IMPROVEMENTS IN CLOTHING

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to improvements in clothing and more particularly the invention relates to a system for attaching separate articles of clothing together.

Background of the Invention

Systems for attaching or coupling clothing include: zippers, hook and eye connectors such as Velcro (Trade Mark), clips and buttons. The clothing may comprise separate articles but are generally separate elements of the same article, eg a detachable hood or collar.

Also some coupling systems typically require time and effort to accomplish the fastening function. Such systems may be fiddly requiring a degree of dexterity, which some people may find difficult or when a person is outdoors and has cold hands, may prove difficult to operate with cramped fingers.

With increased health, pollution and cleanliness issues in society there is beginning to be seen in the large cities a return of habitual glove wearing. Gloves protect the wearer's hands from contact with the environment. In the past glove wearing was very common amongst the wealthier individuals in society. Gloves were and are often used where fears of contamination and need for protection exist. As well as the increasing prevalence of glove wearing in city society, gloves are typically worn for manual labour, motorcycles, outdoor activities and sport, including notably golf.

Golf is a very lucrative market, for suppliers and advertisers. Golfers typically are market conscious and technology led. They are also continually looking to find means to improve their game, whilst remaining conscious of their image and appearance.

Additionally, golfers of all handicap levels, regardless of their skill or power, want to have a flow to their game and feel relaxed whilst enjoying the moment of playing golf. Any interference with their concentration, with the flow of the game, with the continuity of action, is unwelcome. Such an interruption has the consequence that the player's concentration and focus are shattered and rhythm lost.

There are a large number of items required by a golfer in order to pursue their game correctly. Golf is well known as a game requiring merchandise. For instance the golfer typically carries tees, pencils, scorecards and ball marker, if not more.

A problem presented by the necessity of items is the need for storage. This problem was typically solved by utilising the most easily accessible storage area. Whilst standing, this is typically a back trouser pocket and typically golfing trousers have two back pockets that are used to hold various items. In this way the player can easily reach the necessary article.

However, this has often led to back pockets being filled with small items, such as keys, money, tees, pencils, scorecards and the like. Furthermore, whilst playing each hole, the golfer typically puts on and takes off his/her glove. Once removed the golfer needs to store the glove whilst play continues. However, the glove tends to be large and relatively bulky and does not always readily fit into an already full back pocket. This often results in the glove being stuffed in the pocket with the other various items.

Apart from being uncomfortable, this sometimes leads to items such as keys, money, tees, pencils, scorecards etc becoming attached to the glove or removed with the glove. The result is that these items are often dragged from the pocket and fall onto the green or fairway of the golf course, with a risk that, if not noticed, essential items - such as money or keys - may be lost.

Sometimes, due to the inadvertent removal of these items, there is a risk that a player becomes embarrassed, and loses his/her concentration. As a result focus is lost and any rhythm the golfer had previously is ruined.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned problems.

Prior Art

UK Patent Application GB-A-2 340 380 discloses_a patch of 'hook and loop ¹ fastener, eg Velcro (RTM) attached to the seat or the outside of seat pocket(s) of a pair of golfing trousers for attachment and detachment of a golf glove as and when required. The fastener on the seat pocket was to be embossed so as to display a logo when the glove was not attached. Velcro (RTM) provides a quick and easy method of attachment, but one which, especially when located at the seat, is prone to compromise, with matter and fibres becoming caught up in the hooks and/ or loops.

US Patent US 7 086 092 discloses a shirt collar for removable attachment around the neck of a shirt. This comprises: an elongated inner portion having an upper portion and lower shirt portion with magnets, and an elongated outer portion having an upper portion continuously attached to the upper portion of the inner portion. This outer portion also has a lower portion with magnets, to align with the magnets along the shirt side portion of the inner side portion. In use the collar is centrally folded, and the neck portion of the shirt can be positioned between the lower portions of the inner and outer collar; and thereafter the spaced magnets can align, thereby attaching the collar onto the neck portion of the shirt.

