FASTENERS

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001 ] The present application claims the benefit of priority to the US provisional patent application of the same title that was filed on March 1, 2019, having serial no. 62/812,788 and which is incorporated herein by reference,

Background of Invention

[0002] The field of inventions is clothing garments, and more particularly, suspenders for holding up the pants of a wearer.

[0003] Conventional suspenders for holding up a wearer’s pants, including uniforms and athletic clothing, have pairs of straps that extend over the opposing shoulders of the wears. The straps optionally connect, as for example behind the wears back. The portion of the pair of straps that extend over the shoulders that extend to the front of the waist connect to the pants on waist band, the point of connection being to both the left and right of the zipper that is frequently at the front center of men’s pants. The opposing sides of the shoulder straps that extends over the back of the wearer similarly may connect to the pants waist band to the left and right of the central rear seam of the pant legs. Each connection to the waist band can be made by clipping to the waist band by a clip that closes to compress the inside and the outside of the waist band together, or may straps may have button holes to connect to buttons sewn on the inside of the pants. In some versions of suspenders, the end of each shoulder straps is connected to the center of a strip of leather or other material that has button holes at opposing ends so that each strap end is connected to the waistband at 2 locations on the inside of the waist band. The right shoulder strap would be connected to 2 location to the nght of the pants zipper and the left should strap would be connected to 2 locations to the left of the zipper, in both cases the connection most distal from the zipper would be between the side of the leg and the connection closest to the zipper. The ends of the right and left shoulder straps that are disposed on the wears back frequently connects to common central rear strap that connect to the rear waist band of the pants. In such cases, the opposing end of the common rear strap is commonly connected to the center of a strip of leather or other material that has button holes at opposing ends so that each strap end is connected to the waistband at 2 locations on the inside of the rear portion of the waist band, which one connection being between the side of the left leg and the rear center of the waist band, the other connection being between the side of the right leg and the and the rear center of the waist band.

[0004] Hence, various forms of suspenders may have the pair of shoulder straps connecting to the pant waist band at 4, 6 or 8 locations. As suspenders are generally worn over a shirt to avoid the need to wear a belt, the multiple points of connection to the pant waist band provide a distributed load along the waist band and pants can remain at a uniform level about the waist.

[0005] However, such conventional suspenders are cumbersome to remove when a wearers needs to lower their pants. Further, the clip style waistband connecting clamps can work loose on some fabrics as well as wear our delicate fabrics overtime. While the button style connections are thus favored for fine clothing, sufficient buttons must be added to the pants interior waist band to allow a pants to be worn with suspenders. Further, persons that wear suspenders because they need to avoid reducing blood circulation from an overlay tightened belt need to add buttons to each pair of pants. If the pants are already tight, the buttons can cause discomfort by pressing into the skin.

[0006] The US Patent Application that published under April 14, 2011 under

201 l/0083254Al(Trutna, T.A. et al.) discloses magnet clasps for attaching the terminal point of suspenders to the users pants at the waist. Several embodiments of suspenders have only 2 terminal points, such as wherein a single strap passes behind the wearer’s neck and the opposing terminal ends of the strap connect to the pant waist band between the zipper and the right and left sides of the waist, that is above about the center of the thigh of each leg.

In another embodiment the terminal ends of a front and rear strap connect to the front waist band near the zipper and the back portion of the base line in the opposite position aligned with the center of the wearer’s back adjacent lumbar vertebrae. A magnet is attached to the terminal end of each strap and a corresponding ferrous metal band is attached to the wearer’s belt. The metal band may have a flattened hook like shape to support the belt. The wearer’s belt buckle would normally interfere with placing the metal band directly over the zipper. The straps are detached by pulling the magnets away, however unless a firmer scheme is use to attach the metal bands to the belt the hook like metal bands could fall off and become lost. Alternatively, a wearer may more permanently attach the 2 metal bands to the belt or pants, but this would impose an inconvenience and require the wearer to remove and store the metal bands for when either a different belt or pair of pants are worn.

[0007] Published US Patent Application No. 2011/0083254A1 also discloses a single strap type of suspender device. The ends optionally attach to the pants with hooks that enter holes within a belt. The strap can attach to the front of the pants, with one side extending around the users side and over the opposing shoulder, as well as behind the neck. The holes to receive the hooks are shown to be placed distal from each end of the belt, that is well beyond the point at which the belt buckle prong would engage a hole to fasten the belt ends. Suspender clips can attach to the waist band of the pants. The suspender clips have a hole at an upper end for receiving the hook at the end of each strap.

