CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
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REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Trouser suspenders have been in use for many years and there have been numerous improvements to their layout and the means of attaching the suspenders to the wearer's trousers. Nonetheless, their general layout has remained relatively unchanged while there have been minor improvements to their mechanical fasteners. With the introduction of strong and compact magnets it is now possible to produce fasteners utilizing pairs of opposing polarity magnets. In fact there are numerous applications using magnets in fasteners, clips, hangers, accessory attachments and buttons. These magnetic fasteners are generally considered advantageous due to the relative ease of their attachment and detachment. Many of these fasteners utilize small magnets and housings so that they are unobtrusive and incorporate features to resist uncoupling due to movement transverse to the magnetic axes of the coupling magnets. As such, these fasteners have elaborately fabricated casings that require manual alignment of the matching pieces to fasten and still resist detachment due to forces along this transverse axis from attached straps, chains, cords and other such elements. These fasteners are meant to replace such items as buttons, jewelry clasps and undergarment strap connectors for bras.
It would seem advantageous to develop a simplified type of magnetic fastener that would allow a garment or, specifically, a trouser suspenders to be attached without careful alignment of the fasteners and utilized in such a manner as to be worn as undergarments rather than on top of the outer surfaces of the wearer's clothing. This would provide the wearer with the support of suspenders without the usual visible straps and clasps; thus making suspenders an option for those individuals who, for one reason or another, would prefer not to appear to be wearing suspenders.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide trouser support for those individuals with a need or desire for that support while avoiding the appearance of traditional suspenders or any stigma that might be associated with conventional over the clothing suspenders.
Another specific object of the invention is to provide for various strap or support mechanisms that are specifically intended to be worn in a concealed fashion.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A principal objective of the present invention is to provide a suspenders system for trousers that is easily and comfortably worn mostly underneath the wearer's outer layers of clothing to provide support for trousers
This invention incorporates a unique system for attaching suspenders to the wearer's trousers by means of a magnetic clasp between the end of a suspenders strap and the trousers belt.
The magnetic clasp comprises magnet having a casing and a matching ferrous metal attachment associated with a trousers belt. The magnet casing includes an attaching means for a strap. The magnet casing is positioned inside the trousers and opposite the ferrous metal attachment affixed to the trousers belt. The resultant magnetic attraction between the magnet and belt effectively connects the belt and trousers to the magnet casing which is, in turn, supported by a suspenders configuration attached to the magnet casing strap that is suited to carry the weight of the trousers on the wearer's shoulders and upper torso. This invention takes advantage of the fact that magnetic attraction of sufficient strength can connect this magnet and ferrous metal belt attachment through intervening layers of clothing and, therefore the magnet can be placed underneath a shirt and inside the trousers.
Another embodiment of this invention is where the magnet is comprised of a rare earth material such as neodymium with a rating of N42 or higher.
A further embodiment of this invention is where the magnet and casing are attached to a suspenders strap by a detachable means such as a hook and loop fastener.
A still further embodiment of this invention is where the magnet casing is comprised of a plastic material with the outer edge of the casing wall slightly beyond the outer face of the magnet and incorporating serrations to resist slippage along the inner face of the wearer's clothing.
Another embodiment of this invention is where the casing is comprised of a plastic material which completely encases the magnet and the outer face of the casing incorporates serrations or texture to resist slippage along the inner face of the wearer's clothing.
A further embodiment of this invention is where the casing is comprised of a metal material with the casing walls extending slightly beyond the outer face of the magnet to resist slippage along the inner face of the wearer's clothing. The casing may be of a magnetic material and of complimentary polarity to the magnet and my incorporate a decorative coating.
A still further embodiment of this invention is where the casing is comprised of a metal material to hold the magnet and provide structure for the casing and an outer covering of a soft plastic material such that there is a means of resisting slippage along the inner face of the wearer's clothing.
Another embodiment of this invention is where the ferrous metal belt attachment is formed into a “J” shape and incorporates a spring foil such that this attachment may be positioned on the underside of the belt and be held in place by friction.
A further embodiment of this invention is where the ferrous metal belt attachment is formed into a “C” shape such that is held in place on the inside of the belt with little probability of leaving an indention or mark on the belt material.
A still further embodiment of this invention is where the ferrous metal belt attachment is permanently fastened to the belt and held in place by a fastening means such as a metal rivet, an adhesive or stitching.
Another embodiment of this invention is where the ferrous metal belt attachment is permanently incorporated within the belt and is held in place in a pouch shape in the belt material or held in place by adhesive means.
A further embodiment of this invention is where the ferrous metal belt attachment is magnetized so as to enhance the attraction between the magnet casing and ferrous metal belt attachment.