US Patent Application US 2005 000 002 A1 discloses a_garment, such as a skirt, culottes, dress, pair of trousers, shorts, Bermuda shorts or similar article, featuring a means for temporarily attaching a clothing accessory such as a glove. The means comprises press studs of which the male or female elements are attached permanently to the garment in a place readily accessible to the hand of the wearer with a piece of self-adhering fabric associated permanently -or temporarily with the garment. This allowed the fabric strip to be removed when an accessory was not being used. Additionally it required no amendment to the glove, as it attached to the trousers by virtue only of the self-adhering fabric strip.

The present invention provides a quick, single-step and non-compromisable method of repeatedly attaching and detaching a glove from a pair of trousers.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for detachably connecting a glove to an article of clothing comprising: a means associated with the glove and with the article of clothing, defining an active fastening area, whereby in use, the glove is connected to the article of clothing, by way of the active fastening area, characterised in that the active fastening area includes a magnetic portion.

The fastening area includes a magnet, magnetic device or other ferro-magnetic material situated or supported on the surface of an article of clothing. Alternatively the magnet, magnetic device or other ferro-magnetic material is situated in a recess defined in the glove or article of clothing. Where the glove, the magnet, magnetic device or other ferro-magnetic material is ideally located in the wrist region of the glove.

Preferably the magnet is located between an outer layer and an inner layer of the glove. A magnetic fastening area, connection or insert may be fitted or woven integrally in a trouser pocket, or a magnetic insert shaped to be received in a pocket.

Ideally the glove incorporates a magnet that may be secured in a recess or flap which is ideally covered by a flap located on the wrist portion of the glove.

In an alternative embodiment there may be a magnetic area corresponding to a metallic or ferro-magnetic area of attraction.

In a yet further alternative embodiment hook and eye fastening such as Velcro (Trade Mark) may be employed as part of the active fastening area.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the article of clothing is a golfer's trousers, incorporating a magnet or ferro-magnetic device, which is secured in or on one or both of the back pocket(s) of the trousers.

It is to be appreciated that gloves and articles are able to be easily and readily attached one to another by means of the present system.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for attaching a glove to an article of clothing comprising an active fastening area.

Thus the invention permits gloves to be readily attached thereby enhancing the wearer's activity. The invention also permits quick and easy attachment and detachment of the gloves.

Furthermore on the fastening area there is provided a means of displaying a message or logo potentially with prominence. Alternatively these fastening areas may have purely decorative value.

In the preferred embodiment the invention provides a means of securing golfing gloves to clothing, preferably trousers, by means of a magnetic fastening area on both articles, with opposite poles on the gloves and the trousers. In this manner the gloves can be attached to the trousers by the player reaching behind and touching the gloves to the seat of his trousers.

In an alternative embodiment there is provided a magnetic device on or in the glove or the article of clothing and on the corresponding glove or article of clothing there is provided a metallic area or region that serves to attract the magnetic device. This metallic area or region can be integrated into the glove or article or separate from it.

This metallic area or region may be defined in a belt, clip or buckle. In another embodiment this metallic area or region may be provided by a button.

Magnetic or metallic areas or regions may be formed from a flexible magnetic mesh design of relevant power. In the alternative they are of a solid, flexible and lightweight nature. The magnetic areas may be used as display sites for branding and may correspond to a client's logo. These areas or regions offer the added benefit of being used as advertising labels. These labels may have their fastening areas integral. Alternatively the label is covered but still allows the fastening function. In other embodiments there may be a flap covering the label or the magnetic area and minimising its magnetic function when not needed. In this manner extraneous items will not be attracted. This flap may also have an advertising function.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:-

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a diagrammatical plan view of a pair of golf trousers incorporating a magnetic device and advertising label;

Figures 2a and 2b are detailed exploded views of the trouser pocket in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatical plan view of a pair of gloves incorporating a fastening area and the advertising label; and

Figure 4 is an exploded detail of Figure 3 showing an embodiment of the system wherein the advertising label is placed over a separate magnetic area.

