APPAREL SUSPENSION DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE

Abstract

An apparel suspension device includes a yoke portion, a first strap connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to a front waist region of an overgarment, a second strap connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to a rear waist region of the overgarment and a third strap connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to a rear waist region of the overgarment. The first strap includes a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion and the second portion having different elasticity characteristics.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to apparel suspension devices and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparel suspension systems that may include one or more wearable devices to support apparel in a desired position during dynamic movement of the user.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Apparel often includes elements or accessories that can be used to maintain the apparel in a position relative to the wearer's body. One category of apparel that includes such elements or accessories are clothing bottoms such as pants, shorts, and the like. Examples of such elements or accessories that are used to maintain a position of clothing bottoms include waistbands, draw strings, belts, suspenders. Existing elements or accessories suffer from many drawbacks particularly in the context of athletic activities or other dynamic movements of the wearer. Such drawbacks include a lack of performance, unsatisfactory comfort, incompatibility with apparel items, difficulty or complexity of use and others.

There exists a need, therefore, for improved apparel elements or accessories that can be used to retain apparel item in a desired position relative to the body of the wearer. In particular, there is a need for improved elements or accessories for use in athletic activities such as cycling.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparel suspension device is provided. The apparel suspension device may include one or more straps configured to retain an overgarment such a pair of shorts or pants in a desired position on a wearer. The apparel suspension device may include a pair of straps that are positioned over the shoulders of a wearer during use and connect to a waist portion of the overgarment. The straps of the apparel suspension device may each include portions that have different elasticity characteristics to provide a comfortable device that maintains its position on the wearer and retains the overgarment.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparel suspension device may include a yoke portion, a first strap connected to the yoke portion that is configured to connect to a front waist region of an overgarment, and a second strap connected to the yoke portion that is configured to connect to a rear waist region of the overgarment. The apparel suspension device may also include a third strap connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to a rear waist region of the overgarment, wherein the first strap includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion may have different elasticity characteristics.

In one aspect, the first portion and the second portion may be made of the same material.

In another aspect, the first portion may have a constant first width and the second portion has a constant second width wherein the first width and the second are the same.

In another aspect, the second portion may include a plurality of perforations.

In another aspect, the first strap and the second strap are each joined to the yoke portion with a seam tape.

In another aspect, the third strap may be joined to the yoke portion with a seam tape.

In another aspect, the seam tape may be elastic.

In another aspect, the first strap, the second strap, the third strap and the yoke portion may be made of the same material.

In another aspect, the material may be a layered fabric comprising outer layers comprising nylon and a base layer of a open-cell rubberized foam.

In another aspect, the first strap may include a plurality of button holes arranged longitudinally in a linear orientation.

In another aspect, the first strap may include a reinforcement member positioned over the plurality of button holes.

In another aspect, the reinforcement member may include an elastic seam tape.

In another aspect, the second portion may include a plurality of perforations and the first portion may be positioned proximate an attachment end of the first strap and configured to connect to the front waist region of the overgarment. The second portion may be positioned between the first portion and the yoke portion.

In another aspect, the apparel suspension device may include a connector with a clip configured to releasably connect to an overgarment and an extension strip comprising a fastener. The fastener may be configured to connect to the first strap.

In another aspect, the fastener may be a button that is configured to be received through a button opening on the first strap.

In another aspect, the extension strip may include a piece a inelastic material.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparel suspension is provided that may include a plurality of straps configured to support an overgarment at a desired position on a wearer, wherein at least one of the plurality of straps includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion may be made from the same material and have different elastic characteristics.

In one aspect, the second portion may include a plurality of perforations arranged in a predetermined pattern. The plurality of perforations may be located between a shoulder and waist of the wearer when the apparel suspension device is worn by the wearer.

In another aspect, the plurality of straps may include at least 100 two front straps and a rear strap. The at least two front straps each may be configured to selectably attach to a waist of the overgarment or to the rear strap.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure a connector is provided. The connector may be configured for connection to an overgarment. The connector may include a clip configured to releasably connect to an overgarment and an extension strip comprising a fastener, the fastener configured to connect to the first strap.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparel suspension kit is provided. The apparel suspension kit may include a suspension device that includes yoke portion and a first strap with a first fastening element. The first strap may be connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to a front waist region of an overgarment via the first fastening element. The suspension device may also include a second strap that includes a second fastening element. The second strap may be connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to the front waist region of the overgarment via the second fastening element. The suspension device may also include a third strap that includes a third fastening element. The third strap may be connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to a rear waist region of the overgarment via the third fastening element. The first strap may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion may have different elasticity characteristics. The apparel suspension kit may also include a first complimentary fastening element configured to releasably connect to the first fastening element and be connected to the overgarment, a second complimentary fastening element configured to releasably connect to the second fastening element and be connected to the overgarment, and a third complimentary fastening element configured to releasably connect to the third fastening element and be connected to the overgarment.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example apparel suspension device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the apparel suspension device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparel suspension device of FIG. 1 shown connected to pair of shorts.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the apparel suspension device connected to a pair of shorts of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an inward-facing side of the apparel suspension device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an outward-facing side of the apparel suspension device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a magnified view of a portion of the apparel suspension device of FIG. 1 as indicated thereon.

