Patent application title: Metallic Swimming Goggle Replacement Clip
Inventors:
Mark Johnsen (Pittsburg, PA, US)
Mark Johnsen (Pittsburgh, PA, US)
IPC8 Class: AA44B1124FI
USPC Class:
2431
Class name: Eye shields (e.g., hoodwinks or blinds, etc.) goggles included in shield for eyes
Publication date: 2015-03-12
Patent application number: 20150067951
Abstract:
A clip for securing a strap of a pair of swimming goggles includes: a
body formed from a metal material. The body includes: a top edge, a
bottom edge, and longitudinally opposite ends; a plurality of partitions
arranged between the ends which connect the top edge to the bottom edge;
a plurality of holes defined by the top edge, the bottom edge, the ends,
and the partitions; a first strap-receiving slot positioned at a first
one of the longitudinally opposite ends and a second strap-receiving slot
positioned at a second one of the longitudinally opposite ends; and an
indicia-bearing area extending from the top edge of the body and
configured to receive an indicia thereon.Claims:
1. A clip for securing a strap of a pair of swimming goggles, the clip
comprising: a body formed from a metal material, the body comprising: a
top edge, a bottom edge, and longitudinally opposite ends; a plurality of
partitions arranged between the ends which connect the top edge to the
bottom edge; a plurality of holes defined by the top edge, the bottom
edge, the ends, and the partitions; a first strap-receiving slot
positioned at a first one of the longitudinally opposite ends and a
second strap-receiving slot positioned at a second one of the
longitudinally opposite ends; and an indicia-bearing area extending from
the top edge of the body and configured to receive an indicia thereon.
2. The clip of claim 1, wherein the body has a length of about 1 to 1.5 inches.
3. The clip of claim 1, wherein the body has a height of about 0.5 to 1.0 inches.
4. The clip of claim 1, wherein the body has a thickness of about 0.025 to 0.075 inches.
5. The clip of claim 1, wherein the metal material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel and aluminum.
6. The clip of claim 1, wherein the body is curved along its length.
7. Swimming goggles comprising: a pair of lens assemblies interconnected by a bridge; an elastic strap connected to the lens assemblies; and a clip for securing longitudinally opposite ends of the strap, the clip comprising: a body formed from a metal material, the body comprising: a top edge, a bottom edge, and longitudinally opposite ends; a plurality of partitions arranged between the ends which connect the top edge to the bottom edge; a plurality of holes defined by the top edge, the bottom edge, the ends, and the partitions; a first strap-receiving slot positioned at a first one of the longitudinally opposite ends and a second strap-receiving slot positioned at a second one of the longitudinally opposite ends; and an indicia-bearing area extending from the top edge of the body and configured to receive an indicia thereon.
8. The goggles of claim 7, wherein the body of the clip has a length of about 1 to 1.5 inches.
9. The goggles of claim 7, wherein the body of the clip has a height of about 0.5 to 1.0 inches.
10. The goggles of claim 7, wherein the body of the clip has a thickness of about 0.025 to 0.075 inches.
11. A clip for securing a strap of a pair of swimming goggles, the clip comprising: a body formed from a metal material, the body comprising: a top edge, a bottom edge, and longitudinally opposite ends; a first set of three slots positioned adjacent to a first one of the opposite ends; a second set of three slots positioned adjacent to a second one of the opposite ends; a central hole positioned between the first set of three slots and the second set of three slots in a central location of the body; and an indicia-bearing area extending from the top edge of the body and configured to receive an indicia thereon.
12. The clip of claim 11, wherein a bungee type strap is configured to be secured to the clip.
13. The clip of claim 12, wherein a first end of the bungee type strap is configured to be secured to the clip by: a) passing the first end of the bungee type strap through a center slot of the first set of three slots in a first direction; b) passing the first end of the bungee type strap through the center slot of the first set of three slots in a second direction to form a loop; c) passing the first end of the bungee type strap through the central hole in the first direction; and d) passing the first end of the bungee type strap through the loop.
14. The clip of claim 13, wherein a second end of the bungee type strap is configured to be secured to the clip by: a) passing the second end of the bungee type strap through a center slot of the second set of three slots in a first direction; b) passing the second end of the bungee type strap through the center slot of the second set of three slots in a second direction to form a loop; c) passing the second end of the bungee type strap through the central hole in the first direction; and d) passing the second end of the bungee type strap through the loop.