Detailed Description of the illustrated embodiments

Referring to the Figures generally and particularly Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment wherein an attachment device 10 is sited on the back pocket 12 of a pair of golfing trousers 14. The trousers are of ordinary construction and can be provided by existing manufacturers.

The present invention can be incorporated in the production stage. Potentially the invention can be incorporated with the post-production addition of the present invention. In one aspect the attachment device 10 comprises a ferro-metallic material, which attracts an area 30 that is situated in the gloves 18.

The trousers may be constructed of typical material and design for golfing trousers. The trousers may also carry two back pockets incorporating such devices. The advertising label 20 may be of varying size as fits the functional and advertising need.

Figure 2a shows the exploded system wherein the advertising label 20 on a back pocket covers the magnetic area 10. The label 20 is constructed of thin decorative and resilient material such as a plasticised or synthetic fabric or natural fabrics eg cotton or wool. This area may have a message printed on or in it or embroidered or sewn upon it. This does not significantly interfere with the magnetic attraction and may serve to increase it.

In a preferred embodiment the active fastening area 10 is a magnetic mesh. This is preferred as it offers maximum flexibility. The pocket construction sandwiches 10 between the back panel of the pocket 24 and the front panel 22. The two panels are incorporated into the trousers 14. The pocket panels are held together via the stitching and the whole is additionally glued together preferably with waterproof glue alternatively pieces may be fused or sewn together or bonded in some other manner.

However, an alternative to the active magnetic area is a flexible solid magnet. This embodiment is demonstrated in Figure 2b where 40 is the active area 10 combined with the advertising label 20. This is constructed with enough flexibility that this does not interfere with the functionality of the trouser shape. It is in this manner of relevant size and thickness to maintain the relevant hold on the opposite article whilst remaining flexible.

This may be an advertising label with an integral magnetic function. This label is flexible and is constructed to a relevant size that does not interfere with the

function of the trousers or the pocket to which it is affixed. However it still has sufficient magnetic force to attract and hold the opposite articles.

Figure 3 shows an example of a golfing glove on which is secured the attachment system 30. The glove replicates the typical golf glove construction: it is of ordinary construction and can be provided by existing manufacturers. The present invention can be incorporated in the production stage. Potentially the invention can be incorporated with the post-production addition of the present invention. In one aspect the attachment device 30 comprises a ferro-metallic material, which attracts an area 40 that is situated in the trousers 14. In one embodiment this system is constructed of a metallic compound or contains a metallic mesh, which is attracted by a magnet that may be situated in the trousers or another article of clothing. The attachment area 30 is of relevant size and is preferably situated on the glove's upper side of the wrist element in a manner to minimise interference with the item in the hand. It is attached to the glove, by glue preferably waterproof, or stitching or both.

In an embodiment this may be an advertising label similar to 40 as described prior with an integral attractive function, as shown on the trouser pocket in figure 2b.

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the attachment area 30 wherein the advertising label 20 covers the magnetic area 10 and is situated on the glove 18. This has a magnetic property. Preferably this is constructed of a magnetic mesh for maximum flexibility. In the alternative magnetic area 10 may be ferro-magnetic and thereby serve to attract a magnetic area as situated on the opposing article. As mentioned above, the label 20 is constructed of thin decorative and resilient material such as a plasticised or synthetic fabric.

This area may have a message printed on or in it or embroidered or sewn upon it. This does not interfere with the magnetic attraction and may serve to increase the attractive force. The whole is stitched and/or glued together and/or riveted.

Although reference has been made generally to the back surface of a glove, on which a magnet or ferro-magnetic material is supported, it is understood that the

magnet or ferro-magnetic material may be located on the same surface of the glove that defines the palm and in this embodiment any advertising material, logo or other graphical information is formed, printed or exposed on an opposite panel so that it is displayed for view when the glove is placed on a pocket or other article.

Although specific reference has been made to golf gloves, it is understood that the invention includes other types of gloves such as ski gloves, climbing gloves, cycle gloves and riding gloves.

The invention has been described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the example shown whilst still falling within the scope of the accompanying claims.