SELF-ADJUSTING SHOULDER STRAPS

Abstract

One embodiment provides a shoulder strap system comprising one or more self-adjusting shoulder straps and one or more connectors for interconnecting the shoulder straps to a body garment intended to be worn by a wearer. Each shoulder strap comprises a casing including one or more fabric layers forming an exterior of the casing and an elastic segment interconnected to a webbing segment, where the elastic segment and the webbing segment are disposed inside the casing and concealed by the fabric layers. Each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap is stretchable to dynamically adjust to a physical build or a movement of the wearer, such that each shoulder strap operates independently to increase mobility and range of motion of the wearer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments relate generally to garments, and in particular, self-adjusting shoulder straps affixed to body garments.

BACKGROUND

A shoulder strap is a strap over a shoulder affixed to a body garment to support the garment. A body garment with shoulder straps typically includes a pair of shoulder straps (i.e., one shoulder strap over each shoulder of an individual wearing the garment).

SUMMARY

One embodiment provides a shoulder strap system comprising one or more self-adjusting shoulder straps and one or more connectors for interconnecting the shoulder straps to a body garment intended to be worn by a wearer. Each shoulder strap comprises a casing including one or more fabric layers forming an exterior of the casing and an elastic segment interconnected to a webbing segment, where the elastic segment and the webbing segment are disposed inside the casing and concealed by the fabric layers. Each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap is stretchable to dynamically adjust to a physical build or a movement of the wearer, such that each shoulder strap operates independently to increase mobility and range of motion of the wearer.

Another embodiment provides an article of clothing comprising a body garment intended to be worn by a wearer, one or more self-adjusting shoulder straps, and one or more connectors for interconnecting the shoulder straps to the body garment. Each shoulder strap comprises a casing including one or more fabric layers forming an exterior of the casing and an elastic segment interconnected to a webbing segment, where the elastic segment and the webbing segment are disposed inside the casing and concealed by the fabric layers. Each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap is stretchable to dynamically adjust to a physical build or a movement of the wearer, such that each shoulder strap operates independently to increase mobility and range of motion of the wearer.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the one or more embodiments will become understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example shoulder strap system for a body garment, in one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates the example shoulder strap system of FIG. 1 in more detail, in one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example elastic segment partially stretched/extended, in one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3B illustrates an example elastic segment stretched/extended to its maximum length, in one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates an under side of a shoulder strap, in one or more embodiments;

FIG. 5A illustrates an example adjustable fastener in a semi-open position, in one or more embodiments;

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the adjustable fastener of FIG. 5A in a closed position, in one or more embodiments; and

FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of the adjustable fastener of FIG. 5A in the closed position, in one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of one or more embodiments and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

One or more embodiments relate generally to garments, and in particular, self-adjusting shoulder straps affixed to body garments. One embodiment provides a shoulder strap system comprising one or more self-adjusting shoulder straps and one or more connectors for interconnecting the shoulder straps to a body garment intended to be worn by a wearer. Each shoulder strap comprises a casing including one or more fabric layers forming an exterior of the casing and an elastic segment interconnected to a webbing segment, where the elastic segment and the webbing segment are disposed inside the casing and concealed by the fabric layers. Each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap is stretchable to dynamically adjust to a physical build or a movement of the wearer, such that each shoulder strap operates independently to increase mobility and range of motion of the wearer.

Another embodiment provides an article of clothing comprising a body garment intended to be worn by a wearer, one or more self-adjusting shoulder straps, and one or more connectors for interconnecting the shoulder straps to the body garment. Each shoulder strap comprises a casing including one or more fabric layers forming an exterior of the casing and an elastic segment interconnected to a webbing segment, where the elastic segment and the webbing segment are disposed inside the casing and concealed by the fabric layers. Each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap is stretchable to dynamically adjust to a physical build or a movement of the wearer, such that each shoulder strap operates independently to increase mobility and range of motion of the wearer.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example shoulder strap system 20 for a body garment 10, in one or more embodiments. The body garment 10 is intended to be worn by a wearer. The body garment 10 comprises, but is not limited to, a pair of overalls, a romper, a bib, or any one-piece garment, etc. The body garment 10 includes a shoulder strap system 20 comprising one or more shoulder straps 21. Each shoulder strap 21 includes a pair of opposing ends 21A (FIG. 5A) and 21B (FIG. 2) affixed to a front end 11 and a back end 12 of the garment 10, respectively. For example, if the body garment 10 comprises a pair of overalls, the front end 11 includes a bib 11A that a first opposing end 21A of each shoulder strap 21 is affixed to, and the back end 12 includes a back panel 12A that a second opposing end 21B of each shoulder strap 21 is affixed to.