15. The clip of claim 11, wherein a ribbon type strap is configured to be secured to the clip.
16. The clip of claim 15, wherein a first end of the ribbon type strap is configured to be secured to the clip by: a) passing the first end of the ribbon type strap through a first slot of the first set of three slots in a first direction; b) passing the first end of the ribbon type strap through a center slot of the first set of three slots in a second direction; c) passing the first end of the ribbon type strap through a third slot of the first set of three slots in the first direction; and d) passing the first end of the ribbon type strap through the first slot of the first set of three slots in the second direction.
17. The clip of claim 16, wherein a second end of the ribbon type strap is configured to be secured to the clip by: a) passing the second end of the ribbon type strap through a first slot of the second set of three slots in a first direction; b) passing the second end of the ribbon type strap through a center slot of the second set of three slots in a second direction; c) passing the second end of the ribbon type strap through a third slot of the second set of three slots in the first direction; and d) passing the second end of the ribbon type strap through the first slot of the second set of three slots in the second direction.
18. The clip of claim 11, wherein the body further comprises a first strap-receiving slot positioned at the first one of the longitudinally opposite ends and a second strap-receiving slot positioned at the second one of the longitudinally opposite ends.
19. The clip of claim 11, wherein the metal material is selected from the group consisting of: stainless steel and aluminum.
20. The clip of claim 1, wherein the body is curved along its length.
Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/876,471 entitled "Metallic Swimming Goggle Replacement Clip" filed Sep. 11, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates, in general, to swimming goggles and, more specifically, to a metallic clip configured to secure a strap of swimming goggles thereto.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Conventionally, swimming goggles have included a clip or buckle that fits onto the strap for adjusting the strap to a desired length. More specifically, the strap is inserted into two slots formed on two sides of the lens assemblies of the swimming goggles, and two ends of the strap are inserted into the holes formed on the clip so that the strap can be adjusted to a desired length.
[0006] However, such conventional clips are manufactured from plastic materials and are very susceptible to breaking, particularly after repeated use. In addition, such conventional clips do not include an area to allow them to be altered with the decorative indicia.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a swimming goggle clip that is manufactured from a durable, metal material. In addition, a further object of the invention is to provide a swimming goggle clip that can be customized with a decorative indicia. Finally, another object of the invention is to provide a swimming goggle clip that can be interchangeably used with both bungee and ribbon style straps.
[0008] Provided is a clip for securing a strap to a pair of swimming goggles. The clip includes: a body formed from a metal material. The body includes: a top edge, a bottom edge, and longitudinally opposite ends; a plurality of partitions arranged between the ends which connect the top edge to the bottom edge; a plurality of holes defined by the top edge, the bottom edge, the ends, and the partitions; a first strap-receiving slot positioned at a first one of the longitudinally opposite ends and a second strap-receiving slot positioned at a second one of the longitudinally opposite ends; and an indicia-bearing area extending from the top edge of the body and configured to receive an indicia thereon.
[0009] The body may have a length of about 1 to 1.5 inches, a height of about 0.5 to 1.0 inches, and a thickness of about 0.025 to 0.075 inches. The metal material forming the body may be stainless steel, aluminum, or any other suitable metal material. The body may be curved along its length.
[0010] Also provided are swimming goggles that include: a pair of lens assemblies interconnected by a bridge; an elastic strap connected to the lens assemblies; and a clip for securing longitudinally opposite ends of the strap. The clip includes a body formed from a metal material. The body includes: a top edge, a bottom edge, and longitudinally opposite ends; a plurality of partitions arranged between the ends which connect the top edge to the bottom edge; a plurality of holes defined by the top edge, the bottom edge, the ends, and the partitions; a first strap-receiving slot positioned at a first one of the longitudinally opposite ends and a second strap-receiving slot positioned at a second one of the longitudinally opposite ends; and an indicia-bearing area extending from the top edge of the body and configured to receive an indicia thereon.
[0011] Still further, provided is a clip for securing a strap of a pair of swimming goggles. The clip includes a body formed from a metal material. The body comprises: a top edge, a bottom edge, and longitudinally opposite ends; a first set of three slots positioned adjacent to a first one of the opposite ends; a second set of three slots positioned adjacent to a second one of the opposite ends; a central hole positioned between the first set of three slots and the second set of three slots in a central location of the body; and an indicia-bearing area extending from the top edge of the body and configured to receive an indicia thereon.