The hooks project outward from the wearer in a manner in which they could interfere with the fitting of over garments or snag external objects the wearer encounters. [0008] While suspenders have gone in and out of style as a fashion accessory, they are usually hidden only if the wearer is wearing a jacket. However, when a wearer is dressed more casually, particularly indoors or in warm climates, such conventional suspenders will be visible and can clash with convention fashion tastes. Conventional suspenders are too bulky to be worn under clothing, unless for example an outer jacket, as if they are attempted to be worn under casual clothing like T-shirts or polo shirts, would still be obvious because the bulk of the connecting elements ( to the pant’s waist line) will interfere with the drape of the fabric.

[0009] It would be desirable to have suspender systems, including suspenders and methods of attaching them to pants, that are more compatible for wearing with casual clothing. It would also be desirable if such suspenders could be worn inside of a conventional shirt, so the short tail or lower edge can extend below the belt line, but could also be readily detached so the wearer could lower their pants conveniently without removing the shirt.

[001 0] It would also be desirable if the connection of the suspenders to the pants, while being easy to release, are also not readily visible. It would also be desirable if such suspenders could be worn with casual clothes without adding buttons, hook and loop fastener, magnets or ferromagnetic clips or hooks, and or other fixtures to the pants waistband or other parts of the pants and/or a belt, or to modify a belt to accommodate the attachment to the connecting ends of the suspender straps.

[001 1 ] It would also be desirable to affix the end of each suspender strap to the pants on or about the waist band with fixture that can remain hidden, can stay attached to the straps when the pants are not worn, and does not require any modification of the pants.

[001 2] The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings Summary of Invention

[001 3] In the present invention, the first object is achieved by providing a pant

suspender device that comprises front strap with at least one waist band fastener securing means at a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, a right and a left shoulder strap, each having a distal end and an opposing proximal end, the distal end of each being coupled at a front common junction to the proximal end of the front strap, a rear strap with belt loop securing means at distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, in which the proximal ends of each of the right and left shoulder straps being coupled at a back common junction to the proximal end of the rear strap.

[001 4] A second aspect of the invention is such a pant suspender device wherein the waist band fastener securing means is coupled to the distal end of the front strap and configured to connect to the center of a front portion of a pant waist band by engaging one of a button, snap or clip that connects an opening of the waist band about a pants zipper or vertical opening.

[001 5] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device wherein the waist band fastener securing means is a loop disposed to extend downward from the distal end of the front strap.

[001 6] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device wherein the waist band fastener securing means is a configured with a hole to receive a button and is one of disposed on or connectable to the distal end of the front strap.

[001 7] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device wherein the belt loop securing means is detachable from the rear strap.

[001 8] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device wherein the belt loop securing means is a fastener for coupling the belt loop securing means to a center belt loop [001 9] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device wherein the belt loop securing means is fastener that comprises a hook member configured for extending through an orifice between a fold of a belt loop and stitching that attaches the belt loop to a waistband of a pair of pants.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device wherein the fastener is a planar member having a hook for engaging a belt loop and a slot disposed above the hook for receiving a distal portion of the rear strap.

[0021 ] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device wherein the fastener comprises a flexible cord.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention is a pant suspender device that comprises at least a first strap segment having a distal end for coupling to a first side of a pants waist band, the first strap having a proximal end opposite the distal end, at least one or more second strap segments, each having a distal end for attaching to a second side of the pants waist band and a proximal end opposite the distal end in which the second side of the waist band is opposite the first side of the waist band, wherein the first strap is configured to connect to one of a center of a front portion of the waist band and a center of a rear portion of the waist band, one or more coupling strap segments, each having opposing end in which one opposing end is coupled to the proximal end of the first strap segment and the other opposing end is coupled to proximal end of the at least one or more straps segments.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention is such a pant suspender device in which the distal end of the first strap segment is configured to connect to the center of a front portion of the waist band by engaging one of a button, snap or clip that connects an opening of the waist band about a pants zipper.

[0024] Another aspect of the invention is any such a pant suspender device in which the distal end of the first strap segment is configured to connect to a center of a rear portion of the waist band by engaging a rear belt loop. [0025] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device in which the distal end of the at least one or more second strap segments is configured to connect to a center of a rear portion of the waist band by engaging a rear belt loop.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device further comprising a fastener disposed at the distal end of the at least one or more second strap segments in which the fastener is capable of detachable engagement directly to the rear belt loop.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device in which the fastener is capable of detachable engagement directly to the rear belt loop by a hook portion thereof that is configured to engage the portion of the belt loop that extends between a top and bottom region of the waist band.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device in which the fastener is capable of detachable engagement directly to the rear belt loop by a hook portion thereof that is configured to engages an orifice between a fold of a belt loop and stitching that attaches the belt loop to a waistband of a pair of pants.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention is any such pant suspender device in which the fastener is one of a gated shackle, a flexible cord and a planar member having a hook segment.

