Abstract:
A shoulder strap clip for a shoulder bag having a first strap and a second strap. The shoulder strap clip includes a shoulder padding configured to rest on a shoulder of a user; a spring-loaded clip rigidly attached to the shoulder padding at one end and configured to extend over a top surface of the shoulder padding. The spring-loaded clip includes a first contoured slot configured to receive the first strap of the shoulder bag; and a second contoured slot configured to receive the second strap of the shoulder bag.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to systems that support an article carried by the shoulder and more specifically to shoulder strap attachments for bags, handbags, back packs, and purses. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Systems for carrying shoulder straps over the shoulder are well known in the art and are effective means, for example, for supporting the weight of an article, such as a handbag or purse, over a wearer&#39;s shoulder. In  FIG. 1A , a system  100 , comprising a conventional handbag  101 , a first shoulder strap  103 , and a second shoulder strap  105  is illustrated. 
     A common disadvantage with system  100  is that there is no padding to cushion the weight of handbag  101  when carried by the wearer&#39;s shoulder (not shown) via straps  103  and  105 . 
       FIG. 1B  shows a conventional shoulder strap system  102  comprising the handbag  101  and two shoulder pads  107  fixed to each of straps  103  and  105 . 
     A common disadvantage associated with shoulder pad attachments  107  is that they do not prevent straps  103  or  105  from slipping off of the wearer&#39;s shoulder. The wearer must therefore raise her shoulder while carrying the handbag  101  to prevent slipping. 
       FIG. 1C  shows a conventional shoulder strap system  104  comprising the handbag  101  and a single shoulder pad attachment  109  that wraps around straps  103  and  105 . 
     A common disadvantage associated with shoulder pad attachment  109  is that it connects straps  103  and  105  such that ready access to the contents of the handbag  101  is limited. The wearer must then open or remove shoulder pad  109  to access the contents of the handbag  101 . 
     It will be appreciated that the disadvantages described above are not only inconvenient but also increase the wearer&#39;s discomfort and fatigue when using the handbag  101 . It will also be appreciated that shoulder pads  107  and  109  can be aesthetically unappealing. Further, it should be understood that conventional strap systems do not add accessory appeal. 
     Although great strides have been made in the area of systems for carrying shoulder straps, many shortcomings remain. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C  are front views of conventional shoulder strap carrying systems; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a shoulder strap carrying system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a detachable shoulder strap clip in accordance with the shoulder strap carrying system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are top views of the detachable shoulder strap clip of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the shoulder strap clip of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the detachable shoulder strap clip of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the detachable shoulder strap clip of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with shoulder strap carrying systems. Specifically, the system of the present application is configured to decrease the pressure and discomfort of carrying the weight of an item over one&#39;s shoulder by means of one or two shoulder straps. The system also preserves easy access to the contents of the carried item while decreasing the likelihood that either shoulder strap will slip from the shoulder. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 2  depicts a simplified front view of a shoulder strap carrying system  201  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that the system  201  overcomes one of more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with the conventional shoulder strap systems. 
     In the contemplated embodiment, system  201  includes a carried item  203  such as a handbag or purse carried by a first strap  205  and a second strap  207  over one&#39;s shoulder (not shown). A detachable clip  209  secures straps  205  and  207  while providing padding  211  between straps  205  and  207  and the shoulder. It is appreciated that the padding  211  of clip  209  reduces the pressure and discomfort to the wearer&#39;s shoulder from the weight of the carried item  203 . Further, the features of system  201  provide sufficient anti-slip and aesthetically pleasing appearances. The combination of providing anti-slip, comfort, and aesthetically pleasing features sets the present system apart from current state of the art systems. 
     A unique feature of clip  209  is that it generally forms an “S” shape curvature such that strap  207  is secured under one curve of clip  209  and strap  205  is secured over the other curve of clip  209 . This configuration enables the wearer to disengaged strap  205  from clip  209  to readily access the contents of the carried item  203  without removing or substantially altering the system  201 . It is appreciated that the ability to readily engage or disengage strap  205  from clip  209  is convenient and can decrease the wearer&#39;s discomfort or fatigue. It is also appreciated that clip  209  carries an accessory appeal such that it is more likely to be considered aesthetically pleasing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a side view of clip  209  is shown. As discussed, the clip  301  is attached to padding  303  and generally forms an “S” shape curvature  305  such that slots  307  and  309  occur wherein shoulder straps (not shown) can be secured below and above the curvature  305 , respectively. It should be noted that although only one means for attaching clip  301  to padding  303  is shown that other embodiments, such as Velcro, a clip/clutch mechanism, buttons, or glue, are expressly contemplated herein. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a top view of clip  209  with both straps secured and  FIG. 4B  shows a top view of clip  209  with one strap disengaged. As discussed, the clip  401  secures a first strap  403  under the curvature  402  and the second strap  405  above the curvature  402 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a side view of an alternative embodiment of clip  209  is shown. Whereas previously discussed embodiments accommodate round or oval shoulder straps, the embodiment of  FIG. 5  reduces the curvature of clip  209  to accommodate flat shoulder straps (not shown). As previously discussed (See  FIG. 3 ), the clip  501  is attached to padding  503  and generally forms an “S” shape curvature  505  such that slots  507  and  509  occur wherein shoulder straps (not shown) can be secured below the curvature  505 . Again, it should be noted that although only one means for attaching clip  501  to padding  503  is shown that other embodiments, such as Velcro, buttons, glue, or clip/clutch mechanisms are expressly contemplated herein. 
       FIG. 6B  shows a top view of clip  501  with one strap disengaged. As discussed (See  FIG. 4 ), the clip  601  secures a first strap  603  under the curvature  602  of the clip  601 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a bottom view of clip  209 . In the contemplated embodiment the clip  701  is attached to padding  703  wherein the padding preferably comprises of a foam, polyurethane, or silicone material. It should be noted that alternative embodiments and materials of padding  703 , such as contoured or ergonomic configurations, are expressly contemplated herein. 
     It is hereby reiterated that that the features discussed above provide the following advantages over conventional systems, specifically: (1) the system is lightweight and economical; (2) the system prevents slippage from the shoulders; (3) the system add comfort; and (4) the system adds accessory appeal. These factor combined give the present system a competitive advantage over the known systems. 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.