[0012] The clip is configured to receive both a bungee type strap and a ribbon type strap. For instance, a bungee type strap may be secured to the clip as follows. A first end of the bungee type strap may be configured to be secured to the clip by: a) passing the first end of the bungee type strap through a center slot of the first set of three slots in a first direction; b) passing the first end of the bungee type strap through the center slot of the first set of three slots in a second direction to form a loop; c) passing the first end of the bungee type strap through the central hole in the first direction; and d) passing the first end of the bungee type strap through the loop. A second end of the bungee type strap may be configured to be secured to the clip by: a) passing the second end of the bungee type strap through a center slot of the second set of three slots in a first direction; b) passing the second end of the bungee type strap through the center slot of the second set of three slots in a second direction to form a loop; c) passing the second end of the bungee type strap through the central hole in the first direction; and d) passing the second end of the bungee type strap through the loop.
[0013] Alternatively, a ribbon type strap may be configured to be secured to the clip as follows. A first end of the ribbon type strap may be configured to be secured to the clip by: a) passing the first end of the ribbon type strap through a first slot of the first set of three slots in a first direction; b) passing the first end of the ribbon type strap through a center slot of the first set of three slots in a second direction; c) passing the first end of the ribbon type strap through a third slot of the first set of three slots in the first direction; and d) passing the first end of the ribbon type strap through the first slot of the first set of three slots in the second direction. A second end of the ribbon type strap may be configured to be secured to the clip by: a) passing the second end of the ribbon type strap through a first slot of the second set of three slots in a first direction; b) passing the second end of the ribbon type strap through a center slot of the second set of three slots in a second direction; c) passing the second end of the ribbon type strap through a third slot of the second set of three slots in the first direction; and d) passing the second end of the ribbon type strap through the first slot of the second set of three slots in the second direction.
[0014] The body may further comprise a first strap-receiving slot positioned at the first one of the longitudinally opposite ends and a second strap-receiving slot positioned at the second one of the longitudinally opposite ends. The body may also be curved along its length.
[0015] These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the swim goggle replacement clip in use with a pair of goggles in accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the clip in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the clip of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of the clip in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a front plan view of another embodiment of the clip in accordance with the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 5 illustrating the manner in which a bungee-type strap is secured thereto;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the clip of FIG. 5 having a bungee-type strap secured thereto;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the clip of FIG. 5 illustrating the manner in which a ribbon-type strap is secured thereto;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 5 having a first end of a ribbon-type strap secured thereto; and
[0025] FIG. 10 is a front plan view of the clip of FIG. 5 having a ribbon-type strap secured thereto.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 1, a pair of swimming goggles S include a pair of lens assemblies 1 interconnected by a bridge 3, an elastic strap 5 extending through a pair of through-holes formed in outer ends of the respective lens assemblies 1, and a clip 10 used to secure longitudinally opposite ends of the strap 5. The ends of the strap 5 are shown as being secured in engagement with the clip 10.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and with continued reference to FIG. 1, the clip 10 includes: a body 12 formed from a metal material. The metal material may be any suitable, light weight metal material such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, or any other suitable metal material. The body may have a length of about 1 to 1.5 inches and desirably 1.375 inches, a height of about 0.5 to 1.0 inches and desirably 0.650 inches, and a thickness of about 0.025 to 0.075 inches and desirably 0.06 inches. The body is desirably curved along its length as shown in FIG. 3.
[0029] The body 12 includes: a top edge 14, a bottom edge 16, and longitudinally opposite ends 18, 19; a plurality of partitions 20, 21, 22, 23 arranged between the ends 18, 19 which connect the top edge 14 to the bottom edge 16; a plurality of holes 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 defined by the top edge 14, the bottom edge 16, the ends 18, 19, and the partitions 20, 21, 22, 23; a first strap-receiving slot 30 positioned at a first one 18 of the longitudinally opposite ends and a second strap-receiving slot 31 positioned at a second one 19 of the longitudinally opposite ends; and an indicia-bearing area 33 extending from the top edge 14 of the body 12 and configured to receive an indicia 35 thereon. The indicia 35 may be formed on the indicia-bearing area 33 by any suitable metal working technique such as machining or stamping. The clip 10 may further include a centrally located hole 37 located in a central portion of the body 12.
