MULTI-FUNCTION SUSPENDERS

Abstract

Suspenders for supporting an article of clothing include straps being releasably attachable one to another along at least a portion of a contiguous side edge whereby the suspenders may be reversibly altered between a first configuration and a second configuration. A connector may be provided disposed intermediately to the first paired strap portion and the second paired strap portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the field of suspenders and braces for supporting, e.g., articles of clothing such as trousers. In particular, the present disclosure describes suspenders for attaching to articles of clothing, wherein the suspender configuration may be altered according to the user's preference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is well known in the art, suspenders are straps or braces defining a harness for supporting articles of clothing such as trousers, typically attaching to the clothing at front and rear attachment points on the waistband. While suspenders may be used for fashion reasons, certain professions also typically use suspenders to support heavy articles of clothing or clothing to which heavy equipment may be secured. As a non-limiting example, firefighters typically use suspenders to support trousers fabricated of fire-retardant or resistant materials which can be quite heavy.

Suspenders may be provided in a variety of styles or configurations based on the pattern of the suspender straps. As examples, and for obvious visual reasons, suspenders may be classified or described as a Y back configuration (FIG. 1), an X back configuration (FIG. 2), an H back configuration (not shown), and others. While Y back suspenders may provide increased lower back support, X back or H back suspenders may be more desirable if increased weight distribution is desired. Traditionally, the configuration of the suspenders is fixed, and so a user must purchase multiple pairs of suspenders if alternative suspender configurations are desired for different purposes or functions.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides suspenders which may be altered in configuration. In particular, the present disclosure provides suspenders which may be reversibly re-configured by the user from a first to a second configuration according to the user's preference or needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

fastener or fastening system, including without intending any limitation zippers, strips of hook and loop fabric, one or more cooperating buttons and button holes, one or more cooperating pins and clips, and combinations. In one configuration, reversibly attaching the straps one to another defines suspenders having a Y back configuration. In another, separating the straps defines suspenders having an X back configuration.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides suspenders for supporting an article of clothing such as trousers from a shoulder region of a user. The suspenders include straps as described above for attaching to the clothing, the straps being releasably attachable one to another along at least a portion of a contiguous side edge thereof whereby the suspenders may be reversibly altered between a first configuration and a second configuration, such as between a Y back configuration and an X back configuration.

Suspenders defined by straps according to the present disclosure may further include terminal fasteners for attaching to the article of clothing. A connector may be provided disposed intermediately of a first and a second length dimension of the straps. The connector may be fixedly attached to the straps or may be slidably attached to allow altering the first and second length dimensions of the straps relative to one another. The connector may further include a decorative display, such as without intending any limitation a reflective surface, a high visibility surface, advertising, or combinations thereof.

In the following description there is shown and described a preferred embodiment that is illustrative of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain certain principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a rear perspective view of a prior art Y back suspender;

FIG. 2 depicts a rear perspective view of a prior art X back suspender;

FIG. 3 depicts a rear perspective view of multi-function suspenders according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the suspenders of FIG. 3 in use;

FIG. 5 depicts a rear view of the suspender of FIG. 3 in use in the Y back configuration;

FIG. 6 depicts a rear view of the suspender of FIG. 3 in use in the X back configuration; and

FIGS. 7a-b depict an embodiment of a clip for securing the straps of the suspenders of FIG. 3 to an article of clothing.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate prior art suspenders. As is known, such suspenders 10 typically include at least a pair of front straps 12a, 12b and at least one back strap 14. A connector 16 may be provided separating the front straps 12a, 12b and the back strap 14. Typically, fasteners 18 are provided at a terminal end of the front straps 12a, 12b and back strap 14 for attaching the suspenders 10 to an article of clothing (not shown) such as trousers. Devices allowing adjusting a length dimension of the suspenders 10 may also be included, such as the depicted buckle 20 and perforated tongue 22 shown in FIG. 1. Of course, any number of devices for adjusting the length of a strap are known and are contemplated for use in the present invention, such as sliding clips, hook and loop fabrics, etc. The prior art suspenders 10 shown in FIG. 1 are conventionally referred to as having a Y back configuration, for obvious visual reasons.

In an alternative configuration also known in the art (see FIG. 2), a pair of back straps 14a, 14b may be provided. This is known conventionally as an X back configuration suspender, in that in use the back straps 14a, 14b will be separated when attached to trousers, such that the suspender 10 will assume the appearance of the letter X.

With reference to FIG. 3, an embodiment of suspenders 30 according to the present disclosure is shown. As seen in the drawing figure, the suspenders 30 include front straps 32a, 32b and back straps 34a, 34b. Each of front straps 32a, 32b and back straps 34a, 34b end in fasteners 38, allowing attaching suspenders 30 to clothing portions (not shown) such as a trouser waist band. A connector 36 is disposed intermediately of front straps 32a, 32b and back straps 34a, 34b.