Each shoulder strap 21 is designed/shaped for placement over a shoulder of the wearer to support the garment 10. In one embodiment, the garment 10 includes a pair of shoulder straps 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the pair of shoulder straps 21 includes a right shoulder strap 21R and a left shoulder strap 21L for placement over a right shoulder and a left shoulder, respectively, of the wearer.

A portion of each shoulder strap 21 includes a casing 22.

FIG. 2 illustrates the example shoulder strap system 20 of FIG. 1 in more detail, in one or more embodiments. In one embodiment, each casing 22 of each shoulder strap 21 extends from about a center 21C of the shoulder strap 21 to about an opposing end 21B of the shoulder strap 21 (i.e., the casing 22 extends between the center 21C and the opposing end 21B), as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, each casing 22 of each shoulder strap 21 is about 8 inches in length.

A casing 22 of each shoulder strap 21 includes multiple layers. Specifically, the casing 22 comprises a front side fabric layer 22A and an under side fabric layer 22B (FIG. 4) that together form an exterior of the casing 22. An interior of the casing 22 comprises an opening (i.e., a tunnel) that is designed/shaped for receiving an elastic segment 23 and a webbing segment 24 that are interconnected. The front side fabric layer 22A and the under side fabric layer 22B enclose the interconnected segments 23 and 24, such that the interconnected segments 23 and 24 are hidden inside (i.e., tunneled inside) the casing 22 of the shoulder strap 21. To illustrate the inside of the casing 22, the interior of the right shoulder strap 21R is drawn in FIG. 2 with the interconnected segments 23 and 24 shown; otherwise, the casing 22 conceals the interconnected segments 23 and 24 as shown by the left shoulder strap 21L in FIG. 2 and the right shoulder strap 21R in FIG. 1.

For each shoulder strap 21, the elastic segment 23 inside the casing 22 precedes the webbing segment 24 inside the same casing 22. For example, in one embodiment, one opposing end of the elastic segment 23 that is within proximity of the center 21C of the shoulder strap 21 is tethered inside the casing 22 via one or more bartacks (i.e., a series of stitches used to reinforce areas of the garment 10 that may be subject to stress or additional wear) 25 (e.g., two bartacks 25 that are each about ⅞ inches and spaced about ½ inches apart) through all the layers of the casing 22 (i.e., through the front side fabric layer 22A, the elastic segment 23, and the under side fabric layer 22B). Another opposing end of the elastic segment 23 is overlapped with one opposing end of the webbing segment 24 to form overlapping ends 33, and the overlapping ends 33 are permanently attached via one or more bartacks 26 (e.g., two bartacks 26 that are each about ⅞ inches and spaced about ½ inches apart) through the overlapping ends 33 only. Another opposing end of the webbing segment 24 that forms the opposing end 21B of the shoulder strap 21 is permanently attached to a seam allowance (i.e., an area between fabric edges and a line of stitches) 13 of the back panel 12A via one or more bartacks 27 (e.g., the opposing end 21B is caught in the seam allowance 13 and secured with one bartack 27 that is about ⅞ inches). Both opposing ends of the webbing segment 24 may be hot-knifed.

The interconnected segments 23 and 24 are not caught in top stitching 28 (FIG. 1) permanently attaching the front side fabric layer 22A to the under side fabric layer 22B. As only one opposing end of the elastic segment 23 is tethered (i.e., the opposing end of the elastic segment 23 that is within proximity of the center 21C of the shoulder strap 21), the elastic segment 23 can move freely inside the casing 22 and is stretchable/extendable from its original length (i.e., size) L₁ to its maximum length L₂ (FIG. 3B) that defines its elastic limit. The stretchable/extendable elastic segment 23 allows the shoulder strap 21 to dynamically adjust to the physical build and movements of the wearer. For example, if the wearer is tall, the wearer's shoulder may exert stress onto the shoulder strap 21, causing the elastic segment 23 to stretch/extend from its original length L; which in turn adjusts the shoulder strap 21 to accommodate the height of the wearer. By comparison, if the wearer is short, the wearer's shoulder may not exert any stress onto the shoulder strap 21, causing the elastic segment 23 to remain in/retain its original length L₁.