[0030] The clip 10 according to this invention can reliably retain the strap 5 while providing increased durability since the body 12 thereof is manufactured from a metal material. In addition, the clip 10 is highly customizable due to the addition of the indicia-bearing area.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 4, and with continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, an alternative embodiment of the clip 10' may include an alternative indicia-bearing area 33' that is machined into a decorative shape.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 5, another alternative embodiment of the clip 10'' allows for both bungee-type straps 39 and ribbon-type straps 41 to be secured thereto. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 also allows for both types of straps to be secured thereto. The clip 10'' includes: a body 12'' formed from a metal material such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, or any other suitable metal material.
[0033] The body 12'' includes: a top edge 14'', a bottom edge 16'', and longitudinally opposite ends 18'', 19''. A first set of three slots 50 is positioned adjacent to the end 18'' and includes a first slot 54, a center slot 55, and a third slot 56. A second set of three slots 52 is positioned adjacent to the end 19'' and includes a first slot 57, a center slot 58, and a third slot 59. A central hole 60 is positioned between the first set of three slots 50 and the second set of three slots 52 in a central location of the body 12''. An indicia-bearing area 33'' extends from the top edge 14'' of the body 12'' and is configured to receive an indicia thereon. The body 12'' may further comprise a first strap-receiving slot 30'' positioned at the end 18'' and a second strap-receiving slot 31'' positioned at the end 19''. The body 12'' may also be curved along its length. The central hole 60 allows the clip 10'' to be used with a bungee type strap as discussed hereinafter. In addition, the slots of the first set of three slots 50 and the second set of three slots 52 have a vertically offset position with regard to each other as shown in FIG. 5. By positioning the slots in this manner, a ribbon type strap is more securely connected to the clip 10'' than with a conventional clip.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a bungee type strap may be secured to the clip 10'' as follows. A first end 61 of the bungee type strap 39 may be configured to be secured to the clip 10'' by: a) passing the first end 61 of the bungee type strap 39 through the center slot 55 of the first set of three slots 50 in a first direction as shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 6; b) passing the first end 61 of the bungee type strap 39 through the center slot 55 of the first set of three slots 50 in a second direction as shown by arrow A2 in FIG. 6 to form a loop; c) passing the first end 61 of the bungee type strap 39 through the central hole 60 in the first direction as shown by arrow A3 in FIG. 6; and d) passing the first end 61 of the bungee type strap 39 through the loop as shown by arrow A4 in FIG. 6. A second end 62 of the bungee type strap 39 may be configured to be secured to the clip 10'' by: a) passing the second end 62 of the bungee type strap 39 through a center slot 58 of the second set of three slots 52 in a first direction; b) passing the second end 62 of the bungee type strap 39 through the center slot 58 of the second set of three slots 52 in a second direction to form a loop; c) passing the second end 52 of the bungee type strap 39 through the central hole 60 in the first direction; and d) passing the second end 62 of the bungee type strap 39 through the loop.
[0035] Typically, bungee type straps are secured to a pair of goggles using a spring loaded clamp. Such a spring loaded clamp is rather large and uncomfortable for the user. By using the clip 10'' of the present disclosure, a bungee type strap can be held more securely without slippage and is more comfortable for the user.
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 8-10, a ribbon type strap 41 may also be configured to be secured to the clip 10'' as follows. A first end 63 of the ribbon type strap 41 may be configured to be secured to the clip 10'' by: a) passing the first end 63 of the ribbon type strap 41 through the first slot 57 of the second set of three slots 52 in a first direction as shown by arrow Bi in FIG. 8; b) passing the first end 63 of the ribbon type strap 41 through the center slot 58 of the second set of three slots 52 in a second direction as shown by arrow B2 in FIG. 8; c) passing the first end 63 of the ribbon type strap 41 through the third slot 59 of the second set of three slots 52 in the first direction as shown by arrow B3 in FIG. 8; and d) passing the first end 63 of the ribbon type strap 41 through the first slot 57 of the second set of three slots 52 in the second direction as shown by arrow B4 in FIG. 8. A second end 64 of the ribbon type strap 41 may be configured to be secured to the clip 10'' by: a) passing the second end 64 of the ribbon type strap 41 through the first slot 54 of the first set of three slots 50 in a first direction; b) passing the second end 64 of the ribbon type strap 41 through the center slot 55 of the first set of three slots 50 in a second direction; c) passing the second end 64 of the ribbon type strap 41 through the third slot 56 of the first set of three slots 50 in the first direction; and d) passing the second end 64 of the ribbon type strap 41 through the first slot 54 of the first set of three slots 50 in the second direction.
[0037] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
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