U.S. patent application number 13/841178 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for safety garments and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Udo W. Herberth. Invention is credited to Udo W. Herberth.
Application Number | 20140261236 13/841178 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51521670 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140261236 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herberth; Udo W. |
September 18, 2014 |
SAFETY GARMENTS AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
Safety garments according to particular embodiments include a
body portion and an elongated safety tether. In various
embodiments, the safety tether comprises an elongated tether
portion that extends between a first end and a second end, a first
connecting element disposed adjacent the first end, a second
connecting element disposed adjacent the second end, and a shock
absorption portion disposed along at least a portion of the
elongated tether portion. In various embodiments, the connecting
elements are configured to allow a user to selectively couple the
connecting elements to corresponding connecting elements. In
particular embodiments, the shock absorption portion is configured
to allow the safety tether to extend to a length greater than a
neutral length in response to a tensile force and is further
configured to bias the shock absorption portion to the neutral
length.
Inventors: |
Herberth; Udo W.; (Munich,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Herberth; Udo W. |
Munich |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
51521670 |
Appl. No.: |
13/841178 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
119/770 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/086
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/770 |
International
Class: |
A47D 15/00 20060101
A47D015/00 |
Claims
1. A safety garment for releasably coupling a first user to a
second user comprising: a body portion comprising a first
connecting element; an elongated safety tether having a first
length when said safety tether is in a neutral state, said safety
tether comprising: a first end region that is operatively coupled
to the body portion; a second end region that is configured to be
operatively coupled to the second user; at least one elongated
tether portion that extends intermediate said first and second end
regions; a shock absorption portion disposed intermediate said
first and second end regions and operatively coupled to said at
least one elongated tether portion; and a releasable connector that
is disposed intermediate the first and second end regions, wherein
said releasable connector comprises a first and a second connecting
portion, wherein: said releasable connector is configured to
releasably couple said first person and said second person via said
safety tether; said shock absorption portion is configured to allow
said safety tether to extend to a second length at least partially
in response to a first particular tensile force on said safety
tether; and said shock absorption portion is configured to bias
said safety tether toward said neutral state.
2. The safety garment of claim 1, wherein: said first connecting
portion comprises a hook and loop fastener hook element; and said
second connecting portion comprises a hook and loop fastener loop
element.
3. The safety garment of claim 1, wherein said first connecting
portion comprises a substantially rectangular body that defines: a
substantially rectangular first opening on a front face of said
body, said first opening having sides that are substantially
parallel to corresponding sides of said body; and a second opening
formed through a side of said body, wherein said substantially
rectangular body is configured to couple to said safety tether.
4. The safety garment of claim 3, wherein said second connecting
portion comprises a substantially rectangular body that comprises:
a first flange that extends in a direction substantially
perpendicular to a front face of said body; and a substantially
dome-shaped detent that extends from a side face of said flange in
a direction substantially perpendicular to a face of said body,
wherein said detent is configured to be releasably received in said
second opening of said first connecting portion.
5. The safety garment of claim 4, wherein said detent and one or
more walls defining said second opening are configured to cooperate
to maintain said first and second connecting portions in a
substantially coupled relationship.
6. The safety garment of claim 1, wherein: when said first
connecting portion is coupled to said second connecting portion,
said first and second connecting portions are configured to
decouple at least partially in response to a second particular
force, wherein said second particular force causes said detent to
release from said second opening.
7. The safety garment of claim 6, wherein said second particular
force is greater than said first particular tensile force.
8. The safety garment of claim 1, wherein: said body portion
comprises a third connecting portion; said safety tether first end
region comprises a fourth connection portion; wherein: said third
and fourth connecting portions are releasably coupled to one
another.
9. The safety garment of claim 1, wherein: said second user is
wearing a second safety garment; said safety tether second region
is operatively coupled to said second safety garment in order to
daisy chain said first and said second user.
10. The safety garment of claim 1, wherein said safety garment is
selected from a group consisting of: (1) a vest; (2) a belt; (3) a
shirt; and (4) a life vest.
11. The safety garment of claim 1, wherein said first connecting
portion comprises a first magnet, and said second connecting
portion comprises a second magnet, wherein: said first and second
magnets are configured to cooperate to maintain said first and
second connecting portions in a releasably coupled relationship;
and said first and second connecting portions are configured to
release at least partially in response to a sufficient pulling
force.
