Device for securing an article of clothing

Abstract

A device for securing an article of clothing to a desired length or position and a method for using the device are described. The device is comprised of a first member and a second member pivotally coupled together on corresponding ends thereof and a closure means attached at the opposing ends of the first and second members. The device can be used to secure an article of clothing by disengaging the closure means to open the device, sliding the second member of the opened device beneath the article of clothing to be secured, and engaging the closure means to close the device over the article of clothing.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows: 
     
         1 . A device for securing an article of clothing comprising:
 first member having a first end and a second end;   a second member having a first end and a second end;   a closure means for securing said first end of said first member to said first end of said second member;   said first member and said second member being pivotally coupled at said second end of said first member and said second end of said second member; wherein said device defines a receiving area for holding said article of clothing between said first member and said second member when said closure means is engaged.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device further comprises a gripping means. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said gripping means is affixed to said first member, said second member, or both. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said gripping means comprises a rubber pad. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said closure means comprises a means for securely attaching, locking, or clamping said first end of said first member to said first end of said second member. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said closure means is selected from the group consisting of: a snap, a magnet, a hook and loop fastener, a button, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said closure means comprises a magnet. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said first member and said second member are comprised of metal. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said first member is pivotally coupled to said second member with a hinge. 
     
     
         10 . A device for securing an article of clothing comprising:
 a first member having a first end and a second end;   a second member having a first end and a second end;   a closure means for securing said first end of said first member to said first end of said second member;   a gripping means affixed to an inner surface of said second member;   a cushioning means affixed to an outer surface of said first member; and   a decorative element affixed to an outer surface of said cushioning means;   said first member and said second member being pivotally coupled at said second end of said first member and said second end of said second member;   wherein said device defines a receiving area for holding said article of clothing between said first member and said second member when said closure means is engaged to close said device.   
     
     
         11 . A method for securing an article of clothing using the device of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 a. providing an article of clothing to secured;   b. opening the device by disengaging the closure means;   c. sliding the second member of the opened device beneath the portion of the article of clothing to be secured; and   d. closing the device over the article of clothing by engaging the closure means.