THE SAME

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/032,456 filed August 1, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/032,443 filed August 1, 2014, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION

[002] Fig. 3

BACKGROUND Technical Field

[003] The present disclosure generally relates to an adjustable garment support system and carry kit for the same, and more particularly to an adjustable garment support system for temporary support of a garment from a user's shoulders having variable adjustment and optionally a carry kit for convenient storage.

Description of the Related Art

[004] Layered clothing describes a way of dressing using many garments that are worn on top of each other. Using more or fewer layers allows for flexible clothing to match the needs of particular environments (e.g., warm, cold, rainy, etc.). A jacket that is worn over other clothing is an example of layered clothing.

[005] When a garment, such as a jacket, is not being worn, the wearer typically holds the garment is one's arms or rests the garment upon one's shoulders. Holding a garment in one's hands or resting the garment upon one's shoulders has many disadvantages. For example, if the garment is being held in one's hands, the wearer will not have access to both hands. Alternatively, if the garment is being rested upon one's shoulder, the wearer does not have access to both shoulders, and if on hand is used for safety - to the hand that grips the jacket. Also, when the garment is being rested upon one's shoulder, the garment may slip, fall, be lost, or suffer other detriments. The garment may also sag and contact the floor or be in a position that otherwise interferes with the wearer's movement and dexterity.

[006] Known are backpacks, handbag straps, pouches, and other shoulder- supported systems that allow for a wearer to carry an unused garment. However, such devices that are known in the art ail have detriments. The conventional straps or supports for backpacks, handbag straps, pouches, and other shoulder- supported systems are not removable there from, and are not adaptable to the specific user-garment without sewing or other permanent fixture therewith. In turn, permanently securing a strap or handle to a coat may damage a coat, reduce the garment in value, or interfere with the user's enjoyment of the garment.

[007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,788,746, the contents of which are incorporated by reference, discloses, as shown in Figs. 1-2, a motorcycling jacket fastened to an upper body of a wearer (Fig. 1), and when not worn is stored in a removable interior, backpack-like portion integrated into the jacket. In particular, the jacket "a" includes at a back "b" a means "c" for fastening to the upper body of a user. The fastening means "c" includes a rear part d for supporting a back protector "e" and two shoulder straps "f which extend forward from the rear part "d". The fastening means "c" includes a belt portion "g" that extends from the rear part "d". A fixing means "h" fixes he fastening means "c" to the inside of the back "b" of the item of clothing. The reversible fixing means "h" are constituted for example by a zip fastener, in which a first toothed flap "i" is integrated on the rear part "d" so as to surround the back protector "e" and a second toothed flap "j" is integrated, with the same arrangement as the first toothed flap "I", on the inside of the back b.

[008] One disadvantage of the jacket support means of U.S. Pat. No. 7,788,746 is that it part of a jacket system and cannot be used as a standalone device that can be utilized for any jacket, is not removable, and is not separately adaptable or modifiable based on user choice. Instead, the jacket support system is integrated and can only be used with each other.

[009] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved garment support system that is both adjustable so as to accommodate different sizes of garment and may be compactly stored for transport.

SUMMARY AND ASPECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0010] In one embodiment, a garment support system may include a first strap member and a second strap member. Each of the first and second strap members having respective first and second strap ends. The first and second strap members may be fixedly secured to one another at the respective first ends of the first and second strap members. The first and second strap ends may be secured to portions of first and second slider members slidably positioned about proximate portions of said continuous strap member and forming respective first and second sliding loops. A first and a second clip jaw member may be slidably secured on respective first and second sliding loops. A third clip jaw member may be secured proximate to the first ends of the first and second strap ends. The first, second, and third clip jaw members are configured to be releasably securable to a garment. The first ends of the first and second strap members may overlap each other and may be secured to one another at the first ends thereof. A web member to which the first ends of the first and second strap members may be secured in a non-overlapping configuration.

[0011] In another embodiment, a garment support system may include a continuous strap member having respective first and second strap ends. First and second strap ends may be respectively secured to portions of first and second slider members slidably positioned about proximate portions of said continuous strap member and forming respective first and second sliding loops. A first and a second clip jaw member slidably secured on respective first and second sliding loops. A third clip jaw member slidably positioned on said continuous strap between respective first and second strap ends. A slideable bridge member on said continuous strap member may slidably space said third clip jaw member from respective said first and second sliding loops. The slidable bridge member defining a first adjustable joined distance between the slidable bridge member and said third clip jaw member and a first and a second adjustable split distance between the slidable bridge member and respective said first and second clip jaw members. The first adjustable joined distance, said first adjustable split distance and said second adjustable split distance may be different lengths to accommodate different adjustments during a use of said garment support system.