A still further embodiment of this invention addresses the use of the magnetic clasp for a user not wearing a belt. In this case the ferrous metal belt attachment is replaced by a target magnet. This target magnet would have a casing of plastic metal or other suitable material and shaped so as to facilitate the detachment of this magnet in order to release the magnetic clasp.
Another embodiment of this invention is making available to users a suspenders that is durable, easy to use, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to adapt to a variety of clothing and accessory combinations. The magnetic clasp makes it extremely easy to attach suspender ends to the trousers because the magnet and ferrous metal belt attachment need only be brought into general proximity with one another in order for the clasping connection to be made.
Additional and various other objects and advantages will become more apparent as the specification is read and the accompanying figures are reviewed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention, the magnetic suspenders system may be explained in further detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic clasp showing a magnet casing having a magnet with a hook and loop fastening system for attaching the casing to the end of a suspenders strap and showing a ferrous metal belt attachment in place on a belt;
FIG. 2 is and exploded cross sectional view of the magnet magnet with the hook and loop fastening system for attaching the casing to the end of a suspenders strap;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the magnet casing and magnet with the hook and loop fastening system for attaching the casing to the end of a suspenders strap,
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the magnet casing and magnet with the hook and loop fastening system for attaching the casing to the end of a suspenders strap along line 4-4 shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the magnet casing and magnet wherein the casing is comprised of a plastic material;
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the magnet casing and magnet wherein the casing is comprised of a plastic material that completely encases the magnet;
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the magnet casing and magnet wherein the casing is comprised of a metal material;
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the magnet casing and magnet wherein the casing is comprised of a metal material completely encased in a plastic material;
FIG. 9 is a plan view of the “J” shaped belt attachment which is shaped with a spring foil such that it may be attached to the inward bottom portion of a belt and held there frictionally;
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the ferrous metal target affixed to the belt attachment “J” 40 which is shaped with a spring foil such that it may be attached to the inward bottom portion of a belt and held there frictionally;
FIG. 11 is a plan view of the “C” shaped belt attachment which is shaped such that it may be attached to the inward face of a belt without imposing any friction on the belt surface;
FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the ferrous metal target affixed to the “C” shaped belt attachment which is shaped such that it may be attached to the inward face of a belt without imposing any friction on the belt surface;
FIG. 13 is an exploded partial cross sectional view of the magnet and casing as shown in FIG. 5 positioned inside a wearer's trousers and opposite a trousers belt with the “C” shaped belt attachment with its' attached ferrous metal target as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;
FIG. 14 is the assembled version of the exploded partial cross sectional view shown in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is an exploded partial cross sectional view of the magnet casing and magnet as shown in FIG. 5 positioned inside a wearer's trousers and opposite a trousers belt with the “J” shaped belt attachment and its' attached ferrous metal target as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12;
FIG. 16 is the assembled version of the exploded partial cross sectional view shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 17, is an exploded partial cross sectional view of the magnet casing and magnet shown in FIG. 5 positioned inside a wearer's trousers and opposite a trousers belt with the ferrous metal target comprising a plate permanently attached to the belt by means of an adhesive or pocket in the belt material;
FIG. 18 is the assembled version of the exploded partial cross sectional view shown in FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is an exploded partial cross sectional view of the magnet casing and magnet as shown in FIG. 5 positioned inside a wearer's trousers and opposite a trousers belt with the ferrous metal target comprising a plate permanently attached to the belt by means of a rivet;
FIG. 20 is the assembled version of the exploded partial cross sectional view shown in FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is an exploded partial cross sectional view of an alternative magnetic clasp with the magnet casing and magnet as shown in FIG. 5 positioned inside a wearer's trousers and opposite a target magnet casing and magnet that is used without a belt;
FIG. 22 is the assembled version of the exploded partial cross sectional view shown in FIG. 21;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating a suspenders system which provides for a pair of magnetic clasps at the leftward and rightward positions on the front portion of the wearer's belt and trousers;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a alternative embodiment of the invention illustrating suspenders system which provides for a single magnetic clasp at a position anterior on the wearer's belt and trousers and a position posterior on the wearer's belt and trousers;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention illustrating a suspenders system attached to a t-shirt and which provides for a single magnetic clasp at an anterior position on the wearer's belt and trousers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference Numbers
- Trousers belt 31
- “C” shaped belt attachment 40
- “J” shaped belt attachment 41
- Ferrous metal target 42
- Ferrous metal target with countersunk hole 43
- Metal rivet 44
- Magnet target 45
- Magnet target casing 46
- Magnet and casing with strap for attachment to a suspenders strap end 50
- Suspenders strap end 54
- Loop pad strap facing 55
- Hook pad strap facing 56
- Magnet casing strap 57
- Magnet casing 58
- Magnet 59
- Anterior suspender strap 60
- Posterior suspender strap 61
- Supplemental anterior suspender strap 62
- Casing wall 64
- Serrations 65
- Flexible plastic outer coating 66
- Flange with slot for strap 67
- Hanger 71
- Hanger attachment end with hook pad 72
- Hanger attachment loop pad 73
- T-shirt 74
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the magnetic clasp that generally comprises two components: 1.) A belt attachment 40 with attached ferrous metal target 42, 2.) a component 50 comprising a magnet 59 and magnet casing 58 with a means of attaching a strap 57 which, in turn incorporates a hook and loop means for attachment to a suspenders strap end 54. Not shown in this figure are the suspenders to which component 50 is to be attached. Later FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 will illustrate preferred and alternative embodiments of the suspenders straps.
