WO2025034635A1 - Clip - Google Patents

Abstract

A suspender can include a toggle that can recess into the main body of the clip when in a locked position. In this position, the suspender can avoid snagging on unwanted objects and inadvertently actuating the toggle. This toggle can sit recessed to the outer surface of the clip and lie flush with the bottom base of the suspender to further mitigate snagging and unwanted protrusion of the toggle. The suspender can also use a large loop to assist in both the retention of various types of suspender straps and make deliberate movement of the toggle by the wearer more convenient.

Description

CLIP

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/518,466, filed August 9, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fasteners. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to garment fasteners.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Clips can be used to connect two articles of cloth, clothing, bags, or other cloth or fabric items. For example, suspenders can be used by a wearer to hold clothing and other fabrics in place while engaging in a wide variety of different activities. Typical suspenders, including those with a range of different cloth-clamping mechanisms, are often subject to snagging on materials, loose objects, and stray fabrics worn either by the wearer or those that are present in their immediate vicinity. Unwanted snagging limits the activities one can participate in while wearing the suspenders. What is needed in the art, therefore, are improved clips for fabric and cloth articles, including suspender assemblies.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one example of the present disclosure, a clip can include a body, a toggle pivotally coupled to the body and including a toggle head. In such an example, the body defines a loop surrounding the toggle head, the toggle is selectively positionable in a first position and a second position, and in the second position, the toggle head is disposed within a volumetric envelope defined by the body when the clasp is in the second position. [0005] In one example, the toggle head can include a textured surface. In one example, the toggle is coupled to the body via a pivot rod. In one example, the body defines a sloped profile. In one example, the slope is defined by at least two inflection points in the body. In one example, the clip further includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the clasp being thinner than the distal end. In one example, the toggle is thinner than the body. In one example, the toggle head is wider than the toggle body. [0006] In one example of the present disclosure, a clip for clothing accessories includes a body having a head and a loop extending from the head, and a toggle including a toggle head. In such an example, the toggle is pivotally coupled to the head, the toggle and the toggle head define a clip mouth, the clip mouth is selectively positionable in an open position and a locked position, the head and the loop define an external surface having a sloped profile, and the toggle head is recessed relative to the external surface in the locked position.

[0007] In one example, the slope is defined by at least a first inflection point and a second inflection point in the body. In one example, the head and the loop comprise define a clip arm, the clip arm defining the first inflection point and the second inflection point. In one example, at least one of the toggle or the head define teeth. In one example, the loop surrounds the toggle head. In one example, the toggle head and the loop define an opening. In one example, the toggle is disposed within a volumetric envelope defined by the head and the loop when the toggle is in the locked position. In one example, at least one of the toggle or the body includes beveled edges.

[0008] In one example of the present disclosure, a clip includes a body defining at least one arm and a loop and a toggle pivotally coupled to the arm. In such an example, the toggle is at least partially disposed within the loop, the toggle and the loop define an open space between the toggle portion and the loop, and the toggle is at least one of flush or subflush with an outer surface of the body.

[0009] In one example, the clip arm is a first arm, and the clip further includes a second arm thinner than the first arm. In one example, the toggle is selectively positionable in a first position and a second position, the body defines an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, and the toggle is disposed between the outward facing surface and the inward facing surface when the clip is in the second position. In one example, the clip is configured for use in securing a suspender strap to pants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The disclosure will be understood by the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a suspender clip fastened to garments, according to the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a top-down view of an example of a suspender clip, according to the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 A illustrates a side view thereof with the outermost material made transparent to show the inner toggle locking mechanism in a first position, according to the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view thereof with the outermost material made transparent to show the inner toggle locking mechanism in a second position, according to the present disclosure; [0015] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view thereof with the outermost material made transparent to show the inner toggle locking mechanism in a third position, according to the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example of a suspender clip, according to the present disclosure; and

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an example of a suspender clip and an outside material coming into contact with the clip, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Detailed reference is provided below to representative examples illustrated in the associated drawings. The descriptions that follow are not intended to limit the examples to one preferred embodiment. Rather, they are intended to cover alternatives, variations, and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the embodiments described below and defined by the associated claims.