12. A safety tether for releasably coupling a first object to a
second object, comprises: a first end region comprising a first
connector; a second end region comprising a second connector; at
least one elongated tether portion that extends intermediate said
first and second end regions; a shock absorption portion disposed
intermediate said first and second end regions and operatively
coupled to said at least one elongated tether portion; and a
releasable connector that is disposed intermediate the first and
second end regions, wherein said releasable connector comprises a
third and a fourth connector, wherein: said safety tether has a
first length; said first connector is configured to allow a user to
couple said first end region to said first object; said second
connector is configured to allow a user to couple said second end
region to said second object; said third and fourth connectors are
releasably connected to allow said first object to decouple from
said second object at least partially in response to a first
tensile force on said safety tether; said shock absorption portion
is configured to enable said safety tether to extend to a second
length at least partially in response to a second tensile force on
said safety tether, wherein said second tensile force is less than
said first tensile force; and said shock absorption portion is
configured to bias said safety tether toward a neutral position in
which said safety tether has a length that is substantially said
first length.
13. The safety tether of claim 12, wherein: said first object is a
first safety garment worn by a first person; and said second object
is a second safety garment worn by a second person.
14. The safety tether of claim 12, wherein said shock absorption
portion comprises a material that is sufficiently stretchable to
enable said shock absorption portion to increase in length from a
neutral length at least partially in response to said second
tensile force and sufficiently resilient to return said shock
absorption portion into said neutral length when said second
tensile force is removed from said safety tether.
15. The safety garment of claim 12, wherein said third connector
comprises a substantially rectangular body that defines: a
substantially rectangular first opening on a front face of said
body, said first opening having sides that are substantially
parallel to corresponding sides of said body; and a second opening
formed through a side of said body, wherein said substantially
rectangular body is configured to couple to said safety tether.
16. The safety garment of claim 15, wherein said fourth connector
comprises a substantially rectangular body that comprises: a first
flange that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a
front face of said body; and a substantially dome-shaped detent
that extends from a side face of said flange in a direction
substantially perpendicular to a face of said body, wherein said
detent is configured to be releasably received in said second
opening of said first connecting portion.
17. The safety tether of claim 16, wherein: said flange is
substantially rhomboidal in shape said detent is substantially
semi-spherical; said second opening is substantially circular; and
a first diameter of said detent is substantially equal to a second
diameter of said second opening.
18. A method of releasably coupling a first person to a second
person, said method comprising: providing a safety tether for
selectively coupling said first person to said second person,
wherein said safety tether has a first length and comprises: a
first end region that is configured to be operatively coupled to
said first person; a second end region that is configured to be
operatively coupled to said person; at least one elongated tether
portion that extends intermediate said first and second end
regions; a shock absorption portion disposed intermediate said
first and second end regions and operatively coupled to said at
least one elongated tether portion; and a releasable connector that
is disposed intermediate the first and second end regions, wherein
said releasable connector comprises a first and a second connecting
portion, wherein: said releasable connector is configured to
releasably couple said first person and said second person via said
safety tether; said shock absorption portion is configured to allow
said safety tether to extend to a second length at least partially
in response to a first particular tensile force on said safety
tether; and said shock absorption portion is configured to bias
said safety tether toward said neutral state. coupling said first
end region to said first person; coupling said second end region to
said second person; and coupling said first and second connecting
portions to releasably couple said first person to said second
person.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein: said first connecting portion
comprises a hook and loop fastener hook element; and said second
connecting portion comprises a hook and loop fastener loop
element.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein: said first connecting portion
comprises a substantially rectangular body that defines: a
substantially rectangular first opening on a front face of said
body, said first opening having sides that are substantially
parallel to corresponding sides of said body; and a second opening
formed through a side of said body, wherein said substantially
rectangular body is configured to couple to said safety tether; and
said second connecting portion comprises a substantially
rectangular body that comprises: a first flange that extends in a
direction substantially perpendicular to a front face of said body;
and a substantially dome-shaped detent that extends from a side
face of said flange in a direction substantially perpendicular to a
face of said body, wherein said detent is configured to be
releasably received in said second opening of said first connecting
portion.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] When traveling with more than one person, particularly
children, people may desire to reduce the risk of becoming
separated from other travelers. Tethering people together may be
dangerous or lead to injuries to one or more of the tethered
persons. Accordingly, there is a need for improved techniques and
tools that address these issues.
SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0002] A safety garment for selectively coupling a first user to a
second user, according to particular embodiments, comprises a body
portion and an elongated safety tether. In particular embodiments,
the body portion comprises a first connecting element. In various
embodiments, the safety tether has a first length when in a neutral
state and comprises: (1) a first end region comprising a second
connecting element; (2) a second end region comprising a third
connecting element; (3) at least one elongated tether portion that
extends between the first and second end regions and comprises a
front and rear surface; and (4) a shock absorption portion disposed
along at least a portion of the at least one elongated tether
portion. In various embodiments, the first connecting element is
configured to allow the first user to selectively couple the first
connecting element to the second connecting element. In particular
embodiments, the third connecting element is configured to allow
the first user to selectively couple the second connecting element
to a connecting element associated with a safety garment of the
second user. In various embodiments, the shock absorption portion
is configured to allow the safety tether to extend to a second
length at least partially in response to a first particular tensile
force on the safety tether. In particular embodiments, the shock
absorption portion is configured to bias the safety tether toward
the neutral state.
[0003] A safety tether for selectively coupling a first object to a
second object, according to particular embodiments, has a first
length in a neutral state and comprises: (1) a first end region
comprising a first connecting element; (2) a second end region
comprising a second connecting element; (3) at least one elongated
tether portion that extends between the first and second end
regions and comprises a front and rear surface; and (4) a shock
absorption portion disposed along at least a portion of the at
least one elongated tether portion. In various embodiments, the
first connecting element is configured to allow a user to
selectively couple the first connecting element to a third
connecting element associated with the first object. In particular
embodiments, the second connecting element is configured to allow
the first user to selectively couple the second connecting element
to a fourth connecting element associated with the second object.
In various embodiments, the shock absorption portion is configured
to allow the safety tether to extend to a second length at least
partially in response to a first particular tensile force on the
safety tether. In particular embodiments, the shock absorption
portion is configured to bias the safety tether toward the neutral
state in which the safety tether has a length that is substantially
the first length.
[0004] A method of selectively coupling a first person to a second
person, according to various embodiments, comprises providing a
safety tether, where the safety tether has a first length in a
neutral state and comprises: (1) a first end region comprising a
first connecting element; (2) a second end region comprising a
second connecting element; (3) at least one elongated tether
portion that extends between the first and second end regions and
comprises a front and rear surface; and (4) a shock absorption
portion disposed along at least a portion of the at least one
elongated tether portion. In various embodiments, the first
connecting element is configured to allow a user to selectively
couple the first connecting element to a third connecting element
associated with the first person. In particular embodiments, the
second connecting element is configured to allow the first user to
selectively couple the second connecting element to a fourth
connecting element associated with the second person. In various
embodiments, the shock absorption portion is configured to allow
the safety tether to extend to a second length at least partially
in response to a first particular tensile force on the safety
tether. In particular embodiments, the shock absorption portion is
configured to bias the safety tether toward the neutral state in
which the safety tether has a length that is substantially the
first length. In various embodiments, the method further comprises
coupling the first connecting element to the third connecting
element and coupling the second connecting element to the fourth
connecting element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Having thus described various embodiments in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1. is a safety garment according to a particular
embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 1A is a detail view of a connecting element of the
safety garment of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a safety garment according to another
embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a safety garment according to yet another
embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 4 is yet another embodiment of a safety garment.
[0011] FIG. 5 is safety connector according to a particular
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 6A is a connecting element according to a particular
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 6B is a connecting element according to another
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 6C is a connecting element according to yet another
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Various embodiments will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should
be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different
forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set
forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers
refer to like elements throughout.
