SUSTAINABLE GARMENT CLIPS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 67/778,052 filed

December 11, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to garment clips. More particularly, the present invention relates to garment clips made from one or more sustainable materials.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Clips used to secure and hold items in place or in desired positions are commonly utilized and often referred to as garment clips. Such clips are typically formed from metal, plastic, or some combination thereof due to known manufacturing processes and relatively low cost of manufacture. The clips are then used in various combinations in the packaging of apparel, such as shirts, in order to maintain the shirt and various elements, such as collars, sleeves, and the body of the shirt itself in a folded position when packaged. These clips ensure the shirt can be packaged, shipped, and either displayed by a store or opened by a consumer in such manner that avoids damage to the shirt, keeps the elements of the shirt in a desired position, and provides uniformity and familiarity. Examples of such metal and plastic clips can be seen in Fig. 1.

[0004] However, these metal and plastic garment clips are typically utilized a single time and, upon the opening or unpackaging of the shirt or apparel, are thrown in the trash or otherwise disposed of. In some rare examples, these clips may be recycled. Further, with typical packaging, one or more metal clips and one or more plastic clips are commonly used for the packaging of every shirt (or other piece of apparel). However, the cost of these clips and the waste generated by them, in particular waste plastic associated with the one time use of the clips, needs to be reduced. What is needed, therefore, are more sustainable devices that can reduce waste, reduce or eliminate the need for the processing of metals and plastics in their formation, and be produced at a relatively low cost.

SUMMARY

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for a sustainable clip is shown and described. The sustainable clip may be formed from compressed board. The sustainable clip may be formed to provide a functionality that is the same or improved over known clips, while also decreasing manufacturing cost and reducing waste associated with those clips.

[0006] According to some embodiments, an attachment mechanism for an article comprises at least one material, at least one exterior element, and at least one moveable element. In some embodiments, the at least one material comprises compressed board. In some embodiments, the at least one exterior element comprises at least one opening. In some embodiments, the article is an article of clothing. In some embodiments, the article of clothing is a shirt and the attachment mechanism is configured to secure the shirt in a folded position. In some embodiments, the at least one exterior element and the at least one moveable element are constructed out of a sustainable material. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism further comprises visual indicia.

[0007] In some embodiments, an attachment mechanism for an article comprises at least one material comprising a compressed board material having a plurality of layers, at least one exterior element, and at least one moveable element. In some embodiments, the plurality of layers comprises at least a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. In some embodiments, the at least one exterior element defines an outer perimeter, and the at least one moveable element is located within the outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the outer perimeter is a quadrilateral. In other embodiments, the outer perimeter comprises an outer perimeter proximal end and an outer perimeter distal end, and the outer perimeter distal end is tapered. In some embodiments, each of the at least one moveable element comprises a moveable element proximal end and a moveable element distal end, and each of the moveable element proximal end and the moveable element distal end is tapered. In some embodiments, the moveable element proximal end comprises a top half of each of the at least one moveable element. In other embodiments, the moveable element proximal end comprises a top third of each of the at least one moveable element. In still other embodiments, the moveable element proximal end comprises a top 25% or less of the at least one moveable element.

[0008] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a method of making an attachment mechanism comprises the steps of providing a plurality of layers, attaching the plurality of layers to one another to form a composite material, and cutting the composite material into a shape of the attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, the plurality of layers comprises at least two separate outer layers and an inner layer. In some embodiments, the attaching is done via lamination. In some embodiments, the cutting is done via a die cutter. In some embodiments, the cutting comprises cutting an exterior element in the composite material to form the attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, an outer edge of the exterior element defines an outer perimeter of the attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, the cutting further comprises cutting a moveable element within the exterior element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:

[0010] Fig. 1 shows a view of existing metal and plastic garment clips;

[0011] Fig. 2 shows a view of sustainable garment clips;

[0012] Fig. 3 shows views of the sustainable compressed board garment clips on a packaged shirt;

[0013] Fig. 4 shows a cross section view of one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0014] Fig. 5 shoes a method of making the attachment mechanism of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description, discussion of several terms used herein follows.

[0016] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance or illustration."

The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms "embodiments of the invention", "embodiments" or "invention" do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

[0017] Generally referring to the figures, a sustainable garment attachment mechanism, such as a clip used on an article such as, but not limited to apparel, is shown and described. The clip may be formed, in one embodiment, out of compressed 100% PCW Kraft Paper board, which is paper or paperboard produced from chemical pulp produced in the kraft process, but is not limited to such and may be constructed using other sustainable materials known in the art. The kraft process is a process for conversion of wood into wood pulp, which consists of almost pure cellulose fibers, the main component of paper. The present invention provides increased manufacturing efficiency, lower cost, lower weight, improved performance, and less waste than known clips. The clip or attachment mechanism of the present invention can take on a variety of designs, as set forth in the Figures for example.