[0012] In a further embodiment, a garment support system may include a strap that is configured as a loop, which may be formed by joining opposing ends of the strap such that the loop is continuous. A first clip jaw member may be secured to a first location of the strap. The first clip jaw member may be configured to be secured to a first garment. A second clip jaw member may be secured to a second location of the strap. The second clip jaw member may be configured to be secured to a second garment. A fastener member may slidably receive the strap via apertures formed in the fastener member. The strap may be slidably translatable through the fastener member to adjust a distance between the first and second clip jaw members.

[0013] In a still further embodiment, a garment support system may include: a belt that is configured to be worn transversely between a user's shoulder and hip; and a clip jaw member that is operably coupled to the belt, the clip jaw member being configured to releasably grasp a garment. The belt may have an adjustable width. The belt may be formed from a stretchable material and is a continuous annular loop. A length of rope may include a first end a second end, the first end being fixedly secured to the belt at a first location, the second end being slidably translatable relative to the belt, the second end being secured to the clip jaw member.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, a garment support system may include a length of rope that is slidably received within a fastener member. The length of rope may form a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap and a looped section that is secured to a clip jaw member. The fastener member may be slidable relative to the length of rope to facilitate adjusting the lengths of the portions of the rope forming the first and second shoulder straps, as well as, a length of the rope forming the looped section secured to the clip jaw member. The clip jaw member may be configured to releasably grasp a garment (e.g., a jacket).

[0015] In a further embodiment, a garment support system may include a first length of rope and a second length of rope. Each of the lengths of rope may include respective looped sections that are configured to receive a user's arms and to rest upon a user's shoulders. Free ends of the first and second lengths of rope being may be secured to respective clip jaw members. The looped sections may each have an adjustable dimension. A relative position of the respective clip jaw members with respect to respective ones of the first and second lengths of rope are adjustable, A web may secure the first and second lengths of rope to each other. The web may be formed from a stretchable material and is configured to bias the first and second lengths of rope toward one another when worn.

[0016] In yet other alternative and modified embodiments of the proposed invention the reader will recognize that various features and modifications of the disclosure, written description, visual drawings, and claim elements may be assembled in different versions and assemblies and systems without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, herein versions of the drawings may be provided with detachable clips (in written description as an alternative embodiment) that remain secured to the jacket or clothing for enhanced convenience or user-determination. In a further example, also as written herein (not in the drawings) the clips and securing features may be linked to a clothing item or jacket by magnetic fixtures, snap clips, or related clips as discussed herein. These arrangements may also be made with strap members of different constructions (leather, web, textiles, etc.). These descriptions and embodiments, and alternative combinations are to be understood as flexibly combinable within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0017] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same or similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional garment support system shown in a first state of use. [0019] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the conventional garment support system shown in a second state of use.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a garment support system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in use on a garment.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the garment support system of Fig. 3.

[0022] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a garment support system in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in use on a garment.

[0023] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the garment support system of Fig. 5.

[0024] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the garment support system of Fig. 5 illustrating a secure fitment about a user's shoulders.

[0025] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a garment support system in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in use on a garment.

[0026] Fig. 8A is a front view of a portion of the garment support system of Fig, 8.

[0027] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the garment support system of Fig. 8.

[0028] Fig. 9A is a front partially exploded view of a portion of the garment support system of Fig. 8.

[0029] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a garment support system in accordance with the another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in use on a garment. [0030] Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of the garment support system of Fig. 10.

[0031] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a garment support system in accordance with the another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in use on a garment.

[0032] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the garment support system of Fig. 12.

[0033] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a garment support system in accordance with the another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in use on a garment.

[0034] Fig. 15 is a front perspective view of the garment support system of Fig. 14.

[0035] Fig. 15A is a partially exploded rear perspective view of a portion of the garment support system of Fig. 14.

[0036] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a garment support system in accordance with the another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in use on a garment.

[0037] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the garment support system of Fig. 16.