Safety Garment
[0016] Vest Embodiment
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a safety garment 10,
which is embodied by a vest-like support region 12 to be worn by a
person. As may be understood from this figure, the safety garment
comprises the support region 12 and a safety tether 28. As shown in
this figure, the support region 12 is substantially vest-shaped
(e.g., comprises a vest) and defines first and second arm holes
adjacent an upper portion of the support region 12 on opposing
lateral portions of the support region 12. The support region
further defines a cutaway 13 that runs from an upper central
portion of the support region 12 down the front chest area of the
support region 12 to the support region's bottom portion. In
various embodiments, the support region comprise one or more
fasteners 16, 18 at the open section 13 of the chest and waist
areas, which are configured to ensure a substantially stable
anchoring of the vest-like support region 12 on the torso of a
person. In various embodiments, the one or more fasteners 16, 18
may include one or more hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro
fasteners). In other embodiments, the support region 12 may be
closed or maintained about the torso of a person using any other
suitable mechanism or fastener (e.g., a zipper, buttons, snaps,
etc.).
[0018] The support region 12, according to the embodiment in this
figure, comprises a pocket 22 that is disposed adjacent (e.g., to)
a front lateral portion 20 of the support region 12 (e.g., adjacent
to where a wearer of the safety garment's hip would be). In other
embodiments, the pocket 22 may be disposed in any other suitable
location on the support region 12. In particular embodiments, the
pocket 22 comprises a substantially rectangular (e.g, rectangular)
piece of material 24 that is attached (e.g., to) the support region
12 using any suitable technique (e.g., using sewing, fabric
welding, etc. around at least a portion of a perimeter of the piece
of material 24 to define the pocket 22) and defines a pocket
opening 26 along an upper portion of the pocket 22.
[0019] In various embodiments, in order to establish a signal
effect the vest-like support region 12 may be embodied in an
intense color, for example a fluorescent color, and may be equipped
at various sections with a reflective material 14 in order to
increase the visibility of a wearer even at night and/or in
darkness. In other embodiments, the safety garment may include any
other suitable material and may include battery powered lighting
devices to make the vest-like support region 12 visible at
night.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the safety garment 10 further comprises
the elongated tape-like safety tether 28 comprising a length of
material having a first end region 30 comprising a first connecting
element, a second end region 32 comprising a second connecting
element 34, a front surface, and a rear surface that is attached
(e.g., selectively attached) via its first end region 30 at a
portion of the support region 12 substantially within (e.g.,
within) the pocket 22 (e.g., enclosed within the pocket). In
particular embodiments, the safety tether 28 is substantially
permanently (e.g., permanently) affixed to the support region 12
(e.g., using any suitable technique such as sewing or fabric
welding). In various embodiments, the safety tether 28 is
selectively attached to the safety garment via the first connecting
element (e.g., by attaching the first connecting element to a
corresponding connecting element at the support region 12). In
various embodiments, the first connecting element 38 may include
any suitable connecting element (e.g., a snap, button, hook and
loop fastener, etc.)
[0021] In a particular embodiment, a hook and loop fastener
connecting element may be provided as a first connecting element 38
at the first end region 30 of the safety tether 28. At the support
region 12, for example at the interior of the piece of cloth 24, a
respective hook and loop fastener element may be provided as
corresponding connecting element so that the first end region 30
can be coupled via a hook and loop fastener connection to the
support region 12 in a section located in the pocket 22.
[0022] In various embodiments, the second end region 32 of the
safety tether 28 comprises a second connecting element 34, for
example in the form of a hook and loop fastener element or any
other suitable connecting element. In particular embodiments, a
connection region 36 is provided at the support region 12, for
example, disposed on an outer portion of the pocket 22, with a
second corresponding connecting element 38 that at least
substantially corresponds (e.g., operatively connects) with the
second connecting element 34. In another embodiment, the safety
tether 28 also comprises a coupling region 40, which may also
comprise one or more connecting elements at a first and second
tether portion 42, 44. In such embodiments, the coupling region 40
may include any suitable connecting elements for releasably
coupling the safety tether 28 at the coupling region 40.
[0023] In the embodiment of a safety garment 10 shown in FIG. 1,
the safety garment 10 comprises a single safety tether 28 disposed
at a lower portion of the support region 12. In other embodiments,
the safety garment 10 may include a plurality of safety tethers 28
(e.g., one safety tether 28 on each side of the safety garment 10),
which may, for example allow a user wearing the safety garment to
couple themselves to two or more persons (e.g., daisy chain) from a
single safety garment 10.
[0024] A particular embodiment of the connection of the second end
region 32 of a safety tether 28 to the support region 12 is shown
enlarged in FIG. 1a. This figure shows how a second connecting
element 34 may connect with the safety garment 12 of a second
person. This figure also illustrates how a selectively attachable
first connecting element on the first end portion 30 may attach to
the safety garment 10 of a first user. Here, a detail of the
support region 12 is shown which may be provided, for example,
laterally behind the pocket 22 shown in FIG. 1 or, in embodiments
without a pocket 22, on an outer portion or other suitable surface
of the support region 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, a
flap-like cover element 35 is affixed about its upper end region to
the support region 12 by a seam 37. In various embodiments, the
flap-like cover element 35 may be affixed in any suitable manner
(e.g., sewing, or fabric welding). At the interior of the cover
element 35 facing the support region 12 and at the side of the
support region 12 facing the cover element 35, the safety garment
10 further comprises a second counter connecting element 38 and/or
38', which may for example, be affixed by sewing.
[0025] In the embodiment shown in this figure, at the second end
section 32 of the safety tether 28, located at both sides facing
away from each other (e.g., on opposing sides of the safety
connector's second end section 32), a second connecting element 34
and/or 34' is respectively provided, for example by sewing. When a
coupling of the second end region 32 is established at the
connection region 36, two connections are made, namely on the one
side via the second connecting element 34 and the second counter
connecting element 38 allocated thereto at the cover element 35 and
on the other side via the second connecting element 34' and the
second counter connecting element 38' allocated thereto at the
support region 12. In various embodiments, the dual connecting
elements may increase the strength of the connection and further
contribute to an improved visual appearance, because even in an
established connection this region is covered by the cover element
35 at the outside. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the
connecting elements 34, 34' and the counter connecting elements 38,
38' comprise hook and loop fastener elements. A different type of
connection may also be used such as, for example, elements embodied
like push-buttons, snaps, clips, etc.
[0026] Belt Embodiment
[0027] An alternative embodiment of the safety garment 10a is shown
in FIG. 2. This embodiment includes features that are similar to
the embodiment described with regard to FIG. 1. In the embodiment
shown in this figure, the safety garment 10a comprises a belt-like
support region 12a and a safety tether 28a. The support region, in
this embodiment, is embodied like a belt and can be fastened, for
example, about the hip area of a person. In this embodiment, the
safety garment comprises two hook and loop fastener connections
16a, 18a disposed about a front portion of the safety garment 10a.
In other embodiments, the safety garment 10a may include any other
suitable fasteners for maintaining the safety garment 10a adjacent
(e.g., to) a wearer's waist.
[0028] In the embodiment shown in this figure, the safety tether
28a is substantially structurally similar to the safety tether 28
described above with regards to FIG. 1 and is fastened at its first
end region 30a at the support region 12a in a releasable fashion.
In various embodiments, the side of the end region 30a, facing the
support region 12a, comprises a first connecting element 46a in the
form of a hook and loop fastener element. The support region 12a
comprises a first counter connecting element 48a in the form of a
hook and loop fastener element. In this embodiment, the safety
tether 28a may be releasably coupled to the support region 12a by
severing the hook and loop fastener connection. In other
embodiments, the safety tether 28a may be coupled to the support
region 12a in any other suitable manner (e.g., permanently or
releasably using snaps, hooks or other fasteners; etc.)
[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the safety tether 28a
comprises a second connecting element 34a that is disposed adjacent
(e.g., to) the safety tether's second end region 32a. In various
embodiments, the second connecting element 34a may include any
suitable connecting element (e.g., such as a hook and loop
fastener, snap, clip, button, etc.).