[0030] Another aspect is the invention is a kit for attaching to pants, the kit

comprising a pant suspender device that comprises a front strap with at least one waist band fastener securing means at distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, a right and a left shoulder strap, each having a distal end and an opposing proximal end, the distal end of each being coupled at a front common junction to the proximal end of the front strap, a rear strap with belt loop securing means at distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, in which the proximal ends of each of the right and left shoulder straps being coupled at a back common junction to the proximal end ot the rear strap, a fastener for coupling the belt loop securing means to a belt loop.

[0031 ] Another aspect is the invention is such a kit for attaching to pants further comprising an awl for expanding an orifice between a fold of a belt loop and stitching that attaches the belt loop to a waistband of a pair of pants.

[0032] Another aspect is the invention is any such kit for attaching to pants wherein the fastener comprises a hook member configured for extending through an orifice between a fold of a belt loop and stitching that attaches the belt loop to a waistband of a pair of pants. [0033] Another aspect is the invention is any such kit for attaching to pants wherein the fastener comprises a hook member configured for extending through an orifice between a fold of a belt loop and stitching that attaches the belt loop to a waistband of a pair of pants.

[0034] The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0035] FIG. l is a schematic front perspective view of a first embodiment of the suspenders.

[0036] FIG. 2 is schematic rear perspective view of the suspenders in FIG. 1. [0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic side sectional view of the suspenders in FIG. 1 and FIG.

2

[0038] FIG. 4A and 4B are schematic plans view of alternative embodiment of the suspenders disposed on a flat surface to the show the outward facing side.

[0039] FIG. 5A is a schematic front elevation view of a relatively flat fastener,

whereas FIG. 5B rear external elevation view of the fastener of FIG. 5 A connected to the pant‘s rear center belt loop 20.

[0040] FIG. 6A and 6B are schematic front elevation views of alternative

embodiment of the fasteners for connecting the rear belt loop 20 of the pants to the rear strap. [0041 ] FIG. 7 is a rear external elevation view of the fastener of FIG. 6A connected to the pants at the rear center belt loop 20.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a rear external elevation view of the fastener of FIG. 6B connected to a different portion of the pant rear center belt loop 20.

[0043] FIG. 9A is a schematic side elevation view of FIG. 8 showing the fastener thereof also connected to the rear strap of the suspender. FIG. 9B illustrates in an elevation view the entire fastener as positioned in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C illustrates an awl as part of a kit used to open the portion of the fastener that receives the lower portion of the fastener in FIG. 8 and 9A.

[0044] FIG. 10 is schematic front external elevation view of the rear strap and the fastener in FIG. 7 and 8A connected to the pant’s center belt loop 20. [0045] FIG. 11A is schematic perspective view showing alternative positions of the fastener of FIG. 6A before it is connected to the belt loop 20, whereas FIG.

1 IB shows the connection to the belt loop 20.

[0046] FIG. 12A is schematic front external elevation view of an alternative

embodiment of the rear strap and the fastener connected to the pant’s center belt loop 20, Whereas FIG. 12B is a side sectional elevation view thereof.

[0047] FIG. 13 A is schematic front external elevation view of an alternative

embodiment of the rear strap and the fastener connected to the pant’s center belt loop 20, whereas FIG. 13B is an expanded view of the encircled portion shown in FIG. 13 A. FIG. 13C is the sectional view indicated by section line

C-C in FIG. 13B.

[0048] FIG. 14A is a schematic side sectional elevation view of the embodiment in

FIG. 13A-C and FIG. 14B is a schematic side sectional elevation view of a variant thereof. [0049] FIG. 15A is a schematic front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the rear fastener, whereas FIG. 15B is a top elevation view thereof and FIG. 15C is a left side elevation view thereof. FIG.15D schematically illustrates in a rear elevation view the fastener being tilted to engage the rear belt loop whereas FIG. 15E shows the rear fastener connected to the rear strap to couple the rear strap to the belt loop.

