanging string or loop in use.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a clothing item part catch, adapted to be connected to an inner part of an item of clothing and suitable for engaging a hanging loop of the item of clothing, the part catch has a body that defines a closed loop portion and an attachment means for engaging the hanging loop.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a clothing item part catch comprising: a hook and an attachment portion of the part catch to the clothing item; said attachment portion allows the part catch to be internally integrated in a clothing item so that, in use, the hook engages with a hanging loop of the clothing item thereby avoiding unintentional display of a hanging loop or string.

Ideally the part catch is formed from a relatively flat piece of material. Preferably it is dimensioned and arranged so that in use it lies flush with the surface of the garment or c'othing item.

The part catch may be sewn into or otherwise connected to an interior surface of the garment or clothing item, ideally at a corner region or on a seam or at a join, so as to render it less noticeable.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the part catch is integrated into a seam of the clothing item, for example by being sewn into the item or seam, in such a way that the catch is integrated so as to provide little or no alteration to the appearance of the item, its profile or shape.

The clothing part to which the part catch is attached in use is ideally a small stitched loop of thread or a piece or flap of fabric. The part catch is located so as to engage in the hanging loop or string that is used to hang the item when not being worn.

These hanging loops or strings are present in, for example light or strapless tops, dresses or heavy jumpers or sweaters.

In preferred embodiments the closed loop or means for attachment is secured to the clothing item, for example by way of a stitched of thread in the clothing seam, at a corner region of a garment, on a lining or at a join of two or more pieces of fabric, so as to render the part catch less noticeable. Optionally an additional loop of material or thread or an eye' may be disposed in the garment into or onto which the attachment means may fit.

Advantageously the closed loop portion or attachment portion is secured to the garment or clothing item by way of one or more loops of thread or similar connecting means. The closed loop portion or attachment portion is adapted to slide with respect to the or each loop of thread (and therefore with respect to the garment itself) so that the part catch can be altered from a flat state (prone position), in which it is placed whilst the item of clothing or garment is worn, to a deployed state, when it is required to engage and retain, a hanging string or loop that is used to hang or suspend the garment for storage, display or drying.

Ideally the part catch is secured in the clothing by means of stitching, when the garment is fabricated, so that the part catch lies fiat on an inner face of the clothing, at the correct location and orientation to receive the hanging string or loop, and thereby lies flat against the user when worn. Alternatively part catches can be retro-filled into already made garments.

Typically the attachment means includes a curved or rounded length of a rigid, resilient material that extends substantially adjacent the closed loop portion, so as to allow the part catch to be deployed and thereby to act as a hook or tether for the hanging string or loop, which is used to suspend or hang the clothing item.

The part catch may optionally be connected to the clothing item, so that it is hidden behind a flap or fold of fabric or material, such that a user has to pinch or gather fabric or material so as to reveal the attachment means of the part catch and thereby present the hook to engage with hanging string or loop, when the garment is being In some embodiments the part catch may be flexed in order to aid attachment and detachment of the hanging string or loop. For example the hook may be displaced to allow the hanging string or loop to be attached or detached.

In a preferred embodiment the part catch is in a substantially rectangular body and a central located aperture defines the closed loop portion, said closed loop portion extending along substantially the entire length of the part catch; the attachment means being offset along one side of the part catch. Ideally the attachment means extends substantially the entire length of the part catch and has a distal end or tip which is able to flex with respect to the rectangular body.

On the attachment means of the part catch there is provided a hooked or curved protrusion. Preferably the. hook protrudes so as to define a narrow gap between the distal end of the attachment means and the rectangular body of the part catch, thereby limiting escape of the hanging string or loop during use, but permitting ready detachment when required. Typically, when no longer required, the attachment means is displaced so as to permit detachment or release of the hanging strings or loops and allow the clothing item to be hung for storage or drying from the hanging strings or loops.

Subsequently, when it is desired to retain the hanging strings or loops, the part catches are used to engage with the hanging strings or loops and prevent them from being displayed. The part catches are returned to their flat state (prone position) and placed against the item of clothing, when engaging the hanging strings or loops, so that the clothing item may be worn without the wearer noticing or feeling the part catches.

