Article carrying shoulder straps and designs

Abstract

Article-carrying straps and sashes are improved by providing an interlocking buckle structure that is ornamentally decorative. In preferred embodiments the buckle structure includes a plate and receiving aperture which are in the form of a regular geometric shape such as a circle, oval, square, rectangular, or star shape. Irregular plates and apertures may alternatively be used.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to shoulder straps, and the like, and in particular, to a shoulder strap including article-carrying pockets or pouches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The idea of a shoulder-worn article including one or more pockets or pouches to carry personal items has been around for quite some time. In early example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,128,149, which shows a sash-worn strap including multiple pockets and a buckle alongside the individual's body for interconnection and removal.

The idea of a shoulder-worn strap with one or more pockets or pouches to carry personal items and a weight to keep the article in position is also not new. For example U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,084 shows a shoulder strap having at least one pocket to carry personal items, the strap being connected to a piece of luggage that functions as a counterweight. As with a purse or other shoulder-worn item or apparel, clearly devices of this kind may be worn over either shoulder, including sash configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention improves upon existing article-carrying straps and sashes by providing an interlocking buckle structure that is ornamentally decorative. In preferred embodiments the buckle structure includes a plate and receiving aperture which are in the form of a regular geometric shape such as a circle, oval, square, rectangular, or star shape. Irregular plates and apertures may alternatively be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified drawing providing an overview of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a drawing which shows the preferred buckle configuration according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a drawing that illustrates an alternative buckle;

FIG. 4 is a drawing that illustrates a starburst design;

FIG. 5 is a drawing that depicts a mase design; and

FIG. 6 is a drawing that shows a cross configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram that shows the way in which the various embodiments of this invention are preferably configured about a person 100. Broadly, the invention includes a strap of material 102, that may be dressed over either shoulder, including one or more pockets 104 mounted into or onto the strap and some form of buckle structure 110 described in further detail with respect to accompanying drawings. Although the straps according to the invention may be worn straight down from either shoulder in the preferred embodiment, a sash-worn configuration is preferred, with the buckle structures being adaptable to either side of the wearer.

FIG. 2 is a drawing that shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein one end of a strap 102 is connected by way of a coupling 214 to a plate 212 having an aperture 213 in communication with a V-shaped groove. The other end of the strap 102 is connected through a coupling 218 to another post 220. The diameter of the post 216, 220 are such that they may fit into the aperture 213 in plate 212, and slide upwardly with the surface 215 facing downward while retaining both ends of strap 102 in position as shown.

FIG. 3 is a drawing which shows an alternative embodiment, wherein one end of the strap includes a plate with a rectangular aperture 304, whereas the other end of the strap includes a T-shaped feature, with the crossbar of the T being physically configured to fit into the aperture 304, at which point the ends are turned, locking the configuration into position.

FIG. 4 shows another configuration wherein one end of the strap includes the first portion of a star shape, and the other portion includes a plate that receives that star shape, such that when turned even slightly, the halves cannot come apart. FIG. 5 shows a variation on the starburst configuration in the form of a mase. FIG. 6 shows yet a further alternative embodiment, wherein one end of the strap includes a cross-shaped member which is received by a cross-shaped aperture and a plate connected to the other end of the strap.

In terms of construction, the strap may be any appropriate flexible material, including leather, canvas or other fabrics, or plastic or other synthetics. The buckle is preferably made of metal, including aluminum, stainless steel, iron, or precious metals.

Claims

1. An article-carrying shoulder strap, comprising:

a strap of material having first and second ends;

at least one article carrier mounted on or to the strap;

first and second buckle portions respectively associated with the first and second ends of the material;

the first buckle portion including a plate; and

the second buckle portion including an aperture to receive the plate in interlocking fashion.

2. The article-carrying shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein the plate and aperture are regular geometric shapes.

3. The article-carrying shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein the plate and aperture are circular, oval, square, rectangular, or star-shaped.

4. The article-carrying shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein the first and second buckle portions are metal.

5. The article-carrying shoulder strap of claim 1, further including a slot extending outwardly from the aperture.