U.S. patent application number 12/587621 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-14 for magnetic clasp unit and suspender system.
Invention is credited to William Richard Trutna, SR., Thomas Anthony Trutna.
Application Number | 20110083254 12/587621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43853644 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110083254 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trutna; Thomas Anthony ; et
al. |
April 14, 2011 |
Magnetic clasp unit and suspender system
Abstract
A suspenders system having at least one magnetic clasp
comprising a strong permanent magnet attached to a suspenders
arrangement that allows most of the suspenders to be worn
underneath a wearer's clothing. With the suspenders arrangement in
place, the only exterior elements of the suspenders system are
either ferrous metal belt attachments or matching permanent magnet
buttons. The magnetic clasp underlays at lease one layer of
clothing allowing the suspenders system to be worn in a concealed
fashion.
Inventors: |
Trutna; Thomas Anthony;
(Boise, ID) ; Trutna, SR.; William Richard;
(Austin, TX) |
Family ID: |
43853644 |
Appl. No.: |
12/587621 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/326 ;
24/303 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41F 1/002 20130101;
Y10T 24/32 20150115; A41F 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/326 ;
24/303 |
International
Class: |
A41F 19/00 20060101
A41F019/00; A44B 99/00 20100101 A44B099/00 |
Claims
1. A magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system for garments
comprising at least one magnetic clasp for the attachment of a
suspenders system to a wearer's trousers, each said magnetic clasp
comprising a magnet casing encompassing a strong permanent magnet
with said magnet casing connected by an attaching means to a
suspenders strap, and a ferrous metal target, said ferrous metal
target affixed by an attaching means to the inside face of a
trousers belt, wherein said suspenders system is worn underneath
the wearer's shirt with said magnet casing positioned inside said
wearer's trousers and opposite said ferrous metal target with the
resultant magnetic attraction between said magnet casing and said
ferrous metal target effectively connecting said trousers belt to
said suspenders system thus transferring the weight of said
wearer's trousers to said wearer's shoulders.
2. The strong permanent magnet according to claim 1 wherein said
strong permanent magnet is comprised of a material such as
neodymium-iron-boron with a maximum energy product of 42 MGOe or
higher.
3. The magnetic clasp unit according to claim 1 wherein said magnet
casing is comprised of a non-magnetic material and incorporates
casing walls which surround said strong permanent magnet and extend
beyond the outer surface of said strong permanent magnet, said
casing walls having serrations so as to reduce the possibility of
movement of said magnet casing transverse to the magnetic axis of
said strong permanent magnet, said magnet casing also incorporating
an attaching means for a suspenders strap.
4. The magnet casing according to claim 3 wherein said magnet
casing is comprised of a ferrous metal material that is magnetized
and with a polarity and magnetic axis complimentary to said strong
permanent magnet.
5. The magnet casing according to claim 4 wherein said magnet
casing walls are flush with the outer surface of said strong
permanent magnet and said magnet casing and said strong permanent
magnet are coated in a soft plastic material so as to reduce the
possibility of movement of said magnet casing transverse to the
magnetic axis of said strong permanent magnet.
6. A magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system according to claim 1
wherein said attaching means for said ferrous metal target is
shaped in a manner such that said ferrous metal target may be
positioned on said trousers belt in a non-permanent fashion.
7. A magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system according to claim 6
wherein said attaching means for said ferrous metal target
possesses a magnetic field having a polarity and magnetic axis
complimentary to said strong permanent magnet.
8. A magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system according to claim 1
wherein said ferrous metal target is permanently incorporated into
said trousers belt.
9. A magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system according to claim 8
wherein said ferrous metal target possesses a magnetic field having
a polarity and magnetic axis complimentary to said strong permanent
magnet.
10. A magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system for garments
comprising at least one magnetic clasp for the attachment of the
suspenders to a wearer's trousers, each said magnetic clasp unit
comprising a first magnet casing encompassing a first strong
permanent magnet with said first magnet casing connected by an
attaching means to a suspenders strap, and a second magnet casing
encompassing a second strong permanent magnet wherein said
suspenders system is worn underneath the wearer's shirt with said
first magnet casing positioned inside said wearer's trousers
opposite said second strong permanent magnet positioned outside
said wearer's trousers with the resultant magnetic attraction
between said first magnet casing and said second magnet casing
effectively connecting said trousers to said suspenders system thus
transferring the weight of said wearer's trousers to said wearer's
shoulders.