[0018] The clip or attachment mechanism 200 when formed out of compressed board may be constructed out of one or more layers of paperboard. When multiple layers of paperboard are used, the layers may be laminated together. Generally stated, paperboard is a paper-based material that is generally thicker (usually over 0.30 mm, 0.012 in, or 12 points) than paper, and has certain superior attributes such as foldability and rigidity. Paperboard can also be easily cut (e.g., die cut) and formed, and is relatively lightweight. According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), generally stated, paperboard is a paper with a grammage above 250 g/m ^A 2 and may be single- or multi-ply.

[0019] With respect to production, fibrous material may first be turned into pulp and bleached to create each of one or more of at least one inner layer 402 and first and second outside layers or liners 401 and can be coated for a better (e.g., smoother) surface and/or improved appearance. Pulp board is typically produced on pulping machines that can handle higher grammage and several plies. Multi-ply paperboard, such as that which may be contemplated by the present invention, generally has higher creasing and folding performance than single-ply as a result of layering different types of pulp into a single product. In cases where the same kind of pulp is being used in two or more layers, each separate layer is treated and shaped individually in order to create the highest possible quality

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, a prior art clip 100 is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 1, such clips that are presently available today in the marketplace are not generally constructed using a sustainable or renewable material. Furthermore, there generally are not two separate pieces of the clip; rather, as illustrated, it is one continuous piece having a point of attachment in the center 101.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 2, an attachment mechanism, which can also be called a clip 200, is constructed out of a sustainable option, such as compressed board. The plurality of attachment mechanisms or clips illustrated in FIG. 2 can be formed in accordance with the production and manufacture of other items formed from compressed board and may be formed without the inclusion of other materials, such as plastics and metals. The clip can include at least one exterior element 216 and in interior 210 element. The interior element 210 may be moveable or flexible and may be coupled to one portion of the exterior element 216. For example, one side or edge of the interior element 210 may be coupled to one side or edge of the exterior element 216. The exterior element 216 may be a quadrilateral. For example, exterior element 216 may be substantially rectangular. It is envisioned, however, that other shapes may be utilized for the exterior element 216 and it is not limited to any particular size or shape. In some embodiments, for example, one or both of a proximal end and a distal end of the exterior element 216 may be tapered.

[0022] In some embodiments, the interior element 210 may be formed in the shape shown in exemplary FIG. 2, including at least one opening or hole 215 formed in an area within a perimeter of the exterior element 216. Flowever, it should be appreciated that other shapes may be utilized for the interior element 210, which provides at least one point of attachment to the exterior element 216 such that the interior element 210 can flex fore and aft with respect to the exterior element 216. The moveable or flexible nature of the interior element 210 having at least one point of attachment to the exterior element 216 can thus provide sufficient force such that when clip 200 is disposed on or between elements of a shirt, for example, the clip 200 secures or pins apparel in various desired positions.

[0023] The present invention contemplates that the exterior element 216 may be formed from the same material as the interior element 210, but it also contemplated that both the interior 210 and exterior 216 elements can be made from different materials. It is also contemplated that the interior 210 and exterior 216 elements are constructed out of the same blend or a different blend of materials. Further, the clips presently set forth can be manufactured in various fashions, for example increasing or decreasing the thickness of one or both of the interior 210 and exterior 216 elements. Such variations in thickness can provide variations in tension and/or burst strength of the compressed board garment clips, which may be desired for different applications of the clips.

[0024] Referring now to exemplary FIG. 3, the clip 300 may be shown in use. The clip 300 may be used to secure two sides of an apparel item, such as a shirt, together, as shown in FIG. 3A, to secure a shirt in a folded position, as shown in FIG. 3B, to secure a sleeve and cuff portion together, as shown in Fig 3C, and/or to secure other portions of a shirt. Further, one or more of the clips 300 may be used together to secure the shirt in a folded or other desirable position for packaging, along with helping to secure any other traditional packaging elements in place, such as paper inserts used to provide form or structural integrity, or otherwise assist in maintaining a packaged shirt in a desired position.

[0025] Referring now to FIG.4, a cross-section view of one embodiment of an attachment mechanism

400 is illustrated. In some embodiments of the present invention, the attachment mechanism 400 is constructed out of 100% PCW (Post-Consumer Waste) Kraft Paper, as previously mentioned. In some embodiments, the total thickness of the material or materials used to construct the attachment mechanism 400, which in some embodiments is compressed board if utilized as the sustainable/renewable source, is 126 pt. It is contemplated that the board is not limited to one layer, but in some embodiments may comprise a plurality of layers. For example, the board may comprise at least a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. In some embodiments, the board may comprise more than one inner layer. As illustrated in FIG.4, the material utilized may comprise outer layers 401, 403 having at least 400p Kraft, and an inner layer 402 having 1450 g Kraft. In some embodiments, more than one inner layer may be utilized, each of which may be 1450g Kraft, or other suitable Kraft board.

[0026] Once assembled, the attachment mechanism 400 may have a thickness of between 70 and

140 points, or between 84 and 126 points, where 254 points typically equates to one inch. Further, the ratios of thickness with respect to the various layers/liners of material as illustrated best in FIG. 4 may be between 10-15% for each of outer liners 401 and 403 and 70-80% for inner layer 402 in a three layer lamination construction. In a four layer lamination construction, the ratios of thickness is preferably between 15-20% for each of outer liners 401, 403 and 60-70% for both inner layers 402, where inner layers are of equal or different thicknesses. Notwithstanding, the above ranges are offered as examples and not limitations, and additional thicknesses and thickness percentages by layer/liner are also contemplated.

