Modular and Convertible Straps and Accessories

Abstract

A kit comprises one or more modular strap segments. Strap segments each comprise one or more end connectors and one or more strap lengths attached to each other with one or more loop connectors. Each end connector comprises a gate sized to accommodate attaching the connector to other items and strap lengths. Preferably, the gate is a spring loaded pivoting door, and the outer perimeter of the end connector is substantially smooth. Each strap length comprises strap material of any length or width and optional embellishments. Loop connectors can be integral with the material or can be attached to the material such that strap material has a loop at one end or at each end. Directly or with additional intermediary connectors, strap segments can be connected with other strap segments in series or parallel to create a modular strap of any length, configuration, or arrangement desired.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application 61/487,393 filed May 18, 2011.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to modular and convertible accessories for humans and animals. More particularly, this device relates to modular straps for accessorizing or converting traditional garments or accessories worn or used by humans and animals.

BACKGROUND

Many products, clothing items, and accessories for use by both humans and animals incorporate straps of some sort. For example, animal and pet products that incorporate straps include collars, horse bridles, and leashes. Additionally, people wear clothing such as bras, bathing suits, tank tops, halters, thongs, shoes, and sandals that often include straps. Accessories incorporating straps include jewelry, watches, bags, backpacks, purses, hand bags, cellular telephone cases, sunglass cases, lanyards, lunch boxes, and belts. Straps, as referred to throughout this application, include but are not limited to, items such as bands, belts, harnesses, leashes, ties, bandages, bindings, cables, chains, cords, ligature, links, ribbons, ropes, sashes, scarves, and any other similar structure that is connected at one end to something or someone or is used to connect two items together or to connect two parts of one item together.

Often, straps are utilitarian rather than decorative, and many are permanently affixed to their product. Additionally, some straps are not adjustable at all while some straps are only somewhat adjustable. Other straps are fanciful but perhaps not a design or style preferred by the consumer. Similarly, sometimes a consumer likes a product but would prefer a different strap arrangement. Accordingly, consumers often want to enhance their product with a more fanciful, decorative, convertible or adjustable strap. Unfortunately, there are limited replacement straps available that permit considerable or broad adjustability, support various customizable strap arrangements, and can be used to replace previously permanent straps. It would be desirable to provide a method of replacing permanent straps and to provide modular straps that permit broad adjustability. Moreover, it would be desirable to provide modular straps that allow a user to fully customize their look.

A particular challenge is the prevalence of modern style garments that are cut such that a woman's conventional bra straps or underwear are visible. While traditionally it has not been appropriate to let an undergarment be visible, these new modern styles, together with the need to have use and function of the undergarment, has resulted in the showing of bra or undergarment straps. To conceal the straps, consumers often resort to wearing an additional top or shirt under their garment and over their bra or undergarment. Alternatively, consumers have disguised their bra straps by embellishing them with decorations such as rhinestones. Unfortunately, it can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and frustrating to embellish bra straps, and the decorations often easily come unglued or unattached.

Instead of concealing or embellishing their bra straps, some consumers have replaced their bra straps with bra-specific decorative replacement bra straps available commercially. Typically, these replacement straps use conventional bra strap attachment means. Accordingly, a consumer must locate a replacement strap with the same type of connector as the strap it replaces. Sometimes, the original strap is permanently fixed to the bra such that the strap cannot easily be replaced. Additionally, currently available replacement straps are not broadly adjustable, expandable, or customizable. Rather, they often must be sized exactly so that the straps are not too loose or too tight and so that the conventional strap attachments fit correctly. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a method of replacing previously permanently-attached bra or undergarment straps and to provide a kit for modular straps that permit broad adjustability. Moreover, it would be desirable to provide modular straps that allow a user to fully customize the look and strap arrangement of their bra or undergarment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Modular and customizable straps comprise one or more modular strap segments that can be provided as a kit. Each strap segment comprises one or more end connectors and one or more strap lengths attached to each other with one or more loop connectors positioned at each end of the strap length. The end connectors have a continuous perimeter of any shape, preferably oval. Along the perimeter of each end connector is a gate sized to accommodate attaching the connector to strap lengths and to attach the connector to a receptacle on the product being modified. Preferably, the gate is a spring loaded pivoting door. Each strap length comprises strap material of any length or width and optional embellishments. The strap material may comprise, for example, leather, fabric, rope, elastic, string, thread, or chain. The embellishments may comprise, for example, beads, precious stones, gems, fabric, and wood. The loop connectors can be separate components attached to the material or integral with the material such that strap material has a loop at one end or at each end. Directly or with additional intermediary connectors, strap segments can be connected with other loop connectors or other strap segments to create a modular strap of any length, configuration, or arrangement desired.