11. The magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system according to
claim 10 wherein said first and second strong permanent magnets are
comprised of a material such as neodymium-iron-boron with a maximum
energy product of 42 MGOe or higher.
12. The magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system according to
claim 10 wherein said first and second magnet casings are comprised
of a non-magnetic material and incorporate magnet casing walls
which surround said first and second strong permanent magnets and
extend beyond the outer surfaces of said first and second strong
permanent magnets, said magnet casing walls having serrations so as
to reduce the possibility of movement of said first and second
magnet casings transverse to the magnetic axis of said first and
second strong permanent magnets, said first magnet casing also
incorporating an attaching means for a suspenders strap.
13. The magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system according to
claim 12 wherein said first and second magnet casings are comprised
of a ferrous metal material that is magnetized and with polarities
and magnetic axes complimentary to said first and second strong
permanent magnets.
14. The magnet casing according to claim 12 wherein said first and
second magnet casing walls are flush with the outer surface of said
first and second strong permanent magnets and said first and second
magnet casings and said first and second strong permanent magnets
are coated in a soft plastic material so as to reduce the
possibility of movement of said first and second magnet casings
transverse to the magnetic axis of said first and second strong
permanent magnets.
15. The magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system according to
claim 10 wherein said second magnet casing of said second strong
permanent magnet optionally incorporates the application of a
decorative material.
16. A magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system comprising a
plurality of magnetic clasp units attached to a suspenders
system.
17. A magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system wherein said
suspenders system comprises an anterior horizontal strap
approximately eight inches in length, said anterior horizontal
strap centered at the wearer's sternum, said anterior horizontal
strap having one of said magnetic clasp units suspended at each end
of and perpendicular to said anterior horizontal strap and
extending vertically downward with said magnetic clasp units
positioned such that they may be magnetically clasped to the top
portion of the wearer's trousers, wherein said anterior horizontal
strap is supported by a suspenders strap attached to each end of
and perpendicular to of said anterior horizontal strap and each
said suspenders strap extending vertically and over each of the
wearer's shoulders, said suspenders straps then further extending
downward from said wearer's shoulders then further extending in a
curved fashion away from the centerline of the wearer's body such
that said suspenders straps pass underneath the wearer's arms and
connect horizontally to each end of said anterior horizontal strap,
each said suspenders strap thus forming a closed loop, wherein said
suspenders straps provide support for said anterior horizontal
strap, wherein said anterior horizontal strap provides support for
said pair of magnetic clasp units and, thus, carrying the weight of
said wearer's trousers upon said wearer's shoulders, said
suspenders system further incorporating a posterior horizontal
strap positioned at the wearer's shoulder blades so as to prevent
said suspenders straps from slipping off of said wearer's
shoulders.
18. A magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system wherein said
suspenders system supports a pair of said magnetic clasp units,
first said magnetic clasp unit positioned such that it is
magnetically clasped at the top front and center of the wearer's
trousers with the strap portion of said first magnetic clasp
extending vertically upwards, wherein a pair of suspenders straps
are attached to the upper end of said strap portion of said first
magnetic clasp, wherein said pair of suspenders straps extend
vertically but diverge from the plane of bilateral symmetry of the
wearer's body such that of said pair of suspenders straps passes
over each of said wearer's body then extend vertically downward but
converge at the plane of bilateral symmetry of said wearer's body
and at the upper end of the strap portion of a second said magnetic
clasp unit, wherein said pair of suspenders are attached to said
upper end of said strap portion of said second magnetic clasp unit,
wherein with said pair of suspenders straps thus attached to said
first and second magnetic clasp units magnetically clasped to said
wearer's trousers the weight of said wearer's trousers is supported
by said wearer's shoulders.