So as to resist movement when in the flat state (prone position) the part catch ideally has a roughened or textured surface so as to offer a friction to the item of clothing or garment that is worn, so resisting movement and maintaining the hanging string or loop in a tensioned state, thereby preventing the hanging string or loop from becoming unintentionally detached from the attachment means.

Ideally the part catch is typically from around 5 -20 mm in length and from around 5 -15mm in width, so as to provide a sufficiently large means of attaching and securing the clothing item. The precise size, dimensions and nature of the part catch are optimised so as to provide the correct amount of tension, to ensure the hanging string is entrapped, without causing disfigurement of the clothes to which it is fitted.

Preferably the part catch is secured in the garment by first and second stitched sections; the first stitched section being at a top region of the closed loop portion and the second stitched section being at a bottom region of the closed loop portion. In this way the part catch is held in a fixed position and orientation with respect to the item of clothing. However, it will be appreciated that it is also possible to move the part catch along its longitudinal (lengthwise) axis, with respect to the clothing item, by gathering surrounding material of the clothing item, so that the part catch may be manipulated so as to adjust its position or aid with attachment/detachment of the hanging string or loop into/from the attachment means.

In preferred embodiments the aperture or closed loop portion is secured to the clothing item within a seam or lining, such that only the attachment means or hook is visible upon careful inspection of the clothing item.

In alternative embodiments the part catch may be secured beneath a seam, pleat, tag or fold of the clothing item so as to not be visible in use, whereby in use the seam, pleat, tag or fold has to be displaced in order to reveal the attachment means (hook) so as to permit engagement of the clothing item or garment to a hanger or loop. Once the hanging string or loop is secured, the seam, pleat, tag or fold may be replaced so as to conceal the part catch.

Advantageously the part catch is fixed in the clothing seam so as not alter the garment appearance or be visible in use. The attachment means (hook) therefore ideally projects from the same plane, as the rectangular body, in order to allow a user to hook it onto a hanging string or loop easily and effectively.

In other preferred embodiments the part catch has a free or distal end and a tethered end, wherein the tethered end is ideally formed integrally with the body of the part catch. Closed loops or other connecting means permit the part catch to be connected to an internal surface or layer of the item of clothing (garment) in such a manner as to permit displacement of the part catch from a prone state, when the garment is being worn, to a deployed state, when the part catch is required to hang the garment.

Optionally other suspension means, such as strings or loops, hoops or straps, may be attached to the attachment means near to, or at, the free end or distal end thereof, and displaced out of sight when not required.

When out of sight the part catch is adapted to remain static and ideally an engagement means or friction surface is provided in order to achieve this so as to prevent inadvertent movement of the part catch, so that the part catch is not liable to be displaced so that it is revealed or moves so as to ruin a line, profile or shape or the clothing item.

In other preferred embodiments a user is able to displace the free or distal end of the attachment means and displace it to the prone state before wearing the item of clothing garment.

Once the garment or clothing item is being worn the part catch is held taut to maintain the part catch in the prone position in order that it does not slide, twist or move when the garment or clothing item is being worn thereby holding the hanging string or loop tight. Importantly the part catch is intended to be positioned so as to hold the hanging string or loop taut but not under so much tension as to lead to disfigurement of the clothing item.

In yet further embodiments the part catch is adapted to be positioned so that the attachment means includes some flex (or slack) so that when connected to the hanging string or loop, the elasticity or slack accommodates movement of the hanging string or loop without disfigurement to the clothing item.

In particularly preferred embodiments at least one part catch is located on each side of the item. Of course more than one part catch may be provided so as to be capable of receiving more than one hanging string or loop.

In further alternative embodiments each side of a garment or item of clothing includes a plurality of part catches in order that each closed loop portion is held in place or is presented to engage in more than one place, so that no bagging or displacement of the garment or clothing item occurs.

In yet further embodiments a plurality of different style, shape and size part catches may be connected to a garment or item of clothing.

As an alternative to sewing the part catch into a seam, the part catch may be bonded or glued to the clothing item.

Part catches are advantageously located close to a lower arm area of the clothing item. Alternatively the part catch is attached to an internal seam close to the neck region of the clothing item.

Advantageously the part catch is formed, at least in part, from a resiliently deformable material, capable of flexure in order to allow a hanging string or loop to be engaged and removed with more ease.

In some embodiments the catch may be sewn into a seam of a dress, blouse, shirt, jacket or trousers.

