Methods and apparatus for decorative bra straps with multiple uses

A decorative bra strap design—interchangeable bra strap/jewelry accessory is proposed. A semi-stretchable design is based on a non-stretchable beading core, that, attached at one or both end to a stretchable elastic section, that's in turn terminated into a jewelry-clasp type ending, that serves to attach to any kind of bras that have option of interchangeable bra straps, or to a “strapless” bra with hook loops. Numerous other aspects are provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to decorative apparel, and in particular, relates to a method and apparatus for constructing decorative brasserie straps with multiple uses.

BACKGROUND

A brasserie, commonly referred to as a bra, is an article of clothing that is often considered an “undergarment”. However, in the regions with warm climates, or in general during the hot summer months, when worn under tank tops, tube tops or other sleeveless shirts often the bra straps become exposed in often unsightly ways, thus migrating from an “undergarment” item to a much more exposed and scrutinized “top garment” status. One solution is to turn these often burdensome straps into a fashion statement. While decorative removable bra straps are already on the market, sometimes referred to as “shoulder jewelry” this invention proposes a way to construct such decorative bra straps into an interchangeable piece of jewelry for the neck, waist, wrist and ankle and can also be simply engineered into an eye glass chain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure proposes an apparatus and a method of construction of an interchangeable bra strap/jewelry accessory.

FIG. 1shows a schematic perspective view of a single decorative bra strap, with its key elements highlighted. A semi-stretchable design of a decorative bra strap, where the core part100of the strap is based on a non-stretchable beading wire106,126, that's attached at one or both ends via knot110,130to a stretchable elastic section104and124, that is in turn terminated via knot108,128into a jewelry clasp type (such as lobster clasp102,122or spring clasp116,136; but not limited to), that serves to attach to any kind of bras that have option for interchangeable bra straps, or to a “strapless” bra with hook loops. This jewelry clasp102,122(or116,136) is meant to replace the standard metal or plastic hook that is normally used to attach to the bra. Knots108,110,130and128are done, for example, as the “reef knots”, but could be implemented as other types of knots. Decorative beads114are beaded on the beading wire106,126that is press-crimped at its ends via plurality (typically 1 to 5) of the press-crimp beads112,132.

FIG. 2Ashows a view of the key components for one end of the bra strap assembly. The beading wire202forms the core for beading a variety of decorative beads114that are for example made out of glass, crystal, gems, metal or wood; but not limited to. Once the decorative beads are mounted on the beading wire200, the beading wire end is formed into a loop106and looped back through the crimp-beads112, which are then press-crimped into place. In order to achieve a robust and reliable fixation, a plurality (typically 1 to 5, preferably at least 3) of press-crimp beads are lined up next to each other and then press-crimped in place/attached to the looped beading wire. An elastic loop104is then knotted through the beading wire loop106. Finally, a jewelry clasp, of “lobster-clasp” type102or “spring-clasp” type116is knotted with the other end of the elastic loop104. In order to increase the stretch-ability of the design, usage of serially knotted-to-each-other cascade of the string loops104is also envisioned. Beading wire202can also be implemented as a “fish-line” wire or replaced by a fully-stretchable band of elastic type of material.

FIG. 2Bshows a view of the assembled key components for a bra strap end assembly containing a single beading wire202. Crimp-beads112are crimped in place, the loop end106of the beading wire202is knotted in place with the elastic104, in turn knotted in place with the jewelry clasp102(or with the spring-clasp116)

FIG. 2Cshows a view of the assembled key components for a bra strap end assembly containing plurality (two wires242,244are shown) of the beading wires. Crimp-beads112are crimped in place, the plurality-loop end246of the beading wires242,244is knotted in place with the elastic104, in turn knotted in place with the jewelry clasp102(or with the spring-clasp116)

FIG. 3is a photograph of a bra strap, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4is a photograph of the same strap utilized as the neck jewelry. As these photographs indicate, the jewelry-clasp ending of the decorative bra strap design allows for versatile use or the decorative bra straps, neck jewelry being just one example.

The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of the invention. Modifications of the above disclosed apparatus and methods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.