In the preferred embodiment the magnetic clasp component 50 there is incorporated into magnet casing 58 a magnet 59 that utilizes a rare earth material such as neodymium and has a rating of N42 or higher and includes a protective coating such as nickel or other suitable decorative material to prevent corrosion. Magnet casing 58 is comprised of a plastic material such as nylon, PVC, styrene or other suitable plastic and the magnet 59 is held in place by adhesive or mechanical means. This magnet casing 58 incorporates a means of attaching a strap 57 which has a hook pad 56 attached to the inner surface of strap 57. A suspenders strap end 54 has a loop pad attached to its' outer surface making it possible to attach the casing strap 57 to the suspenders end strap 54. While a hook and loop fastening system is a preferred embodiment, other attachment means such as buttons or zippers may be utilized. The straps 54 and 57 of component 50 are intended to be of sufficient length so as to provide for vertical adjustment of the position of the magnet casing 58 so that it is opposite the ferrous metal target 42.
FIG. 1 further illustrates the positioning of the magnet 59 and magnet casing 58 such that they are held in a fixed position vertically at the end of a suspenders strap with the magnet 59 and magnet casing 58 inside the wearer's clothing and directly opposite the belt attachment 40 and its' attached ferrous metal target 42. In this preferred embodiment the belt attachment 40 is given a “J” shape with a spring foil so that it may easily be clipped to the underside of the wearer's belt 31 with the long face of the attachment 40 and the attached ferrous metal target 42 on the inside face of the belt 31. The belt attachment 40 and its' attached target 42 may be comprised of any suitable ferromagnetic material and may incorporate decorative and protective coatings such as gold, silver or nickel.
The resultant attraction between the magnet 59 and the ferrous metal target 42 effectively connects the wearer's belt 31 to the suspenders and, thus, the weight of the trousers is borne on the wearer's shoulders and upper torso.
FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the preferred and alternative embodiments of the magnet casing 58.
The magnet casing 58 shown in FIG. 5 is comprised of a plastic material such as nylon, PVC or styrene and incorporates a casing wall 64 that extends above the surface of the magnet 59 and terminates in a serrated surface 65. These serrations are intended to reduce the possibility of slippage along the inner surfaces of the wearer's clothing. Flange 67 incorporates an attachment means for a strap.
The magnet casing 58 shown in FIG. 6 is comprised of a plastic material such as nylon, PVC or styrene and completely encloses the magnet 59. The thin outer surface 65 is serrated or textured such that it will reduce the possibility of slippage along the inner surface of the wearer's clothing. Flange 67 incorporates an attachment means for a strap.
The magnet casing 58 shown in FIG. 7 is comprised of a ferromagnetic material and incorporates a casing wall 64 that extends above the surface of the magnet 59 so as to reduce the possibility of slippage along the inner surface of the wearer's clothing. This magnet casing 58 may further be magnetized and of a polarity complimentary to the magnet 59 so as to enhance the attraction to the ferrous metal target 42. Flange 67 incorporates an attachment means for a strap.
The casing 58 shown in FIG. 8 is comprised of a ferromagnetic material structural substrate with a casing wall 64 to hold the magnet 59 and a flexible plastic outer coating 66. This outer coating 66 may be of a material that is inherently frictional so as to resist slippage along the inner surface of the wearer's clothing. Flange 67 incorporates an attachment means for a strap.
FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 illustrate details of a preferred embodiment of the belt attachment 40 and an alternative embodiment of a belt attachment 41 wherein these attachments are not a permanent part of the wearer's belt. Both embodiments have a ferrous metal target 42 attached to their respective inner faces.
FIGS. 9 and 10 are plan and sectional views, respectively of a preferred embodiment of the belt attachment 40 with its' attached ferrous metal target 42. In this embodiment the belt attachment is in a “J” shaped clip that incorporates a spring foil 45 so that this embodiment of the belt attachment 40 and its attached ferrous metal target 42 may be positioned on the underside of the wearer's trousers belt with the ferrous metal target 42 facing the wearer's torso and remain there through the clamping effect of the spring foil 45.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are plan and sectional views, respectively of an alternative embodiment of a belt attachment 41. In this embodiment the belt attachment is in a “C” shape with folds at the upper and lower sides 46 so that this embodiment of a belt attachment 41 may be positioned on the wearer's belt with its' attached ferrous metal target 42 facing the wearer's torso and remain there without any clamping effect or any resultant undesirable deformation of the user's trousers belt.