To convert a permanently-affixed strap to a modular strap, the original strap is cut so that a small section remains attached to the original product. The small section is folded over and stitched or otherwise secured to itself along the cut edge. The side edges of the strap are not stitched closed. Accordingly, a channel or receptacle is formed. Any number and arrangement of modular strap segments are chosen and configured according to the consumer's desired aesthetic appearance and strap arrangement. A first end connector of the modular strap segment is attached through the receptacle. Additionally, strap segments can be attached serially to the first strap segment or in parallel with the first strap segment as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a strap segment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first end of a strap segment of the present invention showing the end connector with the gate open and with the gate closed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative strap segment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative strap segment of the present invention.

FIG. 5a is a perspective view of an alternative strap segment of the present invention having multiple strap lengths and a first end connector.

FIG. 5b is a perspective view of an alternative strap segment of the present invention having multiple strap lengths and first and second end connectors.

FIG. 5c is a perspective view of an alternative strap segment of the present invention having multiple strap lengths and multiple end connectors.

FIG. 5d is a perspective view of an alternative strap segment of the present invention having multiple strap lengths connected serially.

FIG. 5e is a perspective view of an alternative strap segment of the present invention having multiple embodiments of strap lengths connected serially.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention as used with a bra or swimwear.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the end connector of the present invention and a receptacle for receiving the end connector.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the end connector of the present invention attached to a receptacle for receiving the end connector.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention as used with a bra or swimwear to create a functional and decorative halter strap arrangement.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the present invention as worn as a necklace.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention as used with a thong.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the present invention as used with a shirt or dress.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the present invention as used with a dress or other garment to create or replace halter straps.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the present invention as worn as a bracelet.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the present invention as used to embellish a horse's bridle.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the present invention as used as fanciful dog collar.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the present invention as used to embellish a duffle bag.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the present invention as used to embellish a backpack or book bag.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the present invention as used to embellish a lunch box.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the present invention as used to embellish a belt or belt loop.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the present invention as used to embellish a purse or hand bag.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the intermediary connectors of the present invention as used to link two end connectors of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention 10 comprises modular and customizable straps that comprise one or more modular strap segments 11 and can be provided as a kit. A singular strap segment 11 is shown in FIG. 1. Each strap segment comprises one or more end connectors 12 and one or more strap lengths 14. Strap lengths 14 attach to end connectors 12 with loop connectors 13. Each strap segment can be used alone as a strap, or it can be combined with additional strap segments to create longer straps, wider straps, or embellished straps, as will be described below. Additional strap segments can be combined directly with loop connectors 13 or end connectors 12. Alternatively, additional strap segments can be combined indirectly with intermediary connectors 17, as shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 2 illustrates, in particular, a preferred end connector 12 for the present invention. Generally, the end connectors 12 can be any size and can have a continuous perimeter of any shape, preferably oval. An oval shape is preferred because it can accommodate various sizes of straps and receptacles depending on the oval's orientation. For example, the longer edges of the oval can accommodate wider straps or receptacles, and the shorter edges of the oval can accommodate narrower straps or receptacles. Along the perimeter of each end connector is a gate 15 sized to accommodate attaching end connector 12 to loop connectors 13 or intermediary connectors 17 and to accommodate attaching end connector 12 to a receptacle 20 on the product being modified. See FIGS. 7-8, which show an example of