Bra Strap Holder and Method

Abstract

A device for keeping bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer, and a method of using the device is disclosed herein. The device includes a strap that is adjustable via a movable slider and a pair of clips attached at either end of the strap. The pair of clips each attach to one of the bra straps at a back of the wearer and discretely keep bra straps in place underneath clothing, thereby preventing slouching straps, preventing painful or uncomfortable shoulders and preventing potential embarrassment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of underwear of existing art and more specifically relates to a device for keeping bra straps in place when worn.

RELATED ART

Bra straps are a fundamental component of most bras, providing essential support and lift. They are typically made of elastic material that allows for flexibility and adjustability in length, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. However, as a result of a range of factors (such as incorrect sizing, stretched-out elastic, poor strap design, etc.), bra straps can be prone to slipping off the shoulders. When bra straps fall off the shoulders, the bra can shift, causing it to lose its supportive shape and potentially leading to back pain. Additionally, this problem can be particularly inconvenient and embarrassing in professional or social situations. Properly adjusting and securing bra straps is crucial for achieving a comfortable and supportive fit and for preventing discomfort and potential embarrassment. As such, a suitable solution is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known bra accessory art, the present disclosure provides a novel bra strap holder. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a device that can be clipped to bra straps and used to keep the bra straps from falling off shoulders of a wearer when worn.

A device for keeping bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer is disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, the device may include a strap and a pair of clips. The strap may include a first end opposite a second end and a length therebetween. The length of the strap may be adjustable via a movable slider through which the length of the strap is looped and attached to. One of the pair of clips may be attached at the first end of the strap, and another of the pair of clips may be attached at the second end of the strap.

The pair of clips may each include a bottom jaw half, a top jaw half hinged to the bottom jaw half and a biasing mechanism. The bottom jaw half may include a bottom gripping portion and the top jaw half top may include a top gripping portion aligned with the bottom gripping portion. The bottom jaw half and the top jaw half may together be configured to be clamped over one of the bra straps. The biasing mechanism may be attached to at least one of the top jaw half or the bottom jaw half and configured to urge the top jaw half into the bottom jaw half, thereby securely clamping the one of the bra straps.

According to another embodiment, a method of using a device for keeping bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer is also disclosed herein. The method may comprise the steps of: providing the device as above; selectively adjusting the length of the strap via the movable slider to place the pair of clips in line with the bra straps when normally worn; placing one of the pair of clips over one of the bra straps, the bottom jaw half being underneath the one of the bra straps and the top jaw half being over the one of the bra straps; actuating the biasing mechanism on the one of the pair of clips to securely clamp the one of the pair of clips to the one of the bra straps; placing the other one of the pair of clips over the other one of the bra straps, the bottom jaw half being underneath the other one of the bra straps and the top jaw half being over the other one of the bra straps; and actuating the biasing mechanism on the other one of the pair of clips to securely clamp the other one of the pair of clips to the other one of the bra straps, thereby preventing the bra straps from moving off the shoulders of the wearer.

In some other embodiments, a device for keeping bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer may include a strap and a pair of clips; the strap may be constructed from a satin material and may include a first end opposite a second end and a length therebetween. The length of the strap may be adjustable via a movable slider through which the length of the strap is looped and attached to. One of the pair of clips may be attached at the first end of the strap, and another of the pair of clips may be attached at the second end of the strap. The pair of clips may each include a bottom jaw half, a top jaw half hinged to the bottom jaw half, a cam member attached to the bottom jaw half and a decorative top plate covering the top jaw half and the bottom jaw half and hinged to a rear of the bottom jaw half.