19. A magnetic clasp unit and suspenders system wherein said
suspenders system incorporates an undergarment suitable for the
application of an attaching means for a single suspenders strap,
said attaching means allowing for the placement of each end of said
single suspenders strap to be vertically variable, wherein said
each end of said suspenders strap is thus attached to the front of
said undergarment near the top and center of each of the wearer's
shoulders, said suspenders strap being of sufficient length so as
to allow the upper end of the strap portion of said magnetic clasp
unit to be attached at the center of said suspenders strap and hang
approximately fifteen inches below the top of the wearer's
shoulders, wherein the magnetic clasp is positioned below the top
of the wearer's trousers and with said magnetic clasp unit
magnetically clasped to said wearer's trousers the weight of said
wearer's trousers is supported by said wearers shoulders by means
of said undergarment.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Trouser suspenders have been in use for many years and there
have been numerous improvements to their layout and the means of
attaching the suspenders to the wearer's trousers. Nonetheless,
their general layout has remained relatively unchanged while there
have been minor improvements to their mechanical fasteners. With
the introduction of strong and compact magnets it is now possible
to produce fasteners utilizing pairs of opposing polarity magnets.
In fact there are numerous applications using magnets in fasteners,
clips, hangers, accessory attachments and buttons. These magnetic
fasteners are generally considered advantageous due to the relative
ease of their attachment and detachment. Many of these fasteners
utilize small magnets and housings so that they are unobtrusive and
incorporate features to resist uncoupling due to movement
transverse to the magnetic axes of the coupling magnets. As such,
these fasteners have elaborately fabricated casings that require
manual alignment of the matching pieces to fasten and still resist
detachment due to forces along this transverse axis from attached
straps, chains, cords and other such elements. These fasteners are
meant to replace such items as buttons, jewelry clasps and
undergarment strap connectors for bras.
[0005] It would seem advantageous to develop a simplified type of
magnetic fastener that would allow a garment or, specifically, a
trouser suspenders to be attached without careful alignment of the
fasteners and utilized in such a manner as to be worn as
undergarments rather than on top of the outer surfaces of the
wearer's clothing. This would provide the wearer with the support
of suspenders without the usual visible straps and clasps; thus
making suspenders an option for those individuals who, for one
reason or another, would prefer not to appear to be wearing
suspenders.
[0006] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention
to provide trouser support for those individuals with a need or
desire for that support while avoiding the appearance of
traditional suspenders or any stigma that might be associated with
conventional over the clothing suspenders.
[0007] Another specific object of the invention is to provide for
various strap or support mechanisms that are specifically intended
to be worn in a concealed fashion.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A principal objective of the present invention is to provide
a suspenders system for trousers that is easily and comfortably
worn mostly underneath the wearer's outer layers of clothing to
provide support for trousers
[0009] This invention incorporates a unique system for attaching
suspenders to the wearer's trousers by means of a magnetic clasp
between the end of a suspenders strap and the trousers belt.
[0010] The magnetic clasp comprises magnet having a casing and a
matching ferrous metal attachment associated with a trousers belt.
The magnet casing includes an attaching means for a strap. The
magnet casing is positioned inside the trousers and opposite the
ferrous metal attachment affixed to the trousers belt. The
resultant magnetic attraction between the magnet and belt
effectively connects the belt and trousers to the magnet casing
which is, in turn, supported by a suspenders configuration attached
to the magnet casing strap that is suited to carry the weight of
the trousers on the wearer's shoulders and upper torso. This
invention takes advantage of the fact that magnetic attraction of
sufficient strength can connect this magnet and ferrous metal belt
attachment through intervening layers of clothing and, therefore
the magnet can be placed underneath a shirt and inside the
trousers.
[0011] Another embodiment of this invention is where the magnet is
comprised of a rare earth material such as neodymium with a rating
of N42 or higher.
[0012] A further embodiment of this invention is where the magnet
and casing are attached to a suspenders strap by a detachable means
such as a hook and loop fastener.
[0013] A still further embodiment of this invention is where the
magnet casing is comprised of a plastic material with the outer
edge of the casing wall slightly beyond the outer face of the
magnet and incorporating serrations to resist slippage along the
inner face of the wearer's clothing.
[0014] Another embodiment of this invention is where the casing is
comprised of a plastic material which completely encases the magnet
and the outer face of the casing incorporates serrations or texture
to resist slippage along the inner face of the wearer's
clothing.
[0015] A further embodiment of this invention is where the casing
is comprised of a metal material with the casing walls extending
slightly beyond the outer face of the magnet to resist slippage
along the inner face of the wearer's clothing. The casing may be of
a magnetic material and of complimentary polarity to the magnet and
my incorporate a decorative coating.
