U.S. patent application number 11/265836 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-28 for ergonomically configured shoulder straps system.
This patent application is currently assigned to West Coast Trends, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Herold.
Application Number | 20060289587 11/265836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33452886 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060289587 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herold; Jeffrey |
December 28, 2006 |
Ergonomically configured shoulder straps system
Abstract
A dual strap system comprises two straps arranged to cooperate
with the human form in a manner whereby a heavy side load is easily
and comfortably supported. One strap has a conventionally shaped
pad while the other has a specially shaped pad configured with a
view to the forces which are applied to it and in further view of
the angle in which rests upon a shoulder. Together, these straps
are affixed at a joint to form an apparatus which may be worn over
both shoulders. Length adjustability is effected in view of the
unique arrangement by way of four specially placed adjustment
buckles. Maximum utility is realized by minor adjustments whereby
one can support heavy loads in the form a bag or satchel type sack
at a user's side.
Inventors: |
Herold; Jeffrey; (Huntington
Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mary Jo Bertani;Koestner Bertani LLP
Suite 400
18662 MacArthur Bldv.
Irvine
CA
92612
US
|
Assignee: |
West Coast Trends, Inc.
Huntington Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
33452886 |
Appl. No.: |
11/265836 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09760130 |
Mar 10, 2001 |
|
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11265836 |
Nov 2, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/627 ;
224/649 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20130101; A45F
3/047 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/627 ;
224/649 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Claims
1) A dual shoulder strap system for supporting loads at ones side
comprising: a) a proximal strap having two ends; and b) distal
strap having two ends, either of the two ends of the proximal strap
being affixed to the distal strap in a position significantly away
from the distal strap ends, whereby a shape is formed from a
front-on view which may be described as a `y` shape.
2) A dual shoulder strap system of claim 1, a flat portion of the
strap approximates angles on shoulders near either side the
neck.
3) A dual shoulder strap system of claim 1, said proximal strap and
said distal strap further being comprised of a pad portion.
4) A dual shoulder strap system of claim 3, the pad of said
proximal strap is curved.
5) A dual shoulder strap system of claim 4, said proximal strap is
affixed to said distal strap at an angle to cause the strap surface
to match the shoulder angle.
6) A dual shoulder strap system of claim 5, said straps are affixed
to each other by sewing.
7) A dual shoulder strap system of claim 6, said straps have a sewn
overlap for strength.
8) A dual shoulder strap system of claim 1, further comprising two
adjustable buckles on the proximal strap before the ends.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The field of the inventions described herefollowing may be
best characterized generally as dual strap systems for loads to be
carried at ones side and more specifically as dual shoulder straps
arranged to cooperate with the human body for aiding in carrying
loads at ones side or hip.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Teachings for systems including double straps arranged to
support bags carried by a human user are plenty. Each of these
teachings, having appreciable merit, may be said to be directed at
a particular problem relating to carrying a load, usually via a bag
or sack. While many important issues have been addressed, the
teachings of the art fail to reach precisely certain problems which
are readily observed in common uses of tote type bags today. One
only need recall a hurried passenger at an airport who attempts to
carry a heavy bag having a shoulder strap, for example a garment
bag, to recall images of that person suffering from an
uncooperative load and carrying system. Complex human body shapes
and human body motions tend to disturb the intended operation of
carrying systems contrary to the good intentions of designers of
such systems. For a more complete understanding, consider the
following examples.
[0005] The common backpack is immediately recalled as a useful pack
comprised of two shoulder straps. Shoulder straps of a backpack or
rucksack tend to be symmetrical. Thus, the straps equally transfer
the weight of the pack to wearer's shoulders so long as the pack is
worn centered at ones back. Sometimes a backpack is worn with a
single strap over a single shoulder. When the pack is light this
arrangement is particularly useful as the burden of weight is not
great and is easily accommodated by a single shoulder.
[0006] Skiers the world over will be first to appreciate that a
pair of snow skis, when carried rather than ridden, are heavy and
quite bulky. Snow skis are difficult to manage as a carried load in
view of limitations of the human body. Inventor Fred Arias of
Huntington Beach, Calif. teaches a systems to relieve one of the
problem of transporting this cumbersome load on ones self. In U.S.
Pat. No. 5,575,412, a specialized shoulder strap is arranged and
configured to support a set of snow skis and perhaps ski poles as
well. The arrangement is particularly interesting as it is well
designed with the shape of the human body in mind. Drawing FIGS.