The bottom jaw half may include a bottom gripping portion and the top jaw half may include a top gripping portion aligned with the bottom gripping portion. The top jaw half and the bottom jaw half may be configured to be clamped over one of the bra straps. The cam member may be configured to urge the top jaw half into the bottom jaw half, thereby securely clamping the one of the bra straps. The decorative top plate may be attached to and configured to actuate the cam member. Particularly, movement of the top plate into a closed position may move the cam member into the top jaw half, urging it into the bottom jaw half, and movement of the top plate into an open position may move the cam member away from the top jaw half causing the top jaw half to unclamp from the bottom jaw half.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a bra strap holder and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device being used for keeping bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the device including a strap and a pair of clips, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the device illustrating the strap having a movable slider for adjusting a length of the strap, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top view of one of the pair of clips attached to an end of the strap, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of one of the pair of clips attached to an end of the strap, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of one of the pair of clips in a closed position and including a top plate, a top jaw half including a top gripping portion, a bottom jaw half including a bottom gripping portion, and a biasing mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of one of the pair of clips in an open position and illustrating the top plate, the top jaw half including the top gripping portion having a top plurality of interlocking teeth, the bottom jaw half including the bottom gripping portion having a bottom plurality of interlocking teeth, and the biasing mechanism including a cam member, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using a device for keeping bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a bra strap holder and method. Generally, the bra strap holder may include clips and a satin adjustable strap to keep bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer when worn. As such, the bra strap holder keeps bra straps discretely in place underneath clothing, prevents slouching straps, and prevents painful or uncomfortable shoulders. The bra strap holder may preferably be used with any existing bra.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-8, various views of a device for keeping bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer (“device” 100). Particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, the device 100 may be fastened between the bra straps 5 at the back of the wearer 10. As such, the device 100 prevents the bra straps 5 from moving from the shoulders, down the arms of the wearer 10. As shown in these figures, the device 100 may include a strap 110 and a pair of clips 120.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 2-3, there is shown the strap 110 and the pair of clips 120. The strap 110 may include a first end 111 opposite a second end 112 and a length 113 therebetween. One of the pair of clips 120 may be attached at the first end 111 of the strap 110, and another of the pair of clips 120 may be attached at the second end 112 of the strap 110. The length 113 of the strap 110 may be adjustable via a movable slider 114 through which the length 113 of the strap 110 is looped and attached to. The movable slider 114 may be of similar construction as is used conventionally to adjust a bra strap 110. Particularly, the movable slider 114 may include two adjacent apertures therein separated by a center bar over which a fixed loop portion of the strap 110 may be looped over. The length 113 of the strap 110 may be threaded through one of the apertures, over the center bar and through the other one of the apertures. To adjust the strap 110, the movable slider 114 may be moved in one direction to shorten the strap 110, and another direction to lengthen the strap 110.

As above and as shown in FIG. 1, the device 100 may be fastened at the back of the wearer 10 and may rest against the back of the wearer 10. As such, it is contemplated that the strap 110 be made from a soft and non-irritating material. For example, the strap 110 may be constructed from a satin material. Other materials may also be contemplated. For example, silk, cotton, etc. In some embodiments, the strap 110 may also be elasticated to provide stretch to the strap 110. For example, the strap 110 may include elastane.

Further, because the device 100 may rest against the back of the wearer 10, it may be contemplated that the strap 110 and the pair of clips 120 include a generally flat profile so as to be as discrete as possible underneath clothing. For example, the strap 110 may include a thickness 129 of between 2 mm-5 mm and the pair of clips 120 may each include a thickness 115 of between 5 mm-10 mm, as demonstrated in FIG. 3.

Referring more specifically now to FIGS. 4-7, there is shown the pair of clips 120 As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the pair of clips 120 may each include a fastener 128, such as a ring, attached to a rear side thereof. The strap 110 may be looped through each of the rings (or other fastener) to attach the pair of clips 120 to the strap 110. As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the pair of clips 120 may each include a bottom jaw half 121, a top jaw half 123, a biasing mechanism 125 and a top plate 126 located over the top jaw half 123. The bottom jaw half 121 and the top jaw half 123 together may be configured to be clamped over one of the bra straps 5.

As shown, the top plate 126 may be larger than a width and length of the top jaw half 123 and the bottom jaw half 121, thereby covering the top jaw half 123 and the bottom jaw half 121. For example, in some embodiments, the top plate 126 may be circular and include a diameter large enough to cover the top jaw half 123 and the bottom jaw half 121. Covering the jaw halves 121, 123 may provide a more aesthetically pleasing look to the device 100. To further aid in this, a top surface of the top plate 126 may also include a decorative feature-such as (but not limited to) a pattern, a color, a logo, etc. In some embodiments, the decorative feature on the top plate 126 may match or compliment a decorative feature on the strap 110. For example, the top plate 126 and the strap 110 may include the same color.