[0019] The present disclosure relates generally to clips. More particularly, the present discloser relates to clips for use in securing cloth or fabric items and articles together, for example suspenders and suspender components including suspender clips. The clips described herein can be used in many situations to hold garments or other items like bags, hats, towels, or other fabric clothes and accessories, in place while the wearer participates in a variety of different activities. These activities can include formal events, sports, work, outdoor excursions, and other recreational endeavors. While the examples shown in the figures and described below relate to suspender clips, suspenders and suspender assemblies are non-limiting examples of one application of the clips described herein. The clips described herein are not limited to suspenders and can be used for other scenarios noted above. [0020] Examples of suspenders can include a clamping toggle that is recessed into the main body of the suspender clip. The recessed toggle clip can prevent the toggle from catching on unwanted surfaces and accidentally releasing retention on held fabrics and materials. Instead of a protruding toggle that is subject to catching on stray materials, the recessed clip allows materials that come into contact with the suspender clip to pass over the toggle without moving it or releasing tension on desired fabrics.

[0021] In one example, the suspender clips described herein can be comprised of a main body that includes the use of a large finger opening for easy access to the locking toggle while it is in the recessed or locked position. This opening allows easy manipulation of the toggle by the wearer when the toggle is in the recessed position. This recessed locking position can provide a low locking angle that can allow the toggle to sit flush or sub-flus (i.e., recessed) with the outer surface of the main body of the clip. This system can provide better locking capabilities for the toggle and easier engagement of the suspender clip locking feature.

[0022] In at least one example, the outer surface of the clip is curved or slanted in such a way that external objects and fabrics coming into contact with the clip are brushed off without catching on any component or portion of the clip. In such an example, the volumetric footprint or profile of the clip protects moving parts, such as the toggle, and deflects external objects and fabrics without catching or negatively affecting the functionality of the clip. For example, the clips described herein reduce the risk of snagging, catching, un-clamping suspenders from garments, and so forth.

[0023] These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1 - 5. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature including at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option).

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a suspender clip 100 securing two garments together, for example a suspender strap 101 and pants 103. As noted above, the clip 100 and other clips described herein can be used for removably securing other types of articles together, including bags, straps, towels, hats, belts, or other cloth, fabric, or other materials and accessories as needed by a user. Suspenders are used herein as a non-limiting example of one application of the clips described herein.

[0025] The clip 100 can include a body 102 including or defining a clip loop 116, and a toggle 106 rotatably coupled to the body 102 and configured to clamp fabric, for example the pants 103, between the toggle 106 and the clip body 102. The suspenders strap 101 can be looped through the clip loop 116 to secure the suspender strap 101 to the pants 103 via the clip 100. In some examples, the clip 100 can include more than one toggle 106, for example two opposing toggles with one toggle configured to secure the suspender strap 101 and the other to secure to the pants 103.

[0026] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the clip 100 is configured to removably secure the suspender strap 101 to the pants 103. The suspender strap 101 can be threaded through the clip loop 116 to fixedly or removably secure the suspender strap 101 to the clip 100. The user can manipulate the toggle 106 relative to the body 102 of the clip 100 to selectively secure and remove the clip 100 from the pants 103. [0027] Any of the features, components, and/or parts, of the rim 360 including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIG. 1 can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a top down perspective view of an example of a suspender clip 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the suspender clip 100 can include a body 102. In at least one example, the body 102 can include a head 104, which protrudes from the body 102. The head 104 can vary in width from the general width of the body 102. For example, the clip loop 116 portion of the body 102 can be a greater width than the head 104. The greater width of the loop 116 can provide a larger opening 118 for the user’s fingers to fit while manipulating the toggle head 108 while the narrower head 104 of the clip body 102 provide a slender profile for the securement functionality (e.g., securement to pants 103) in order to reduce instances of snagging and catching external objects and fabrics. The head 104 and the body 102 can also define a toggle channel 110 that is cut across the horizontal length of the suspender clip 100 and configured to receive the toggle 106.