1-3, are clearly presented as illustration of the cooperation
between a plurality of straps and the human torso. When used as
directed, the skis may be easily carried at ones side as a load
which does not interrupt normal motion associated with walking for
example. The system is specific to skis and not easily converted
for use with other loads. In addition, the support is arranged and
is of a nature not appropriate for heavy loads. While skis are too
heavy to carry comfortably in ones for long periods, they are not
too heavy when carried on a single shoulder.
[0007] Inventor Lehman presents a `Traveler's Organizer Bag
Luggage` as U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,751. The bag includes a specialized
strap system to aid in carrying the bag. The straps engage the
body, one over the shoulder, another about the waist as shown in
FIG. 7. This configuration may be considered an alternative because
the bag is more typically worn on the back as shown in the FIGS. 5
and 6. However when worn at the side, a case of considerable
interest to the present discussion, the straps are arranged as
mentioned. As such, these straps tend to hold the bag up by
transmitting weight of the bag to a single shoulder and further to
hold the bag to the users side by transmitting a lateral force
against bag motion away from the body to the waist strap. One can
freely move ones body without fear of the bag falling away from the
side.
[0008] A similar shoulder strap for a bag is taught as U.S. Pat.
No. 5,845,833 by Mr. Murphy of California. It includes a special
retractable strap within a primary strap which can be used to place
support over a second shoulder when carrying a bag at one side. In
full consideration of the arrangement it is easy to understand that
the secondary strap having two portions both lying on a user's back
when worn as shown in FIG. 2 tends to operate to hold the bag to
the user rather than support weight of the bag. There will be
little or no downward force on the strap and no downward force
(weight) transmitted to the shoulder. The strap is primarily useful
for causing the bag to be held close to the user's side and perhaps
from banging on the hip.
[0009] Golf bags are very good examples of the type of bag which is
difficult to carry for its weight and bulk. Accordingly, an expert
in the field of support systems for bags would be quick to point
out that golf bags are sometimes found with dual strap systems. In
example, Inventors Reimers et al, teach of a specialized two strap
system for distributing the heavy load of golf equipment to both of
two shoulders of a wearer of the system. The straps are
independently adjustable in length and further independently
fastened to the golf bag at four common `D` ring type
fasteners.
[0010] In a very similar invention, Theodore-James Izzo teaches a
bag carried at a user's back, the arrangement employing two straps
to distribute the load where both straps are led over the shoulders
and then under each arm to connect independently to the bag at two
locations far from the other. This natural arrangement is necessary
to allow one to provide good separation of the straps allowing a
back carrying position.
[0011] Shoemaker teaches an interesting shoulder holster of two
major components in U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,874. It has two shoulder
straps which are at least partly interdependent.
[0012] Another golf bag taught by Izzo is illustrated in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,042,703. The design allows one to easily carry the bag on
ones back and the two straps distribute the heavy weight of the bag
evenly to two shoulders.
[0013] The disclosure of Han in recent U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,475
includes a highly symmetric design and quick release mechanism to
disengage the straps from terminal points at a special mount and
flange member shown as `20 ` in the figures. The systems are
particularly designed with a view to bags carried on the back and
thus are not well suited when loads are to be carried at the side.
The important difference arises because the human anatomy is
symmetric from a position at the back but highly asymmetric from
the side. FIG. 3 indicates the strap system is clearly affixed to
the bag via three points which tend to cause the back to properly
lie on the wearers back.
[0014] Finally, Norris teaches in recent U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,170 a
device for carrying elongated objects at one side. The system
includes a plurality of straps, including particularly, a single
shoulder strap and two torso straps as illustrated in FIG. 4. These
straps promote torsional stability needed for long objects which
tend to sway due to natural walking motions caused by the body.
[0015] As the list of systems and inventions presented above is
quite numerous, an expert will fully appreciate that the field of
the invention is well attended, each inventor addressing what is
believed to be the most significant aspect of the problems
foreseen, and thus it may be said that state of the art is
considered `crowded`. Of significant interest is the tendency for
systems to promote stability of bags against motion induced by the
wearer as one walks. This is why a great deal of torso straps are
found. For systems having weight distribution as a priority, they
use dual shoulder straps however those straps are arranged to be
worn symmetrically over the shoulders while the load hangs to the
rear.
