Self-adjusting shoulder straps

Abstract

One embodiment provides a shoulder strap system comprising one or more self-adjusting shoulder straps and one or more connectors for interconnecting the shoulder straps to a body garment intended to be worn by a wearer. Each shoulder strap comprises a casing including one or more fabric layers forming an exterior of the casing and an elastic segment interconnected to a webbing segment, where the elastic segment and the webbing segment are disposed inside the casing and concealed by the fabric layers. Each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap is stretchable to dynamically adjust to a physical build or a movement of the wearer, such that each shoulder strap operates independently to increase mobility and range of motion of the wearer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A shoulder strap system comprising:
 one or more self-adjusting shoulder straps; and   one or more connectors for interconnecting the shoulder straps to a body garment intended to be worn by a wearer;   wherein each shoulder strap comprises a casing including:
 one or more fabric layers forming an exterior of the casing; and 
 an elastic segment interconnected to a webbing segment, wherein the elastic segment and the webbing segment are disposed inside the casing and concealed by the fabric layers, and the elastic segment is stretchable to dynamically adjust to a physical build or a movement of the wearer, such that each shoulder strap operates independently to increase mobility and range of motion of the wearer. 
   
     
     
         2 . The shoulder strap system of  claim 1 , wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap is movable inside the casing and stretchable from a minimum length to a maximum length in response to stress exerted onto the shoulder strap by a shoulder of the wearer. 
     
     
         3 . The shoulder strap system of  claim 2 , wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby reducing wear and tear on the elastic segment. 
     
     
         4 . The shoulder strap system of  claim 2 , wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby reducing or eliminating friction between the elastic segment and the wearer. 
     
     
         5 . The shoulder strap system of  claim 2 , wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby eliminating exposure of the elastic segment to outside elements, such that the shoulder strap is fire resistant. 
     
     
         6 . The shoulder strap system of  claim 1 , wherein each connector comprises a buckle loop. 
     
     
         7 . The shoulder strap system of  claim 1 , wherein each shoulder strap further comprises a hook and loop fastener for adjusting a length of the shoulder strap to accommodate the physical build of the wearer. 
     
     
         8 . The shoulder strap system of  claim 1 , wherein the body garment comprises one of a pair of overalls, a romper, a bib, or a one-piece garment. 
     
     
         9 . An article of clothing comprising:
 a body garment intended to be worn by a wearer;   one or more self-adjusting shoulder straps; and   one or more connectors for interconnecting the shoulder straps to the body garment;   wherein each shoulder strap comprises a casing including:
 one or more fabric layers forming an exterior of the casing; and 
 an elastic segment interconnected to a webbing segment, wherein the elastic segment and the webbing segment are disposed inside the casing and concealed by the fabric layers, and the elastic segment is stretchable to dynamically adjust to a physical build or a movement of the wearer, such that each shoulder strap operates independently to increase mobility and range of motion of the wearer. 
   
     
     
         10 . The article of clothing of  claim 9 , wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap is movable inside the casing and stretchable from a minimum length to a maximum length in response to stress exerted onto the shoulder strap by a shoulder of the wearer. 
     
     
         11 . The article of clothing of  claim 10 , wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby reducing wear and tear on the elastic segment. 
     
     
         12 . The article of clothing of  claim 10 , wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby reducing or eliminating friction between the elastic segment and the wearer. 
     
     
         13 . The article of clothing of  claim 10 , wherein each elastic segment inside each casing of each shoulder strap remains concealed by the casing when the elastic segment is stretched to the maximum length, thereby eliminating exposure of the elastic segment to outside elements, such that the shoulder strap is fire resistant. 
     
     
         14 . The article of clothing of  claim 9 , wherein each connector comprises a buckle loop. 
     
     
         15 . The article of clothing of  claim 9 , wherein each shoulder strap further comprises a hook and loop fastener for adjusting a length of the shoulder strap to accommodate the physical build of the wearer. 
     
     
         16 . The article of clothing of  claim 9 , wherein the body garment comprises one of a pair of overalls, a romper, a bib, or a one-piece garment.