Rigid bi-directional shoulder strap guide

Abstract

A shoulder strap guide, having quick connect provisions. A rigid C-shaped guide is alternately oriented onto a vest to either prevent upward translation of a shoulder strap into a wearer's neck or downward translation of a shoulder strap off of the user's shoulder. The guide is equipped with quick disconnect provisions, so that it can be quickly disengaged and reconnected to change functions from preventing upward translation to preventing download translation. The bi-directional nature of the guide is particularly helpful for items that have straps that may be worn over the shoulder on the same side of the body or worn on the opposing shoulder over the head. The C-shaped guide is rigid and retains the strap and does not give way or allow release of the strap upon application of force.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A rigid C-shaped guide engaging a shoulder carrying strap, said guide having means for being securely affixed to an upper portion of an upper body garment. 
     
     
         2 . The C-shaped guide of  claim 1  wherein said C-shaped guide is oriented to prevent upward translation of such shoulder carrying strap toward a wearer's neck. 
     
     
         3 . The C-shaped guide of  claim 1  wherein said C-shaped guide is oriented to prevent downward translation of said shoulder carrying strap off the user shoulder. 
     
     
         4 . The C-shaped guide of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a rigid, C-shaped guide member; 
 a mounting base; and 
 secure affixation means between said C-shaped guide member and said mounting base. 
 
     
     
         5 . The C-shaped guide of  claim 4  wherein said secure affixation means are alternately used to orient said bi directional C-shaped guide component. 
     
     
         6 . The C-shaped guide of  claim 5  wherein said C-shaped guide alternately prevents upward translation of said shoulder strap toward the user neck or downward translation of said shoulder strap off the shoulder. 
     
     
         7 . The C-shaped guide as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said mounting base comprises mechanical stop means in both directions. 
     
     
         8 . The C-shaped guide as set forth in  claim 7  further comprising cooperative sliding alignment provisions between said C-shaped guide and said mounting base. 
     
     
         9 . The C-shaped guide as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said mechanical stop devices comprise over travel stops preventing said C-shaped guide component from disengaging from said mounting base upon application of force. 
     
     
         10 . The C-shaped guide as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said mechanical stop devices comprise at least one cooperative locking tab and notch.