[0029] In at least one example, the suspender clip 100 can include a toggle channel 110 that extends across the length of both the head 104 and the body 102. The toggle channel 110 can be configured for insertion of the toggle 106. As seen in FIG. 3 A, the toggle 106 can be pivotally or rotatably attached to the body 102 by a means of pivot point 120 and pivot rod 142 (both illustrated in FIG. 3A) at the head 104.

[0030] In at least one example, the toggle 106 can be constructed with a thickness thinner than at least one of either the head 104 or the rest of the body 102, where the thickness of the toggle 106 can allow it to rest below the body 102 when secured in a locked or clamped position. In at least one example, the toggle 106 can include a toggle head 108 extending from a central or main body of the toggle 106, which can be thinner than the toggle head 108. The toggle head can be positioned distally to the pivot point 120 at or near the head 104 of the clip 100. The toggle head 108 can be made of the same material as the toggle 106 or a different material altogether. The outer surface of the toggle head 108 can include a knurled texture or include other textured surface features to provide added grip and a higher frictional interface when manipulated, grasped, or contacted by a user, relative to the outer surfaces of the toggle 106 and the clip body 102. The toggle head 108 can also vary in width and shape relative to the width and shape of the rest of the toggle 106 to provide an easy grasp and tactile point for blind contact from the user. In at least one example, the difference in width of the toggle head 108 can be advantageous to the manipulation of the toggle 106 in the locked and unlocked positions.

[0031] FIG 2. also illustrates the suspender clip 100 having the body 102 including or defining at least one set of upper clip arms 112a and 112b. The at least one set of upper clip arms 112a and 112b can be comprised of the same material as the body 102 or be constructed out of a different material altogether. The upper clip arms 112a and 112b can also vary in width as they extend distally from the head 104 of the clip 100. In at least one example, the upper clip arms 112a and 112b decrease in width as they extend. The change in width of the at least one set of upper arms 112a and 112b can be advantageous to the wearer by providing a bigger area for a finger opening 118. The finger opening 118 can include or define a volumetric envelope of the body 102. The bigger area for finger opening 118 can also provide the means to attach a wide variety of suspender straps to the suspender clip 100. The clip 100 can define the finger opening 118 or loop, which can be configured to accommodate the toggle head 108 and include open space between the loop 116 and the toggle head 108 for and a user’s finger for clearance to manipulate the toggle 106 relative to the clip head 104 via grasping or contacting the toggle head 108 in the opening 118.

[0032] In at least one example, the at least one set of upper clip arms 112a and 112b can be connected to at least one set of lower clip arms 114a and 114b. Lower clip arms 114a and 114b can change in width and thickness compared to upper clip arms 112a and 112b. In at least one example, the lower clip arms 114a and 114b can have a decreased thickness when compared to the upper clip arms 112a and 112b. This decrease in thickness can be advantageous to the construction of the suspender clip 100 to hold greater forces of retention while keeping a low profile and creating space for the finger opening 118.

[0033] In at least one example, a clip loop 116 can be defined at least in part by a loop arm 117 extending between to the distal ends of the at least one set of upper and lower clip arms 112a, 112b, 114a, and 114b. The clip loop 116 can provide a closed finger opening 118 that can have various purposes. The clip loop 116 can be the same material as the upper and lower arms 112a, 112b, 114a, and 114b or be constructed out of a different material altogether. In at least one example, upper and lower clip arms 112a, 112b, 114a, 114b and the loop arm 117 can be formed of a single piece of material as a single unitary part. In one example, the upper and lower clip arms 112a, 112b, 114a, 114b and the loop arm 117 can be molded, machined, cut, or otherwise formed from a single piece of material without assembly between these portion required. In another example, any one or more of the upper and lower clip arms 112a, 112b, 114a, 114b and the loop arm 117 can be formed of different pieces joined together during manufacturing and assembly. The suspender strap 101 can be attached to the clip loop 116 so as to suspend clothing and other materials desired by the wearer.

