U.S. patent application number 10/757062 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-30 for load bearing shoulder frame assembly.
Invention is credited to Collette, Brandon Brent, Jensen, James, Pratt, Michael James, Warner, Scott Kendrick.
Application Number | 20040262343 10/757062 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33518767 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040262343 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pratt, Michael James ; et
al. |
December 30, 2004 |
Load bearing shoulder frame assembly
Abstract
A substantially rigid load bearing apparatus for facilitating
manual transport of a load, such as a golf bag, luggage, camping
equipment, backpack, and the like. The load bearing apparatus
facilitates manual transport of a load by providing independent
support for the load as well as enabling a user to quickly and
easily implement the load bearing apparatus in a single motion. The
load bearing apparatus may also incorporate a support strap
assembly for selectively adjusting the position of the load
relative to a user.
Inventors: |
Pratt, Michael James;
(Draper, UT) ; Warner, Scott Kendrick; (Draper,
UT) ; Collette, Brandon Brent; (Salt Lake City,
UT) ; Jensen, James; (Orem, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIRTON & McCONKIE
1800 Eagle Gate Tower
60 East South Temple
Salt Lake City
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
33518767 |
Appl. No.: |
10/757062 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10757062 |
Jan 14, 2004 |
|
|
|
10289722 |
Nov 7, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/265 ;
224/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 55/00 20130101;
A45F 3/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/265 ;
224/201 |
International
Class: |
A45F 003/10 |
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
1. A load bearing apparatus for facilitating manual transport of a
load, said apparatus comprising: a central rib to distribute a
weight corresponding to said load over a user; and a stabilizing
arm coupled to said central rib to stabilize said load with respect
to said user.
2. The load bearing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an
opposing arm coupled to said supporting rib.
3. The load bearing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said central rib
is substantially rigid.
4. The load bearing apparatus of claim 2, wherein said opposing arm
substantially counterbalances said stabilizing arm such that said
weight corresponding to said load is substantially evenly
distributed over said central rib.
5. The load bearing apparatus of claim 2, wherein said stabilizing
arm is coupled to one end of said central rib, and wherein said
opposing arm is coupled to an opposite end of said central rib.
6. The load bearing apparatus of claim 2, wherein said stabilizing
arm and said opposing arm are substantially rigid.
7. The load bearing apparatus of claim 2, further comprising at
least one cushioning support coupled to an underside surface of
said stabilizing arm and said opposing arm.
8. The load bearing apparatus of claim 7, wherein said at least one
cushioning support is further coupled to an underside surface of
said central rib.
9. The load bearing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stabilizing
arm is adjustably coupled to said central rib.
10. The load bearing apparatus of claim 2, wherein said at least
one opposing arm is adjustably coupled to said central rib.
11. The load bearing apparatus of claim 2, further comprising
attachment means coupled to at least one of said central rib, said
stabilizing arm and said opposing arm to facilitate attaching said
load to said load bearing apparatus.
12. The attachment means of claim 1 1, wherein said attachment
means is configured to receive a support strap assembly, wherein
said support strap assembly may be disposed between each of said
load bearing apparatus and said load.
13. The attachment means of claim 12, wherein said support strap
assembly comprises at least one dorsal strap attached to said
central rib and at least one anterior strap attached to at least
one of said stabilizing arm and said opposing arm.
14. The load bearing apparatus of claim 13, wherein said at least
one anterior strap is attached to said opposing arm and wherein
said opposing arm has a length longer than a length corresponding
to said stabilizing arm, such that said load may be distributed
substantially diagonally over a surface area of said user.
15. The load bearing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said load
bearing apparatus comprises a unitary assembly.
16. The load bearing apparatus of claim 2, wherein said stabilizing
arm and opposing arm are adjustably coupled to said central
rib.
17. The load bearing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said central rib
comprises a substantially planar surface that substantially
conforms to an upper surface of said user's back.
18. The load bearing apparatus of claim 2, wherein said stabilizing
arm and said opposing arm comprise a substantially planar surface
that substantially conforms to at least one of said user's
shoulders.