[0016] A still further embodiment of this invention is where the
casing is comprised of a metal material to hold the magnet and
provide structure for the casing and an outer covering of a soft
plastic material such that there is a means of resisting slippage
along the inner face of the wearer's clothing.
[0017] Another embodiment of this invention is where the ferrous
metal belt attachment is formed into a "J" shape and incorporates a
spring foil such that this attachment may be positioned on the
underside of the belt and be held in place by friction.
[0018] A further embodiment of this invention is where the ferrous
metal belt attachment is formed into a "C" shape such that is held
in place on the inside of the belt with little probability of
leaving an indention or mark on the belt material.
[0019] A still further embodiment of this invention is where the
ferrous metal belt attachment is permanently fastened to the belt
and held in place by a fastening means such as a metal rivet, an
adhesive or stitching.
[0020] Another embodiment of this invention is where the ferrous
metal belt attachment is permanently incorporated within the belt
and is held in place in a pouch shape in the belt material or held
in place by adhesive means.
[0021] A further embodiment of this invention is where the ferrous
metal belt attachment is magnetized so as to enhance the attraction
between the magnet casing and ferrous metal belt attachment.
[0022] A still further embodiment of this invention addresses the
use of the magnetic clasp for a user not wearing a belt. In this
case the ferrous metal belt attachment is replaced by a target
magnet. This target magnet would have a casing of plastic metal or
other suitable material and shaped so as to facilitate the
detachment of this magnet in order to release the magnetic
clasp.
[0023] Another embodiment of this invention is making available to
users a suspenders that is durable, easy to use, inexpensive to
manufacture and easy to adapt to a variety of clothing and
accessory combinations. The magnetic clasp makes it extremely easy
to attach suspender ends to the trousers because the magnet and
ferrous metal belt attachment need only be brought into general
proximity with one another in order for the clasping connection to
be made.
[0024] Additional and various other objects and advantages will
become more apparent as the specification is read and the
accompanying figures are reviewed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention, the magnetic
suspenders system may be explained in further detail below by way
of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic clasp
showing a magnet casing having a magnet with a hook and loop
fastening system for attaching the casing to the end of a
suspenders strap and showing a ferrous metal belt attachment in
place on a belt;
[0027] FIG. 2 is and exploded cross sectional view of the magnet
magnet with the hook and loop fastening system for attaching the
casing to the end of a suspenders strap;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the magnet casing and magnet with
the hook and loop fastening system for attaching the casing to the
end of a suspenders strap,
[0029] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the magnet casing and
magnet with the hook and loop fastening system for attaching the
casing to the end of a suspenders strap along line 4-4 shown in
FIG. 3;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the magnet casing and
magnet wherein the casing is comprised of a plastic material;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the magnet casing and
magnet wherein the casing is comprised of a plastic material that
completely encases the magnet;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the magnet casing and
magnet wherein the casing is comprised of a metal material;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the magnet casing and
magnet wherein the casing is comprised of a metal material
completely encased in a plastic material;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the "J" shaped belt attachment
which is shaped with a spring foil such that it may be attached to
the inward bottom portion of a belt and held there
frictionally;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the ferrous metal
target affixed to the belt attachment "J" 40 which is shaped with a
spring foil such that it may be attached to the inward bottom
portion of a belt and held there frictionally;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the "C" shaped belt attachment
which is shaped such that it may be attached to the inward face of
a belt without imposing any friction on the belt surface;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the ferrous metal
target affixed to the "C" shaped belt attachment which is shaped
such that it may be attached to the inward face of a belt without
imposing any friction on the belt surface;
[0038] FIG. 13 is an exploded partial cross sectional view of the
magnet and casing as shown in FIG. 5 positioned inside a wearer's
trousers and opposite a trousers belt with the "C" shaped belt
attachment with its' attached ferrous metal target as shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10;