As another example, if the wearer bends, crouches, or makes another type of movement, the wearer's shoulder may exert stress onto the shoulder strap 21 as the wearer moves, causing the elastic segment 23 to stretch/extend from its original length L₁ which in turn adjusts the shoulder strap 21 to accommodate the movement of the wearer.

As shown in FIG. 2, if the elastic segment 23 remains in its original length L₁, an opposing end of the casing 22 is flush with the back panel 12A. This ensures that the webbing segment 24 remains concealed or only a tiny portion of the webbing segment 24 is exposed (e.g., about ¼ inches of tolerance).

FIG. 3A illustrates an example elastic segment 23 partially stretched/extended, in one or more embodiments. To illustrate the inside of the casing 22, the interior of the right shoulder strap 21R is drawn in FIG. 3A with the interconnected segments 23 and 24 shown; otherwise, the casing 22 conceals the interconnected segments 23 and 24 as shown by the left shoulder strap 21 in FIG. 3A and the right shoulder strap 21R in FIG. 1. The elastic segment 23 remains concealed inside the casing 22 even when partially stretched/extended to a length L₃ that is greater than its original length Ly but less than its maximum length L₂, as shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3A, most of the webbing segment 24 remains concealed even when the elastic segment 23 is partially stretched/extended, thereby exposing only a small portion 24A of the webbing segment 24 to outside (i.e., exterior) elements (e.g., heat, water, friction, etc.). Enclosing the interconnected segments 23 and 24 inside the casing 22 reduces or eliminates abrasion/friction between the segments 23, 24 and the skin or the underclothing/undergarment (e.g., the wearer wears a shirt underneath the body garment 10) of the wearer. For example, the elastic segment 23 will never catch onto any underclothing/undergarment that the wearer wears underneath the body garment 10. Further, enclosing the interconnected segments 23 and 24 inside the casing 22 prevents dirt and other debris from getting caught in the segments 23 and 24, thereby causing less wear and tear to the segments 23 and 24 over time.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example elastic segment 23 stretched/extended to its maximum length L₂, in one or more embodiments. To illustrate the inside of the casing 22, the interior of the left shoulder strap 21L is drawn in FIG. 3B with the interconnected segments 23 and 24 shown; otherwise, the casing 22 conceals the interconnected segments 23 and 24 as shown by the left shoulder strap 21L in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A.

The elastic segment 23 remains concealed inside the casing 22 even when stretched to its maximum length L₂, as shown in FIG. 3B. Even when stretched to its maximum length L₂, the elastic segment 23 never extends/stretches beyond the opening of the casing 22. Restricting/limiting the range of movement of the elastic segment 23 inside the casing 22 in this manner ensures that the elastic segment 23 is never exposed to the elements, thereby reducing wear and tear on the elastic segment 23. Further, concealing the elastic segment 23 ensures the shoulder strap 21 is fire resistant. By comparison, exposing the elastic segment 23 would make the garment 10 more susceptible to the elements.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a larger portion 24B of the webbing segment 24 is exposed when the elastic segment 23 is stretched to its maximum length L₂, but the overlapping ends 33 of the elastic segment 23 and the webbing segment 24 remain concealed inside the casing 22. Enclosing the elastic segment 23 and the overlapping ends 33 inside the casing 22 reduces or eliminates abrasion/friction between the elastic segment 23, the overlapping ends 33 and the skin or the underclothing/undergarment (e.g., the wearer wears a shirt underneath the body garment 10) of the wearer. For example, the elastic segment 23 will never catch onto any underclothing/undergarment that the wearer wears underneath the body garment 10. Further, enclosing the elastic segment 23 and the overlapping ends 33 inside the casing 22 prevents dirt and other debris from getting caught in the elastic segment 23 and the overlapping ends 33, thereby causing less wear and tear to the elastic segment 23 and the overlapping ends 33 over time.