19. A system for distributing a load over a back of a user to
facilitate manual transport of said load, said system comprising: a
load capable of being supported by said user; and a unitary
shoulder frame assembly coupled to said load, said shoulder frame
assembly comprising: a central rib for distributing a weight of
said load over said user; a stabilizing arm extending from said
central rib to stabilize said load with respect to said user; and
an opposing arm extending from said central rib.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein said opposing arm substantially
counterbalances said stabilizing arm such that said weight
corresponding to said load is substantially evenly distributed over
said central rib.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein said unitary shoulder frame
assembly is substantially rigid.
22. The system of claim 19, wherein said load comprises a golf
bag.
23. The system of claim 19, wherein said load comprises a
backpack.
24. The system of claim 19, wherein said load comprises camping
equipment.
25. The system of claim 19, wherein said load comprises
luggage.
26. The system of claim 19, said shoulder frame assembly further
comprising a substantially planar surface substantially conforming
to said user's shoulders and back.
27. The system of claim 19, said shoulder frame assembly further
comprising at least one cushioning support coupled to an underside
surface thereof.
28. The system of claim 19, said shoulder frame assembly further
comprising attachment means coupled to at least one of said central
rib, said stabilizing arm and said opposing arm to facilitate
attaching said load to said shoulder frame assembly.
29. The shoulder frame assembly of claim 28, wherein said
attachment means comprise a support strap assembly.
30. The shoulder frame assembly of claim 29, wherein said support
strap assembly comprises at least one dorsal strap attached to said
central rib and at least one anterior strap attached to at least
one of said stabilizing arm and said opposing arm.
31. The shoulder frame assembly of claim 30, wherein said at least
one anterior strap is attached to said opposing arm and wherein
said opposing arm has a length longer than a length corresponding
to said stabilizing arm, such that said load may be distributed
substantially diagonally over a surface area of said user.
32. A method for distributing a weight of a load over a user to
facilitate manual transport of said load, said method comprising:
providing a substantially rigid shoulder frame assembly to
substantially conform to said user's shoulders and back; attaching
said substantially rigid shoulder frame assembly to said load;
positioning said substantially rigid shoulder frame assembly over
said shoulders and said back of said user such that said weight of
said load is substantially evenly distributed over said user.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein said attaching said
substantially rigid shoulder frame assembly to said load further
comprises coupling a support strap assembly to each of said
substantially rigid shoulder frame assembly and said load.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein said positioning said
substantially rigid shoulder frame over said shoulders and said
back of said user further comprises selectively adjusting said
support strap assembly to customize a relationship between said
substantially rigid shoulder frame assembly and said load according
to said user's body type and individual preferences.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/289,722, filed Nov. 7, 2002, entitled, "Load bearing device for
a Cartable Item Providing Single to Dual-Shoulder Support
Transitioning."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to load bearing devices for
facilitating manual transport of a load. Particularly, the present
invention relates to a load bearing device for substantially evenly
distributing the weight of a load over the back and shoulders of a
user.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Golf is one of the most widely enjoyed sports activities in
the world, and has strong support at both the recreational and
professional levels. While golf has always been a popular game for
both novices and professionals, the popularity of the game has
exploded in recent years. Record numbers are flocking to beautiful
courses worldwide to try their hand at the seemingly arduous task
of putting a little white ball in a four inch hole located hundreds
of yards away in as few shots as possible.
[0004] During play, golfers must transport several different clubs,
balls, tees, and other accessories a considerable distance. As a
result, a golf bag has become an indispensable part of any golfer's
inventory. Despite the availability of golf carts to transport a
golf bag, many golfers prefer to walk a golf course and either
carry their own golf bag or employ a caddy to do so.
[0005] One of the drawbacks to carrying a golf bag over a golf
course is the standard construction of a golf bag. Traditionally
designed golf bags are manufactured to implement very simple
carrying systems designed only to enable a golfer or caddy to carry
the golf bag, which houses both clubs and balls. A typical golf bag
comprises a tubular carrying member enclosed at one end so that the
shafts of golf clubs can be longitudinally retained in the bag.