A bottom surface 131 of the bottom jaw half 121 may be the part of the pair of clips 120 that contacts the back of the wearer 10 when worn; and as such, the bottom surface 131 (FIGS. 5-6) of the bottom jaw half 121 may include a soft material to provide comfort to the wearer 10. For example, the soft material may include (but is not limited to) a leather material.

As shown more particularly in FIGS. 6-7, the bottom jaw half 121 may include a bottom gripping portion 122 and the top jaw half 123 may include a top gripping portion 124 aligned with the bottom gripping portion 122. As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom gripping portion 122 may include a bottom plurality of interlocking teeth 133 and the top gripping portion 124 may include a top plurality of interlocking teeth 132 together configured to securely grip the bra strap 110 therebetween. In some embodiments, the gripping portions 122, 124 may be made from a non-slip material and/or a sufficiently soft material that prevents damage to the bra straps 5 when clamped thereover. For example, the gripping portions 122, 124 may be constructed from (but are not limited to) silicone, plastic, rubber, etc.

The top jaw half 123 may be hinged to the bottom jaw half 121 and the top plate 126 may be hinged to a rear of the bottom jaw half 121. The biasing mechanism 125 may be attached to at least one of the top jaw half 123 or the bottom jaw half 121 and may be configured to urge the top jaw half 123 into the bottom jaw half 121, thereby securely clamping the one of the bra straps 5.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the biasing mechanism 125 may include a cam member 127. The top plate 126 may be attached to and actuates the cam member 127. Particularly, movement of the top plate 126 into a closed position may move the cam member 127 into the top jaw half 123 urging it into the bottom jaw half 121. Movement of the top plate 126 into an open position may move the cam member 127 away from the top jaw half 123 causing the top jaw half 123 to unclamp from the bottom jaw half 121. To aid in this, the top jaw half 123 may be sufficiently flexible to withstand the tension placed on it via the top plate 126 and the cam member 127 without bending or breaking. It should be appreciated that the biasing mechanism 125 is not limited to including a cam member 127. For example, the biasing mechanism 125 may utilize one or more springs.

Referring now to FIG. 8 showing a flow diagram illustrating a method of using a device for keeping bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer (“method” 200), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method 200 may include one or more components or features of the device 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method 200 may include the steps of: step one 201, providing the device as above; step two 202, selectively adjusting the length of the strap via the movable slider to place the pair of clips in line with the bra straps when normally worn; step three 203, placing one of the pair of clips over one of the bra straps, the bottom jaw half being underneath the one of the bra straps and the top jaw half being over the one of the bra straps; step four 204, actuating the biasing mechanism on the one of the pair of clips to securely clamp the one of the pair of clips to the one of the bra straps; step five 205, placing the other one of the pair of clips over the other one of the bra straps, the bottom jaw half being underneath the other one of the bra straps and the top jaw half being over the other one of the bra straps; and step six 506, actuating the biasing mechanism on the other one of the pair of clips to securely clamp the other one of the pair of clips to the other one of the bra straps, thereby preventing the bra straps from moving.

It should be noted that certain steps may be optional and may not be implemented in all cases. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods are taught herein.

It should be noted that, in this specification and the drawings, some elements that have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference signs, and repeated explanation omitted. It should also be appreciated that common but well understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted throughout in order to facilitate a clearer view of the various embodiments of the present invention.

It should be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed invention is described here in a few exemplary embodiments of many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A device for keeping bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer, the device comprising:

a strap including a first end opposite a second end and a length therebetween, the length of the strap being adjustable via a movable slider through which the length of the strap is looped and attached to;

a pair of clips, one of the pair of clips attached at the first end of the strap, and another of the pair of clips attached at the second end of the strap, the pair of clips each including: a bottom jaw half including a bottom gripping portion; a top jaw half hinged to the bottom jaw half and including a top gripping portion aligned with the bottom gripping portion, the bottom jaw half and the top jaw half together configured to be clamped over one of the bra straps; and a biasing mechanism attached to at least one of the top jaw half and the bottom jaw half, the biasing mechanism configured to urge the top jaw half into the bottom jaw half, thereby securely clamping the one of the bra straps.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the pair of clips each include a top plate located over the top jaw half.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the top plate is larger than a width and length of the top jaw half and the bottom jaw half, thereby covering the top jaw half and the bottom jaw half.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the top plate is hinged to a rear of the bottom jaw half.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein a top surface of the top plate includes at least one decorative feature.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the top plate is circular.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the biasing mechanism includes a cam member.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the top plate is attached to and actuates the cam member, wherein movement of the top plate into a closed position moves the cam member into the top jaw half urging it into the bottom jaw half, and wherein movement of the top plate into an open position moves the cam member away from the top jaw half causing the top jaw half to unclamp from the bottom jaw half.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the pair of clips each include a ring attached to a rear side thereof, and wherein the strap is looped through each ring to attach the pair of clips to the strap.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the strap is constructed from a satin material.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the strap includes a thickness of 2 mm-5 mm.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the pair of clips each include a thickness of between 5 mm-10 mm.

13. A device for keeping bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer, the device comprising:

a strap constructed from a satin material and including a first end opposite a second end and a length therebetween, the length of the strap being adjustable via a movable slider through which the length of the strap is looped and attached to;

a pair of clips, one of the pair of clips attached at the first end of the strap, and another of the pair of clips attached at the second end of the strap, the pair of clips each including: a bottom jaw half including a bottom gripping portion; a top jaw half hinged to the bottom jaw half and including a top gripping portion aligned with the bottom gripping portion, the bottom jaw half and the top jaw half together configured to be clamped over one of the bra straps; and a cam member attached to the bottom jaw half, the cam member configured to urge the top jaw half into the bottom jaw half, thereby securely clamping the one of the bra straps; a decorative top plate covering the top jaw half and the bottom jaw half and hinged to a rear of the bottom jaw half, the decorative top plate attached to and configured to actuate the cam member, wherein movement of the top plate into a closed position moves the cam member into the top jaw half urging it into the bottom jaw half, and wherein movement of the top plate into an open position moves the cam member away from the top jaw half causing the top jaw half to unclamp from the bottom jaw half.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the top plate is larger than a width and length of the top jaw half and the bottom jaw half, thereby covering the top jaw half and the bottom jaw half.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the top plate is circular.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the pair of clips each include a ring attached to a rear side thereof, and wherein the strap is looped through each ring to attach the pair of clips to the strap.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the strap includes a thickness of 2 mm-5 mm.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the pair of clips each include a thickness of between 5 mm-10 mm.

19. A method of using a device for keeping bra straps in place on shoulders of a wearer, the method comprising the steps of:

providing the device, the device including: a strap including a first end opposite a second end and a length therebetween, the length of the strap being adjustable via a movable slider through which the length of the strap is looped and attached to; a pair of clips, one of the pair of clips attached at the first end of the strap, and another of the pair of clips attached at the second end of the strap, the pair of clips each including: a bottom jaw half including a bottom gripping portion; a top jaw half hinged to the bottom jaw half and including a top gripping portion aligned with the bottom gripping portion; and a biasing mechanism attached to at least one of the top jaw half and the bottom jaw half;

selectively adjusting the length of the strap via the movable slider to place the pair of clips in line with the bra straps when normally worn;

placing one of the pair of clips over one of the bra straps, the bottom jaw half being underneath the one of the bra straps and the top jaw half being over the one of the bra straps;

actuating the biasing mechanism on the one of the pair of clips to securely clamp the one of the pair of clips to the one of the bra straps;

placing the other one of the pair of clips over the other one of the bra straps, the bottom jaw half being underneath the other one of the bra straps and the top jaw half being over the other one of the bra straps; and

actuating the biasing mechanism on the other one of the pair of clips to securely clamp the other one of the pair of clips to the other one of the bra straps, thereby preventing the bra straps from moving from the shoulders of the wearer.