In other embodiments the part catch may be attached to an item by way of other connection means, for example adhesive.

Preferably the pad catch is attached to the clothing item in an unobtrusive position and is of minimal thickness and so does not have any impact on the aesthetics or comfort of the item of clothing for the user. Ideally the thickness of the pad catch is less than 3mm, preferably less than 2mm and ideally less than 1mm.

In especially preferred embodiments the part catch is formed from a durable material that retains its flexible properties despite thermal cycling (repeated washing and tumble drying), does not become brittle, remains strong and is lightweight.

Ideally the part catch is adapted to be integrated permanently into the item of clothing.

Furthermore because the part catch is small and lightweight it is discreet in use and also capable of flexure so as to enable the clothing item to be worn normally and to allow the part catch to flex when worn for maximal comfort.

The part catch may be provided in various materials, with requisite properties, as befitting the type and nature of the clothing to which the part catch is to be fitted.

Preferably the part catch is formed from a synthetic plastics material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) acetyl, polypropylene or other suitable, similar flexible polymers. Alternatively the part catch may be made from a synthetic rubber, carbon fibre or a lightweight metal or metal alloy.

The material forming the part catch may be fully or partially coated to alter its exterior texture and/or colour as desired. For example, the part catch may be powder coated, or it may include a coating of flexible paint or have an exterior plastic layer or shell.

In other embodiments the part catch may be partially coated with a textured surface to provide a roughened or textured surface thereby assisting the part catch to remain static with respect to the clothing item. For example on an inner face or portion of the hook or tip of the attachment means, there may be a rubber or silicon coated region so as to prevent inadvertent release of the part catch from or ease release from a hanging string or loop.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the part catch; Figures 2 show a side view and a top view of the embodiment of the part catch shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a garment, such as a dress, with strings or loops unsecured; and Figure 4 shows a clothing item with strings or loops secured within a garment by the hook on the catch.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to the Figures, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a clothing item part catch 10 which is optionally transparent. The part catch 10 in use is connected to an item of clothing 4. This is normally by way of stitching a closed loop or attachment portion 2, to an inside seam of a user's garment or clothing item 4. An attachment means I is connected to the body of the part catch 10. The attachment means I is in the form of a flexible member or arm 12 and includes a curved or rounded tip, catch or hook 13. The attachment means 1 is formed from the same rigid, resilient material and extends substantially adjacent the closed loop portion or attachment portion 2, so as to allow the part catch 1 to engage with a hanging loop or string 6.

The clothing item shown in Figures 3 and 4 is a dress 4, skirt, top, trousers or piece of knitwear. Other items of clothing may be suitable for receiving the part catch 10 as will be appreciated and readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

The embodiment of the part catch 10 shown in Figures I and 2 is generally rectangular in form. The size of the part catch 10 is approximately 8mm wide and approximately 18mm in length. The part catch 10 is relatively thin (typically less than 1.5 mm in thickness) and is flexible.

The part catch 10 show in Figures 1 and 2 is formed from a flexible material, such as a synthetic plastics material, for example acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) acetyl or polypropylene. In the example shown the part catch 10 is transparent and carries a logo or trade mark 14. The part catch 10 may of course be coloured or coated.

The part catch 10 is adapted to be readily integrated into the inside seam line of the dress 4 so to prevent hanger strings or loops 6 from being revealed when the dress 4 is worn.

The exterior surface 11 of the part catch 10 has been treated in order to alter its texture so as to assist the part catch 10 to remain static with respect to the clothing item once sewn into position.

The part catch 10 has a substantially rectangular footprint wherein the closed loop or attachment portion 2 extends along one edge of the part catch 10 and is slightly offset. On an opposite side of the part catch 10 is provided the attachment means 1 for engaging with hanging string or loop 6. At the end of the attachment means 1 there is a hook 13 which assists in engagement of the hanging string or loop 6.

The part catch 10 is connected to the garment or clothing item by threads sewn into the seam. Branding space 14 is optionally provided on body portion of the part catch hook 10.

The part catch 10 prevents hanger strings or loops 6 from being revealed from the user's clothing item. Because it is ideally slim, lightweight and formed of transparent plastics, it presents minimal impact when attached to the seam line of the garment or clothing item. Also due to its size it is comfortable when worn, ideally not being noticeable by the user.