Traditional carrying systems or devices implemented as a means to
transport such golf bags typically consist of a single strap that
extends from an upper rim of the golf bag to a mid-point on the
bag. The strap is typically loose and made of flexible material,
wherein the golfer or the caddy is able to carry the golf bag by
inserting one arm through the strap so that the strap extends
across one shoulder. Consequently, the golf bag naturally rests
against the golfer or caddy, depending upon the location and slack
in the strap. Although simple in design, this single-strap design
has endured through the years and is still very popular today,
especially in connection with lower priced golf bags.
[0006] Although popular, several disadvantages and deficiencies are
present in traditional carrying systems that are readily recognized
by those individuals who carry such golf bags over a golf course.
One such problem results from the fact that the entire weight of
the golf clubs and bag, which typically ranges between twenty to
thirty pounds, tires the shoulder of the user, especially when
several rounds are being played. The weight of the golf bag also
increases a likelihood of strain in the muscles of the neck,
shoulders, and back. Such strain is often exacerbated by the bulk
of the golf bag and its position relative to the user. Indeed, the
weight, imbalance, and single strap design of traditionally
manufactured golf bags can cause muscle soreness in the hips and
lower back as well as in the upper back and neck due to the fact
that the center of gravity of the bag is offset with respect to the
spine of the user. This is of particular concern to golfers who
suffer from back problems.
[0007] Another problem associated with the traditional single strap
golf bag design is the resulting swing or rocking of the golf bag
that repeatedly pounds the user over and over as he/she walks from
hole to hole. This constant swinging or rocking motion is derived
from and is in tune with the natural walking frequency of the user
and is difficult to stabilize.
[0008] In recent years, the traditional single strap carrying
system design has been improved upon by designing two strap or
multi-strap systems. These allow adjustable straps for two, three,
or four point attachment to a golf bag. These enable transverse
mounting of the golf bag on the back of the golfer. They further
provide a broad surface with compliant material for comfort, and
are often adapted to take the necessary shape to fit a given
golfer.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is a load bearing apparatus for
facilitating manual transport of a load, such as a golf bag,
luggage, camping equipment, backpack, and the like. Specifically,
certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a
substantially rigid supporting structure for supporting the weight
of a load and distributing such weight over the back and shoulders
of a user. The supporting structure may be defined according to
three structural elements, namely, a central rib, a stabilizing arm
and an opposing arm. The central rib provides the primary support
for the weight of a load attached thereto. Accordingly, the central
rib is substantially planar such that the central rib may be
supported and balanced along the upper back of a user.
[0010] A stabilizing arm may extend from one end of the central rib
to stabilize the load anteriorly over a shoulder of a user. An
opposing arm may extend from an opposite end of the central rib
anteriorly over a second shoulder of a user to counterbalance the
stabilizing arm, such that the weight of the load is substantially
evenly distributed over a user. The dimensional relationship
between the stabilizing and opposing arms may promote a specific
transport arrangement with respect to a position of the load
relative to a user. In this manner, balance between the load and a
user may be facilitated according to the weight and bulk of the
load. For example, where the load is a traditionally designed
elongate golf bag, the length of an opposing arm may extend beyond
the length of a stabilizing arm such that the golf bag is supported
on a diagonal relative to a user.
[0011] A load bearing apparatus in accordance with the present
invention may also incorporate a cushioning support on an underside
surface of the supporting structure so as to facilitate a user's
comfort. A support strap assembly may also be implemented in
accordance with the present invention to enable selective
adjustment of the relationship between the load bearing apparatus
and the load.
[0012] As the present invention provides a substantially rigid load
bearing apparatus to provide independent support for a load
transported by a user, the present invention avoids the stress and
strain common to users that utilize traditionally designed load
bearing devices to transport a load.
[0013] An object of some embodiments of the present invention is to
provide a load bearing apparatus capable of providing independent
structural support for the weight of a load transported
thereby.