[0016] While the systems and inventions of the art are designed to
achieve particular goals and objectives, some of those being no
less than remarkable, these inventions have limitations which
prevent their use in new ways now possible. These inventions of the
art are not used and cannot be used to realize the advantages and
objectives of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Comes now, Jeffrey Herold with inventions of ergonomically
configured shoulder strap support systems. It is a primary function
of these systems to provide improved support for loads to be
carried at ones side. This is accomplished via a unique and special
structural design created with great attention to aforementioned
function. A dual shoulder strap configuration includes a first
strap nearest the load and a second strap away from the load. Both
straps are arranged to engage either of the two shoulders of a
human user. In view of the anticipated load position relative to
the shoulders, it is important to note the asymmetry associated
with the system. The straps are designed in shape and form to
cooperate with this asymmetry in a manner which makes wearing the
support systems comfortable and thereby allowing one to increase
the usefulness of carrying devices. Further, the straps are formed
in a manner which establishes a firm relationship between the two
straps and they do not operate entirely independent of one another.
In addition, these systems include strap length adjustment means
which further tie the function of each strap to the other. Further,
systems are comprised of strap ends which facilitate the fastening
of the systems to a plurality of types of loads including objects
commonly known as bags, sacks, cases, et cetera.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0018] It is a primary object of the invention to provide shoulder
straps support systems.
[0019] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved
ergonomically designed device to support heavy loads.
[0020] It is a further object to provide means to better distribute
weight to one shoulders.
[0021] It is an object of the invention to provide dual shoulder
strap arrangements for a bags carried at ones side.
[0022] A better understanding can be had with reference to detailed
description of preferred embodiments and with reference to appended
drawings. Embodiments presented are particular ways to realize the
invention and are not inclusive of all ways possible. Therefore,
there may exist embodiments that do not deviate from the spirit and
scope of this disclosure as set forth by the claims, but do not
appear here as specific examples. It will be appreciated that a
great plurality of alternative versions are possible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0023] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims and drawings where:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a halftone image of a person wearing a device of
these inventions;
[0025] FIG. 2 is another halftone image of a different view of a
device;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a line drawing a device of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 shows a device as it relates a load in the form of a
bag;
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates the strap in use as it relates to a human
user;
[0029] FIG. 6 shows a similar use in a rear view; and finally
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a special joint of the invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0031] In accordance with each of the preferred embodiments of the
invention, there is provided ergonomically configured shoulder
straps systems. It will be appreciated that each of the embodiments
described may include apparatus and an apparatus of one preferred
embodiment may be different than an apparatus of another
embodiment.
[0032] A dual shoulder strap system of the invention includes two
shoulder straps. A first of two shoulder straps is a `proximal`
strap characterized by its position with regard to a load to be
supported. A second of two shoulder straps is herein referred to as
a `distal` strap as characterized by its position with regard to a
load to be supported. A proximal strap is shorter in length than a
distal strap.
[0033] A device of the invention may be characterized via its
profile. Apparatus of the inventions form a `y` shape when viewed
from a straight-on point of view. When properly worn, the wearer's
neck fits between the two upper portions of the shape, and the end
of the lower portion is affixed to a load which rests at the
wearer's side or hip. One will fully appreciate the limits of such
two dimensional description and will consider the drawing figures
in this specification for a more complete understanding.
[0034] Each of the two straps are preferably comprised of at least
a pad portion and at least one strip portion which connects a pad
to other parts of the apparatus. The strips are preferably
constructed in-part from rugged material such as nylon webbing.
Portions of straps which are to engage the user's shoulders are
formed of padded members. Thus reference to a `dual strap` system
is not meant to imply that a `strap` is singular in the sense that
is comprised of only one element. A `strap` may be made of several
or more portions or elements.
[0035] To provide for a connection from a pad to a strip material,
a sewn joint is preferred. It is recognized that a rivet or
adhesive joint may also be used without loss of function desirable
in objectives of the invention. In some versions, a strip may be
continuous through the pad whereby padding material is merely
wrapped about the surface of a strip. Other versions include the
arrangement where two strips are sewn to either end of an elongated
pad.
[0036] The padded member of the distal strap may take a simple
rectangular shape (while laying flat on a table) while the padded
member of the proximal strap is formed in a special arcuate shape
(also while laying flat on a table). The shape of the pad is
constructed as described in order to better cooperate with the
human form. When under load, these dual strap systems tend to put
pressure on each shoulder at different angles since the applied
load is asymmetric with regard to the two straps; i.e. systems of
the invention are designed for side loads whereby such asymmetry is
inherent. Because the applied load as transmitted through the
straps causes the pad portions to engage the user in an asymmetric
manner, the shape of the pads is designed to better address this
directional loading. As such, one pad is without a curved bias, and
the other includes one.