FIGS. 7A-7P are illustrations of opening patterns that can be used on one or more portions of the apparel suspension device in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an example material used to construct one or more portions of the apparel suspension device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an example construction used at a button hole at one or more portions of the apparel suspension device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an example connector that may be used in combination with one or more of the apparel suspension devices of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the connector of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a back view of the connector of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an example apparel suspension device used in an alternative configuration on a wearer.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example embodiments are provided to convey the scope of the invention to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The apparel suspension devices and related methods of use of the present disclosure can be used in connection with various apparel item and of particular use with apparel items used in the context of athletic activities or other circumstances that include dynamic movements of the wearer. One example athletic activity in which the apparel suspension device may be used is cycling. Cycling is an athletic activity that presents particular problems and issues that may require unique properties and functionality for an apparel suspension device such as described herein. The apparel suspension devices of the present disclosure may address issues and problems that arise in the context of mountain biking. It should be appreciated, however, that one or more aspects or elements of the present disclosure may be used in other contexts as well.

Cycling apparel has been continuously evolving since the invention of the bicycle in the 1800s. Apparel that is used in the context of mountain biking has unique demands for durability, protection, and dynamic movement that are different from other disciplines and other activities. Many people that participate in mountain biking often prefer an elastic, form-fitting, next-to-skin garment with a pad between the legs often termed a chamois. Such garments that include a pad typically come in two types. A first type is an elastic boxer-brief with some coverage over the thighs. A second type is a cycling bib which is similar but often rises higher up on the stomach and back of the wearer and have shoulder straps, which serve to keep them in place.

In the context of mountain biking, most riders also wear a layer over the padded garment such as a pair of overshorts or pants, sometimes called “baggies.” The overshorts or pants may serve to provide protection from weather and dirt as well as some measure of crash protection. In the event of a crash, which may commonly occur during mountain biking, the liner and overshort can slide against each other and reduce abrasion, whereas without an overshort there is just a thin layer of flexible elastic material between the rider and the trail that offers limited protection and can rip, tear, or shred during a crash.

Unlike road cycling, where a rider is seated on the saddle most of the time and whose body is generally in a fixed position relative to the bicycle, in mountain biking the rider is constantly moving around relative to the bike. This dynamic and variable movement of the rider, while fun and engaging for many participants, presents challenges for the rider in order to maintain a position of the apparel that the rider is wearing during the activity. Mountain biking includes, for example, pumps, drops, and jumps along the trail that cause both the upper and lower body of the rider to undergo variable and dynamic movements. During such movements, a rider's overshorts have a tendency to slide down off the posterior, especially if the rider is wearing a bib-type padded liner, which often is made of a relatively (and intentionally) slippery material. This interface between the padded liner and the overshort may include minimal friction to maintain the two garments in position on the rider.

This is problematic for a number of reasons. When the overshort does not maintain a desired position on the wearer, it can be uncomfortable and can impair pedaling and mobility. In addition, such misalignment or movement of the overshort can be distracting especially during a high-speed activity that requires extreme focus, such as during a descent. Still further, the misalignment and movement of the overshort may result in one or more portion of the overshort to become hooked, snagged on the saddle or other structure of the bike. For example, a crotch portion can be snagged on the saddle if the overshort moves downward and away from the normal or preferred position of the overshort. Such undesirable movement of apparel during mountain biking can result in a lack of focus or restrict movement of the rider that can be dangerous and/or reduce the satisfaction and performance of the rider.

Still further, some riders desire to use knee pads in addition to the overshorts. Such knee pads can pull or tug at the bottom of the overshorts and may interfere with the overshort, particularly if the overshorts move downward away from the preferred position. This can add additional issues to the problem of retaining mountain biking overshorts, overpants or other outer layers in a preferred position.