[0034] Any of the features, components, and/or parts, of the rim 360 including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIG. 2 can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] FIG 3 A. illustrates a side view of the suspender clip 100 that highlights the toggle

106 and the toggle head 108. In at least one example, the top surfaces of all the forward head 104, body 102, upper clip arms 112a and 112b, and clip loop 116 can have both an upper beveled edge 132 and a lower beveled edge 130. This beveled edge 132 can be advantageous to the wearer in that it can remove a sharp edge on the outside of the suspender clip 100. The use of upper and lower beveled edges 132 and 130 can create a more comfortable experience for the wearer and reduce snagging.

[0036] Examples of the suspender clip 100 disclosed herein include a pivot point 120 about which the toggle 106 rotates relative to the clip body 102. The body 102 can include or define one or more textured surfaces 122, 124, including a first gripping feature, for example first teeth 124, for the purpose of gripping clothing and other fabrics. The toggle 106 can include opposing teeth or other gripping features configured to be biased toward the first teeth 124 when gripping fabric there between. The teeth 124 and 122 are one example of an increased surface area feature to increase friction with fabrics when clamped. Other gripping and increased surface area features can also be used. In some example, no features are present and fabric is clamped between the toggle 106 and the body 102 via a friction press there between.

[0037] The pivot 120 can include a biasing member or mechanism to bias the second teeth 122 toward the first teeth 124 to clamp fabric or other clothing articles there between. In one example, the biasing force of the mechanism is sufficient to hold articles between the teeth 122, 124 or other grasping features to prevent the articles from escaping the clip 100 during normal use.

[0038] FIG. 3 A shows the toggle 106 in a first position, FIG. 3B shows the toggle 106 in a second position, and FIG. 3C shows the toggle 106 in a third position. In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 3A - 3C, the body 102 is transparent to show the toggle 106 interaction and relative position with from the side view. Each of the first, second, and third positions of the toggle 106 shown can be achieved by grasping, pushing, pulling, or otherwise manipulating the toggle head 108 to rotate the toggle 106 about the pivot 120.

[0039] In one example, the second position of the toggle 106 shown in FIG. 3B can bring the teeth 122, 124 closer together on the opposing side of the pivot 120 such that the pants 103 or other article are clamped there between. This can include a locked toggle position or a clamped position of the clip 100. When in the locked position, the toggle 106 and the toggle head 108 can lie below the surface of the forward head 104, body 102, and the upper clip arms 112a and 112b. This can be advantageous to the wearer as the toggle 106 can be recessed within the toggle channel 110 and not subject to movement or inadvertent manipulation from outside materials.

[0040] In one example, the toggle 106 can define an outward facing surface 107 (e.g., configured to face outward when worn by a user) flush, sub-flush, or recessed relative to an outward facing surface 111 of the body 102 and an outward facing surface 113 of the upper arms 112a-b. In this way, inadvertent contacts between the suspender clip 100 and other objects occur at the body 102 and upper arms 112a-b rather than the toggle 106, including the toggle head 108 used to change the position, thus preventing unintended rotation or activation of the toggle 106. In at least one example, the outward facing surface 107 of the toggle 106 can be disposed between the outward facing surfaces 111, 113 and an inward facing surface

such an example, the toggle 106 is protected by surrounding clip structure and shielded thereby to avoid unintended contact and movement of the toggle 106.

