Abstract:
The present invention relates to a shoulder strap retainer for garments, and more particularly to an undergarment strap retention device for retaining a shoulder strap of an undergarment beneath a shoulder strap of an outer garment. Retention of a strap of an undergarment, such as a bra, beneath the shoulder strap of an outer garment is accomplished by a pair of members which are magnetically attracted to each other. One of the members, an anchor assembly, is secured to a strap of an undergarment. The strap of the outer garment is positioned above and adjacent to the undergarment with the inner strap hidden from view. A decorative base plate is placed against the outer surface of the outer garment to engage the magnetic field produced by magnets positioned within the anchor assembly so the magnetic field pulls against the base plate to sandwich the cloth of the outer garment.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation In Part of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/481,794, filed May 3, 2011, entitled “Shoulder Strap Retainer for Undergarments”, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a device for preventing movement of an article of clothing with respect to another article of clothing; and more particularly to a device for confining the shoulder strap of an undergarment upon the user&#39;s shoulder and under the shoulder strap of an outer garment. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is not uncommon for the straps of foundation garments, such as those of a brassiere or camisole, to slide off the shoulder of the wearer. These straps, when exposed from under the outer garments, become a source of embarrassment. This is particularly true when the color of the undergarment is different from the color of the outer garment; for example, when the undergarment is black and the outer garment is white or a very pale color. Additionally, if the straps slide down to the upper arm, they will restrict the arm movements of the wearer and become a source of discomfort. These issues are particularly prevalent when the foundation garment is worn under a strapped outer garment that has a wide and/or deep neck opening such as a sleeveless sweater, blouse, tank top or the like. Women frequently adjust their garments under such circumstances in an attempt to conceal the brassiere straps. However, the straps are prone to coming into view despite efforts to conceal them. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, there is a need for a device capable of retaining the straps of the foundation garments on the shoulder of the wearer and keeping them under the outer garment. Such a device should be small and thin so it can be easily hidden under outer garments of different styles. The device should also be easily engaged so as not to become a hassle for the wearer during her daily dressing routine. Ideally, the device should be a stand-alone type, which does not have to be permanently attached to a garment, so that one device could be used for many different garments. Furthermore, the device should be modifiable in color and style to allow the user to match the device to her style and color of clothing for a particular day or event. The device must also be readily releasable from the undergarment so as to permit the wearer to remove the outer garment without the difficulty of having to remove the undergarment. The device should also lend itself to modern manufacturing techniques for cost control and to allow the device to blend with modern clothing and styles. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0005]    Various devices in the past have been designed to keep undergarments from view or to maintain the straps of undergarments in alignment. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,544,303 discloses a Lingerie Clasp. The device includes a clasp member and auxiliary plate member. The plate member includes a pair of outwardly extending snap members and is constructed to be sewn into the shoulder portion of an outer garment. The clasp member is constructed from a piece of flat metal bent into a flattened loop similar in shape to a safety pin having a latch at the open end. In operation, the auxiliary member is sewn into an outer garment. The clasp is secured around the inner garment shoulder strap and thereafter attached to the auxiliary member via the snaps. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,046,589 discloses a shoulder strap holder. The holder is formed from a continuous piece of wire having an upper portion for securing the shoulder portion of the outer garment, and a lower portion for securing the shoulder strap. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,745 discloses a fastener device attached to the shoulder strap of a foundation garment, such as a brassiere, for securing the undersurface of an overlying outer garment worn over the shoulder straps to conceal the shoulder strap from view. The device is in the form of a fastener strip having a top surface covered with hook and loop (Velcro). The hook portion is exposed to snag the inner surface of the outer garment. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,489,731; 1,589,228; 4,764,988; 4,953,233; 5,060,348; 5,590,545 and 5,914,166 illustrate similar devices. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,049,660 discloses a Shoulder Strap Retaining Device. The device is formed from a thin narrow strip of metal material having a medial body portion and opposite inwardly folded ends overlapping in a spaced parallel relationship. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,643,380 discloses a Shoulder Strap Holder. The strap holder is a symmetrical channel-like member and has foam padding bonded to the underside thereof. The device is formed from plastic which is readily deformable, but sufficiently rigid to retain its shape. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,593,776; 2,015,113; 2,633,573; 5,308,278; 5,309,608; 5,803,792; 5,913,413; 6,135,852; 6,155,906 and 6,827,628 illustrate similar devices. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,752 B1 discloses non-woven, non-shiny, and substantially transparent clothing straps for use with apparel worn under loosely fitting sleeveless outer garments, undergarments used with sheer outer clothing, or outer clothing having narrow shoulder straps or cutouts therein which would otherwise readily reveal undergarment straps, and other apparel to give a strapless illusion to it. The straps are made from flexible, resilient, but non-stretchable material and could be permanently attached to a garment or made to be easily and readily detached from it. Also, a short stretchable extension could be inserted between one end of the strap and the garment to which it is attached to help the strap resist twisting and lay in an essentially flat, more comfortable and discrete position during use. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,186 discloses a charm chain comprised of an ornamental chain in a selected shape, multiple snaps and a lining band; snaps being respectively fixed to both ends of the ornamental chain and retain the lining band at the bottom of the ornamental chain for the charm chain to be adapted to a string bikini, a bra, a strap or any other accessories for ornamental purpose and safe use since the ornamental chain is prevented from directly contacting one&#39;s skin by means of the lining band. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,176 discloses a jewelry item having a top member pivotally joined by a hinge to a lower base member used to retain a handbag&#39;s shoulder strap in place to the clothing of a user. The top and base members are curved lengthwise to resemble the natural curvature of a user&#39;s shoulder. A latch on the top can engage a mating member on the base member to lock the top and base members together when closed. A fastener on the base can attach the jewelry item to the clothing of a user at their shoulder. Several different designs and materials are disclosed for the exposed upper surface of the top member to exhibit and resemble a fine piece of jewelry. This jewelry item may be worn alone or used to retain the shoulder strap of a handbag to a user. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,819,721 discloses a decorative accessory which can be interchangeably secured to a variety of different items of clothing. The decorative accessory includes a strap which may be secured to an undergarment. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The present invention relates to a shoulder strap retainer for garments, and more particularly to an undergarment strap retention device for retaining a shoulder strap of an undergarment beneath a shoulder strap of an outer garment. Retention of a strap of an undergarment, such as a bra, beneath the shoulder strap of an outer garment is accomplished by a pair of members which are magnetically attracted to each other. One of the members, an anchor assembly, is secured to a strap of an undergarment in a desired position. The strap of the outer garment is positioned above and adjacent to the undergarment with the inner strap hidden from view. A decorative base plate is placed against the outer surface of the outer garment to engage the magnetic field produced by magnets positioned within the anchor assembly so that the magnetic field pulls against the base plate to sandwich the cloth of the outer garment. The use of magnets prevents the members from having to be sewn into the garments, while the magnetic attraction allows the user to position the undergarment and the base plate as desired. The magnetic attraction between the members also permits removal of the securing element without removal of the device secured to the strap. This construction also permits decorative items to be attached to the base plate which can be changed or oriented as desired by the user. 
         [0016]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a device for the retention of the straps of an undergarment beneath an outer garment. 
         [0017]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a device which is readily securable to and removable from both an undergarment and an outer garment without damaging either garment. 
         [0018]    It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide a device for securing an undergarment beneath an outer garment which can be readily adjusted after it is secured to the garments. 
         [0019]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a device which can be secured to an undergarment without damaging the undergarment. 
         [0020]    It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide a device for securing an undergarment beneath an outer garment to which decorative accessories can be attached. 
         [0021]    It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide a device that utilizes a magnetic field to secure an undergarment and an outer garment in a desired arrangement. 
         [0022]    Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the positioning of an undergarment with respect to an outer garment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8A  is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of a magnet utilized in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12A  is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 12B  is an enlarged partial view taken along lines  12 B- 12 B of  FIG. 12A ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 12C  is an enlarged partial view taken along lines  12 C- 12 C of  FIG. 12A ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , illustrating the anchor portion of the device in a partially open position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , illustrating the anchor portion of the device in a fully open position; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  is a side view, partially in section, illustrating the device of  FIG. 11  in cooperation with an undergarment and an outer garment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the shoulder strap retainer  10  is illustrated in a position secured to an outer garment  12 . The outer or over garment includes a plurality of straps  14  and a wide neckline  16 . An undergarment  18  is worn beneath the outer garment  12  and also includes a plurality of straps  20 . The shoulder strap retainer secures both the outer garment and the undergarment via a magnetic field to retain the straps  20  of the undergarment  18  beneath and in line with the straps  14  of the outer garment  12 . This prevents the straps  20  of the undergarment from being seen by other individuals so that an individual wearing the present invention will present an attractive appearance. A decorative base plate  102  is placed against the outer surface of the outer garment  12  to engage the magnetic field produced by magnets positioned within the anchor assembly  100 , secured to the strap  20  of the undergarment  18 , so that the magnetic field pulls against the base plate to sandwich the cloth of the outer garment. The use of magnets prevents the members from having to be sewn into the garments, while the magnetic attraction allows the user to position the undergarment and the base plate as desired. The magnetic attraction between the members also permits removal of the securing element without removal of the device secured to the strap. This construction also permits decorative items  36  to be attached to the base plate which can be changed or oriented as desired by the user. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , side and assembled views of one embodiment of the shoulder strap retainer  10  is illustrated. In this embodiment of the shoulder strap retainer  10  the anchor assembly  100  is securable to the strap  14  of the outer garment  12 , and the strap  20  of the undergarment  18  is secured in place via the magnetic field attraction to the base plate assembly  102 . The anchor assembly  100  includes at least one and preferably two magnets  26  which are mounted on an anchor plate  54 . The base includes a channel  30  between the magnets  26 . The channel  30  is sized to accept the strap of a garment. A metallic closure plate  32  is hingedly secured, via hinge  34 , to the anchor assembly  100  for movement between an open position and a closed position. In this manner, the strap of the garment may be placed within the channel and the magnetic field from magnets  26  can retain the closure plate in the closed position. The closure plate is easily released by pulling on the closure plate  32  to overcome the magnetic pull. 
         [0044]    A decorative item  36 , such as a flower or jewelry, can be slid onto or secured to the closure plate  32 . The decorative item  36  will be displayed on the outer surface of the outer garment. The decorative item  36  can be a flower, plant, animal, indicia such as letters and/or numbers, jewelry, gems, etc. The decorative item  36  is readily securable to and removable from closure plate  32  so that an individual can change the decorative item  36  depending on which item of clothing the present invention  10  is to be worn on. The decorative item  36  can also be selected to accessorize the clothing an individual is wearing. 
         [0045]    The base plate  102  includes two metal slugs or additional magnets  26  secured to a base  40 . The base  40  includes a channel  30  between the magnets  26 . The length of the channel  30  is selected such that a strap  20  of an undergarment  18  will fit into the channel and substantially lay flat on an individual wearing the undergarment. The length of the base plate  102  should also be selected such that the slugs (not shown) or magnets  26  align with the magnets positioned in the anchor assembly  100 . A foam pad or gel  44  is secured to a lower surface of the anchor assembly  100 . The foam pad or gel will rest against the skin of an individual wearing the present invention. Therefore, the foam pad or gel should preferably be made from a hypoallergenic material. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the anchor plate  54  of the anchor assembly  100  is made from an elastic fabric  48 . Two magnets  26  are secured to the upper surface of the elastic fabric  48 . The elastic fabric  48  enables the magnets  26  to be moved relative to each other longitudinally to allow the width of channel  30  to be altered. A plurality of stays  52  are provided to extend along the longitudinal edges of the elastic fabric  48 . The stays  52  are made from a resilient material having sufficient rigidity to prevent the magnets from folding over onto each other in use. The ability of the magnets  26  to be moved relative to each other enable the anchor assembly to expand or contract for placement on undergarment straps having different widths. A decorative, or metal base plate  102  is provided that includes a width sufficient to align with the magnets  26  of the anchor assembly  100  to retain the straps of the undergarment underneath the straps of the outer garment; the base plate  102  being positioned adjacent the outer surface of the outer garment, whereby the magnetic attraction from the anchor assembly  100  pulls the base plate into engagement with the magnets  26 , sandwiching the outer garment therebetween with the undergarment strap positioned between the magnets  26 . This construction allows the two garments to move relative to each other while maintaining the straps in alignment and the inner strap hidden. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the anchor assembly  100  includes two magnets  26  secured to an upper surface  58  of the anchor plate  54  in a spaced apart arrangement. A relatively thin layer of a hypoallergenic foam or gel  44  is secured to the lower surface of the anchor plate. A closure plate  32  is secured to the lower surface of the anchor plate via hinge  34  at a first end  31  thereof while the opposite second end  33  is releasably secured to the lower surface of anchor plate  54  via latch  35 . The closure plate  32  can be releasably secured by employing a snap, a deformable member, a releasable adhesive, etc without departing from the scope of the invention. In this embodiment the strap of the undergarment is placed between the anchor plate  54  and the closure plate  32 . The strap  20  of the outer garment  18  is positioned between the magnets  26 , or over the magnets, and a base plate  102  is secured to the magnets to finish the assembly. Various decorations (not shown) may be secured to the base plate as desired. It should be noted that when the straps of the outer garment are placed between the magnets, the inner and outer garments are free to move relative to each other while the inner strap remains hidden. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, anchor plate  54  is constructed as a magnet  26 . A relatively thin layer of a hypoallergenic foam or gel  44  is secured to the lower surface of the anchor plate  54 . A closure plate  32  is secured to the lower surface of the anchor plate via hinge  34  at a first end  31  thereof while the opposite second end  33  is releasably secured to the lower surface of member  54  via latch  35 . The closure plate  32  can be releasably secured by employing a snap, a deformable member, a releasable adhesive, etc., without departing from the scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the strap of the undergarment is placed between the magnet  26 , anchor plate  54  and the closure plate  32 . The strap  14  of the outer garment  12  is positioned between the magnet  26  and the base plate  102  which is secured to the magnet to finish the assembly. Various decorations (not shown) may be secured to the base plate as desired. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , with the exception that the anchor plate  54  is constructed to include two members  78  and  80 . Whereby, one of the two members  78  and  80  is slidably received within or upon the other. This construction enables the anchor plate  54  to expand and contract longitudinally. The expansion and contraction of the anchor plate  54  enables the anchor assembly  100  to accommodate undergarment straps of various widths. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment is similar in function to the embodiment of  FIG. 7 . In this embodiment, the anchor plate  54  of the anchor assembly  100  includes a plurality of apertures or indentions  86 . The apertures or indentions  86  are sized to frictionally cooperate with a pin  88  extending outwardly from the magnets  26 . This construction permits the magnets  26  to be positioned as desired along the length of the anchor plate  54  by pushing the pin  88  into the desired aperture  86 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment the anchor plate  54  of the anchor assembly  100  includes a slot or channel  92 . The channel  92  extends along the length of the anchor plate  54  between the upper and lower surfaces and includes a slot  94 . The size of the slot  94  is such that it enables a strap  20  of an undergarment  18  to be placed within the channel  92 . The size of the slot  94  also prevents the strap  20  from unexpectedly coming out of the channel  92  while an individual is wearing the device. The length of the channel  92  enables the anchor plate  54  to be utilized with a plurality of straps of varying widths. A plurality of magnets  26  are secured to an upper surface of anchor plate. A base plate  102  having sufficient width to cooperate with the magnets is utilized to secure the outer garment. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a lower member  104  includes a central channel  30  formed by two stanchions  106  having spherical cavities  108  in an upper surface thereof. At least three magnets  114  and  116  are provided; the magnets  114  are constructed to include a convex spherical lower portion  110 . The lower portions  110  cooperate with concave edges  112  of a central magnet  116 . The central magnet  116  can be depressed downwardly to the top surface of channel  30  for insertion of an undergarment strap  20 . The central magnet  116  is returned to its original position after it has been depressed by the magnetic attraction provided by magnets  114 . The strap of the undergarment is now trapped and securely held within the lower member  104 . A base plate  102  can then be utilized to secure the outer garment strap in place over the undergarment strap. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 11-15 , a most preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment the anchor assembly  100  includes a single magnet  26  secured to an upper surface  58  of the anchor plate  54 . A layer of gripping teeth  118  are integrally formed onto the lower surface of the anchor plate and the inner surface of the closure plate  32 . A closure plate  32  is secured to the lower surface of the anchor plate via a living hinge  34  at a first end  31  thereof, while the opposite second end  33  is releasably secured to the lower surface of anchor plate  54  via latch  35 . The latch  35  preferably includes a deformable member  120  having an outwardly extending catch  122 . The catch includes a ramping surface  124  and catch surface  126 . The latch is constructed to extend through aperture  128 , whereby the deformable member  120  is caused to flex as the ramping surface engages the aperture  128  wall  129 . Once the ramping surface passes the aperture wall, the deformable member springs back substantially to its original position to cause the catch surface  126  to engage the upper surface  58  of the anchor plate  54 . Release requires the deformable member to be flexed sufficiently to allow the catch to be released. In the preferred embodiment, the anchor plate and the closure plate are formed as a single piece of plastic via an injection molding process. However, it should also be noted that other production methods may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0054]    In operation, the strap of the undergarment is placed between the anchor plate  54  and the closure plate  32  before the closure plate is secured to the anchor plate with the catch. The strap  14  of the outer garment  12  is positioned over the magnet  26 , and a base plate  102  is secured to the magnet to finish the assembly. Various decorations (not shown) may be secured to the base plate as desired. 
         [0055]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0056]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0057]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.