US20080054663A1

US20080054663A1 - Flip clip

Info

Publication number: US20080054663A1
Application number: US11/899,548
Authority: US
Inventors: Kathleen Van Allen; Jonathan Van Allen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-06
Filing date: 2007-09-05
Publication date: 2008-03-06

Abstract

An apparatus for holding at least one of sandals, flip-flops and shoes. The apparatus comprises a strap member formed of a first predetermined material and having a predetermined length. A clip member for retaining such sandals, flip flops or shoes is engageable with the strap member. There is a buckle arrangement engageable with the strap member for adjusting such length of the strap member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/824,666 filed Sep. 6, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a carrying means and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a flip clip that can be used to carry shoes and other similar items over the shoulder or on a hip leaving hands free.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People walking along a beach or through a water park generally would prefer to do so without wearing shoes. This is normal since getting sand in ones shoes makes for uncomfortable walking and wet shoes are also unpleasant. However, what to do with the shoes is a problem. People are often seen carrying their shoes or sandals in their hands as they stroll down a beach. This makes it difficult for that person to carry other items or to perform other tasks.
Thus, it would be advantageous if there were an apparatus or a means to enable a person to carry such shoes, sandals or flip flops on a the person's body without the necessity of carrying them in the hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for holding at least one of sandals, flip-flops and shoes. The apparatus comprises a strap member formed of a first predetermined material and having a predetermined length. A means for retaining such sandals, flip flops or shoes is engageable with the strap member. There is an adjustment means engageable with the strap member for adjusting such length of the strap member.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an apparatus for holding a pair of sandals, flip flops or shoes.
Another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for holding a pair of sandals, flip flops or shoes that has a strap member that can be worn on the body so as to leave the hands free.
Still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for holding a pair of sandals, flip flops or shoes wherein the strap member is adjustable so it can be worn as a belt or over the shoulder.
Yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for holding a pair of sandals, flip flops or shoes that has a clip member disposed on the strap for retaining such sandals, flip flops or shoes.
In addition to the various objects and advantages of the invention which have been described in some specific detail above it should be noted that various other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description, particularly when such description is taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus showing the strap and the clip member according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus showing a pair of flip flops attached to the clip member.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus shown FIG. 2 showing a pair of sandals attached to the clip member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.
In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for holding at least one of sandals, flip-flops and shoes. The apparatus 10 comprises a strap member 2 formed of a first predetermined material and having a predetermined length. A means, generally designated 20, for retaining such sandals, flip flops or shoes. Such means 20 is engageable with the strap member 2. There is an adjustment means 4 that is engageable with the strap member 2 for adjusting such length of the strap member 2. The strap member can be adjusted so as to worn as a belt or over the shoulder so that the users hands are free since the sandals etc. are retained by the apparatus.
Such means 20 includes a hook clip member 6 that is formed of a second predetermined material and is engageable on one end with the strap member 2. The hook clip member 6 includes a body portion constituting a stationary arm 8 and a relatively movable arm 12 that is pivotably engageable on a first end thereof with a first end of the stationary arm 8. The second end of the stationary arm is for receiving and retaining a free second end of the relatively movable arm 12. The free second end of the relatively movable arm 12 opens up for receiving at least one of such sandals, flip-flops and shoes, and for securing them in place when the free second end is engaged with the second end of stationary arm 8.
An aperture 14 is disposed on the body portion of the hook clip member 6 on one of an end closely adjacent the first end of stationary arm 8 and an end closely adjacent the second end of the stationary arm 8. The aperture 14 is for engagement with the strap member 2. Thus, the aperture 14 can be disposed on either end of the hook clip member 6.
Such first predetermined material for forming the strap member 2 is a lanyard material. Such lanyard material is selected from one of plastic, fabric and canvas. It is presently preferred that such material is plastic and that such plastic is one of polyester or nylon. The polyester is selected from one of imprinted polyester, woven polyester, or tube polyester.
Such second predetermined material for forming such hook clip member is metal and it is preferred that such metal is a spring steel.
Further, it is within the scope of the invention that such strap member 2 can be made in a variety of colors and can also incorporate designs or logos on the strap.
Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus for holding a pair of shoes together for carrying over the body when the shoes are not being worn such as when walking on the beach. The apparatus has a hook clip disposed on the strap for retaining the shoes. The stationary hook clip ensures that the shoes remain in place at all times. The strap is adjustable which enables the strap to be worn over the shoulder or around the waist. The use can easily attach the tied laces of a pair of tennis shoes, or through the toe loops or straps of a pair of sandals or flip flops to the clip and carry them on the body so as to leave the hands free for other activities.
While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for holding at least one of sandals, flip-flops and shoes, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a strap member formed of a first predetermined material and having a predetermined length;

(b) a means engageable with said strap member for retaining at least one of a pair of such sandals, such flip flops and such shoes; and

(c) an adjustment means engageable with said strap member for adjusting said length of said strap member.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said means includes a hook clip member formed of a second predetermined material and engageable on one end with said strap member, said hook clip member including:

(a) a body portion constituting a stationary arm and a relatively movable arm that is pivotably engageable on a first end thereof with a first end of said stationary arm;

(b) a second end of said stationary arm for receiving and retaining a free second end of said relatively movable arm, said free second end of said relatively movable arm for receiving at least one of such sandals, flip-flops and shoes, and for securing them in place when said free second end is engaged with said second end of said stationary arm; and

(c) an aperture disposed on said body portion of said hook clip on one of an end closely adjacent said first end of said stationary arm and an end closely adjacent said second end of said stationary arm, said aperture for receiving said strap member therein.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said strap member is formed of a lanyard material.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said lanyard material is selected from plastic, fabric and canvas.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 4, wherein said lanyard material is plastic.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said plastic is one of polyester and nylon.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 6, wherein said polyester is selected from one of imprinted polyester, woven polyester, and tube polyester.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said second predetermined material for forming said hook clip member is metal.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 8, wherein said metal is spring steel.

10. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said adjustment means on said strap member permits said strap member to be worn one of over a user's shoulder and around such user's waist.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said adjustment means engageable with said strap member includes a buckle arrangement.

12. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said adjustment means engageable with said strap member includes a hook and loop fastener.