[0014] Another object of some embodiments of the present invention
is to provide a load bearing apparatus capable of substantially
evenly distributing the weight and bulk of a load over a user.
[0015] A further object of some embodiments of the present
invention is to provide a load bearing apparatus capable of quick
and easy implementation by a user.
[0016] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in
the description that follows. The features and advantages may be
realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the
features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the
practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description,
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention
will be described and explained with additional specificity and
detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an integrally formed load
bearing device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of a second embodiment of the
load bearing device of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a third embodiment of the
load bearing device of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a fourth embodiment of a
load bearing device in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an opposing arm of a load
bearing device in accordance with certain embodiments of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a load bearing device in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention
attached to an exemplary golf bag;
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a load bearing device integrally formed
with a load in accordance with certain embodiments of the present
invention; and
[0025] FIG. 8 details a method for facilitating manual transport of
a load in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
[0027] The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be
best understood by reference to the drawings wherein like parts are
designated by like numerals throughout.
[0028] As used in this specification, the term "load" refers to any
type, style, design, size, or shape of item or load that may be
physically carried by a user, as well as loads that are not
necessarily intended to be carried by a user, but that may be so
adapted or altered. A load may include any bag, container, carrier,
sack, pack, or similar structure or device that may be physically
carried, lugged, borne, supported, or held by a user, and that is
capable of receiving and containing one or more objects therein.
Additionally, a load may include any structure, device, system,
machine, object, etc. that is capable of manual transport by a
user. The term "mainstay backpack" refers to a backpack having an
internal or external mainstay frame.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, a load bearing device 2 in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention may
comprise a substantially rigid structure integrally formed and
comprising a substantially planar central rib 4, a stabilizing arm
6 extending substantially anteriorly from one end of the central
rib 4, and an opposing arm 8 extending substantially anteriorly
from an opposite end of the central rib 4, such that the
stabilizing and opposing arms 6 and 8 are substantially parallel
one another. A load bearing device 2 in accordance with the present
invention may also include attachment means 11 for releasably
attaching the load bearing device to a cartable item, or load
34.
[0030] Unlike prior art load bearing devices that utilize or employ
flexible or soft shoulder straps or harnesses, the present load
bearing device 2 comprises a rigid construction throughout its
primary makeup that provides certain advantages and benefits that
will be described herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a load
bearing device 2 is constructed of plastic material and is formed
using one of several manufacturing methods, such as injection
molding, casting, etc. The load bearing device 2 may also be formed
of one or more other materials, such as metal, carbon graphite, or
wood, but plastic or a plastic composite is preferred.
[0031] A central rib 4 may comprise a substantially horizontal
planar bridge designed to extend dorsally across the lower
neck/upper back area of a user. Alternatively, a central rib 4 may
comprise other various shapes or configurational designs known to
those in the art, or may implement additional features. For
example, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a central rib 4 may comprise a
dorsal brace portion 5 to provide a greater surface area by which
to brace the central rib 4 substantially adjacent a user's back.
Specifically, the dorsal brace portion 5 may extend perpendicularly
from a central horizontal axis of the central rib 4 such that a
bottom edge of the dorsal brace portion 5 may substantially
correspond to a user's mid- to upper back. A dorsal brace portion 5
may comprise a rectangle, triangle, or any other shape or
configuration known to those in the art by which to further brace
the central rib 4 against a user's back and thereby provide
additional support for a load 34.
[0032] A central rib 4 provides the primary means by which a load
bearing device 2 in accordance with the present invention may
support and distribute the weight of a load 34. In addition, a
central rib 4 enables a user to effect a dorsally supported
position of the load bearing shoulder frame assembly of the present
invention in a single movement, and, depending on the weight of the
attached load, with a single hand. A central rib 4 also connects
and secures a stabilizing arm 6 to an opposing arm 8 to provide
stability and balance to a user. A central rib 4 is preferably
rigid in construction and comprises a central horizontal axis
extending therethrough. A central rib 4 may also provide means for
adjusting the relative positions of a stabilizing arm 6 and
opposing arm 8 attached thereto.