[0050] FIG. 16A is a schematic front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the waist band securing means, whereas FIG. 16B is a top elevation view thereof and FIG. 16C is a left side elevation view thereof. FIG. 16D is a schematic front elevation view of another alternative embodiment of the waist band securing means. FIG. 16E schematically illustrates in a rear elevation view the waist band securing means connecting the front strap to the button closure above the zipper. [0051 ] FIG. 17A is a schematic sectional elevation view of another alternative embodiment of a waist band securing means, whereas FIG. 17B is a front elevation view thereof and FIG. 17C is a rear side elevation view thereof showing the location of the section line A-A that corresponds to the view in FIG. 17A. FIG. 17D is a schematic front elevation view of another alternative embodiment of the waist band securing means showing the connection to the front strap.

Detailed Description

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 17D, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved suspender, generally denominated 100 herein.

[0053] Definitions

[0054] The term“coupled” means to connect directly or indirectly, whereas

connected means a direct connection between two components.

[0055] The term“fabric” means woven and non-woven fabrics, which are generally , but not exclusively, sufficiently thin and pliable to drape, meaning conform to the contour of a supporting substrate that is placed onto, such as the upper torso of the user wearing the suspender 100. However, the term fabric is not intended to be limiting as it may embrace other materials that similarly are sufficient strong, thin and pliable to drape, such as natural and artificial leather.

[0056] The term“strap” means a fabric or non-fabric member that is elongated in a first direction, narrower in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction, and much thinner than it is narrow in a third direction that is orthogonal to both the first and second direction. The strap members described herein or portion thereof are preferably fabrics, so they are flexible and drapeable. The strap of any portion thereof may be or include an elastic fabric portion.

[0057] In accordance with the present invention, the suspender 100 comprises a front strap 110 with a waist band fastener securing means 111 at one end 110a. A right shoulder strap 120 and left shoulder strap 130 are connected at a front common junction 115 to the opposite end 110b of the front strap 110. The opposing end 120b of the right shoulder strap 120 and the opposing end 130b of the left shoulder strap 130 are connected or coupled at a second or rear common junction 125 to a first or proximal end 140a of a rear strap 140. The right and left shoulder straps 120 and 130 form a closed loop shape that extends about the shoulders of wearer as well as around both the upper chest and upper back. The front common junction 115 effectively couples the front strap 110 to the right 120 and left 130 shoulder straps. The rear junction 135 effectively couples the rear strap 140 to the right 120 and left 130 shoulder straps.

[0058] The suspender 100 may be coupled to pants 10 at the waist band 11 as

illustrated in FIG. 1, 2 and 5B-17D. It should be noted the pants 10 may have conventional belt loops 20 that are spaced apart externally around the waist band 11. The pants 10 may have a front zipper or zipper opening 13 (or the equivalent opening with a series of buttons in some pants 10 styles) at the front of the pants 10. The waist band 11 is secured in the closed position above the zipper opening 13 with a waist band fastener 14. The waist band fastener 14 is received in and engages a corresponding fixture 15 on the opposing side of the waist band 11 from the zipper opening 13. It should be understood that the waist band fastener 14 can be a button that engages a button hole as the corresponding fixture 15, but can be any alternative pair of fasteners, such as a pair of mating snap members in place of a button and button hole, or a“hook and eye” type fastener, and the like.

[0059] The front 115 and rear 135 common junctions can be simply formed by

stitching multiple straps together or contain multiple components couple to each other. These front 115 and rear 135 common junctions may be separate components, or several integral components attached or coupled to separate strap components. FIG. 1, 2, 4 and 5 illustrate front 115 and rear 135 common junctions that are separate components that are generally planar and preferably at least somewhat flexible for comfort of the wearer.

[0060] The front strap end 110a is coupled to the pants 10 waist band fastener 14 by a securing means 111, which in the cases in which the waist band fastener 14 is illustrated as a button, is then preferably a button hole 111 as shown in FI 4A. Alternatively, the securing means can be a loop 111' of pliable material in FIG. 4B to extend around the perimeter of either two mating snap members or a button. The securing means in the form of an loop 111' when sufficiently thin can couple to snaps as well as a conventional buttons without interfering with the closure of the snaps or button within the button hole 15. The loop 11 is preferably elastic to cinch around the snap or button after it is expanded in diameter to extend over the perimeter thereof. The loop 11 G or button hole 111 can be formed in the end 110a of the front strap 110, or be formed in or coupled to another member extending from the end 110a of the front strap 110.

[0061 ] At least one of the front strap 110, rear strap 140 and right 120 and left 130 straps may be an elastic fabric or have an elastic portion to accommodate a range of wearers, or have a means for adjusting the length for the same purpose.