Existing or traditional devices or solutions to these issues may include a belt, drawstring or some other form of waist cinching. These devices or solutions can be uncomfortable and often do not maintain the position of the overshort due to the dynamic movement of the activity. A second, and less common, option is that the rider may use a set of overshorts that have an attached liner. The attached liner may be stitched to the overshort or be affixed with buttons or snaps. This solution also has problems. In some instances, the liner doesn't fit the rider well or the padding is of poor quality. In other instances, the padded liner may be satisfactory but the overshort is poor-fitting, or of poor quality. In still other instances, the padded liner and overshort combination does not maintain a desired position on the wearer's body.

The apparel suspension devices of the present disclosure are improvements over known or existing devices and/or apparel. First, the apparel suspension devices as described herein can be compatible with various types, brands, sizes, shapes of overshorts and padded liners. With this versatility, a rider can choose a combination of padded liner and overshort that is best suited for the rider's body type, preferences, budget, and other individual considerations. Second, the apparel suspension devices of the present disclosure can maintain the overshort in a desired position on the rider's body during the variable, unpredictable, and dynamic movements of mountain biking. Still further, the apparel suspension devices of the present disclosure can be adjusted or changed to accommodate changes that may occur for different types of overlayers (e.g., overshorts, overpants, etc.). In addition, the apparel suspension devices of the present disclosure are removable and adaptable for use with multiple pieces of cycling apparel. In addition, the apparel suspension devices are structured to maintain the position of the overshort without limiting or restricting the body of the rider and is more comfortable and reliable than existing or traditional solutions.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparel suspension device may include one or more elongated straps that may be connected at apparel ends to an overshort or other overlayer. Other portions of the elongated straps may be routed over the shoulders of the rider. The straps can maintain the overshort in a desired position relative to the padded liner and relative to the body of the rider. The straps may include elastic portions. In some examples, the straps may include two or more elastic portions in which a first portion may have an elastic property that is different from a second portion. In this manner, the strap may elongate differently at different locations on the strap in response to the same force(s) being exerted on the strap. Such a structure can permit the apparel suspension devices of the present disclosure to perform advantageously and more comfortably than existing or traditional devices.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, an example apparel suspension device 100 is shown. The example apparel suspension device 100 can include a first strap 102, a second strap 104 and a third strap 106. The example apparel suspension device 100 can be made of a unitary piece of material or can be constructed from one or more pieces joined together using suitable fastening or joining members and process as will be further explained below. The first strap 102 and the second strap 104 can be similarly constructed but positioned on opposite sides of the device. The first strap 102 and the second strap 104 can be configured to wrap or lay over the shoulders of a wearer. The first shoulder portion 120 and the second shoulder portion 122 can be positioned over the two shoulders of a wearer. The third strap 106 can extend from and be joined to the first strap 102 and the second strap 104. The third strap 106 can, for example, extend down a middle of the back of the wearer.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the apparel suspension device 100 can be configured to attach to an overgarment 302, such as a pair of overshorts. The overgarment 302 can be worn over the padded liner (not shown) or other layers worn during an athletic activity such as mountain biking. The overgarment 302 can include a front waist portion 304 and a rear waist portion 306. The first strap 102 and the second strap 104 can be configured to attach to opposite sides of the front waist portion 304. The third strap 106 can be configured to attach to the rear waist portion 306. In an embodiment, the third strap 106 attaches to the center of the rear waist portion 306. In other examples, the first strap 102, the second strap 104 and/or the third strap 106 can be configured to attach to other portions of the overgarment 302 such as to belt loops, pockets, straps or other features of the overgarment 302.

As further shown, the first strap 102, the second strap 104, and/or the third strap 106 may connect to an inside surface or structure of the overgarment 302. Such positioning may protect the attachment from damage or from becoming dislodged during an athletic activity or from damage or disengagement during a crash. It should be appreciated, however, that the apparel suspension device 100 can be attached to an outer surface of the overgarment 302 or to an outer structure of the overgarment 302.

The first strap 102, the second strap 104, and/or the third strap 106 may be attached to the overgarment 302 using any suitable attachment or connection. In the example shown, the first strap 102 and the second strap 104 may each include one or a series of openings 130. The opening or openings 130 may each have a similar size and may be arranged in a linear series along a longitudinal length of each strap. The openings 130 may be configured to accept a button (not shown). Alternatively, instead of openings and a button, one or more of the following may be used: a hook-and-loop arrangement, eyelets, bars, clasps, buckles, grommets, D-rings, hooks, zippers, toggles, studs, sliders, snap hooks, carabiners, laces, and combinations thereof. The buttons may be secured to the overgarment 302 in a suitable location (e.g., at the front waist portion 304) to allow the first strap 102 and the second strap 104 to be secured to the buttons by inserting the button through one of the openings 130 in each strap. A position of the first strap 102 and/or the second strap 104 can be adjusted by moving the button from one opening 130 to another opening 130 positioned at a different location along the first strap 102 and/or the second strap 104.