[0033] A stabilizing arm 6 comprises an ergonomic design that
conforms or substantially conforms to the shoulder and neck area of
a user to stabilize the load bearing device 2 of the present
invention. In selected embodiments of the present invention,
specific contours of a stabilizing arm 6 are defined by a dorsal
segment 10 and an anterior segment 12 integral to the stabilizing
arm 6. In such embodiments, each of the dorsal segment 10 and the
anterior segment 12 function to improve the fit of and further
brace the load bearing device 2 against a shoulder of a user so as
to further limit the movement and displacement of the load bearing
device 2 with respect to a user.
[0034] A stabilizing arm 6 may further comprise a cushioning
support member 20 coupled to an underside of the stabilizing arm 6,
and particularly positioned to accommodate the anterior and dorsal
segments 12 and 10 of the stabilizing arm 6 to cushion an interface
between the stabilizing arm 6 and a user. Of course, the size,
thickness, stiffness, and arrangement of a cushioning support
member 20 may vary, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art. For example, a cushioning support member 20 may be
removable to allow the user to clean or replace the member 20 as
needed. In addition, the cushioning support member 20 may be
manufactured in various sizes, colors, shapes, etc. to allow the
user to customize the load bearing device 2 to some degree. A
cushioning support member 20 may optionally comprise over-mold
padding to reduce manufacturing costs and provide for a more
unitary integrally formed structure.
[0035] An opposing arm 8 is also preferably rigid in makeup and
ergonomically conforms to an opposing shoulder area of a user. An
opposing arm 8 performs a function complementary to the stabilizing
arm 6 such that the load bearing device 2 of the present invention
may benefit from the use of two shoulders of a user to transport a
load. Indeed, an opposing arm 8 both counterbalances the
stabilizing arm 6 and acts with the stabilizing arm 6 to
substantially evenly distribute a load over a user.
[0036] Some embodiments of an opposing arm 8, like its stabilizing
arm 6 counterpart, may comprise a dorsal segment 13 and an anterior
segment 14 extending anteriorly from the dorsal segment 13. Both
dorsal segment 13 and anterior segment 14 coupled to an opposing
arm 8 function in a manner similar to an anterior segment 12 and
dorsal segment 10 coupled to a stabilizing arm 6.
[0037] Like the stabilizing arm 6, an opposing arm 8 may further
comprise a cushioning support member 20 coupled to an underside of
the opposing arm 8, and particularly implemented to cushion an
interface between the anterior and dorsal segments 13 and 14
thereof and a user. Again, the size, thickness, stiffness, and
arrangement of the cushioning support member 20 may vary, as will
be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 4, although a stabilizing arm 6 and
opposing arm 8 may be highly similar in shape and function, one
presently preferred embodiment of an opposing arm 8 comprises a
lateral extension 16 that extends from an anterior segment 14 to
further stabilize and distribute a load with respect to a user.
Particularly, a lateral extension 16 may include an arcuate portion
18 to direct the load around the side and back of a user such that
the portion of the load thereby supported may rest against the hip
and/or lower back of a user. This embodiment of the present
invention is particularly preferred where the load comprises a golf
bag. Indeed, according to this embodiment of the present invention,
the weight and bulk of the golf bag may be distributed
substantially diagonally against the back of a user so as to
provide a large surface area over which such weight and bulk may be
distributed to minimize strain on any particular muscle or group of
muscles of a user.
[0039] In addition, although a stabilizing arm 6 and an opposing
arm 8 may be substantially complimentary to one another in that
they consist of essentially equivalent but opposite structures, the
present invention contemplates various design differences that may
be incorporated into either of the stabilizing 6 or opposing arms
8, such as the dorsal and anterior segments incorporated into
either or both of the arms 6 and 8, the lateral extension 16
optionally integrated into an opposing arm 8, each as described
above, and other features or elements. As such, the present
invention contemplates any design configuration to be incorporated
into stabilizing and opposing arms 6 and 8 as desired, and is thus
not limited to those specifically recited and illustrated
herein.