As the elastic segment 23 can move freely and stretch inside the casing 22 of each shoulder strap 21, each shoulder strap 21 of the shoulder strap system 20 works independently of each other, thereby increasing mobility and range of motion of the wearer (i.e., the wearer has extended and unrestricted mobility). For example, if the wearer extends their right shoulder or makes another type of movement with their right shoulder, the wearer's right shoulder may exert stress onto the right shoulder strap 21R, causing the elastic segment 23 of the right shoulder strap 21R to stretch/extend from its original length L which in turn adjusts the right shoulder strap 21R to accommodate the movement of the wearer. At the same time, the wearer's left shoulder may not exert any stress onto the left shoulder strap 21L, causing the elastic segment 23 of the left shoulder strap 21L to remain in/retain its original length L₁.

In one embodiment, an opposing end of each fabric layer 22A, 22B that is within proximity of the opposing end 21B of the shoulder strap 21 is about ½ inches surged and its hem turned under and caught in about ¼ inches of stitching.

FIG. 4 illustrates an under side of a shoulder strap 21, in one or more embodiments. As stated above, only one opposing end of the elastic segment 23 (i.e., the opposing end of the elastic segment 23 that is within proximity of the center 21C of the shoulder strap 21) is tethered inside the casing 22 via one or more bartacks 25 (e.g., two bartacks 25 that are each about ⅞ inches and spaced about ½ inches apart) through all the layers of the casing 22 (i.e., through the front side fabric layer 22A, the elastic segment 23, and the under side fabric layer 22B). The opposing end 21B of the shoulder strap 21 is permanently attached to the back panel 12A via one or more bartacks 27 (e.g., one bartack 27 that is about ⅞ inches).

In one embodiment, the shoulder strap 21 includes ripstop (i.e., reinforcing fabric) 22C. For example, the shoulder strap 21 may include a seam allowance 22D towards the ripstop 22C with top stitching of about ⅛ inches.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example adjustable fastener 30 in a semi-open position, in one or more embodiments. In one embodiment, each opposing end 21A of each shoulder strap 21 is affixed to a top of the front end 11 of the garment 10 (e.g., affixed to a top of the bib 11A in FIG. 1) via a connector 29 sewn into the top of the front end 11. In one embodiment, the connector 29 is a buckle loop. In another embodiment, the connector is another type of connector such as, but not limited to, a snapfit connector (e.g., a cantilever snap, an annular snap, a trap, a dart, etc.), a push-pull connector, a retaining ring, a snap, a cantilever spring fastener, a crush rib fastener, a carabiner, etc.

In one embodiment, each opposing end 21A of each shoulder strap 21 includes an adjustable fastener 30. In one embodiment, the fastener 30 is a hook and loop fastener 30 (e.g., Velcro hook and loop). Specifically, the fastener 30 comprises loop end 31 including loop fastening material, and a flap end 32 including hook fastening material.

In another embodiment, the locations of the hook fastening material and the loop fastening material are reversed, such that the loop end 31 includes the hook fastening material and the flap end 32 includes the loop fastening material instead.

The flap end 32 is a flap that is releasably attached to the loop end 31. For example, in one embodiment, aligning and pressing the flap end 32 on top of and against the loop end 32 causes the hook fastening material to engage and fasten to the loop fastening material. In FIG. 5A, the fastener 30 is in a semi-open position, i.e., only a portion of the hook fastening material of the flap end 32 is engaged and fastened to the loop fastening material.

In one embodiment, a length of the loop fastening material is substantially similar to a length of the hook fastening material, such that the surface areas of the materials are similarly sized for better grip. For example, the surface area of the loop fastening material or the hook fastening material is about 6 inches by about 1.5 inches. Further, there is less surface area for dirt and other debris to get caught in the fastening materials, thereby causing less wear and tear to the fastener 30 over time.

The flap end 32 and the loop end 31 may be vertically aligned (i.e., the entire hook fastening material is engaged and fastened to the loop fastening material). The length of the shoulder strap 21 is adjustable by vertically aligning the entire flap end 32 with the loop end 31 (i.e., the ends 31 and 32 are flush), or vertically aligning only a portion of the entire flap end 32 with the loop end 31 (i.e., the ends 31 and 32 are not flush). For example, if the wearer is tall, only a portion of the loop fastening material is engaged and fastened to the hook fastening material to extend the length of the shoulder strap 21 and accommodate the height of the wearer, thereby leaving the remaining portion of the loop fastening material exposed.