Contiguous side edges 40a, 40b of back straps 34a, 34b are provided with a cooperating fastener 42 whereby at least a portion of the contiguous side edges 40a, 40b can be releasably attached one to the other. Any number of possible cooperating fasteners 42 are possible and contemplated herein, including without intending any limitation zippers, cooperating strips of hook and loop fabric, cooperating buttons/button holes, cooperating clips and pins, and others.

As is known, suspenders 30 support an article of clothing of a user U such as trousers T (FIG. 4). Front straps 32a, 32b pass over the shoulder region of user U and secure to the clothing, such as to a waistband area of trousers T, via fasteners 38. Back straps 34a, 34b are secured to the waistband area of trousers T, also via fasteners 38 (FIGS. 5 and 6). When back straps 34a, 34b are attached one to the other by cooperating fastener 42, suspenders 30 having a Y back configuration are defined. On the other hand, when back straps 34a, 34b are separated one from the other, suspenders 30 having an X back configuration are defined. Accordingly, a simple, easy to manipulate system for providing suspenders 30 which can be reversibly altered as to configuration according to the user's preference is provided.

Additional features are contemplated for the suspenders 30 of the present disclosure. Apertures 44 may be defined in, for example, front straps 32a, 32b to allow the user U to secure items to those straps, for example an electronic device 46, an identification card (not shown), decorative items such as ornamental or novelty pins or other ornaments, and combinations. The connector 36 may include a decorative display 48, for example a reflective surface for decorative or safety purposes, a decorative and/or informative design (for example, advertising, logos, etc.), combinations. A transparent polymer (not shown for convenience) may be disposed on a top surface of the connector 36 to protect the decorative display 48 from weather, wear, etc.

Other elements, such as pads 50 at a shoulder or other region of front straps 32a, 32b may be provided, for example comprising removable or permanently secured padding material for comfort, or other features considered to provide relief from soreness, inflammation, etc. For example, in other art fields it is known to provide such removable or fixed pads comprising silicon cord with titanium germanium ingredients, magnets, and the like for temporary relief from soreness, inflammation, and other conditions. Reflective or otherwise decorative strips 52 may be provided, such as along a periphery of front straps 32a, 32b or at other desirable locations to increase/improve visibility of the user U. Many such materials are known, including without intending any limitation those sold under the trademarks SCOTCHLITE, ILLUMINITE, and others.

Likewise, any number of materials for fabricating the various elements of the suspenders 30 of the present disclosure are known and contemplated for use herein. For example, the front straps 32a, 32b and back straps 34a, 34b may be fabricated of natural fabrics such as leather, cotton, fibers, may comprise synthetic materials such as polyurethane, polyester, nylons, or other polymers, SPANDEX, LYCRA, or other stretchable fabrics, or combinations. In turn, combinations of one or more of the above-listed materials or others known in the art are contemplated. A variety of reflective materials are known in art and contemplated for use herein, including materials that become reflective at night when a light source strikes them.

A number of suitable fastener types are contemplated for use as fasteners 38. For example, it is known to secure suspenders to trousers using buttons/button holes, buttons/clips, clips/pins, alligator-type clips, etc. in one embodiment (see FIGS. 7a and 7b) an alligator type clip is contemplated, including first and second jaws 56, 58 each carrying a plurality of teeth 60. Teeth 60 may be disposed at an angle, for example 15° from the vertical, to provide additional retaining power when secured to trousers T. Additional retaining elements 64, 64′ may be provided, disposed to provide a friction fit therebetween when the material of trousers T is captured between jaws 56, 58 of fasteners 38. A loop 62 such as a D-ring may be included for securing to the straps of the suspenders 30. Fasteners 38 may be fabricated of metal, plastics or other polymers, or a variety of other materials as is known in the art.

Accordingly, there is provided a suspender 30 which may be easily reconfigured between, for example, an X back configuration and a Y back configuration at the user's desire and whim. The conversion is easily made at the user's desire and whim, for example to satisfy a fashion preference, or to convert to an X back configuration for better weight distribution or to a Y back configuration for better support at the back.

The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, front straps 32a, 32b and back straps 34a, 34b may be four separate straps connected by connector 36. Alternatively, straps 32a, 34a may be opposed lengths of a single strap, and likewise straps 32b, 34b may be opposed lengths of a single strap. Connector 36 may be permanently or semi-permanently attached to the suspender 30 straps, or may be provided as a sliding connector of known design, allowing a length dimension of front straps 32a, 32b and of back straps 34a, 34b to be altered relative to one another. Still more, the suspender 30 of the present disclosure may be defined by a single strap (embodiment not shown), divided lengthwise at a first portion thereof to define front straps 32a, 32b and in turn divided lengthwise at a second portion thereof and provided with a cooperating fastener 42 as described to define back straps 34a, 34b. In this embodiment, an intermediate portion of the strap would remain undivided.