[0040] In addition, as the present invention is designed to
ergonomically conform to a user, a load bearing device 2 in
accordance with the present invention may be manufactured in
various sizes and shapes (e.g. different sizes and shapes for men
and women, as well as for children) so a particular user can select
the most ergonomically correct fit that would best allow
stabilizing arm 6 and opposing arm 8 to conform to his or her
particular body structure.
[0041] In another exemplary embodiment, instead of load bearing
device 2 comprising a single, integrally formed structure, load
bearing device 2 may comprise one or more separate and independent
components that are adjustably coupled to one another to form or
construct load bearing device 2. For example, each of the
stabilizing arm 6, opposing arm 8, and central rib 4 may be
adjustably coupled to one another. Such a design is advantageous in
that it allows the load bearing device 2 of the present invention
to better accommodate various sized and shaped users, as discussed
below. The means for adjusting 22 such components may be any means
known to those in the art, such as matching threaded male and
female portions, a ratchet system, a finger tightened screw, a
quick release mechanism, an indexing assembly, or others.
[0042] Means for adjusting 22 may further comprise means for
locking such components in place, such as by an index module, a
quick release mechanism, or a threaded finger tightening screw, or
by any other means known to those in the art.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 5, the present invention further
features means for releasably coupling or attaching a load bearing
device 2 in accordance with the present invention to a cartable
item or load 34, such as a golf bag. For example, a support strap
assembly 28 may include at least one dorsal support strap 30 and at
least one lateral support strap 32. Each strap may be adjusted as
needed via an adjustment means, such as a buckle or other similar
mechanism known to those in the art.
[0044] As depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, a dorsal support strap 30 may
extend from a dorsal segment of either or both of the stabilizing
arm 6 and opposing arm 8, and/or from the central rib 4. A dorsal
support strap 30 preferably attaches to a load 34 near or about its
mid-section. A lateral support strap 32 may extend from an anterior
segment of either or both of the stabilizing arm 6 and opposing arm
8, and/or from a lateral extension 16. A lateral support strap 32
preferably attaches to a load 34 near or about its upper and/or
lower extremity. The present invention, however, contemplates
various other attachment points or locations on a load 34 depending
upon several factors, including load bulk and weight distribution,
load size, the motion that will be experienced while transporting
the load, and the like.
[0045] Attachment means 24 may comprise any known type of
attachment device, system, mechanism, or material capable of
securing dorsal strap 30 and lateral support strap 32 to a load 34
and/or to the load bearing device 2 of the present invention. The
present invention also contemplates attachment means 24 that
facilitate adjustment between two or more attachment points, or
that may facilitate releasable attachment to multiple attachment
points on the load 34 to accommodate varying a load distribution
arrangement. As such, the means and locations of attachment recited
herein should not be considered limiting in any way.
[0046] Dorsal support strap 30 and lateral support strap 32 may
also comprise adjustable, but identified lengths that allow a load
34 to be oriented in the most efficient and comfortable way
identified by a particular user. Preferably, these lengths allow a
load 34 to be oriented transversally across the back of the
user.
[0047] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
as depicted in FIG. 6, a dorsal or lateral support strap 30 or 32
may have a first end that is looped through an aperture or a slot
formed within the load bearing device 2. The first end may then be
secured in place by means commonly known in the art, such as by
sewing the end of the support strap to itself, or by providing some
type of releasable attachment means, such as a buckle, or by
coupling the first end directly to the load 34. Other attachment
methods may also be utilized, such as attaching the first end of a
strap 30 or 32 to the load bearing device 2 using a snap or rivet,
or by any other means of mechanical attachment known to those in
the art. Essentially, any means of attaching a support strap 30 or
32 to a load bearing device 2 and/or a load 34 is contemplated and
intended to be within the scope of the present invention.