[0037] Each strap is also comprised of two length adjustment
buckles. Each strap operates differently than the other and
arrangement of length adjustment buckles on the respective straps
suggest this operational difference. Two buckles on the proximal
strap provide for length adjustment only. While two buckles on the
distal strap provide for length adjustments, they are additionally
arranged to include support for a fastening means. Thus a length
adjustment buckle may be formed in combination with a clip member,
for example, to provide for quick release connections to loads
which may be applied.
[0038] A proximal strap is affixed to a distal strap. Two ends of a
proximal strap may be sewn to portions not at the ends of the
distal strap, but rather in a position between the ends. Although
this joint is preferably done via stitching, i.e. a sewn joint, it
may easily be made via alternative affixing means such as
adhesives, rivets, et cetera. In preferred versions of these
inventions, a special sewn joint is provided for strength. In view
of the unique arrangement of the distal strap and proximal strap,
in particular the angle which is formed between them when properly
arranged, the end of the proximal strap may be folded about the
distal strap to increase the amount of surface area common to the
two straps. This increased stitching area yields a preferred joint
for heavily loaded systems.
[0039] The relationship between the two shoulder straps is unique.
A cooperation exists whereby the straps may be adjusted
independently and in addition they may be adjusted in a dependent
fashion. This is achieved via careful placement and arrangement of
adjustment buckles, two each on each strap. Adjustments in length
to the distal strap control the height at which the load sets at
the user's side. When such adjustment is made, the transmission of
the load into the two straps is slightly changed. Thus is generally
necessary to adjust the length of the proximal strap independently.
By shortening the proximal strap slightly, one causes a greater
load to be put on that strap and taken from the distal strap. In
this way, a user can easily balance the load between the two straps
while also being able to fully control the height at which the load
rests. It is instructive to note that where one has a reason to
favor either side (shoulder), for example due to a preexisting
injury, it is easy to place a greater percentage of the load on one
side compared to the other. This functionality is attained via the
clever arrangement of adjustment buckles, two each on both
straps.
[0040] Since the distal strap ends are to be connected to the load
directly, it is preferable that the strap be terminated in a length
adjustment buckle having additional functionality characterized by
a fastening clip. A buckle that receives standard size webbing in a
fashion whereby length adjustments are made may additionally be
arranged with a clip mechanism. Although alternative fasteners are
anticipated, a clip provides the ability for these apparatus to be
quickly removed from and applied to various types of loads each
having a cooperating mechanical element. In the case of simple
travel luggage, a "D" type ring fastener is common.
[0041] Attractive indicia may be applied to the pads to further
enhance the aesthetic appearance of devices of the invention.
Embroidery stitching can be easily integrated with a pad cover
material. Indicia applied to a curved pad cooperates with the
particular structural arrangements to provide a graphical look that
is appealing. The natural curve of the human shoulder suggests a
shape for the strap pad and thus further for graphical objects
which may be applied thereto.
[0042] With reference to the drawing figures, one will appreciate a
more complete understanding of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a
gentleman user of devices of the invention correctly placed about
the torso and more particularly resting upon the shoulders. A heavy
load at the user's 1 side is supported by the dual strap system.
The weight of the load is transferred evenly into the proximal
strap 2 and to the distal strap 3 and further to the able user's
shoulders which are capable of supporting heavy loads for long
periods of time. It will be noted that the entire weight of the
load is presented to the user's shoulders via pad elements which
tend to distribute the load over an appreciably large surface
area.
[0043] For proper sizing adjustments, the buckle 4 shown in the
figure may be adjusted to cause the proximal strap 2 to be
lengthened or shortened independently of the distal strap 3. In
addition, the overall vertical position of the load can be adjusted
via the adjustment buckle 6. The entire apparatus is affixed to the
bag by way of a clip element 7 which may be incorporated with the
adjustment buckle as a single combination device.
[0044] For completeness, FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the same user
21 wearing the same shoulder strap system 22. The regularly shaped
pad 22 of the distal shoulder strap engages the user's shoulder at
the neck on the side opposite of that which the load is worn. The
arcuate pad element 23 of the proximal strap 25 similarly engages
the shoulder at the neck but the same side upon which the weight is
supported. An adjustment buckle 24 is used to adjust the pressure
supported by the proximal strap. A similar adjustment buckle 26 is
integrated with a clip 27 which may be affixed to a "D" ring type
fastener on a load.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a drawing necessary to fully appreciate aspects of
certain versions of these inventions as it is a clear line drawing
without distractions of a load or a user. One can appreciate the
general nature of the device as represented in the cartoon style
drawing presented for simplicity and clarity. A distal strap 31 is
formed of a pad element 32 and webbing elements or strips 33.