[0062] It should be appreciated that prior art suspenders are generally bulky due to the end fasteners that used to connect with the pants 10 either on or inside the waist band 11. Such prior art suspenders are intended to be worn over shirts. While the inventive suspender 100 may be worn outside or over of shirts, it preferably deploys thin and lightweight fasteners that couple to the pants 10 waist band 11 region in a different manner that substantially reduces bulk, so the suspender 100 may be worn against the body as an undergarment that is not intended to effect the draping of a shirt or other garment worn over the suspender, be it a T-shirt or a fully sleeved dress shirt. The inventive suspender 100 can be provided in different fabric colors to reduce visibility by resembling the outer shirt color, as well as in lighter weight fabrics that would not be visible through denser fabric shirts or garments worn over it.

[0063] A further benefit is that special modification to ordinary pants 10 are avoided because the front strap 110 is attached to the center of the pants 10 waist 11 above the zipper opening 13 using the existing waist band fastener 14, such as a button, snap and the like.

[0064] As to avoiding modification of the pants 10 to attach the rear strap 140, the rear strap 140 may connect to the rear center belt loop 20c that is provided in all pants 10 intended to receive a belt. The connection of the rear center belt loop 20c to the rear strap 140 is via a fastening means, such as fastener 160, examples of which are illustrated in FIG. 5A -15E.

[0065] In one such embodiment in FIG. 10-1 IB, the opposite end of the rear strap

140 may also have an external facing webbing member 150. The webbing member 150 is essentially a narrower strap connected at both ends to the rear strap 140, with at least one end being detachable by a snap 151. The snap 151 has mating halves 152 and 153 which are disposed toward the distal end 150a. The lower or proximal end 150b of the webbing 150 may be stitched to the rear strap 140. The rear strap 140 can also be configured to permanently attach the fastener 160. Alternatively, the rear strap 140 or a portion thereof may connect to the fastener 160 by extending through the slot 162 in the fastener

160 and then looping upward to connect via a snap 151, having mating halves 152 and 153, as illustrated in FIG. 12A and 12B.

[0066] The fastener 160 can also be a carabineer or any type of shackle with a

detachable gate to quickly and reversibly connect and disconnect from the belt loop 200. The gate can also be spring loaded to close when not urged into the open position by the users fingers or contact with the belt loop 20.

[0067] Another embodiment of such a fastener 160 that can be used to hook or snag the wider belt loop 20 may be formed from generally elongated member, preferably with a circular cross-section, such as a semi-rigid rod or metal wire. The rod or wire can be folded into a serpentine or convoluted shape to present a lower distal elongated end that forms the hook 161 at a distal end. The hook

161 is intended to pass through the upper portion of belt loop 20 and with upward force being exerted by the strap, be retained in the concave region of the hook 161. The fastener 160 may also have an upper opening or slot 162 that can be coupled to the rear strap 140.

[0068] The rear strap 140 may be readily disengaged from the center belt loop 20c via alternative rear fasteners 160 or the rear fastener 160 can be disengaged from the rear strap 140 by releasing a webbing member 150 that passes through a slot 162 in the rear fastener 160, as well as similar slots in other embodiments of the fastener 160. Such a fastener 160 may have a hook member 161 connected to the rear strap 140 by the webbing member 150 passing through a slot 162 in the rear fastener 160. The hook member 161 passes through the belt loop 20 and the waist band 11. The tension provided by some portion of the straps being elastic may secure the concave portion of the hook member 161 in the belt loop 20.

[0069] A portion of the rear strap and the rear center belt loop 20 are illustrated in sectional view in FIG. 9A to facilitate the understanding of the operation and benefits of various fastener 160 embodiments. It should also be appreciated that in the common construction of pants 10 the belt loops 20 are usually folder over proximal to each of the opposing ends before being stitched to the pants 10 waist band 1 1. As the stitching 21 passes through two layers of the belt loop 20 at each end (before and after each fold), the belt loop 20 is more securely attached to the waist band 11.

[0070] This presents several alternative locations for a fastener 160 to engage the belt loop 20. The first is the wide loop region between the upper and lower ends of the belt loop 20 that conventionally receives and retains a belt.

[0071 ] Another alternative location for the fastener 160 to engage the belt loop 20 is the belt loop orifice 22. A belt loop orifice 22 may be formed or expanded between the stitching 21 and a fold 23 made proximal to each end 20a and 20b such that the stitching 21 passes through the 2 layers of the belt loop 20. This channel or orifice 22 can be expanded with the pointed end 171 of the awl 170, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 8C, or any other strong pointed shaft member, as inserting the conical pointed end 171 in the narrow orifice 22 and advancing it forward will exert force on the stitching 21 to widen the diameter of the orifice 22. Hence in other embodiments, the fastener 160 may have a hook member 161 that is of sufficient small diameter to enter the belt loop orifice 22, which may have a diameter of less than 2 mm.

[0072] Therefore, another aspect of the invention is a kit 180 that includes the

suspenders 100, with at least one fastener 160 with a hook 161 and an awl 170 for expanding a belt loop orifice 22 to receive the fastener hook 161.

[0073] The fastener of FIG. 8 to 1 IB has an upper or slot opening 162 that may be formed by 2 or more sections of the elongated member with at least one intermediate fold to generally align the segment on opposing side of the fold in a mutually parallel orientation to form a slot opening 162 in between. The sides of the slot 162 are preferably closed by adjacent segments of the fastener 160 so that the rear strap 140 can only be attached or added unsnapping the portion that extends through the slot 162.

[0074] Alternative configurations of the rear strap fastener 160 that couples the rear strap 140 to the belt loop 20 are illustrated in FIG. 6A-7. The rear strap fastener 160 be a folded elongated members with an at least partial serpentine shape to provide a first lateral member as the hook 161 to enter the belt loop 20 or belt loop seam orifice 22, and an adjacent slot 162 formed by other portion of the elongated member, the sides of the slot being formed by reversing folds. The slot 162 receives the rear strap 140 or the webbing 150. The lower distal elongated member at the end that forms the hook 161 is intended to be passed between the waist band 11 and the belt loop 20. It may remain engaged in the pants 10 belt loop 20 by having an upward turn at the end or an end that is closed with another member, including as is shown in FIG. 9B, a loop formed at the opposing end of the fastener.

[0075] In the embodiment of the fastener 160 in FIG. 8-11, a first lateral end provides the hook member 161 and may be secured after receiving the belt loop 20 or belt loop seam orifice 22 by re-coupling to a secured connection with another portion, such as an eyelet 164 at the opposing end of the elongated member by moving back to a position in which hook member 161 has a constricted separation 166 from the eyelet 164. The constricted separation 166 would not accommodate the thickness of the belt loop fabric until the hook member 161 is displaced from the constricted position by elastic deformation by the wearer or another using their finger, as illustrated by alternative position with reference numeral 16G in FIG. 11A.

[0076] The constricted separation 166 can be with an eyelet 164 formed at the distal end of the folded elongated member or with a crimp 165 to an intermediate portion of the elongated member as in FIG. 6A. The various embodiment of the fastener 160 described herein are preferred for being light weight due to the small size and low mass, being comparable in size to the width of belt loops 20, and would also have a desirable low profile to avoid interfering with the drape of the shirt or garment worn over the suspender 100. However, the inventive suspender 100 may be connected to rear of the pants 10 with other type of clamps, loop or ring, which may be secured with a hasp or with friction.

[0077] Alternatively, the rear strap 140 can be replaced by a plurality of elongated members that couple to multiple points on the rear side of the pant’s waist band in any manner similar to prior art suspenders.

[0078] The loop formed by the left 130 and right 120 shoulder strap can be formed by

2 lengths of webbing each, coupled the front and rear junctions, or can be a single length of webbing in which a center fold are coupled to one of the front and rear junctions, and the opposing ends form the fold are coupled to the other junction.

[0079] All the straps can be elastic fabrics, but at least one is preferably elastic. More preferably the left 130 and right 120 shoulder straps are elastic fabrics, having at least twice the elongation as the front and rear straps under an identical load. The elastic portion of the straps can preferably elongate at least 50%.

[0080] The right 120 and left 130 shoulder straps may preferably conform to the wearers body shape and can have different shapes and/or widths compared to the front 110 and rear 140 strap. The front 110 and rear straps 140 can have different widths from each other. The right 120 and left 130 shoulder straps may curve and have extra or narrower widths in some regions, such as being wider in the central region that aligns with the wearer’s shoulders.

[0081 ] The rear 135 common junction can be formed by connecting a central portion of the right 120 and left 130 shoulder straps, for examples so they each continue past the rear junction 135 to couple to the rear waist band 11 of the pants 10 on the opposite side of the center rear belt loop 20c.

[0082] Other means for connecting or coupling the rear strap 140 to the belt loop 20c include any flexible member such a cord, rope or line that can extend downward from the rear strap 140, pass through the belt loop 20c and then extend upward to removably connect or couple to the rear strap 140 at one of a snap fitting, a loop that extends around an exterior button, a mating hook and loop fastener member, a shackle and the like. The flexible cord, rope or line can be flat braided filament or collapsible tubular braised member that can flatten, such as shoe laces cords.

[0083] Non-limiting examples of such embodiments are schematically illustrated in

FIG. 13A-B and 14a, in which the fastener 160 deploys a flexible cord 167 that is preferably a flat braided ribbon. The flexible cord 167 has a proximal end 167a connected to the reverse side of the rear strap 140 and a distal end 167b with a closed loop 168 . To connect the rear strap to the pants 10, the closed loop 167 is passed from through a portion of the rear center belt loop 20c and that extended upward to engage the edges of the button 154 on the rear snap 140. [0084] In the embodiment of FIG. 14B, the distal end 167b of the flexible cord 167 is connected or coupled to rear strap 140, such as on the reverse side by stitching or securing to or adjacent the mating half 152 of snap 151 that is coupled the rear strap 140. The proximal end 167a of the flexible cord 167 may then be in turn coupled to the other mating half 153 of the snap 151, which when engaged with the front 152a of the mating half 152 secures the pants belt loop 20c to the rear strap 140. In the embodiments of FIG. 13A-14B, the flexible cord 167 will be under tension when it supports the pants 10 on the waist of the user. To the extent the cord 167 is elastic the suspenders 100 can accommodate a range of wear that vary in torso length. A flat braided ribbon may be a preferred form of the cord 167, as the braiding structure can provide extensibility and the flat shape may be more comfortable as it may readily conform to the shape of the wearer’s lower back if pressed forward when the wearer is sitting or leaning the lower back against a chair.

[0085] FIG. 15A-D illustrate another alternative embodiment of a belt loop fastener

160 that has a hook portion 161 and a slot 162 similar to the embodiment of FIG. 12A and 12B. A lower slot 162' is optionally disposed below slot 162. A closed or closable loop in the rear strap 140 can pass through either or both slots 162 and 162' to secure the fastener 160 to the strap 140. Alternatively, a free end of strap 140 can pass through both slots 162 and 162' to frictionally secure the fastener 160 to the strap 140. The belt loop fastener 160 in this embodiment may be formed of metal, but is preferably plastic or other non- metallic materials to avoid triggering alarms in metal detectors. The plastic or other material used to form the belt loop fastener 160 should be from about 0.5 to 4 mm thick to have sufficient rigidity and toughness. Alternatively, the fastener 160 can be made of synthetic or natural fibers, as well as tough natural materials like leather, animal horns or shells that have some flexibility for greater wearer comfort, as well as laminates these and other materials, as well as materials with fiber reinforcement to add strength. [0086] The hook portion 161 of the fastener 160 is defined by a channel 1611 that is open on either the right or left side 1601 of the fastener 160. The channel 1611 then extends diagonally downward toward a lower lateral opening 1612 that is disposed toward the bottom of the belt loop fastener 160. The lower lateral opening 1612 preferably has a portion 1613 that is slightly below the adjacent portion of the channel 1611 to better secure or latch the belt loop 20c after it fully enters the lower lateral opening 1612. The upper portion of the lower lateral opening 1612 preferably has downward descending notch 1614 to provide frictional resistance to the belt loop 20c moving laterally to exit the lower lateral opening 1612 via the diagonally oriented channel 1611. FIG.

15D illustrates how the wearer may rotate the fastener 160 to slide the hook portion 161 under the belt loop 20c by urging it in the direction of arrow 1500, and thus engage and latch an upper portion of the belt loop 20c in the lower lateral opening 1612, as illustrated in FIG. 15E. In FIG. 15E the opposing or upper side of the fastener 160 is attached to the rear strap 140 via slot 162.

Slot 162 is preferably at least about 10 to 40 mm wide to received rear strap 140, while the lower lateral opening 1612 is preferably about 8 to 15 mm wide to engage common width belt loops 20.

[0087] FIG. 16A-D illustrate alternative embodiments of the front fastener 111" that is similarly preferably configured as thin durable and tough planar member like the belt loop fastener 160 in FIG. 15A-D. The front fastener 111" has a slot 1162 at the top to receive and connectedly engage a portion front strap 110 at end 110a. The slot 1162 is preferably at least about 10 to 40 mm wide to receive the front strap 110.

[0088] Below the slot 1162 is a generally round or oblong aperture 1163 that is

provided to receive and support a lower portion of the front button 14 on the pants 10. The aperture 1163 may be round and larger than typical buttons or oblong with a greater height than width, but in either case is sized for the button 14 to enter from the rear as shown in FIG. 16E. As the suspender 10 is intended to urge the pants 10 upward, a lower portion of the button 14 (above the broken line edge) will be grasped by the edge or perimeter of the aperture 1163. The aperture 1163 also preferably may have a rounded notch 1164 at the bottom to receive and distribute the retaining force of the suspenders 100 over the threads 141 or other members holding the buttons 14 to the pants 10. FIG. 16D illustrates an alternative embodiment of the front fastener 111" which has an opening 11621 in the side to allow a closed looped end of the front strap 110 to slide in laterally and engage the slot 1162. The aperture 1163 will generally have a diameter of about 10-20 mm, and the rounded notch 1164 may have a radius of curvature of about 3-6 mm. The front fastener 111" should be as thin as possible to allow the button 14 to still enter the button hole on the other side of the waist band 11 that provides the corresponding fixture 15.

[0089] FIG. 17A to 17D illustrate various aspects of additional embodiments of an alternative front fastener 111"' that is similarly preferably configured as thin durable and tough planar member like the belt loop fastener 160 in FIG. 15A- D or the front fastener 111" of FIG. 16A-D. The front fastener 111'" is configure to connect the front strap 110 of the suspender 100 to the waist band 11 of pants 10 via a waist band fastener 14 and corresponding fastener 15 that deploys“hook” and“eye” type closures, which connect opposing sides of the waist band 11 at the fly or opening above the zipper 13. Such“hook and eye” type closures deploy a flat rounded blade as a“hook” that enter a slot that provides the engaging“eye” on the opposing sides of the waist band 11. The closed or cantilevered portion of the blade that extend from an end to couple to the waist band 11 is disposed toward the waist band 11 opening such that tension on the waist band 11 prevents the blade from exiting the slot. Hence, the front fastener 111'" to engage the opposing members of the“hook and eye” fasteners installed in pants 10 has corresponding members blade and slot features on opposing sides as in the following non-limiting example.

[0090] A flat rounded blade 1701 may be spaced apart from and disposed parallel to first side 1700a of the planar body 1700 of the front fastener 111"'. The blade 1701 may be connected to the planar body at a first side 1700a via a base

1702 that connects a vertical spacing section 1703 to the blade 1701. A bar 1705 with connecting feet 1706 at opposing ends may be coupled to the second side 1700b side of the planar body 1700 to provide a slot 1708 for receiving a corresponding blade or“hook” from the pants waist band 11. The flat rounded blade 1701 is intended to engage with a corresponding hook or slot on the other side of the pants waist band 11.

[0091 ] The feet 1706 of the bar 1705 may be coupled to the front fastener 111"' with rivets 1711 and 1712 that pass through the planar body 1700. Similarly, the base 1702 of the blade 1701 may also be connected with rivets 171 and 1712' that pass through the planar body 1700. The feet 1706 of the bar 1705 may be connected by a common plate 1707 that receives the same rivets 1711 and 1712 that couple both the blade 1701 and the bar 1705 to the planar body 1700. The blade 1701 and the bar 1705 may also be connected to the planar body 1700 by any means used to connect corresponding components of the “hook’ and“eye” fasteners to the waist band of pants, such as stitching, prongs and the like. Alternatively, the front fastener 11 G" can be integrally formed with the blade 1701 and the bar 1705 as well as a slot 162 that receives and connectedly engages a portion front strap 110 at end 110a, as for example by casting or injection molding.

[0092] FIG. 17D illustrates another alternative embodiment of the front fastener

11 G". It is configured to receive and connectedly engage a portion front strap 110 at end 110a in the slot 1162 via a side opening 1710. The side opening 1710 provides a diagonally extending channel 1711 to the side 1162a of the slot 1162. Thus, to connect the front fastener 111"' to the front strap 110 an edge 1 lOe of the loop formed in the end 110a of strap 110 is passed into the slot 1162 from the side opening 1710 via the channel 1711. The diagonal direction of the extending channel 1711 can be varied, but is intended to decrease the possibly for the loop to accidentally work free of the slot 1162, as the tension assert by the front strap 110 will urge the loop upward away from the channel 1711 at the end 1162a of the slot 1162.

[0093] It should be appreciate that another aspect of the invention is a kit providing multiple alternative front fasteners 111, 111 111" and/or 111"' so the suspenders 100 can be rendered compatible with pants 10 that deploy different waist closure means 14 above the zipper 13 or other vertical opening.

[0094] While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred

embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0095] For example, the various means disclosed herein for connecting the rear 140 or front strap 110 to the pants 10 waist band 11 at the front or rear center can be deployed when the suspender 100 deploys a conventional or any alternative means of attachment of opposing strap or strap to the opposite side of the waist band 11, using either a single strap or a pair of straps that straddle the front or rear center of the pants waist band 11.