The integrated hook 1 also prevents the user from culling off the hanger strings 6 so they may continue to be used for hanging up the item of clothing.

The attachment means has a hook 13 located near a narrow entrance portion 4 so as to limit escape of the hanging string or loop 6 during use, but to allow ready release of the hanging string or loop 6 when required for hanging or drying the item of clothing.

Hook 13 protrudes so as to define a narrow gap between the distal end of the attachment means 1 and the rectangular body of the part catch 10, thereby limiting escape of the hanging string or loop 6 during use, but permitting ready detachment of the hanging string or loop 6 when required..

Figures 3 and 4 show a dress 4 with hanging strings or loops 6 for suspending the dress, so that the strings or loops 6 are unsecured and visible (Figure 3) outside the dress 4 and securely held in place within the dress 4 by two part catches ba and lOb on lateral sides of the dress 4 (Figure 4). The part catches 10 in Figure 4 are secured to an inner seam 5 in the dress 4.

A rubber or silicon coated region is optionally formed on an inner surface 23 or end portion 24 of the hook or Up 13 of the attachment means 1, so as to prevent inadvertent release of the part catch 10 from the hanging string or loop 6.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. For example the invention may be used with evening dresses, gowns and bridal wear, as well as haut couture' clothing items.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships of features or items of the invention, include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are all deemed readily apparent to one skilled in the art. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Other variations may be made to the preferred embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the claims

Claims

Claims 1. A clothing item part catch, adapted to be connected to an inner part of an item of clothing and suitable for engaging a hanging loop of the item of clothing, the part catch has a body that defines a closed loop portion and an attachment means for engaging the hanging loop.
2. A clothing item part catch comprising: a hook and an attachment means for attaching to the clothing item; said attachment means allowing the part catch to be internally integrated in a clothing item so that, in use, the hook engages with a hanging loop of the clothing item thereby avoiding unintentional display pf the hanging loop.
3. A clothing item part catch according to claim I or 2 wherein the part catch is formed from a relatively flat piece of material.
4. A clothing item part catch according to any preceding claim wherein the part catch is adapted to be sewn into an interior surface of the garment or clothing item.
5. A clothing item part catch according to claim 4 wherein one or more loops of thread connect the part catch to an interior surface of the garment or clothing item and the part catch is capable of sliding with respect to the or each loop of thread.
6. A clothing item part catch according to any preceding claim includes a hook formed with the attachment means.
7. A clothing item part catch according to claim 6 wherein the hook has a curved or rounded end for ensuring engagement of the hanging string or loop of the item of clothing when being worn.
8. A clothing item part catch according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the hook is coated with rubber to prevent inadvertent release of the part catch from the hanging string or ioop.
9. A clothing item part catch according to any preceding claim wherein the part catch is formed from a synthetic plastics material.
10. A clothing item part catch according to any preceding claim wherein the part catch is transparent.
11. A clothing item part catch according to any preceding claim wherein the part catch is formed, at least in part, by resiliently deformable material, capable of flexure in order to assist in engagement and removal of hanging strings or loops.
12. A clothing item part catch according to any preceding claim has a roughened or textured surface so as to offer a friction to the item of clothing or garment that is worn, so resisting movement.
13. A clothing item part catch according to any preceding claim which is approximately less than 8mm wide and less than approximately 18mm in length.
14. A clothing item part catch according to any preceding claim is less than 3mm thick, preferably less than 2mm thick and most preferably less than 1mm thick.
15. A method of sewing a part catch, according to any preceding claim, into an item of clothing comprising the steps of: locating the part catch so that it is positioned to engage a hanging string or loop of the item of clothing or garment and connecting the part catch to the item of clothing or garment so that a hanging string or loop, of the item of clothing or garment may be engaged with and detached from the attachment means of the part catch.
16. A method of restraining the part provided for hanging the clothing when not worn by means of the catch according to any of claims 1 to 14 and with reference to the figures.
17. An item of clothing or a garment including the part catch according to any of cIarn ito 14.
18. An item of clothing or a garment according to claim 17 from the group comprising: dress, skirt, top, trousers, shorts, vest, shirt, lumper, jacket, slash-neck tops, blazers, jeans, cardigan, pullover, knitwear, coat and cape.
19. A clothing item part catch substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 or 2.
20. An item of clothing or a garment substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 3 or 4.