In another embodiment, the fastener 30 is another type of fastener such as, but not limited to, a snapfit connector (e.g., a cantilever snap, an annular snap, a trap, a dart, etc.), a push-pull connector, a buckle, a retaining ring, a snap, a cantilever spring fastener, a crush rib fastener, a carabiner, etc.

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the adjustable fastener 30 of FIG. 5A in a closed position, in one or more embodiments. FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of the adjustable fastener 30 of FIG. 5A in the closed position, in one or more embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 5B-5C, the entire flap end 32 is vertically aligned with the loop end 31 (i.e., the ends 31 and 32 are flush), such that the entire hook fastening material of the flap end 32 is engaged and fastened to the loop fastening material of the loop end 31. As shown in FIG. 5B, no portion of the loop fastening material of the loop end 31 is exposed when the fastener 30 is in the closed position. As further shown in FIG. 5B, a hem of the flap end 32 is turned under and caught in stitching (e.g., a turn of about ½ inches).

In one embodiment, each loop end 31 and each flap end 32 includes top stitching of about ⅛ inches from its edges.

References in the claims to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described exemplary embodiment that are currently known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for.”

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, 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 corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Though the embodiments have been described with reference to certain versions thereof; however, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

Claims

1. A shoulder strap system comprising: one or more self-adjusting shoulder straps; andone or more connectors for interconnecting the shoulder straps to a body garment intended to be worn by a wearer;wherein each shoulder strap comprises a casing including: one or more fabric layers forming an exterior of the casing; andan elastic segment interconnected to a webbing segment, wherein the elastic segment and the webbing segment are disposed inside the casing and concealed by the fabric layers, and the elastic segment is stretchable to dynamically adjust to a physical build or a movement of the wearer, such that each shoulder strap operates independently to increase mobility and range of motion of the wearer.

2. The shoulder strap system of claim 1, wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap is movable inside the casing and stretchable from a minimum length to a maximum length in response to stress exerted onto the shoulder strap by a shoulder of the wearer.

3. The shoulder strap system of claim 2, wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby reducing wear and tear on the elastic segment.

4. The shoulder strap system of claim 2, wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby reducing or eliminating friction between the elastic segment and the wearer.

5. The shoulder strap system of claim 2, wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby eliminating exposure of the elastic segment to outside elements, such that the shoulder strap is fire resistant.

6. The shoulder strap system of claim 1, wherein each connector comprises a buckle loop.

7. The shoulder strap system of claim 1, wherein each shoulder strap further comprises a hook and loop fastener for adjusting a length of the shoulder strap to accommodate the physical build of the wearer.

8. The shoulder strap system of claim 1, wherein the body garment comprises one of a pair of overalls, a romper, a bib, or a one-piece garment.

9. An article of clothing comprising: a body garment intended to be worn by a wearer;one or more self-adjusting shoulder straps; andone or more connectors for interconnecting the shoulder straps to the body garment;wherein each shoulder strap comprises a casing including: one or more fabric layers forming an exterior of the casing; andan elastic segment interconnected to a webbing segment, wherein the elastic segment and the webbing segment are disposed inside the casing and concealed by the fabric layers, and the elastic segment is stretchable to dynamically adjust to a physical build or a movement of the wearer, such that each shoulder strap operates independently to increase mobility and range of motion of the wearer.

10. The article of clothing of claim 9, wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap is movable inside the casing and stretchable from a minimum length to a maximum length in response to stress exerted onto the shoulder strap by a shoulder of the wearer.

11. The article of clothing of claim 10, wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby reducing wear and tear on the elastic segment.

12. The article of clothing of claim 10, wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby reducing or eliminating friction between the elastic segment and the wearer.

13. The article of clothing of claim 10, wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby eliminating exposure of the elastic segment to outside elements, such that the shoulder strap is fire resistant.

14. The article of clothing of claim 9, wherein each connector comprises a buckle loop.

15. The article of clothing of claim 9, wherein each shoulder strap further comprises a hook and loop fastener for adjusting a length of the shoulder strap to accommodate the physical build of the wearer.

16. The article of clothing of claim 9, wherein the body garment comprises one of a pair of overalls, a romper, a bib, or a one-piece garment.