receptacle 20. Preferably, to maximize the strength, durability, and functionality of the end connector 12 and gate 15, gate 15 is a spring loaded pivoting section biased in the closed position, opens toward the center of end connector 12, and maintains a smooth perimeter of end connector 12. For example, end connector 12 can be a carabiner-type of connector, as shown in FIG. 2. Gate 15 can also include a locking mechanism (not shown) to lock the gate in a closed position, such as screw-locks and twist-locks conventionally found on carabiners. Other gate-type arrangements are acceptable as well including gates that slide open or are retractable, however a generally smooth outer surface or perimeter is preferred for aesthetic reasons and so that the gate mechanism does not interfere with connecting end connector 12 to other modular segments or to the receptacle of the item being modified. Also, a generally smooth outer surface lacks protrusions that would further cause interference with the connector 12 operation or snag or damage the article to which it attaches. End connectors 12 may alternatively be circular, elliptical, triangular-shaped, square-shaped, figure-eight-shaped, D-shaped, or any other design that comprise a continuous perimeter capable of accommodating a gate-type arrangement. The overall size of end connectors 12 will vary according to the item being modified, and the thickness of end connectors 12 can vary as well. End connectors 12 can have a uniform thickness and cross-section along their perimeter, or their thickness or cross-section can vary. End connectors 12 can be made of any material strong enough to accommodate the weight of the item attached to the end connector. For example, for undergarments, end connector 12 preferred materials include metal, silver-plated rolled aluminum, brass, formed plastic, sterling silver, gold, zinc alloy, and platinum.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate several embodiments of strap length 14. Each strap length 14 comprises strap material and optional embellishments (not labeled). Strap length 14 can be any length or width. The strap material comprises, for example, leather, fabric, rope, elastic, string, thread, beading wire, or chain. The embellishments comprise, for example, beads, precious or semi-precious gemstones, fabric, bells, and wood. Further, the embellishments may be directly attachable to the strap material or may further be attached with optional settings or mountings (not shown), including but not limited to findings, crimps, clasps, tips, heads, and caps, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. FIG. 1 illustrates a strap length 14 comprising a pattern of beads or stones separated by smaller beads or stones. FIG. 2 illustrates a strap length 14 comprising rope. FIG. 3 illustrates a strap length 14 comprising leather and beads of various sizes. FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative strap length 14 comprising hemp and beads or stones. As illustrated, any combination of materials and embellishments can be combined to create strap length 14. Additionally, strap lengths 14 can be highly fanciful or very simple depending on the application, and the materials used can be, for example, anything from inexpensive beads to expensive precious stones. In the preferred embodiment for use with bras or swimwear, strap lengths are between approximately 15 and 17 inches long. More preferably, strap lengths are approximately 16 inches long. For applications such as equestrian use or handbags, the strap lengths will be shorter. The width of the strap lengths is highly variable due to the embellishments and materials used. For applications where beads are incorporated, the beads are strung on generally inelastic 18 or 49 strand 0.018 beading wire or thinner depending on the beads. Shells and pearls require thinner wire than beads, generally.

FIGS. 1-4 also illustrate loop connectors 13. Loop connectors 13 can be integral with the strap material or can be attached to the material such that strap material has a loop at one end or at each end. For example, if the strap material comprises loops or chain lengths, the loop connectors 13 can simply be the end loop or chain length of the strap material. Similarly, if the strap material is fabric, rope, or leather, for example, the material can be folded over and stitched down at each end to create a loop connector 13. Preferably, loop connector 13 can be separate piece, such as a circular ring as shown in the FIGS. 1-4, that attaches to one end of the strap material. Using a circular ring allows strap length 14 to slide easily along end connector 12. Loop connector 13 can attach either through the strap material as shown in FIG. 1, or it can be attached with a setting hardware 16 as shown in FIG. 2. Alternative attachment means may be used as well, such as adhesive, mounting hardware, welding, and stitching. The overall size of loop connectors 13 will vary to accommodate the strap material, and the thickness of loop connectors 13 can vary as well. Loop connectors 13 can have a uniform thickness and cross-section along their perimeter, or their thickness or cross-section can vary. Loop connectors 13 can be made of any material strong enough to accommodate the weight of the items attached to the loop connector. For example, for undergarments or swimwear, loop connector 13 preferred materials include metal, brass, formed plastic, sterling silver, gold, and platinum.