[0039] FIG. 14 is the assembled version of the exploded partial
cross sectional view shown in FIG. 13;
[0040] FIG. 15 is an exploded partial cross sectional view of the
magnet casing and magnet as shown in FIG. 5 positioned inside a
wearer's trousers and opposite a trousers belt with the "J" shaped
belt attachment and its' attached ferrous metal target as shown in
FIGS. 11 and 12;
[0041] FIG. 16 is the assembled version of the exploded partial
cross sectional view shown in FIG. 15;
[0042] FIG. 17, is an exploded partial cross sectional view of the
magnet casing and magnet shown in FIG. 5 positioned inside a
wearer's trousers and opposite a trousers belt with the ferrous
metal target comprising a plate permanently attached to the belt by
means of an adhesive or pocket in the belt material;
[0043] FIG. 18 is the assembled version of the exploded partial
cross sectional view shown in FIG. 17;
[0044] FIG. 19 is an exploded partial cross sectional view of the
magnet casing and magnet as shown in FIG. 5 positioned inside a
wearer's trousers and opposite a trousers belt with the ferrous
metal target comprising a plate permanently attached to the belt by
means of a rivet;
[0045] FIG. 20 is the assembled version of the exploded partial
cross sectional view shown in FIG. 19;
[0046] FIG. 21 is an exploded partial cross sectional view of an
alternative magnetic clasp with the magnet casing and magnet as
shown in FIG. 5 positioned inside a wearer's trousers and opposite
a target magnet casing and magnet that is used without a belt;
[0047] FIG. 22 is the assembled version of the exploded partial
cross sectional view shown in FIG. 21;
[0048] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an preferred embodiment of
the invention illustrating a suspenders system which provides for a
pair of magnetic clasps at the leftward and rightward positions on
the front portion of the wearer's belt and trousers;
[0049] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a alternative embodiment of
the invention illustrating suspenders system which provides for a
single magnetic clasp at a position anterior on the wearer's belt
and trousers and a position posterior on the wearer's belt and
trousers;
[0050] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the invention illustrating a suspenders system attached to a
t-shirt and which provides for a single magnetic clasp at an
anterior position on the wearer's belt and trousers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference Numbers
[0051] Trousers belt 31 [0052] "C" shaped belt attachment 40 [0053]
"J" shaped belt attachment 41 [0054] Ferrous metal target 42 [0055]
Ferrous metal target with countersunk hole 43 [0056] Metal rivet 44
[0057] Magnet target 45 [0058] Magnet target casing 46 [0059]
Magnet and casing with strap for attachment to a suspenders strap
end 50 [0060] Suspenders strap end 54 [0061] Loop pad strap facing
55 [0062] Hook pad strap facing 56 [0063] Magnet casing strap 57
[0064] Magnet casing 58 [0065] Magnet 59 [0066] Anterior suspender
strap 60 [0067] Posterior suspender strap 61 [0068] Supplemental
anterior suspender strap 62 [0069] Casing wall 64 [0070] Serrations
65 [0071] Flexible plastic outer coating 66 [0072] Flange with slot
for strap 67 [0073] Hanger 71 [0074] Hanger attachment end with
hook pad 72 [0075] Hanger attachment loop pad 73 [0076] T-shirt
74
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0077] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown an exploded perspective
view of a preferred embodiment of the magnetic clasp that generally
comprises two components: 1.) A belt attachment 40 with attached
ferrous metal target 42, 2.) a component 50 comprising a magnet 59
and magnet casing 58 with a means of attaching a strap 57 which, in
turn incorporates a hook and loop means for attachment to a
suspenders strap end 54. Not shown in this figure are the
suspenders to which component 50 is to be attached. Later FIGS. 23,
24 and 25 will illustrate preferred and alternative embodiments of
the suspenders straps.
[0078] In the preferred embodiment the magnetic clasp component 50
there is incorporated into magnet casing 58 a magnet 59 that
utilizes a rare earth material such as neodymium and has a rating
of N42 or higher and includes a protective coating such as nickel
or other suitable decorative material to prevent corrosion. Magnet
casing 58 is comprised of a plastic material such as nylon, PVC,
styrene or other suitable plastic and the magnet 59 is held in
place by adhesive or mechanical means. This magnet casing 58
incorporates a means of attaching a strap 57 which has a hook pad
56 attached to the inner surface of strap 57. A suspenders strap
end 54 has a loop pad attached to its' outer surface making it
possible to attach the casing strap 57 to the suspenders end strap
54. While a hook and loop fastening system is a preferred
embodiment, other attachment means such as buttons or zippers may
be utilized. The straps 54 and 57 of component 50 are intended to
be of sufficient length so as to provide for vertical adjustment of
the position of the magnet casing 58 so that it is opposite the
ferrous metal target 42.