[0041] As can be seen in the other positions of the toggle 106 in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C, the teeth 122, 124 or other gripping features on the body 102 and toggle 106 can be brought closer together or further apart to adjust a clamping force, open the clip 100 from a locked/clamped position to a release/un-locked/un-clamped position to release articles from between the toggle 106 and the body 102 of the clip 100. In any position of the toggle 106 shown in FIGS. 3A - 3B, the outward facing surface 107 (e.g., configured to face outward when worn by a user) flush, sub-flush, or recessed relative to an outward facing surface 111 of the body 102 and an outward facing surface 113 of the upper arms 112a-b. In this way, inadvertent contacts between the suspender clip 100 and other objects occur at the body 102 and upper arms 112a-b rather than the toggle 106, including the toggle head 108 used to change the position, thus preventing unintended rotation or activation of the toggle 106. In at least one example, the outward facing surface 107 of the toggle 106 can be disposed between the outward facing surfaces 111, 113 and an inward facing surface 115 of the suspender clip 100 opposite the outward facing surfaces 111, 113, during use. In such an example, the toggle 106 is protected by surrounding clip structure and shielded thereby to avoid unintended contact and movement of the toggle 106.

[0042] In one or more other examples, the toggle 106 can extend outside the volumetric envelope of the body 102 and the opening 118/loop 116 is certain positions, for example during adjustment or unclipping/unlocking

[0043] A pivot point 120 can be a hole placed through both the forward head 104 and the toggle 106. A pivot rod 142 can be placed through the pivot point 120. The pivot point 120 can allow the toggle 106 to rotate around the pivot rod 142 from an unlocked to a locked position. In at least one example, the toggle head 108 can also be constructed to have a flat edge 128. The flat edge 128 can allow the toggle head 108 to lie flush with the base of the at least one set of lower clip arms 114a and 114b. This can be advantageous to the wearer of the suspender clip 100 in that the toggle head 108 cannot protrude past the base of the at least one set of lower clip arms 114a and 114b. This flush face can provide a more comfortable surface, which can rest against the wearer while using the suspender clip 100.

[0044] Any of the features, components, and/or parts, of the rim 360 including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIGS. 3 A - 3C can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIGS. 3 A - 3C.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows another side view of the suspender clip 100. As seen in FIG. 4, the toggle 106 can have gripping features, for example teeth 122, which protrude under where the toggle 106 is attached to the pivot point 120. In at least one example, the toggle teeth 122 can extend across the width of the toggle 106 so as to provide additional grip on fabrics desired by the wearer, such as article 125, which can correspond to pants 103 shown in FIG. 1. To assist the toggle teeth 122 in gripping desired fabrics, at least one set of lower teeth 124 can protrude from a lower head 134.

[0046] The side profile view of FIG. 4 also illustrates the proximal end 131 being thinner than the distal end 133. The thinner proximal end 131 reduces the physical profile of the clip 100 where the suspender strap would thread through the opening 118, resulting in an overall thinner design so the strap does not bulge out too thick from the clasp and catch on other objects and clothing. The thicker distal end 133 provides robust structure and strength for the required biasing mechanism of the pivot 120 and the clamping force necessary to sufficiently secure to the article 125 during use.

[0047] The toggle teeth 122 can protrude from the toggle 106 at such an angle that when in the locked position, desired fabrics are able to me retained inside the clip mouth 126 without inadvertently sliding out. This angle can also be such that when the toggle 106 is in the unlocked position, fabric is allowed to move freely in the clip mouth 126. In at least one example, the clip mouth 126 can be cut through the forward head 104 and body 102 to provide ample space for material desired to be gripped. The height of the clip mouth 126 can be chosen to compensate for a number of fabrics of varying thickness.

[0048] Any of the features, components, and/or parts, of the rim 360 including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIG. 4 can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIG. 4.

[0049] FIG. 5 shows an example of the toggle 106 and toggle head 108 recessed relative to the clip body 102. While wearing suspenders in a variety of circumstances, objects can come into contact with the suspender clip 100. With the combination of a recessed toggle 106 and raised upper clip arms 112a and 112b, a system is created that can direct a foreign object 136 up and away from accidentally actuating or even contacting the toggle 106.