Webbing elements may be affixed to a pad element via reinforced
sewn joints 34. Webbing ends cooperate with adjustment buckles 35
to provide a length adjustment arrangement. Adjustment buckles used
on distal straps may be of the special type which combines
adjustability and is further provided with clip elements 36 for
quick fastening to loads which cooperate with such clips, for
example "D" ring type fasteners or connectors. These are distinct
from buckles (see element 39) used for adjustment only which are
preferably used only on the proximal strap. Similarly, proximal
strap 37 may have a pad 38 buckles 39 arranged as shown. The
proximal strap webbing element ends may be affixed to the distal
strap to form a version of a dual strap system of the
invention.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a more detailed drawing which shows a dual strap
system 41 in connection with a load of the type known as a satchel
42 or bag. Clips 43 are affixed to special "D" ring type fasteners
on the bag. Webbing length adjustment buckles 44 attach the webbing
ends of the distal strap to the clips and simultaneously provide
for sizing adjustments. Proximal strap length adjustment buckles 45
provide for length adjustment only and do not include clip
elements. Finally, pads 46 are provided as shown in cooperation
with webbing strips of which either strap is comprised.
[0047] A more complete drawing to fully illustrate the relationship
of the dual strap system with respect to a user and in particular a
user's form is included as FIG. 5. A gentleman user 51, wears a
dual strap system of these inventions over his shoulders. A
rectangular pad 52 engages his left shoulder as shown while an
arcuate pad 53 engages the right shoulder as shown. In preferred
versions, pad portions of straps are affixed to webbing portions
via sewn joints 54. Proximal strap length adjustment buckle 55
which lies on at user's front side is used to change the length of
the proximal strap in a fashion which causes weight to be
distributed between the two straps evenly. This adjustment is an
important aspect of preferred versions because it allows load
distribution to adjusted properly. Without an adjustable length,
the proximal strap would not be properly weighted for all users
whose body shapes vary from one to another. One end of the proximal
strap is affixed to the distal strap at joint 56 at the front side
of the apparatus. A similar joint not shown drawing FIG. 5 lies at
the rear whereby the second end of the proximal strap is connected
to the distal strap in a like fashion. Distal strap length
adjustment buckle 57 allows the height of the load to be set.
Distal strap adjustment buckle is terminated in a quick release
clip 58 for attaching the dual strap system to a load. A careful
observer will note that it is best to set the bag height, i.e.
distal strap length, before the weight distribution, i.e. proximal
strap length. This is due to the fact that shortening adjustments
of the distal strap may cause slight angular changes which tend to
cause an increase of the load being transferred to the proximal
strap.
[0048] To perfect the story, a rear view of the apparatus and user
is provided as drawing FIG. 6. The back of the gentlemen user 61 is
show with his left shoulder 62 engaged by a distal strap 63 and a
right shoulder 64 engaged by a proximal strap 65 at the proximal
strap pad portion 66. The pad portion of the distal strap is shown
as 67. These two straps are affixed together at a special sewn
joint 68. The end of the proximal strap is folded over a mid
portion of the distal strap to effect a large surface area 69
joint. Details of this joint are more fully describe herefollowing
and in drawing FIG. 7.
[0049] A special joint may be formed for added strength. In view of
the way which two strips of webbing come together and form a cross
over, a special sewn joint is formed to improve the overall
strength of apparatus employing such joint. With reference to
drawing FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, one will fully understand the joint.
FIG. 7A shows a first strip of nylon webbing 71 which crosses under
a second strip 72 at a reference angle of approximately 60 degrees.
At the identical angle between the strips, the second strip is
folded over 73 and partly back upon itself as illustrated in FIG.
7B. The first strip is then moved in a direction 74 into the fold
of the second strip. Stitching may then be effected over the entire
area 75 common to both strips thus greatly increasing the holding
power of the joint. In this way, forces within either strip are
efficiently transferred to the other.
[0050] One will now fully appreciate how a dual strap load
supporting apparatus is configured. Although the present invention
has been described in considerable detail with clear and concise
language and with reference to certain preferred versions thereof
including the best mode anticipated by the inventor, other versions
are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention
should not be limited by the description of the preferred versions
contained therein, but rather by the claims appended hereto
* * * * *