[0048] Although the foregoing discussion pertaining to the strap
assembly focused on dorsal and lateral strap supports 30 and 32,
respectively, the present invention contemplates several other
strap arrangements, designs, configurations, supports, etc. to
attach load bearing device 2 to a load 34. As such, the embodiments
discussed above should not be construed as limiting in any way as
one ordinarily skilled in the art will recognize other strap
arrangements that may be incorporated into the present load bearing
device 2.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 7, in addition to implementation in
connection with an attachable load 34 such as a golf bag, the
present invention load bearing device 2 may be implemented as an
integral or attachable component of a smaller transportable load
34. This embodiment of the present invention is particularly useful
in connection with a backpack 36. It is well known that many
backpacks 36 and other similar-type bags comprise a mainstay 38,
such as an internal or external frame assembly, that functions to
provide structural support to the backpack 36, as well as to
provide additional carrying support to the backpack 36 in
conjunction with the particular type of load bearing device 2
employed. The strap and harness assemblies traditionally employed
in connection with backpacks 36, however, present many of the same
problems and disadvantages as the traditional strap assemblies
implemented in connection with golf bags, as previously described.
The present invention therefore features a load bearing device 2
that may be integrated into a backpack 36 or other similar
transportable load 34 to eliminate entirely the need for a strap
assembly, or at least to eliminate the need for a primary strap
assembly as currently employed in connection with prior art
backpacks 36.
[0050] In a mainstay backpack 36, for example, a load bearing
device 2 in accordance with the present invention may be integrally
formed with or coupled to the mainstay 38 to provide a means for
carrying the backpack 36 on the shoulders of the user. In another
example, in a soft form backpack 36 having no internal or external
frame assembly, the rigid load bearing device 2 may be coupled to
or securely fastened to the backpack 36 using any means known to
those skilled in the art. This concept allows the load bearing
device 2 of the present invention to function as the sole means by
which to support and distribute the weight of a backpack 36 over
the shoulders of a user, thereby avoiding the problems of weight
distribution and muscle strain typified by prior art strap
assemblies. Also, as disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 1-6,
the rigid load bearing device 2 of the present invention enables a
user to effect a dorsally supported position of the device 2 and
load in a single movement and with a single hand.
[0051] Like the load bearing device 2 implemented in connection
with a load 34 such as a golf bag, a load bearing device 2
implemented in connection with a backpack 36 may comprise a central
rib 4 that extends anteriorly into a stabilizing arm 6 at one end
and into an opposing arm 8 at another. A load bearing device 2
incorporated into a backpack 36, however, may comprise a central
rib 4 of reduced dimensions relative to its golf bag implemented
counterpart. In addition, a central rib 4 of the present embodiment
of the present invention may be integrally formed with the mainstay
38 of the backpack 36, such that the load bearing device 2 of the
present invention and the backpack 36 comprise a unitary
structure.
[0052] Of course, a load bearing device 2 may also be coupled to
the mainstay 38 rather than integrally formed therewith, using one
or more attachment means 24. Attachment means 24 for attaching or
coupling the load bearing device 2 to the mainstay 38 may comprise
any of those known in the art.
[0053] A load bearing device 2 integrated or coupled to a backpack
36, as described and claimed herein, comprises all of the
components and features formerly described with reference to a golf
bag or other load 34, including all recited and inherent
embodiments thereof. A backpack 36 incorporating the load bearing
device 2 of the present invention also functions in the manner
previously described and taught herein.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 8, the present invention features a
method for distributing a weight of a load over a user, wherein the
method comprises the steps of: (1) providing a substantially rigid
should frame assembly to substantially conform to a user's
shoulders and back 40; (2) attaching said substantially rigid
shoulder frame assembly to a load 42; and (3) positioning said
substantially rigid shoulder frame assembly over said shoulders and
said back of said user such that said weight of said load is
substantially evenly distributed over said user 44.
[0055] The second step 42 of this particular method may further
comprise coupling a support strap assembly to each of the
substantially rigid shoulder frame assembly and the load 46. The
third step 44 of a method in accordance with the present invention
may comprise selectively adjusting the support strap assembly to
customize a relationship between the substantially rigid shoulder
frame assembly and the load according to the user's body type and
individual preferences 48.
[0056] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit of essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only al illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims,
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *