Patent Publication Number: US-2009235435-A1

Title: Tensioning device for clothing straps

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/607,387, filed on Dec. 1, 2006, and of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/817,394, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, and claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/547,633, filed on Feb. 25, 2004, the entirety of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a clothing accessory, and more particularly, to a tensioning device that draws clothing straps, such as brassiere straps, together to keep them from inadvertently slipping down over the wearer&#39;s shoulders and, in the case of brassiere straps, imparts an upward lift to the brassiere cups. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Clothing having straps, such as tank tops and brassieres that provide women support, are well known in the art. Although common, conventional straps can be uncomfortable and unreliable in providing support. Comfort and reliability are typically compromised when the straps inadvertently slip down or off the shoulders. Straps often slip down the shoulders when they lose tension due to stretching and loosening of the elastic straps over time, affecting the comfort, appearance and support of the brassiere or garment. Furthermore, with regard to brassieres, women are constantly searching for products such as push-up type brassieres, which, in addition to providing the usual support, offer enhanced upward lift to the breasts via the brassiere cups. 
     If a device existed that could prevent and/or limit inadvertent movement and slipping of straps by maintaining tension in the straps it would be well received. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide such a device that, in addition to preventing such slipping of the straps, provided enhanced upward lift to the brassiere cups in order to impart corresponding upward lift to the wearer&#39;s breasts. The present invention addresses these unfulfilled needs in the prior art by providing an accessory that maintains tension in clothing straps, even after they have lost some degree of elasticity, preventing them from slipping, and providing the aforementioned enhanced upward lift. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to a clothing strap tensioning device configured to draw a pair of vertically disposed clothing straps toward each other in a manner increasing the tension of the straps. By way of the improved tensioning, the device prevents the problems of straps slipping off of the shoulders of the wearer, even after the strap elasticity has been degraded. In the case of brassieres, the device provides increased tensioning sufficient to enhance lift provided by the brassiere cups. 
     In a first general embodiment of the invention, the tensioning device comprises: 
     an elastic member having a geometry generally defined by middle, left end, and right end portions, and bounded by upper, lower, left and right edges; and 
     means integrated into the left end and right end portions for enabling releasable attachment of the end portions to each other to form the elastic member into a loop, 
     wherein, upon securing the tensioning device about the spaced-apart clothing straps, the clothing straps are drawn inwardly toward each other medially in a manner preventing twisting of the straps. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the releasable attachment means integrated into the left end and right end portions are configured to enable adjustment to the tension of said device. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the releasable attachment means is comprised of a plurality of spaced-apart mechanical snaps integrated into either the left or right end portion of the elastic member, for snap fit engagement with a corresponding snap member integrated into the other one of the left and right end portions. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the releasable attachment means comprises one-half of a hook-and-loop type fastening system integrated into the left end portion of the elastic member and the other half of the hook-and-loop type fastening system integrated into the right end portion. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the elastic member is characterized by left and right end portions projecting in an upward direction distally from the middle portion. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the elastic member is characterized by a varying transverse width, the transverse width defined as the transverse distance between the upper and lower edges at any point along the length of the elastic member. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the transverse width is substantially uniform along the middle region of said elastic member and increases along the left and right portions distally from the middle portion. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the elastic member is characterized by a geometry in which the upper and/or lower edges slope upwardly from the middle portion of the elastic member toward the left and right end portions thereof. 
     In a second general embodiment of the invention, the tensioning device comprises: 
     a first elastic member directly fastened to a first one of the clothing straps; 
     a second elastic member directly fastened to a second one of the clothing straps; and 
     means integrated into the first and second elastic members for enabling releasable attachment of the elastic members to each other, 
     wherein, upon fastening the first and second elastic members to each other the vertically disposed clothing straps are drawn toward each other medially. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the first elastic member has a portion fastened to the first one of the clothing straps and an unfastened flap portion extending therefrom, and the second elastic member has a portion fastened to the second one of said clothing straps and an unfastened flap portion extending therefrom. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the releasable attachment means is comprised of at least one snap member integrated into the unfastened flap portion of the first one of the clothing straps, and at least one mating snap member integrated into the unfastened free portion of the second one of said clothing straps. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the releasable attachment means is comprised of one half of a hook-and-loop, or hook-and-pile, type fastening system integrated into the unfastened flap portion of the first one of said clothing straps, and the other half of the hook-and-loop fastening system integrated into the unfastened flap portion of the second one of said clothing straps. 
     In a second general embodiment of the invention, the tensioning device has a unitary, or one-piece, construction comprising: 
     a planar rear wall portion; 
     left and right planar front wall portions disposed in a common plane and parallel to the rear wall portion; and 
     a pair of side wall portions adjoining the respective left and right front wall portions to opposite ends of the rear wall portion; 
     the left and right front wall portions terminating at respective edges defining a strap-receiving opening therebetween; and, 
     the rear, front and side wall portions together defining a strap retaining slot sized and shaped for simultaneously retaining said pair of clothing straps in a tensioned condition while preventing twisting of said straps. 
     These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear view of a conventional brassiere, donned by a woman, in accordance with the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a woman donning the conventional brassiere shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the limited brassiere cup support provided by the brassiere straps; 
         FIG. 3A  is a rear elevation view of a clothing strap tensioning device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in a non-stretched fully extended condition, illustrating a preferred geometry of the elastic body; 
         FIG. 3B  is a rear elevation view of a clothing strap tensioning device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in a non-stretched fully extended condition, illustrating another preferred geometry of the elastic body; 
         FIG. 3C  is a rear elevation view of a clothing strap tensioning device in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in a non-stretched fully extended condition, illustrating yet another preferred geometry of the elastic body; 
         FIG. 3D  is a front elevation view of a clothing strap tensioning device in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in a non-stretched fully extended condition, illustrating yet another preferred geometry of the elastic body; 
         FIG. 3E  is a cut away detail of a top plan view of a clothing strap tensioning device in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in a non-stretched fully extended condition, illustrating yet another preferred geometry of the elastic body; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view of the clothing strap tensioning device of  FIG. 3A , shown in a closed position; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear elevation view of the clothing strap tensioning device of  FIG. 3A , shown in an opened position; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of a conventional brassiere, donned by a woman, and incorporating the preferred tensioning device in  FIGS. 3A ,  4  and  5 ; 
         FIG. 7  a side view of a woman donning the conventional brassiere incorporating a tensioning device in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the resulting improved lift to the brassiere cups provided by the tensioned brassiere straps; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear view of a conventional brassiere, donned by a woman, and incorporating a two-piece elastic tensioning mechanism integrated directly into the straps, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of the donned conventional brassiere of  FIG. 8 , with the integral tensioning mechanism employed; and 
         FIG. 10  is an elevated perspective view of a unitary clothing strap tensioning device in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is generally directed to clothing strap tensioning devices particularly configured for engaging a pair of spaced-apart vertically disposed clothing straps, and particularly brassiere straps, such that the straps are drawn toward each other medially. The tensioning devices function to prevent the inadvertent slipping of the straps down over the shoulders. Furthermore, when applied to brassiere straps, the tensioning devices further function to impart an upward lift to brassiere cups attached to the straps. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a conventional brassiere in accordance with the prior art, shown generally as reference numeral  10 , includes a pair of spaced-apart vertically oriented straps  12 ,  14  each adjoined at one end adjacent to the back of a wearer by a horizontally oriented portion  16 , and terminating at an opposite end adjacent the front of the wearer at a cup portion  18 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 2 , this conventional prior art brassiere structure provides only limited support to the breasts of the wearer. Over time, as the elasticity of the straps  12 ,  14  is reduced, support is even further diminished. Furthermore, the resulting reduced tension in the straps commonly leads to slipping of the straps down the shoulders of the wearer. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A ,  4  and  5 , a tensioning device  20  is shown in accordance with a first general embodiment of the present invention. The tensioning device  20  includes a generally elongated elastic member  22 , preferably having a symmetric geometry to impart substantially equal tension to each strap, and comprising a middle portion  24  adjoining a left end portion  26  and a right end portion  28 . The elastic member has a shape defined by left edge  21 , right edge  23 , lower edge  25  and upper edge  27 . A variety of elastic member  22  geometries are contemplated, including a generally rectangular-shaped elastic member. However, for reasons that will become apparent, the general geometry illustrated in  FIGS. 3A ,  4  and  5  is preferred. In particular, it is preferred that the elastic member  22  have a geometry wherein the left and right end portions  26 ,  28  of the elastic member project upwardly in a direction away from the middle portion. Furthermore, it is preferred that the elastic member  22  has an increased transverse width along corresponding segments of the left and right end portions,  26  and  28 , adjacent to the middle portion  24 . As used herein, the term “transverse width” is intended to define the distance between points on the lower and upper edges,  25  and  27 , along any vertical section through member  22 . 
     Fastening means are provided for enabling releasable attachment of the left- and right-end portions,  26  and  28 , to each other to form a continuous loop, or band, about the straps  12 ,  14 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  4  and  5 , in one aspect of the invention releasable attachment is achieved using conventional mechanical snaps  30 ,  32 . Preferably a single snap  32  is integrated into one of the end portions (in this case right end portion  28 ), and a plurality of mating snaps  30  are provided integrated into the other end portion (in this case left end portion  26 ) in spaced-apart relationship, enabling the user to vary the degree of tension imparted by the tensioning device  20  to the straps  12 ,  14 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various alternate means of attachment are possible. For example, releasable attachment may be achieved by integrating one half of a hook-and-loop, or hook-and-pile, type fastening system (not shown) into the left end portion  26  of the elastic member  22 , and integrating the other half of the hook-and-loop type fastening system into the right end portion  28 . Metallic and plastic snap-fits, clasps, magnets, buttons and any other known releasable attachment mechanisms that can be employed to enable tension adjustment are also contemplated. Furthermore, tension adjustment can be accomplished by incorporating a conventional slide component through which the elastic member  22  extends and which cooperates with the elastic member to enable length adjustment thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A ,  4 ,  5  and  6 , and particularly to  FIG. 6 , when the elastic member  22  is engaged around the straps  12 ,  14  and closed, the middle portion  24  of the elastic member is positioned adjacent to the wearer&#39;s back and engages the inner surface of the straps  12 ,  14 , while the left- and right-end portions,  26  and  28 , of the elastic member  22  are positioned along and, at least partially engage, the outer surface of the straps. Accordingly, the portions of the elastic member  22  having the increased transverse width are positioned adjacent to, and frictionally engage, the outer edges of the straps. The engagement of the aforementioned wider portions of the member  22  with the outer edges of the straps  12 ,  14  functions to stabilize the straps in order to reduce the occurrence of strap twisting. As best shown in  FIG. 7 , upon application of the tensioning device  20  to a conventional brassiere, the increased tension to the straps acts to impart an upward lift to the brassiere cups, providing the desired pushing up of the breasts desired by women. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-9 , a tensioning mechanism is shown in accordance with a second general embodiment of the present invention. The tensioning mechanism includes a first elastic member  34  having a portion  36  permanently stitched, or otherwise secured, to the left brassiere strap  12 , and a second elastic member  40  having a portion  42  secured in a similar fashion to the right brassiere strap  14 . Attachment means  38 ,  44  are preferably integrated into the non-stitched flap portions of the elastic members to enable and facilitate releasable attachment of the elastic members  34 ,  40  to each other such that the vertically oriented straps  12 ,  14  of the brassiere are drawn toward each other to impart tension to the straps, and corresponding upward lift to the brassiere cups. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 8 , the preferred means of attachment is by a hook-and-loop type fastening system. In particular, one half of a hook-and-loop, or hook-and-pile, type fastening system  38  is integrated into the left elastic member  34  attached to the left vertical strap  12 , and the other half of the hook-and-loop type fastening system  44  is integrated into the right elastic member  40  attached to the right vertical strap  14 . In this manner, the degree of tension imparted to the straps can be varied by adjusting the degree of overlap of the elastic members  34 ,  40  during attachment. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various alternate means of attachment are possible. For example, releasable attachment may be achieved by conventional mechanical snaps, metallic and plastic snap-fit assemblies, clasps, magnets, buttons and any other known releasable attachment mechanisms that can be employed to enable tension adjustment by the wearer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a tensioning device is shown in accordance with a third general embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the device is comprised of a semi-rigid or rigid unitary member, shown generally as reference numeral  46 . The tensioning member  46  has a geometry generally defined by planar rear wall portion  48 , and left and right planar front wall portions,  50  and  52 , respectively, adjoined by semi-circular sidewall portions. The front wall portions  50 ,  52  are disposed in a common plane slightly offset from and parallel to the rear wall portion  48 . The left and right front wall portions terminate at respective edges defining a strap-receiving opening  54  therebetween. The rear, front and side wall portions together define a strap retaining slot  56  sized and shaped for simultaneously retaining the pair of clothing straps in a tensioned condition while preventing twisting of the straps. The slot  56  is the open-ended opening for fitting a strap when in use. As shown in  FIG. 10 , this slot  56  is distinct from a slot used for a button fastener or a snap-fit. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3B , a tensioning device  20  is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The tensioning device  20  includes a generally elongated elastic member  22 , preferably having a symmetric geometry to impart substantially equal tension to each strap, and comprising a middle portion  24  adjoining a left end portion  26  and a right end portion  28 . A generally rectangular-shaped elastic member  22  may be used as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     Fastening means  58  are provided for enabling releasable attachment of the left- and right-end portions,  26  and  28 , to each other to form a continuous loop, or band, about straps  12 ,  14 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 3B  in one aspect of the invention releasable attachment is achieved using a conventional button  60  and buttonhole  62  mechanism. Preferably a single button  60  is integrated into one of the end portions (in this case left end portion  26 ), and one or more complementary button holes  62  are provided in the other end portion (in this case right end portion  28 ) in spaced-apart relationship, enabling the user to vary the degree of tension imparted by the tensioning device  20  to the straps  12 ,  14 . As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various alternate means of attachment are possible. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, tension adjustment can be accomplished by incorporating a conventional slide component through which the elastic member  22  extends and which cooperates with the elastic member to enable length adjustment thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3C-3E , a tensioning device  20  is shown in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The tensioning device  20  includes a generally elongated elastic member, preferably having a symmetric geometry to impart substantially equal tension to each strap, and comprising a middle portion adjoining a left end portion  26  and a right end portion  28 . A generally rectangular-shaped elastic member may be used as shown in  FIG. 3C-3E . 
     Fastening means  58  are provided for enabling releasable attachment of the left- and right-end portions,  26  and  28 , to each other to form a continuous loop, or band, about straps  12 ,  14 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 3C-3E  in one aspect of the invention releasable attachment is achieved using a snap clip mechanism. These fastening means may have a generally rectangular shape. Preferably a first snap clip  64  is integrated into one of the end portions (in this case left end portion  26 ), and a complementary second snap clip  66  is provided in the other end portion (in this case right end portion  28 ) in spaced-apart relationship, enabling the user to vary the degree of tension imparted by the tensioning device  20  to the straps  12 ,  14 . As shown in  FIGS. 3C-3E , the first snap clip and the second snap clip may be of complementary shape so that they may complementarily fit one another. Also, the first snap clip and the second snap clip may be the same shape and in complementary orientation. For example each snap clip may include an indentation  68 , 70  or slot whereby the snap clips  64 , 66  may be inserted within each other. The snap clips also may include perforations  72 , 74  and extension  76 , 78  which are also complementary. Thus the extension  76  of the first snap clip  64  fits into the perforation  74  of the second clip  66 , and the extension  78  of the second clip  66  fits in the perforation  72  of the first clip  64 . Additionally, the outer portion  80 , 82  of each snap clip  64 , 66  may have a surface offset from but parallel to the inner portion  84 , 86  of each snap clip  64 , 66  so that when the snap clips fit together the snap clips  64 , 66  the thickness of the outer surface of the first clip and the inner surface of the second clip is approximately the same as the thicknesses of the inner surface of the first clip and the outer surface of the second clip, thereby forming a substantially flat rectangular shape. 
     As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various alternate means of attachment are also possible. Furthermore, tension adjustment can be accomplished by incorporating a conventional slide component  88  through which the elastic member extends and which cooperates with the elastic member to enable length adjustment thereof. The slide component  88  may be attached to an end of the elastic member and be able to slide along the length of the elastic member so that the length of the device may be adjusted by sliding the slide component along the length of the elastic member. 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence. 
     For example, although it is preferred that the clothing strap tensioning device shown in  FIGS. 3-6  has an elastic construction, it is also contemplated to utilize a non-elastic tensioning member in lieu of elastic tensioning member  22 . Furthermore, although the tensioning devices shown in  FIGS. 3-6  is substantially restricted from vertical displacement by friction with the straps, as well as by the V-shape of the inwardly drawn straps, it is contemplated to utilize an auxiliary attachment device (not shown) to aid in securing the tensioning device to one or both of the brassiere straps. For example, the auxiliary attachment can comprise a simple hook or clasp member secured to both the tensioning device and strap(s), which structures are well known in the art.