FIG. 22 illustrates optional additional intermediary connector 17, which can be used to link two end connectors 12 to each other. While end connectors 12 can be connected directly without intermediary connector 17, using intermediary connector 17 allows the two end connectors 12 to both lay flat for a more comfortable fit and more appealing look. Additionally, intermediary connector 17 can be further used to increase the length of a strap segment for sizing purposes. The overall shape of intermediary connectors 17 may be oval, circular, triangular-shaped, square-shaped, figure-eight-shaped, D-shaped, or any other design that comprise a continuous perimeter. A circular overall shape is preferred. The overall size of intermediary connectors 17 will vary according to the item being modified, and the thickness of intermediary connectors 17 can vary as well. Intermediary connectors 17 can have a uniform thickness and cross-section along their perimeter, or their thickness or cross-section can vary. Intermediary connectors are preferably made of any material strong enough to accommodate the weight of the items attached to the intermediary connector. For example, for undergarments or swimwear, intermediary connector 17 preferred materials include metal, brass, formed plastic, sterling silver, gold, zinc alloy, and platinum.

FIGS. 5a-5e illustrate additional embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5a-5c illustrate a strap segment 11 where first, second, and third strap lengths 14a, 14b, and 14c are attached to a first end connector 12a with first, second, and third loop connectors 13a, 13b, and 13c respectively. As shown in FIG. 5b, a second end connector 12b can be attached to the opposite end of strap lengths 14a, 14b, and 14c with fourth, fifth, and sixth loop connectors 13d, 13e, and 13f respectively to create another embodiment where three strap lengths 14a, 14b, and 14c are secured in parallel between two end connectors 12a and 12b. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5c, first strap length 14a can be attached at the opposite end to second end connector 12b with loop connector 13d, second strap length 14b can be attached at the opposite end to third end connector 12c with loop connector 13e, and third strap 14c can attached at the opposite end to fourth end connector 12d with loop connector 13f. FIG. 5d illustrates serially connected first, second, and third strap segments 11a, 11b, and 11c. FIG. 5e illustrates an embodiment where several different embodiments of strap segments 11a-11e are connected serially. Other strap arrangements can be formed with the modular strap segments 11 according to the present invention as well.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate the strap segments as used with a traditional bra or swimwear. FIG. 6 illustrates two straps 10 attached to bra 60 at receptacles 20. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate in further detail how the straps 10 attach to receptacles 20. As shown, each strap 10 comprises a single strap segment 11 having end connectors 12 at each end of a single strap length 14. Alternatively, multiple strap segments 11 can be serially connected to accomplish one longer strap 10. Because multiple strap segments 11 of varying lengths can be used, the strap 10 is broadly adjustable. Similarly, the straps 10 can be configured or arranged in many patterns as well. For example, the straps 10 can be crossed in the back or front (not shown) or they can be attached to each other around the next to create a halter, as shown in FIG. 9. Similarly, straps 10 can be combined to create a decorative pattern. Additional strap segments 11 can be attached to create dangling embellishments as shown in FIG. 9. Because there is flexibility in how the straps 10 are arranged, a consumer can customize and change their strap arrangement as desired. While a variety of strap arrangements is discussed herein with respect to a bra or swimwear, the same flexibility, adjustability, and customizing can be applied to other garments or products as well.