As further shown, a reinforcement member 132 may be positioned at the location of the plurality of openings 130 to provide support at the openings 130 to prevent the openings 130 from tearing, expanding, unraveling, or otherwise degrading the ability of the button to retain the first strap 102 and/or the second strap 104 in a position relative to the overgarment 302. The reinforcement member may be positioned on to extend along the entire length of the series of openings 130. The reinforcement member 132 may be made of any suitable webbing, woven or non-woven material, or the like. In one example, the reinforcement member 132 may be formed of a polyurethane seam tape. The seam tape can be applied directly to the first strap 102 and/or the second strap 104 using suitable lamination, heat bonding, ultrasonic or heat press processes. In one example, the reinforcement member 132 can be formed from a seam tape manufactured by Framis Italia SpA. In other examples, other reinforcement materials can be used.

The apparel suspension device 100 may also include a series of openings 140. The openings 140 can be positioned longitudinally along a length of the third strap 106. The openings 140 can provide similar functionality to the openings 130 previously described except that the openings 140 are configured to secure the third strap 106 to a rear portion of the overgarment 302, such as to a rear waist portion 306. A button may be connected at or near the rear waist portion 306 and the openings 140 can be used to insert the button through the third strap 106. A multitude of openings 140 are arranged in a liner arrangement on the third strap 106 to allow adjustment of the third strap 106. The third strap 106 may also include a reinforcement member 148 that can be positioned over the openings 140 to reduce the likelihood of damage, tearing, unraveling, or other degradation to the third strap 106 at the openings 140. The reinforcement member 148 may be constructed of a material similar to that of the reinforcement member 132 previously described. The reinforcement member 148 can be constructed of a seam tape, for example.

In some examples, the reinforcement members 132 and 148 can be applied to the corresponding strap without stiches or other mechanical attachment. The reinforcement members can be applied using a suitable adhesive, lamination, heat bonding, ultrasonic or heat press process. This can allow the region of the strap with the reinforcement members 132, 148 to have a smooth or non-abrasive surface so that the strap is comfortable when worn against the skin of the wearer or over a thin garment layer. In other examples, however, the mechanical attachments such as stitching can also be used.

The first strap 102, the second strap 104 and the third strap 106 of the apparel suspension device 100 can made of suitable material to allow ease of movement and comfort during an athletic activity such as mountain biking. In some examples, the first strap 102, the second strap 104 and/or the third strap 106 can be made of an elastic and breathable material. As shown in FIG. 8, the material may be constructed of a laminate material that may include a base layer 802 with outer layers 804 and/or 806. The base layer 802 may be made of an open-cell or closed-cell rubberized foam. The outer layers 806 may be made of a nylon material. This configuration is thin, strong, and breathable. In one example, the material 800 is a material sold under the brand Ariaprene® manufactured by Tiong Lion Industrial Co., Ltd. In other examples, other materials can be used. In other examples, an elastic nylon webbing, a two-way stretch woven material, or a four-way stretch woven material can be used. In other examples, a perforated neoprene material can be used.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a cross-section of the first strap 102 at a button hole location is shown. As shown, the strap can be constructed of the material 800 as described above. This example, however, shows a button hole 902. The reinforcement material 904 can be positioned over the button hole 902 such that the button hole 902 is positioned about a central axis 906 through the reinforcement material 904, the outer layers 804, 806 and the base layer 802. As described above, the reinforcement material 904 may be a seam tape traditionally used to join and/or secure seams in athletic apparel. In other examples, other materials can be used.

The material of the straps 102, 104, and/or 106 is preferably made of an elastic material as previously described. Some traditional suspenders or other garment accessories are often made of non-elastic webbing. Traditional devices also typically are made of one material and have common properties along its entire length. In the example apparel suspension device 100, the first strap 102 and the second strap 104 include multiple portions that have different properties at different locations to provide improved comfort and functionality for the rigors of athletic activity.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the apparel suspension device 100 may include a first portion 110 and a second portion 112 that are located on the first strap 102. The second strap 104 may include a first portion 114 and a second portion 116. The first strap 102 and the second strap 104 can be similarly constructed and configured, or the construction and/or configuration may be different, for example if customization is desired by the athlete. For the sake of brevity, the first strap 102 is described in further detail below but it should be appreciated that the second strap 104 can be similarly constructed.

As shown, the first portion 110 may be located toward an end of the first strap 102 away from the shoulder portion 120. The second portion 112 may be located between the first portion 110 and the shoulder portion 120. The first portion 110 may have different characteristics than the second portion 112. For example, the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 may have different elasticities. That is, the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 may elongate or stretch differently when the same force is exerted on the portions (e.g., by a force applied through the strap 102).

In some examples, the elasticity of the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 may differ by a predetermined amount. The amount of elasticity difference can be measured by determining the relative elasticity between different portions of the apparel suspension device 100. An elasticity ratio can be determined by dividing the elasticity of one portion by the elasticity of a different portion. The elasticity can be determined by applying a known force (or weight) to a length of material and then measuring the increase in length of the material before and after applying the known force (or weight). A weight of 300 grams, 500 grams, and/or 750 grams can be used to measure the elasticity. In some examples, the elasticity ratio of the second portion 112 relative to the first portion 110 is at least 1.5. In another example, the elasticity ratio of the second portion 112 relative to the first portion 110 is at least 1.75. In still another example, the elasticity ratio of the second portion 112 relative to the first portion 110 is at least 2.0. In other examples, the portions of the apparel suspension device may have other relative elasticities and/or other elasticity ratios.

It may be desirable that the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 have different elasticities because of the dynamic movements of the wearer during an athletic activity such as mountain biking. The wearer may move his upper body relative to his waist or lower body during jumps, turns, climbing, and/or descending on a trail ride, for example. Such relative movement can lead to discomfort if the portions of the apparel suspension device 100 perform in a constant manner along all portions of the device. As can be appreciated, for different athletic activities or for different wearer preferences, the apparel suspension device 100 can have other configurations with different portions arranged in different manners or with different relative sizes to make the apparel suspension device 100 perform differently.

In the example shown, the first portion 110 has a first width w1 and the second portion 112 has a second width w2. In this example, the first width w1 and the second width w2 are substantially the same. Since each portion has the same or a similar width and is made of the same material, one would expect the portions to behave similarly in dynamic conditions and under different loads. The first portion 110 and the second portion 112 are configured to behave differently or have different characteristics using one or more elements as will be further described below.

The first portion 110, in this example, includes the reinforcement member 132. The reinforcement member 132 can be an additional layer of material applied to the first strap 102 at the first portion 110. The reinforcement member 132 may be a seam tape as previously described. This additional material can change the characteristics of the first strap 102 at the first portion 110. For example, the reinforcement member 132 may make the first portion 110 less elastic than the second portion 112. That is, the first portion 110 may elongate less than the second portion 112 when subjected to the same load.

The second portion 112, in this example as shown in the magnified view of FIG. 7, may include one or more perforations 702 through the strap 102. In the example shown, the perforations 702 include an array of perforations 702 arranged in linear rows across a width of the strap 102 with each row staggered from adjacent rows to offset perforations 702 in adjacent rows. In other examples, perforations 702 can be arranged in different patterns and may have different shapes. The perforations 702 may be cut or otherwise prepared using any suitable cutting, forming, or insertion process such as being cut, punched, or formed using a laser, water jet, knife, die, or the like. In other examples, the perforations 702 may be formed during the construction of the strap 102 such as during lamination, weaving, knitting, or other forming processes.

The perforations 702 may be formed in patterns, shapes, or configurations as may be desired to achieve a desired elasticity. In some examples, the perforations 702 may be configured in a pattern as may be desired for ornamental or aesthetic appearance purposes. In addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 7, FIGS. 7A-7P show various other configurations that the perforations 702 may be formed in. FIG. 7A shows an example configuration 720 in which the perforations 702 are positioned in multiple chevron-shaped rows. FIG. 7B shows another example configuration 740 with chevron-shaped rows. Any suitable amount of rows can be used to adjust the elasticity and also show an aesthetically pleasing design. FIG. 7C shows yet another example configuration 750 with chevron-shaped rows. The rows may be positioned in configuration that are mirror-images or symmetrically opposite to one another. The amount of performations 702 may be varied and spaced from one another as may be desired. FIG. 7D shows yet another configuration 760 in which the amount of performations is less than that previously shown.

In yet other examples, the perforations 702 may not be positioned in two regions with a region on non-perforated material therebetween as previously shown and described. In another example configuration 770 as shown in FIG. 7E, the perforations 702 may be in one length region with pointed ends. In this example, the perforations 702 may include more than one circular opening. As shown, the perforations 702 may be formed by including two adjacent circular openings in each perforation 702. In another variation, configuration 780 (FIG. 7F) may include perforations 702 that include a single oval or pill-shaped opening.

Various other configurations 782, 784, 786, 788, 790, 792, 794, 796, 798 (FIGS. 7G to 7P) can also be sued that include various shaped rows, spacing and sizes of the perforations 702. Each of the perforations may have various sizes as may be desired. In some examples, the perforations may be circular in shape. In some examples, the circular-shaped performation may have a diameter in the range of about 2.5 mm to about 4.5 mm. In other examples, the circular-shaped perforations may have a diameter of about 2.75 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm. In other examples, the perforations may have an oval shape or a pill-shape. In some such examples, the pill-shape may have a width in the range of about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm and a length of about 3.5 mm to about 5.5 mm. In other such examples, the pill-shape may have a width of about 2 mm and a length of about 4 mm. In other examples, other sizes and shapes may be used.

The configurations of the perforations can be used for example, in the second portion 112 and/or the second portion 116. In other examples, The perforations 702 can be used on other locations of the apparel suspension device 100.

The characteristics of the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 may vary or be different from one another by various relative amounts. In the example shown, the first portion 110 and the second portion 112 have different elasticities that are measured by an amount the material elongates when subjected to predetermined load. As described above, the second portion 112 may be at least twice as elastic as the first portion 110. In other examples, the second portion 112 may be at least 1.5 times as elastic as the first portion 110. In other examples, the second portion 112 may be at least 1.75 times as elastic as the first portion 110. In other examples, a perforated portion of the first strap 102 and/or a perforated portion of the second strap 104 may be at least 1.5 times as elastic as a non-perforated portion of the same corresponding strap. In other examples, a perforated portion of the first strap 102 and/or a perforated portion of the second strap 104 may be at least 1.75 times as elastic as a non-perforated portion of the same corresponding strap. In other examples, a perforated portion of the first strap 102 and/or a perforated portion of the second strap 104 may be at least 2.0 times as elastic as a non-perforated portion of the same corresponding strap.

Referring now back to FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparel suspension device 100 may include a single strap 106 that is positioned on the back of the wearer during use. In other examples, more than one strap 106 can be included on a back region of the device 100. The third strap 106, in the example shown, has a width that is greater than a width of the first strap 102 and/or the second strap 104. In addition, the third strap 106 may include the reinforcement member 148. Both the width and/or the addition of the reinforcement member 148 can change the characteristics of the third strap 106 from that of the first strap 102 and/or the second strap 104. In the example shown, the third strap 106 may be about 1.5 times the width of the first strap 102 and/or the second strap 104. In other examples, the width of the third strap 106 compared to the width of the first strap 102 and/or second strap 104 may be greater by a factor of 2.0, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, between 1.6 and 1.4, between 1.7 and 1.3, between 1.8 and 1.2, between 1.9 and 1.1, and any combination thereof. The third strap 106 can be varied from that of the first strap 102 and/or the second strap 104 in any suitable manner. It has been observed, however, that may wearer prefer a configuration in which a back portion of the overgarment 302 (see FIG. 3) is supported in a more stable manner than the front portion of the overgarment. For this reason, the example apparel suspension device 100 includes a wider third strap 106 without any perforations.

In some examples, the apparel suspension device 100 can be a unitary piece of material that can be cut, formed, or otherwise shaped as a single piece of material. In other examples, such as the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparel suspension device 100 can be made of two or more pieces joined together. In the example shown, the apparel suspension device can be constructed of the first strap 102, the second strap 104, the third strap 106 and a yoke portion 502. Each of these straps can be made of the material 800 (FIG. 8) previously described, or only a subset of these straps 102, 104, 106, 502 may be made of the material 800. The pieces of the apparel suspension device 100 can be joined together using a suitable connection method such as a seam tape. In other examples, the pieces of the apparel suspension device 100 can be joined together using stitching, direct bonding, adhesive, or other attachment methods.

As shown the first strap 102 can be joined to the yoke portion 502 using an attachment 134. Similarly, the second strap 104 can be joined to the yoke portion 502 using another attachment 134. The third strap 106 can be joined to the yoke portion using an attachment 146. The attachments 134, 146 can be made of seam tape such as that previously described with regards to the reinforcement members 132, 148.

A seam tape or other attachment that does not have abrasive features or other protruding elements is desirable to improve the comfort of the apparel suspension device 100. The attachments 134, 146 may be used on a front and/or back surface of the straps 102, 104, 106 and yoke portion 502. In addition to increasing the strength of the joint, the use of two attachments (one on each side) at each joint results in a smooth transition between the separate pieces of the apparel suspension device 100 and also minimizes locations that may be caught, snagged or otherwise inhibit movement and/or reduce the likelihood of failure. In some examples, the apparel suspension device 100 may include rubberized dots, grippers or other features disposed on portions of the straps. Such grippers may be made of a rubber, silicone or other tacky material that can be deposited on the surface of the apparel suspension device 100 that may be positioned on a side of the apparel suspension device 100 that is in contact with a wearer's body or a wearer's clothing. The grippers may increase the friction between the apparel suspension device and the wearer to maintain a position of the apparel suspension device 100 when in use.

As described above, the apparel suspension device 100 can be secured to the overgarment 302 using buttons that can be affixed to the overgarment 302. In other examples, other connectors may be used to connect the apparel suspension device 100 to the overgarment 302. One example connector 1000 is shown in FIGS. 10-12. In this example, the connector 1000 may include an extension 1002, a clip 1004, and a button 1006. The connector 1000 may be used, for example, to connect the apparel suspension device 100 to the overgarment 302 without attaching a button directly to the overgarment 302. Instead, the connector 1000 can be connected to the overgarment 302 using the clip 1004. The button 1006 is positioned on the extension 1002 and the apparel suspension device 100 can be buttoned to the button 1006.

The connector 1000 can allow the wearer to easily and quickly use the apparel suspension device 100 with multiple different overgarments 302 without the need for affixing buttons to each of the overgarments 302. The connector 1000 can be disconnected and re-connected to different overgarments 302 and/or to adjust or move a position on the overgarment 302 to which the apparel suspension device 100 is attached.

The clip 1004 can be any suitable connection device that can releasably connect to a fabric or other feature of the overgarment 302. In one example, the clip 1004 is made of a plastic material and includes a gripping portion 1012 and a bar 1010. The gripping portion 1012 may include one or more teeth that can engage the overgarment and securely fasten the clip 1004 thereto. The bar 1010 is an elongated horizontally oriented structure that the extension 1002 can be wrapped around to secure the extension 1002 to the clip 1004.

As shown, the extension 1002 can be secured to the bar 1010 by a line of stitching 1016. In other examples, a seam tape, adhesive, heat staking, or other joining process can be used to connect the extension 1002 to the clip 1004. The extension 1002 may be a strip or other piece of material to which the button 1006 can be affixed. In the example shown, the extension 1002 can be a strip of woven or non-woven material. Any suitable durable material can be used such as a polyester, nylon or other material. In the example shown, the extension 1002 is made of a material with limited elasticity and may have an elasticity that is at least less than that of the first strap 102, the second strap 104 and/or the third strap 106. In this manner, the connector 1000 is a relatively rigid connection and the elasticity of the system is provided by the apparel suspension device 100 rather than by the connector 1000.

Any suitable button 1006 can be used. Preferable buttons 1006 have smooth shapes and are made of a pliable and/or non-brittle material that can endure the impacts associated with an athletic activity such as mountain biking. In one preferable example, the button 1006 is a rugby button with a smooth circular outer shape made of a pliable rubber or other elastomer. The button 1006 may include a front surface with a recess for thread and a domed or rounded back surface (see FIG. 11). With this shape, the button 1006 may allow the connecting material with the button hole to be positioned close to the base of the button 1006 at the extension 1002 to provide a secure attachment for dynamic movements of an athletic activity such as mountain biking. The button 1006 may be connected to the extension 1002 using a stitch 1008 or other suitable connection process.

Other connectors can also be used to attach the straps of the apparel suspension device 100 to an overgarment or to itself. One connector that can be used is a button pad. Such a connector can include two buttons that are connected in a back-to-back configuration. The two buttons may be connected in the back-to-back configuration with a layer of material between the first button and the second button. In such a configuration, the first button can be used to on a first strap of the apparel suspension device and the second button can be used to attach a second strap of the apparel suspension device. In this manner, two straps of the apparel suspension device can be attached to each other using the button pad. For example, the first strap 102 can be attached to the third strap 106 using a button pad. Similarly, a second button pad (or a button pad with a pair of back-to-back buttons) can be used to attach the second strap 104 to the third strap 106. This type of attachment can be used to loop the first strap 102 and the second strap 104 over the shoulders of a wearer and connect the first strap 102 and the second strap 104 to the third strap 106. Such a configuration is shown in FIG. 13.

Referring now to FIG. 13, another example apparel suspension device 1300 is shown. The apparel suspension device 1300 is similar to the apparel suspension device 100 previously described. The apparel suspension device 1300 can be configured to be worn in a rear-only configuration in which the first strap 1302 and the second strap 1304 are wrapped over the shoulders of a wearer and then connected to the third strap 1306 rather than to a front region of the overgarment 1310. To facilitate this configuration, the third strap 1306 may include two rows of openings that run along side each other. The first strap 1302 can include a button that can be connected into one of the first row of openings on the third strap 1306 and the second strap 1304 can also include a button that can be connected into one of the second row of openings on the third strap 1306. This configuration may be desirable to wearers that prefer minimal support for the front region of the overgarment 1310 and support for the rear region of the overgarment 1310.

As can be appreciated, many different variations are contemplated to the example apparel suspension devices 100, 1300 and to connector 1000 described above. Different relative sizing, materials, and joining materials, for example, are contemplated. While the description above primarily describes the use of buttons, other fasteners can also be used such as snaps, loops, and the like, as mentioned above. In addition, the apparel suspension device 100 includes two front straps (i.e., first strap 102 and second strap 104) and a single rear strap (i.e., third strap 106). In other examples, an apparel suspension device can include two rear straps. Such rear straps may be joined at a yoke portion or the straps may continue from the front straps.

In addition to individual elements described above, one or more apparel suspension kits are also contemplated. Such kits may include one or more of the devices or elements described above that come bundled together. For example, one such apparel suspension kit may include an apparel suspension device 100 and one or more buttons. The buttons can be attached to the overgarment and then the apparel suspension device can be used. In another example, the apparel suspension device 100 can be provided bundled with one or more of the connectors 1000. These kits can include a complete system for the wearer to attach the apparel suspension device to an overgarment. In addition, spares or multiple different types of fasteners (i.e., buttons, connectors, etc.) can be included in the kit.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparel suspension device comprising:

a yoke portion;

a first strap connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to a front waist region of an overgarment;

a second strap connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to a rear waist region of the overgarment; and

a third strap connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to a rear waist region of the overgarment;

wherein the first strap comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion having different elasticity characteristics.

2. The apparel suspension device of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are made of the same material.

3. The apparel suspension device of claim 2, wherein the first portion has a constant first width and the second portion has a constant second width, the first width and the second width being the same.

4. The apparel suspension device of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a plurality of perforations.

5. The apparel suspension device of claim 1, wherein the first strap and the second strap are each joined to the yoke portion with a seam tape.

6. The apparel suspension device of claim 1, wherein the third strap is joined to the yoke portion with a seam tape.

7. The apparel suspension device of claim 6, wherein the seam tape is elastic.

8. The apparel suspension device of claim 1, wherein the first strap, the second strap, the third strap and the yoke portion are made of the same material.

9. The apparel suspension device of claim 1, wherein the material comprises a layered fabric comprising outer layers comprising nylon and a base layer comprising a open-cell rubberized foam.

10. The apparel suspension device of claim 1, wherein the first strap comprises a plurality of button holes arranged longitudinally in a linear orientation.

11. The apparel suspension device of claim 9, wherein the first strap comprises a reinforcement member positioned over the plurality of button holes.

12. The apparel suspension device of claim 10, wherein the reinforcement member comprises an elastic seam tape.

13. The apparel suspension device of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a plurality of perforations, the first portion positioned proximate an attachment end of the first strap configured to connect to the front waist region of the overgarment, and the second portion positioned between the first portion and the yoke portion.

14. The apparel suspension device of claim 1, further comprising a connector, the connector comprising:

a clip configured to releasably connect to an overgarment; and

an extension strip comprising a fastener, the fastener configured to connect to the first strap.

15. The apparel suspension device of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a button that is configured to be received through a button opening on the first strap.

16. The apparel suspension device of claim 1, wherein the extension strip comprises a piece a inelastic material.

17. An apparel suspension device comprising a plurality of straps configured to support an overgarment at a desired position on a wearer, wherein at least one of the plurality of straps comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion made from the same material and having different elastic characteristics.

18. The apparel suspension device of claim 16, wherein the second portion comprises a plurality of perforations arranged in a predetermined pattern, the plurality of perforations located between a shoulder and waist of the wearer when the apparel suspension device is worn by the wearer.

19. The apparel suspension device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of straps comprises at least two front straps and a rear strap, the at least two front straps each configured to selectably attach to a waist of the overgarment or to the rear strap.

20. A connector for connection to an overgarment comprising:

a clip configured to releasably connect to an overgarment; and

an extension strip comprising a fastener, the fastener configured to connect to the first strap.

21. An apparel suspension kit comprising:

a suspension device comprising: a yoke portion; a first strap comprising a first fastening element, the first strap connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to a front waist region of an overgarment via the first fastening element; a second strap comprising a second fastening element, the second strap connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to the front waist region of the overgarment via the second fastening element; a third strap comprising a third fastening element, the third strap connected to the yoke portion and configured to connect to a rear waist region of the overgarment via the third fastening element; wherein the first strap comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion having different elasticity characteristics;

a first complimentary fastening element configured to releasably connect to the first fastening element and be connected to the overgarment;

a second complimentary fastening element configured to releasably connect to the second fastening element and be connected to the overgarment; and

a third complimentary fastening element configured to releasably connect to the third fastening element and be connected to the overgarment.