[0050] According to at least one example, a foreign object 136 can be directed across the compound sloped surface of the suspender clip 100 via a first inflection point 138 and a second inflection point 140. Both first and second inflection points 138 and 140 can designate a change in angle of the surface of the suspender clip 100 so that the height of the clip upper arms 112a and 112b, along with the height of the body 102 are positioned above the toggle 106 when in the locked position. The first and second inflection points 138 and 140 can also be created with angles conducive to a foreign object 136 sliding across their surface with little to no friction or chance of snagging.

[0051] As noted above with reference to the toggle 106 shown in various positions in FIGS. 3A - 3C, in any position, the toggle 106 is recessed relative to the body 102 of the clip 100 such that the body 102 protects the toggle 106 from being contacted by external/foreign object 136. In such examples, the toggle 106, including the toggle head 108, can be substantially or completely disposed within a volumetric envelope of the body 102 as defined by the upper and lower clip arms 112a, 112b, 114a, 114b and the loop arm 117, the volumetric envelope being or including a volume of the opening 118.

[0052] Any of the features, components, and/or parts, of the rim 360 including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in FIG. 5 can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in FIG. 5.

[0053] The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there can be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and can include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.

[0054] A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means- plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.

[0055] The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” can refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount. Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, any references to “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the related elements.

[0056] The present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A clip, comprising: a body; and a toggle pivotally coupled to the body and including a toggle head; wherein: the body defines a loop surrounding the toggle head; the toggle is selectively positionable in a first position and a second position; and in the second position, the toggle head is disposed within a volumetric envelope defined by the body when the toggle is in the second position.

2. The clip of claim 1, wherein the toggle head can include a textured surface.

3. The clip of claim 1, wherein the toggle is coupled to the body via a pivot rod.

4. The clip of claim 1, wherein the body defines a sloped profile.

5. The clip of claim 4, wherein the slope is defined by at least two inflection points in the body.

6. The clip of claim 1, further comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the clasp being thinner than the distal end.

7. The clip of claim 1, wherein the toggle is thinner than the body.

8. The clip of claim 7, wherein the toggle head is wider than a toggle body from which the head extends.

9. A clip for clothing accessories, comprising: a body comprising: a head; and a loop extending from the head; and a toggle comprising a toggle head; wherein: the toggle is pivotally coupled to the head; the toggle and the toggle head define a clip mouth; the clip mouth is selectively positionable in an open position and a locked position; the head and the loop define an external surface having a sloped profile; and the toggle head is recessed relative to the external surface in the locked position.

10. The clip for clothing accessories of claim 9, wherein the slope is defined by at least a first inflection point and a second inflection point in the body.

11. The clip for clothing accessories of claim 10, wherein the head and the loop comprise define a clip arm, the clip arm defining the first inflection point and the second inflection point.

12. The clip for clothing accessories of claim 9, wherein at least one of the toggle or the head define teeth.

13. The clip for clothing accessories of claim 9, wherein the loop surrounds the toggle head.

14. The clip for clothing accessories of claim 13, wherein the toggle head and the loop define an opening.

15. The clip for clothing accessories of claim 13, wherein the toggle is disposed within a volumetric envelope defined by the head and the loop when the toggle is in the locked position.

16. The clip for clothing accessories of claim 9, wherein at least one of the toggle or the body includes beveled edges.

17. A clip, comprising: a body defining at least one arm and a loop; and a toggle pivotally coupled to the arm; wherein: the toggle is at least partially disposed within the loop; the toggle and the loop define an open space between the toggle portion and the loop; and the toggle is at least one of flush or sub-flush with an outer surface of the body.

18. The clip of claim 17, wherein the arm is a first arm and the clip further comprises a second arm thinner than the first arm.

19. The clip of claim 17, wherein: the toggle is selectively positionable in a first position and a second position; the body defines an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface; and the toggle is disposed between the outward facing surface and the inward facing surface when the toggle is in the second position.

20. The clip of claim 17, wherein the clip is configured for use in securing a suspender strap to pants.