Shoulder Strap Retainer

Abstract

A flexible, low profile retainer having a high coefficient of friction that may be adhered to the underside of a shoulder strap to retain the strap in the appropriate location on the shoulder of a user. The retainer is formed from a flexible layer of silicone or thermoplastic rubber and includes an adhesive positioned on one side to adhere the retainer in the appropriate location on the underside of the shoulder strap. The retainer may be dimensioned to be nearly invisible when positioned on the strap, thereby maintaining the aesthetic appeal and overall look of the item being supported by the strap.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A retainer for holding a strap in position, comprising:
 a flexible substrate that extends along a plane to define first and second opposing planar surfaces and an outer perimeter having first and second opposing minor sides and first and second opposing major sides;   an adhesive applied to at least a portion of said surface treatment;   a removable cover positioned over said adhesive.   
     
     
         2 . The retainer of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible substrate comprises silicone. 
     
     
         3 . The retainer of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible substrate comprises a thermoplastic rubber. 
     
     
         4 . The retainer of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible substrate comprises vinyl-terminated dimethyl vinyl methyl (siloxane and polysiloxane), hydroxyl-terminated dimethyl (siloxane and polyusiloxane), and aluminum hydroxide. 
     
     
         5 . The retainer of  claim 2 , wherein said flexible substrate is less than two millimeters in thickness throughout. 
     
     
         6 . The retainer of  claim 5 , wherein said flexible substrate is dimensioned to have a width that is the same or less than a shoulder strap on which it may be adhered. 
     
     
         7 . The retainer of  claim 5 , wherein said flexible substrate comprises a rectangle. 
     
     
         8 . The retainer of  claim 7 , wherein said rectangle includes rounded corners. 
     
     
         9 . The retainer of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second opposing minor sides are arcuate and said first and second opposing major sides are straight.