[0038] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a garment support system in accordance with the another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in use on a garment.

[0039] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the garment support system of Fig. 18.

[0040] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a carry kit arrangement of a garment support system shown relative to a carry pouch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. The word 'couple' and similar terms do not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but also include connections through intermediate elements or devices. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope in any manner. It will also be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that the detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and that elements may be differently positioned, or otherwise noted as in the appended claims without requirements of the written description being required thereto.

[0042] Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention. However, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

[0043] Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, a garment support system 1 may support a jacket 2 that includes arm openings 3, 3 and a collar 4. The garment support system 1 may include straps 5, 6 that may be joined fixably by a web member 7. The straps 5, 6, each respectively may be connected to and extend from the web member 7. The straps 5, 6 may be secured to respective sliders 8, forming adjustment loops. Extending from web member 7 is a first jaw clip member 9A. The jaw clip member 9 A on web member 7 may be non-adjustable on the ends of the straps 5, 6, and may be sewn in or fixed to web member 7 so that the ends of straps 5, 6 are fixed relative to the web member 7 and correspondingly to the jaw clip member 9A. Alternatively, the jaw clip member 9A may be relatively moble about a small loop affixed with web member 7. The straps 5, 6 may be secured to the web member 7 in a non-overlapping arrangement, which may facilitate the garment laying flatter against the user's body when using the garment support system 1.

[0044] Extending from respective adjustment loops are also respective jaw clip members 9. Jaw clip members 9 on straps 5, 6 may be slidably adjustable within the adjustment loops shown relative to a position of relative slides 8 on each respective strap 5, 6. As a result, it will be understood that the length of the straps 5, 6 may be adjustable in view of the position of the sliders 8 and the co- adjustment of respective end jaw clip members 9. As shown, each of the jaw clip members 9 may have two opposing hinge jaws and a cam-lever proximate one jaw such that the jaws can be urged together to secure material therebetween.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3, during use, jaw clip member 9 A may be removably secured to collar region 4 (or other portions of jacket 2), and respective jaw clip members 9 on straps 5, 6 may be removably fixed to portions of arm openings 3. As a consequence of this assembly, large bounding arm loops 10 are defined between respective straps 5, 6 and the back or shoulder region of the coat 2. The arm loops 10 may be relatively large and flexible to permit a user to readily slide coat 2 off of a user's arms or shoulders and to retain the coat 2 suspended from a user's back alone with straps 5, 6 serving as retainer straps that could be used individually or as a pair.

[0046] Referring now to Figs. 5-6, an alternative fully adjustable garment support system 100 may include a continuous strap 12 that slidably loops through a top slider 8B relative to a top clip jaw member 9B to allow relative sliding therealong. Additionally provided is a sliding bridge member 11, having spaced respective guide openings 11 A and 1 IB on opposing sides thereof. As will be apparent from study of the image, continuous strap member 12 replaces the singular and separate straps 5, 6, with a single strap member 12.

[0047] As will be recognized upon study, strap 12 has opposed ends joined at bottom sliders 8, as shown, and therebetween transits up and through slidable bridge member 11 and around top slider 8B. Bottom loops proximate respective bottom clip members 9 remain adjustable by length (and thus the amount of loop). Additionally, strap 12 may be slidably adjusted side-to-side via bridge 11 and top slider 8B so as to provide two identified distances; a joined distance 13 between bridge 1 1 and top clip jaw member 9B, and a split distance 14 between respectively bridge 11 and related respective bottom clip jaw members 9, as shown in Fig. 5. Bridge 11 is slidable in direction S up and down so as to narrow or broaden the separation of bottom clip jaw members 9 for user comfort or convenience.

[0048] As a result, it will be recognized that garment support system 100 may provides multiple adjustment abilities, including: (i) slider bridge 1 1 and distances 13, 14; (ii) slidable slides 8, and respective bottom loops adjusting the space between bottom clip jaw members 9 and an overall free-length of strap 12; and/or (iii) the combination of these arrangements. As a result, the improved adjustable garment support system 100 provides multiple enhancements from that shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Additionally, alternative bottom clip jaw members 9 may be released allowing a single-strap feature (over only one shoulder, or over a users chest as one-strap). [0049] Additionally, referring now to Figs. 6 and 7, in which the adjustable support system 100 is shown allowing a first loose or neutral engagement arrangement in Fig. 4 for initial attachment. Thereafter, based on the size of the user, slidable bridge 11 may be adjustable to provide a secure and snug fitment proximate to the user. As shown in Fig. 7, broad shoulders allow bridge 11 to slide closer to top clip jaw member 9B and still provide a snug (close under the arm) fit. Therefore, coat 2 may be shown in a manner retained snugly to the user's back, so as to prevent dragging on the ground, or catching on items in passing. Alternatively, should adjustable support system 100 be used with a child's coat 2, sliders 8, 8, would be retracted to a reduced shortness, thereby limiting the usable length of strap 12, and would also allow slidable bridge 11 to adjust to a narrow-child-shoulder arrangement. In this manner, the proposed invention is readily adaptable to multiple users.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment as shown in Figs. 8-9B, an adjustable support system 200 may include a looped rope 201 having ends that are knotted together at knot 201a. The rope 201 may be looped through a fastener 202, which may include a front 202a and a back 202b secured to one another, and apertures 203 formed in the front 202a through which the rope 201 may pass, thereby forming a looped section 201b of the rope 201, or alternatively looped section 201b may be merely a hand-pull tab separately secured to 202. A bottom portion 202c of the fastener 202 may be opened such that the rope 201 may pass therethrough. Similarly, an upper portion 202d may be opened such that the other end of the rope 201 may pass therethrough. In other words, two opposing sides of the fastener 202 may be secured together while the remaining two opposing sides of the fastener 202 are opened to permit the rope 201 to translate therethrough. Jaw clip members 9 may be secured to opposing ends of the looped rope 201. By pulling on the looped section 201b of the rope 201, the length of the rope between the jaw clip members 9, and therefore the distance between the jaw clip members 9 may be adjusted. During use, one of the jaw clip members 9 may be releasably attached to a garment such as a shirt (e.g., a shirt collar as shown in Fig. 8) and another of the clip members 9 may be releasably attached to another garment such as jacket 2. When not being worn, the jacket 2 may hang from one of the jaw clip members 9 and the overall distance between the jaw clip members 9 may be adjusted such that the jacket 2 is an appropriate level based on the user's height, for example.

[0051] As shown in Figs. 10-1 1, an adjustable support system 300 may include a belt 301 that may have a buckle 302 that is secured to a first end of a the belt 301 and may releasably secure a second end of the belt 301 at a desired position relative to the first end of the belt 301. A rope 303 may be fixedly secured at a fixation point 304 to the belt 301 and may be slidably guided at one or more locations 305 to the belt 301, so as to allow for sliding length adjustment along belt 301 during an adjustment of buckle 302 to expand or reduce a total belt shape. The free or sliding end of the rope 303 may be secured to a jaw clip member 9, which may be releasably coupled to a garment at a desired location (e.g., a collar portion 4 of a jacket 2). The width dimension of the belt 301 may be adjusted via the buckle 302 to adjust the positioning of one end of the belt 301 relative to the other end of the belt 301. However, it is to be understood that the belt 301 may be a continuous annular loop. The rope 301 may be formed from any suitable material, and may be formed, for example, from a material having stretchable or elastic properties or may be a woven web material or textile, or any other suitable material such as leather.

[0052] As shown in Figs, 12-13, an adjustable support system 400 is substantially similar to the adjustable support system 1 described hereinabove except in the following ways. The adjustable support system 400 may include straps 402, 403 that are each configured to be placed over a user's shoulders as shown in Fig. 12. The straps 402 may be fixedly connected to one another at a first end 404, which may be secured to a jaw clip member 9 A, which may releasably clamp a portion of a garment (e.g., a collar portion 4 of a jacket 2). The free ends of the straps 402, 403 may each be secured to a jaw clip member 9, which may each be secured to a sleeve hole 3 of the jacket 2. Also, unlike the adjustable support system 1, the straps 402, 403 may be partially overlapping, as shown in Figs. 12-13, where they are secured to the jaw clip member 9A.

[0053] As shown in Figs. 14-15A, an adjustable support system 500 may include a length of rope 501 that is configured to provide a left shoulder strap 501 L and a right shoulder strap 501R. A slidable fastener 502 may slidably receive the length of rope 501 through apertures 503, and the rope 501 may have a knot 501a to make the rope 501 a continuous loop. By pulling on a portion 501b of the rope, the length of the loop of rope 501 forming the shoulder straps 501L, 501R may be adjusted. At the same time, the distance between the jaw clip member 9 (which may be releasably secured to a portion of a garment) and the fastener 502 may also be correspondingly adjusted.

[0054] As shown in Figs. 16-17, an adjustable support system 600A may include two separate shoulder straps 602L, 602R for the left and right shoulders respectively. Each of the shoulder straps 602L may be formed from a length of rope 601 that may be knotted to form loops through which a user's arms may be placed. At an opposite end of the straps 602L, 602R, a jaw clip member 9 may be positioned that are configured to be releasably secured to sleeve holes 3 of a jacket 2. A slip-knot 603 may be slidably translatable relative to the rope 601, and may facilitate adjusting the location of the clip jaw member 9. Similarly, a slip-knot 604 may be slidably translatable relative to the rope 601, and may facilitate adjusting the dimensions of the portions of the rope 601 through which a user's arms may be placed during use. [0055] Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 18-19, an adjustable support system 600B may include all of the features of the adjustable support system 600A and also a web 610 joining the left and right shoulder straps 602L, 602R. The web 610 may be formed from a stretchable material and may be configured to bias the first and second lengths of rope toward one another when worn.

[0056] One alternative, and non-limiting use example of the adjustable support systems described hereinabove are for use in the winter sports area, wherein a user wearing a heavy winter coat, upon entering from the cold to a heated environment, may remove a garment (e.g., a coat or jacket) for comfort and convenience, without restricting hand movement of the user, and without loss of the garment, or dragging the garment on the floor. The materials forming the adjustable support systems described hereinabove may be elastic or stretchable fabrics (e.g., a bungee-like cord) to facilitate comfort and to allow a garment secured thereto to be pulled away from the adjustable support system without necessitating decoupling therefrom. Shoulder pads or the like may line the straps contacting the user's body to increase comfort, as well.

[0057] Referring now to Fig. 20, wherein a carry package 715 is provided for securely storage of either support system (e.g., support system 100) for between- use retainment forming a carry kit 716. It is proposed that carry kit 16 may also be convenient for storage in a pocket of coat 2, or in other convenient user locations.

[0058] Those of skill in the art will additionally recognize that the proposed invention may be used as a neck/chest strap or single shoulder strap by adjustably supporting and connecting only two opposed sides of the support system (between the collar and one arm opening). In this manner, the adjustable feature is still operative, but the user has enhanced options for convenience and securement.

[0059] Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0060] Those of skill in the art, having studied the provided disclosure, will additionally recognize that the proposed invention may be used as a neck/chest strap or single shoulder strap by adjustably supporting and connecting only two opposed sides of the support system (between the collar and one arm opening). In this manner, the adjustable feature is still operative, but the user has enhanced options for convenience and securement.

[0061] Those of skill in the art, having studied the provided disclosure, will additionally and adaptively recognize that the clip members of various embodiments 9, 9A, 9B, 202, and variants may adaptively be provided in a manner that is releasably detatchable from the support members 12, 201, 201b, 301 , 303, 402, 403, 501L/R, 602L/R, etc. In this mode, the so-released clip may remain joined to the jacket or clothing item in a desired-position. The user may then (at a convenient time) rejoin the clip members to the various support members for transporting the jacket. In this manner, of a user finds convenient location of the clip members difficult, or otherwise wishes to leave the clips in place the use may do so until a subsequent use. For example, if one finds it a bit difficult to constantly clip and unclip from the correct spots on a garment they can instead attach the clips and then using a release feature, release member, release element etc. (discussed but not shown) remove the strap portions between uses. The strap portions may then be reattached later. As an additional consideration herein, the discussed release features, release members, or release elements joining the clip members to the strap portions may additionally include a safety feature allowing a release upon a certain amount of unintended stress - e.g., if a suspended jacket is caught in a train door while being supported by the proposed system, the release elements or members would separate at a safety threshold of, for example, 5-to-30 pounds of force. This way, the straps provide convenient support but will not serve as a dangerous entanglement or choking hazard should the jacket or straps become trapped.

[0062] It will be further understood that any of the combinations, systems, components, or complete combinations of elements disclosed herein may be provided in the form of a kit with packaging, assembled with other features or elements outside the scope of this submission all within the spirit of the present inventions.

[0063] Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.