FIGS. 13 and 14 are exploded and assembled views, respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the magnet and casing 58 with the preferred embodiment of the belt attachment 40 with it's attached ferrous metal target 42 shown in place relative to the wearer's trousers and belt.
FIGS. 15 and 16 are exploded and assembled views, respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the magnet and casing 58 with an alternative embodiment of a belt attachment 41 with its' ferrous metal target 42 shown in place relative to the wearer's trousers and belt.
FIGS. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 illustrate further alternative embodiments of the ferrous metal target 42.
FIGS. 17 and 18 are exploded and assembled views, respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the magnet and casing 58 with an alternative embodiment of a ferrous metal target 42 wherein this target is a permanent part of the wearer's belt 31. In this embodiment the ferrous metal target 42 is secured to the wearer's belt by an adhesive or inserted into a pocket in the inner face of the belt 31.
FIGS. 19 and 20 are exploded and assembled views, respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the magnet and casing 58 with an alternative embodiment of the ferrous metal target 43 wherein this target is a permanent part of the wearer's belt 31. In this embodiment a ferrous metal target 43 incorporates a countersunk hole so that it may be secured to the wearer's belt by a rivet 44 or other similar mechanical means.
FIGS. 21 and 22 are exploded and assembled views, respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the magnet and casing 58 with a further alternative embodiment of the magnetic clasp wherein a belt is not utilized. In this embodiment the belt and ferrous metal belt attachments are supplanted by a disk or button shaped ferrous metal target 45 with a target casing 46. The target casing 46 is shaped in such a manner as to facilitate removal the ferrous metal target from the magnetic attraction of the magnet 59.
Additionally, any of the ferrous metal targets described above may be magnetized and of a polarity such that there is an enhanced attraction to the magnet 59.
FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 illustrate a preferred and two alternative embodiments of the suspenders utilized to support the magnetic clasps 50 in a fixed position vertically on the wearer's torso.
FIG. 23 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the suspenders in which a pair of magnetic clasps are located at the front of the wearer's trousers and supported by a pair of anterior straps 60 which pass over the shoulders either side of the wearer's neck and return downward and underneath each arm wrapping around the wearer's torso 32 and converging at the top of the magnetic clasp components 50. A supplemental anterior strap 62 runs horizontally between the two magnetic clasp components 50 to both connect and separate these clasp components and a supplemental posterior strap 61 connects the two straps 60 at the back of the wearer to prevent the straps 60 from slipping off the wearer's shoulders. The magnet casing components 58 of the magnetic clasps are positioned inside the wearers clothing opposite the ferrous metal targets 42 which are held in place by the belt attachments 40. The resultant magnetic connection between magnet components 59 of the magnetic clasp and the ferrous metal targets 42 attaches the suspenders to the wearer's belt 31 so that the weight of the wearer's trousers 34 is carried on the wearer's shoulders.
FIG. 24 Illustrates an alternative embodiment of the suspenders and incorporates a pair of magnetic clasps, one each at a front and rear location on wearer's trousers. In this embodiment the anterior magnetic clasp component 50 supported by a pair of anterior straps 60 which pass over the shoulders either side of the wearer's neck and return downward as a pair of posterior straps which converge at and support the posterior magnetic clasp component 50. The anterior and posterior magnet casings 58 are positioned inside the wearers clothing and opposite the ferrous metal targets 42. The resultant magnetic connection between the magnets 59 and the ferrous metal targets 42 attaches the suspenders to the wearer's belt 31 so that the weight of the wearer's trousers 34 is carried on the wearer's shoulders.
FIG. 25 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the suspenders which incorporates a t-shirt as an integral part of the suspenders. This t-shirt 74 has a pair of loop pads 73 approximately one inch wide attached at the shoulder seam of the t-shirt and which extend downward approximately eight inches so as to provide for an additional means of adjustment for the vertical position of the magnetic clasp component 50. A pair of hook pads 72 approximately one inch wide and three inches long with an appropriate backing such as leather or plastic are attachment points on the loop pads 73 for a support strap 71 comprised of a nylon or woven metal cord or may be a metal or plastic chain or other suitable material. The magnetic clasp component 50 is attached to the center of support strap 71 and the resultant “V” shape allows the magnet casing 58 to be positioned inside the wearers clothing and opposite the ferrous metal target 42. The resultant magnetic connection between the magnet 59 and the ferrous metal target 42 attaches the suspenders to the wearer's belt 31 so that the weight of the wearer's trousers 34 is carried on the wearer's shoulders.
Patent Application
20110083254