[0079] FIG. 1 further illustrates the positioning of the magnet 59
and magnet casing 58 such that they are held in a fixed position
vertically at the end of a suspenders strap with the magnet 59 and
magnet casing 58 inside the wearer's clothing and directly opposite
the belt attachment 40 and its' attached ferrous metal target 42.
In this preferred embodiment the belt attachment 40 is given a "J"
shape with a spring foil so that it may easily be clipped to the
underside of the wearer's belt 31 with the long face of the
attachment 40 and the attached ferrous metal target 42 on the
inside face of the belt 31. The belt attachment 40 and its'
attached target 42 may be comprised of any suitable ferromagnetic
material and may incorporate decorative and protective coatings
such as gold, silver or nickel.
[0080] The resultant attraction between the magnet 59 and the
ferrous metal target 42 effectively connects the wearer's belt 31
to the suspenders and, thus, the weight of the trousers is borne on
the wearer's shoulders and upper torso.
[0081] FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the preferred and alternative
embodiments of the magnet casing 58.
[0082] The magnet casing 58 shown in FIG. 5 is comprised of a
plastic material such as nylon, PVC or styrene and incorporates a
casing wall 64 that extends above the surface of the magnet 59 and
terminates in a serrated surface 65. These serrations are intended
to reduce the possibility of slippage along the inner surfaces of
the wearer's clothing. Flange 67 incorporates an attachment means
for a strap.
[0083] The magnet casing 58 shown in FIG. 6 is comprised of a
plastic material such as nylon, PVC or styrene and completely
encloses the magnet 59. The thin outer surface 65 is serrated or
textured such that it will reduce the possibility of slippage along
the inner surface of the wearer's clothing. Flange 67 incorporates
an attachment means for a strap.
[0084] The magnet casing 58 shown in FIG. 7 is comprised of a
ferromagnetic material and incorporates a casing wall 64 that
extends above the surface of the magnet 59 so as to reduce the
possibility of slippage along the inner surface of the wearer's
clothing. This magnet casing 58 may further be magnetized and of a
polarity complimentary to the magnet 59 so as to enhance the
attraction to the ferrous metal target 42. Flange 67 incorporates
an attachment means for a strap.
[0085] The casing 58 shown in FIG. 8 is comprised of a
ferromagnetic material structural substrate with a casing wall 64
to hold the magnet 59 and a flexible plastic outer coating 66. This
outer coating 66 may be of a material that is inherently frictional
so as to resist slippage along the inner surface of the wearer's
clothing. Flange 67 incorporates an attachment means for a
strap.
[0086] FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 illustrate details of
a preferred embodiment of the belt attachment 40 and an alternative
embodiment of a belt attachment 41 wherein these attachments are
not a permanent part of the wearer's belt. Both embodiments have a
ferrous metal target 42 attached to their respective inner
faces.
[0087] FIGS. 9 and 10 are plan and sectional views, respectively of
a preferred embodiment of the belt attachment 40 with its' attached
ferrous metal target 42. In this embodiment the belt attachment is
in a "J" shaped clip that incorporates a spring foil 45 so that
this embodiment of the belt attachment 40 and its attached ferrous
metal target 42 may be positioned on the underside of the wearer's
trousers belt with the ferrous metal target 42 facing the wearer's
torso and remain there through the clamping effect of the spring
foil 45.
[0088] FIGS. 11 and 12 are plan and sectional views, respectively
of an alternative embodiment of a belt attachment 41. In this
embodiment the belt attachment is in a "C" shape with folds at the
upper and lower sides 46 so that this embodiment of a belt
attachment 41 may be positioned on the wearer's belt with its'
attached ferrous metal target 42 facing the wearer's torso and
remain there without any clamping effect or any resultant
undesirable deformation of the user's trousers belt.
[0089] FIGS. 13 and 14 are exploded and assembled views,
respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the magnet and casing
58 with the preferred embodiment of the belt attachment 40 with
it's attached ferrous metal target 42 shown in place relative to
the wearer's trousers and belt.
[0090] FIGS. 15 and 16 are exploded and assembled views,
respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the magnet and casing
58 with an alternative embodiment of a belt attachment 41 with its'
ferrous metal target 42 shown in place relative to the wearer's
trousers and belt.