[0027] In one embodiment, first outer layer 403 may be comprised of a durable paperboard such as

400P Kraft board or 337G Kraft board. Kraft board can be generally described as a strong virgin fiber board that is often clay-coated to receive printing or other ornamentation. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that first outer liner 403 may be comprised of other suitable fibrous materials such as fresh (virgin) sources (e.g. wood) or recycled waste paper. Other raw materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, hardwoods, softwoods, recyclables, and other organic materials. For example, hardwoods such as birch tend to have relatively short fibers that exhibit relatively high tensile strength, but lower tear and other strength properties. Flardwood fibers tend to make for a stiffer product, and make a smoother paper that is more opaque and better for receiving printing. By comparison, softwoods such as pine and spruce tend to have longer fibers that make for superior paperboard in applications where strength is important. For example, softwoods make excellent linerboard in corrugated cardboard containers. In the case of recyclables, used paper and paper products are collected and sorted, and usually mixed with virgin fibers in order to manufacture the recycled material. This is typically necessary because recycled fibers tend to lose strength when reused, and the added virgin fibers help to compensate for the loss of strength. Further, mixed waste paper is typically not deinked (skipping the deinking stage) for paperboard manufacture and therefore the pulp may contain traces of inks, adhesives, and other residues, which together give it a grayish color. Products made of recycled board usually have a less predictable composition and poorer functional properties than virgin fiber-based boards, and the addition of virgin materials helps to alleviate or counterbalance some of these deficiencies.

[0028] One or both of the outer layers 401, 403 of the material utilized, such as compressed board, may further comprise one or more coatings, such as a color optimizing agent, to improve the aesthetic characteristics of the material, and may be manufactured in a wide variety of different shapes, sizes and configurations to suit user needs and/or preferences, or a particular product configuration.

[0029] Similarly, at least one inner layer 402 (or each inner layer 402 if a plurality of inner layers 402 are utilized) may be comprised of durable paperboard such as 500P Kraft board, 550P Kraft board, 1450G Chipboard or the like, and second outer liner 401 may be comprised of a durable paperboard such as 400P Kraft board, 337G Kraft board or the like. Further, first and second outer layers 401, 403 may further comprise one or more coatings to improve the color, smoothness and/or gloss of the first and second outer layers 401, 403. One or more coating may be comprised of one or more of the following: (a) a pigment, such as china clay, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, or a combination of the same; (b) an adhesive or binder as styrene- butadiene emulsions or starches and water; and (c) an optical brightening agent.

[0030] The present disclosure also contemplates a method of making the clip or attachment mechanism presently set forth. In one embodiment, first a material, such as a compressed board material 500 is provided. As previously discussed, the material may comprise a plurality of layers such that a material 500 having a first, second, and third layer are provided, if a three layer construction is used to form the attachment mechanism. It is important to note, however, that the present invention is not limited to any number of layers. Secondly, the plurality of layers are attached to one another by any means known in the art, such as by lamination 510. The lamination process may include the use of one or more adhesives to further secure the various layers and outside liners, if utilized together and to add additional strength to the attachment mechanism. Laminate adhesives 156 may include, but are not limited to, hot melt adhesives, water based adhesives, acrylics, epoxies, urethanes, etc. Next, the material, comprising a plurality of layers, may be cut 520 by any means, such as by a die, laser, or rotary anvil, in order to form the attachment mechanism. Lastly, the attachment mechanism may be attached to an article, such as shirt (not shown). [0031] In some embodiments, multiple sustainable and renewable compressed board garment clips can be used to substantially replace the use of existing clips. Currently it is customary to use at least three metal clips and one plastic clip or four plastic clips to pin or otherwise securely package a shirt. However, in accordance with exemplary embodiments described herein, the compressed board garment clips may be utilized in place of the existing metal and plastic clips and provide the same or enhanced functionality.

[0032] When compared with existing garment clips, compressed board garment clips may be formed completely without plastics or metals, thus reducing the negative environmental impacts associated with those materials. Further, the compressed board garment clips can provide increased recyclability or, in events where the clips are disposed of after a single use, increased biodegradability, providing significant benefits over the prior art.

[0033] In still other exemplary embodiments, the compressed board garment clips described herein may be provided with visual indicia printed thereon. Due to the nature of compressed board, it is possible to print or otherwise provide visual indicia on the clips. As such, the clips, during or following the manufacture, could include wording or designs, such as branding, logos, websites, or other visual indicia, which would not be possible or cost-effective on traditional metal or plastic clips. Further, the compressed board garment clips could be printed with various colors or other indicia to provide placement coding or draw attention to them for ease of consumer use.

[0034] In one embodiment the clip of the present invention may include a small antenna that can be connected to an integrated chip forming a radio frequency identification device ("RFID") on the attachment mechanism. The present invention contemplates that a plurality of RFID devices may be included on a clip. This can aid in providing inventory information in a retail environment if applicable.

[0035] The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. [0036] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.