FIGS. 10-21 illustrate some of the many applications for the present invention. FIG. 10 illustrates how one or more straps 10 can be combined to be worn as a necklace. FIG. 11 illustrates how one or more straps 10 can be combined and attached to a thong. FIG. 12 illustrates how one or more straps 10 can embellish a shirt or dress. FIG. 12 further illustrates how crisscross bra or swimwear straps can be configured. FIG. 13 illustrates how one or more straps can be combined and attached to a dress or other garment to create or replace halter straps. FIG. 14 illustrates how one or more straps 10 can be combined to be worn as a bracelet. FIG. 15 illustrates how one or more straps 10 can be combined to embellish a horse's bridle. Additionally, as with garment straps, parts of the original bridle straps such as the brow band also could be replaced with straps 10 of the present invention, and straps 10 could incorporate bells to be used as unique and custom rhythm beads. FIG. 16 illustrates one or more straps 10 combined to form a fanciful dog collar. FIGS. 17-21 illustrate how one or more straps 10 can be combined to embellish a duffle bag, a backpack or book bag, a lunch box, a belt loop or belt, and a purse. While several applications of the present invention are illustrated, many additional applications will be apparent to someone skilled in the art. Moreover, even products or garments not having original straps or having permanently attached original straps can be modified to accept the present invention.

The modular straps and accessories are preferably packaged together as a kit of separate components that a user can assemble in any configuration needed to accommodate their use. For example, the kit should include at least one strap length 14 and at least one loop connector 13. Preferably the strap length 14 has a first and second end with a loop connector removably or fixedly attached at each end. The kit should also include at least one end connector 12, but preferably it includes two end connectors 12. The kit can optionally include an intermediary connector 17 as well. The preferred kit contains the following: four end connectors 12, and two strap lengths 14, with each strap length having a first and second end with a loop connector 13 removably or fixedly attached at the first and second ends. An additional two or more intermediary connectors 17 and two or more end connectors 12 can also be included to assist with sizing. With the preferred kit, customers can use a single kit for multiple configurations. The preferred kit is particularly useful for garments, including for bras and swimsuits. Additionally, customers can combine several kits for unlimited configurations. The strap lengths 14 contained in each kit can all be the same length or they can vary in length. Similarly, the end connectors in each kit can all be the same size and shape or they can vary in size and shape.

To convert a permanently-affixed strap on a garment to accommodate a modular strap, the original strap is cut so that a small section remains attached to the original product. The small section is folded over and stitched or otherwise secured to itself along the cut edge. The side edges of the strap are not stitched closed. Accordingly, a channel or receptacle 20 is formed. Any number and arrangement of modular strap segments are chosen according to the consumer's desired aesthetic appearance and strap arrangement. A first end connector 12 of the modular strap segment 11 is attached through the receptacle 20 by opening gate 15. Additionally strap segments 11 can be attached serially to the first strap segment 11 or in parallel with the first strap segment 11 until the desired length and strap configuration is achieved. Strap segments 11 can be connected with end connectors 12, loop connectors 13, or intermediary connectors 17 depending on the desired look and fit.

While there has been illustrated and described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the invention disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A modular strap kit comprising one or more modular strap segments wherein each strap segment comprises:

a. one or more end connectors wherein each end connector comprises a gate and wherein the end connector and gate substantially form a continuous and smooth outer perimeter when the gate is in the closed position; and

b. one or more strap lengths configured to be removably securable to one or more end connectors with one or more loop connectors.

2. The modular strap kit of claim 1 further comprising one or more intermediary connectors configured to be removably securable to one or more end connectors.

3. The modular strap kit of claim 1 wherein each strap segment comprises:

a. a strap length comprising a first end and a second end;

b. a first loop connector positioned at the first end of the strap length;

c. a second loop connector positioned at the second end of the strap length;

d. a first end connector configured to be removably securable to the first loop connector; and

e. a second end connector configured to be removably securable to the second loop connector.

4. The modular strap kit of claim 1 wherein the gate comprises a spring loaded pivoting gate.

5. The modular strap kit of claim 4 wherein the gate is biased in a closed position and wherein the gate displaces toward the center of the end connector when opened.

6. The modular strap kit of claim 1 wherein each strap length comprises decorative embellishments.

7. The modular strap kit of claim 6 wherein the decorative embellishments comprise beads.

8. The modular strap kit of claim 7 wherein each strap length further comprises beading wire, a first loop connector fixedly attached to the beading wire, and second loop connector fixedly attached to the beading wire and wherein the beads are positioned along the beading wire between the first loop connector and second loop connector.

9. The modular strap kit of claim 1 comprising two or more strap segments wherein each strap segment is configured to be removably securable to the other strap segments in a serial or parallel configuration.

10. The modular strap kit of claim 9 further comprising one or more intermediary connectors configured to be removably securable to any of the end connectors.

11. The modular strap kit of claim 9 comprising a first strap segment, a second strap segment, and a third strap segment wherein each strap segment is configured to be removably securable to any of the other strap segments in a serial or parallel configuration.

12. The modular strap kit of claim 11 further comprising a first intermediary connector and a second intermediary connector, wherein each of the first and second intermediary connectors is configured to be removably securable to any of the end connectors.

13. The modular strap kit of claim 11 further comprising a fourth strap segment configured to be removably securable to any of the first, second, or third strap segments in a serial or parallel configuration.

14. The modular strap kit of claim 13 further comprising a first intermediary connector, a second intermediary connector, and a third intermediary connector, wherein each of the first, second, and third intermediary connectors is configured to be removably securable to any of the end connectors.

15. The modular strap kit of claim 1 wherein the one or more end connectors are each sized to cooperate with a receptacle on a garment.

16. The modular strap kit of claim 15 wherein the one or more strap lengths are each between 15 and 17 inches in length.

17. The modular strap kit of claim 1 wherein the one or more end connectors are each sized to cooperate components of a horses bridle.

18. The modular strap kit of claim 9 wherein the two or more strap segments comprise strap segments of varying lengths.

19. The modular strap kit of claim 9 wherein the two or more end connectors comprise end connectors of varying size or shape.

20. A modular strap kit comprising:

a. a first modular strap segment comprising: i. a first strap length comprising a first set of decorative embellishments, a first end and a second end; ii. a first loop connector positioned at the first end of the first strap length; iii. a second loop connector positioned at the second end of the first strap length; iv. a first end connector configured to be removably securable to the first loop connector comprising a first spring-loaded gate along the perimeter wherein the first end connector is sized to cooperate with a receptacle on a garment and wherein the first end connector and first gate substantially form a continuous and smooth outer perimeter when the first gate is in the closed position; and v. a second end connector configured to be removably securable to the second loop connector comprising a second spring-loaded gate along the perimeter wherein the second end connector is sized to cooperate with a receptacle on a garment and wherein the second end connector and second gate substantially form a continuous and smooth outer perimeter when the second gate is in the closed position;

b. a second modular strap segment comprising: i. a second strap length comprising a first set of decorative embellishments, a first end and a second end; ii. a third loop connector positioned at the first end of the second strap length; iii. a fourth loop connector positioned at the second end of the second strap length; iv. a third end connector configured to be removably securable to the third loop connector comprising a third spring-loaded gate along the perimeter wherein the third end connector is sized to cooperate with a receptacle on a garment and wherein the third end connector and third gate substantially form a continuous and smooth outer perimeter when the third gate is in the closed position; and v. a fourth end connector configured to be removably securable to the fourth loop connector comprising a fourth spring-loaded gate along the perimeter wherein the fourth end connector is sized to cooperate with a receptacle on a garment and wherein the fourth end connector and fourth gate substantially form a continuous and smooth outer perimeter when the fourth gate is in the closed position; and

c. one or more intermediary connectors configured to be removably securable to one or more of the first, second, third, or fourth end connectors.