[0091] FIGS. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 illustrate further
alternative embodiments of the ferrous metal target 42.
[0092] FIGS. 17 and 18 are exploded and assembled views,
respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the magnet and casing
58 with an alternative embodiment of a ferrous metal target 42
wherein this target is a permanent part of the wearer's belt 31. In
this embodiment the ferrous metal target 42 is secured to the
wearer's belt by an adhesive or inserted into a pocket in the inner
face of the belt 31.
[0093] FIGS. 19 and 20 are exploded and assembled views,
respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the magnet and casing
58 with an alternative embodiment of the ferrous metal target 43
wherein this target is a permanent part of the wearer's belt 31. In
this embodiment a ferrous metal target 43 incorporates a
countersunk hole so that it may be secured to the wearer's belt by
a rivet 44 or other similar mechanical means.
[0094] FIGS. 21 and 22 are exploded and assembled views,
respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the magnet and casing
58 with a further alternative embodiment of the magnetic clasp
wherein a belt is not utilized. In this embodiment the belt and
ferrous metal belt attachments are supplanted by a disk or button
shaped ferrous metal target 45 with a target casing 46. The target
casing 46 is shaped in such a manner as to facilitate removal the
ferrous metal target from the magnetic attraction of the magnet
59.
[0095] Additionally, any of the ferrous metal targets described
above may be magnetized and of a polarity such that there is an
enhanced attraction to the magnet 59.
[0096] FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 illustrate a preferred and two
alternative embodiments of the suspenders utilized to support the
magnetic clasps 50 in a fixed position vertically on the wearer's
torso.
[0097] FIG. 23 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the
suspenders in which a pair of magnetic clasps are located at the
front of the wearer's trousers and supported by a pair of anterior
straps 60 which pass over the shoulders either side of the wearer's
neck and return downward and underneath each arm wrapping around
the wearer's torso 32 and converging at the top of the magnetic
clasp components 50. A supplemental anterior strap 62 runs
horizontally between the two magnetic clasp components 50 to both
connect and separate these clasp components and a supplemental
posterior strap 61 connects the two straps 60 at the back of the
wearer to prevent the straps 60 from slipping off the wearer's
shoulders. The magnet casing components 58 of the magnetic clasps
are positioned inside the wearers clothing opposite the ferrous
metal targets 42 which are held in place by the belt attachments
40. The resultant magnetic connection between magnet components 59
of the magnetic clasp and the ferrous metal targets 42 attaches the
suspenders to the wearer's belt 31 so that the weight of the
wearer's trousers 34 is carried on the wearer's shoulders.
[0098] FIG. 24 Illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
suspenders and incorporates a pair of magnetic clasps, one each at
a front and rear location on wearer's trousers. In this embodiment
the anterior magnetic clasp component 50 supported by a pair of
anterior straps 60 which pass over the shoulders either side of the
wearer's neck and return downward as a pair of posterior straps
which converge at and support the posterior magnetic clasp
component 50. The anterior and posterior magnet casings 58 are
positioned inside the wearers clothing and opposite the ferrous
metal targets 42. The resultant magnetic connection between the
magnets 59 and the ferrous metal targets 42 attaches the suspenders
to the wearer's belt 31 so that the weight of the wearer's trousers
34 is carried on the wearer's shoulders.
[0099] FIG. 25 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the
suspenders which incorporates a t-shirt as an integral part of the
suspenders. This t-shirt 74 has a pair of loop pads 73
approximately one inch wide attached at the shoulder seam of the
t-shirt and which extend downward approximately eight inches so as
to provide for an additional means of adjustment for the vertical
position of the magnetic clasp component 50. A pair of hook pads 72
approximately one inch wide and three inches long with an
appropriate backing such as leather or plastic are attachment
points on the loop pads 73 for a support strap 71 comprised of a
nylon or woven metal cord or may be a metal or plastic chain or
other suitable material. The magnetic clasp component 50 is
attached to the center of support strap 71 and the resultant "V"
shape allows the magnet casing 58 to be positioned inside the
wearers clothing and opposite the ferrous metal target 42. The
resultant magnetic connection between the magnet 59 and the ferrous
metal target 42 attaches the suspenders to the wearer's belt 31 so
that the weight of the wearer's trousers 34 is carried on the
wearer's shoulders.
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