The disclosed embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. The drawings and disclosed embodiment do not and are not intended to limit the ordinary meaning of the claims and their fair and broad interpretation in any way.

Claims

1. Straps for supporting an article of clothing, said straps being releasably attachable one to another along at least a portion of a contiguous side edge thereof whereby suspenders defined by said straps may be reversibly altered between a first configuration and a second configuration.

2. The straps of claim 1, wherein said straps are releasably attachable one to another along the at least a portion of a contiguous side edge thereof by the group of fasteners consisting of a zipper, cooperating strips of hook and loop fabric, one or more cooperating buttons and button holes, one or more cooperating pins and clips, and combinations thereof.

3. The straps of claim 1, wherein the straps are reversibly attached one to another along the at least a portion of a contiguous side edge to define a Y back suspender configuration.

4. The straps of claim 1, wherein the straps are reversibly separated one from another along the at least a portion of a contiguous side edge to define an X back suspender configuration.

5. Suspenders for supporting an article of clothing from a shoulder region of a user, said suspenders comprising straps for attaching to the article of clothing, said straps being releasably attachable one to another along at least a portion of a contiguous side edge thereof whereby the suspenders may be reversibly altered between a first configuration and a second configuration.

6. The suspenders of claim 5, wherein said straps are releasably attachable one to another along the at least a portion of a contiguous side edge thereof by the group of fasteners consisting of a zipper, cooperating strips of hook and loop fabric, one or more cooperating buttons and button holes, one or more cooperating pins and clips, and combinations thereof.

7. The suspenders of claim 5, wherein said suspenders are reversibly altered between a Y back suspender configuration and an X back suspender configuration by reversibly attaching or separating the straps one from another along the at least a portion of a contiguous side edge thereof.

8. The suspenders of claim 5, wherein said straps include fasteners disposed at a terminal end thereof for attaching to the article of clothing.

9. The suspenders of claim 7, further comprising a connector disposed intermediately of a first length dimension of said straps and a second length dimension of said straps, the second length dimension including the at least one releasably attachable portion of a contiguous side edge of the straps.

10. The suspenders of claim 9, wherein the connector is fixedly attached to said straps.

11. The suspenders of claim 9, wherein the connector is slidably attached to said straps whereby a length of the first length dimension and the second length dimension of the straps may be adjusted.

12. The suspenders of claim 9, wherein the connector includes a decorative display.

13. Suspenders for supporting an article of clothing, comprising:

a first paired strap portion having fasteners at a terminal end thereof for attaching to the article of clothing;

a second paired strap portion having fasteners at a terminal end thereof for attaching to the article of clothing, each of the pair of the second paired strap portion being releasably attachable one to another along at least a portion of a contiguous side edge thereof whereby the suspenders may be reversibly altered between a first configuration and a second configuration; and

a connector disposed intermediately of the first paired strap portion and the second paired strap portion.

14. The suspenders of claim 13, wherein each of the pair of the second paired strap portion are releasably attachable one to another along the at least a portion of a contiguous side edge thereof by the group of fasteners consisting of a zipper, cooperating strips of hook and loop fabric, one or more cooperating buttons and button holes, one or more cooperating pins and clips, and combinations thereof.

15. The suspenders of claim 13, wherein said suspenders are reversibly altered between a Y back suspender configuration and an X back suspender configuration by reversibly attaching or separating the each of the pair of the second paired strap portion one from another along the at least a portion of a contiguous side edge thereof.

16. The suspenders of claim 13, wherein the connector is fixedly attached to the first paired strap portion and the second paired strap portion.

17. The suspenders of claim 13, wherein the connector is slidably attached to the first paired strap portion and the second paired strap portion whereby a length dimension of the first paired strap portion and the second paired strap portion may be adjusted.

18. The suspenders of claim 13, wherein the connector includes a decorative display.

19. A strap defining suspenders for supporting an article of clothing, said strap being reversibly dividable along at least a portion of an end thereof to define a pair of straps which are releasably attachable one to the other along a contiguous side edge thereof, whereby the defined suspenders may be reversibly altered from a first configuration to a second configuration.

20. The strap of claim 19, wherein the pair of straps are releasably attachable one to the other along the at least a portion of a contiguous side edge thereof by the group of fasteners consisting of a zipper, cooperating strips of hook and loop fabric, one or more cooperating buttons and button holes, one or more cooperating pins and clips, and combinations thereof.