[0030] Shoulder Belt Embodiment
[0031] FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of a safety garment. In
the embodiment shown in this figure, the safety garment 10b
comprises a rope element 64b and a vest-like support region 12b
comprising a chest region 54b, a back region 56b, and two shoulder
belt regions 50b, 52b that extend between the chest region 54b and
back region 56b. In particular embodiments, the chest region 54b
comprises a pocket 22b, which may, for example be formed by sewing
a piece of cloth 24b onto the support region 12b. In the embodiment
shown in this figure, the pocket 22b defines an opening 26b at the
pocket's top. In various embodiments, the pocket 22b comprises two
closure elements 58b, 60b (e.g., hook and loop fasteners, snaps,
buttons, etc.) such that a relatively small opening 62b is defined
between the closure elements 48b, 60b. In various embodiments, the
small opening 62b is suitably sized such that the rope element 64b
of the safety tether 28b can fit through the small opening 62b.
[0032] In various embodiments, the safety garment comprises an
automatic roll-up mechanism 66b disposed within the pocket 22b,
which may be configured to substantially automatically (e.g.,
automatically) retract the rope element 64b. In particular
embodiments, the roll-up mechanism 66b is sized such that when the
closure elements 58b, 60b are closed, the roll up mechanism 66b
cannot pass through the small opening 62b. In various embodiments,
the roll-up mechanism 66b comprises the first connecting element
46b provided at the first end region 30b. The first counter
connecting element 48b is essentially provided by the two closure
elements 58b, 60b at the pocket 22b and/or at the support region
12b. When excessive force is applied on a pulled-out rope element
64b the roll-up mechanism 66b pushes through the small opening 62b
and causes the closure elements 58b, 60b to open so that the size
of the small opening 62b increases and the safety connector 28b can
be released at its first end region 30b from the support region
12b.
[0033] In various embodiments, the safety connector's second end
region 32b comprises a second connecting element 34b (e.g., a hook
and loop fastener or other suitable connecting element). In some
embodiments, the connection region 36b comprises at the back 56b a
second counter connecting element 38b (e.g., for receiving the
second connecting element 34b of a second safety garment 10b). In
particular embodiments, the safety connector 34b is substantially
structurally similar to (e.g., structurally the same as) the safety
connector 34 described above with respect to FIG. 1.
[0034] Shock Absorbing Safety Connector Embodiment
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a safety garment 10c according to yet another
embodiment. As may be understood from this figure, this embodiment
is substantially structurally similar to the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the safety tether 28c further comprises
a shock absorption portion 68c that allows portion 68c to increase
in length and return to its original size. As shown in FIG. 4, the
shock absorption portion 68c extends between the safety connector's
first and second connecting portions 42c, 44c. In various
embodiments, the shock absorption portion 68c comprises a length of
material having a first end, a second end, a front surface, and a
rear surface. In particular embodiments, the shock absorption
portion 68c comprises a piece of elongated substantially
rectangular (e.g., rectangular) material. In various embodiments,
the material may include any suitable material that is sufficiently
elastic to allow the shock absorption portion 68c to increase in
length in response to a pulling force, and sufficiently springy to
return to a neutral position upon cessation of the pulling force
(e.g., a material such as spandex, elastane, etc.). In various
embodiments, the safety tether 28c itself may at least partially
comprise such an elastic material. In various embodiments, the
shock absorption portion 68c may comprise any mechanism that is
capable of stretching (e.g., increasing in length) in response to a
pulling tensile force and returning to a neutral position upon
cessation of the pulling force (e.g., such as any suitable spring
or biasing mechanism).
[0036] In various embodiments, the shock absorption portion is
configured to allow the safety tether 28c to extend from a first
length (e.g., a length of the safety tether 28c when no force
tensile force is being applied to the safety tether 28c) to a
second length in response to a tensile force on the safety tether
28c. In particular embodiments, the second length is greater than
the first length. In various embodiments, the shock absorption
portion is configured to bias the safety tether 28c towards the
neutral position in which the safety tether 28c has a length that
is substantially the first length.
[0037] In particular embodiments, the shock absorption portion 68c
may be disposed along any suitable portion of the safety tether
28c. For example the shock absorption portion 68c may be disposed
adjacent (e.g., to) either end of the safety tether 28c or along
any interior portion of the elongated safety tether 28c. In various
embodiments, the safety tether 28c may comprise a plurality of
shock absorption portions 68c. In other embodiments, the safety
tether 28c may consist essentially of a shock absorption portion
68c.
[0038] In a particular embodiment, the shock absorption portion 68c
is be disposed adjacent the safety connector's first end portion 30
and is substantially permanently attached at the support region 12.
In various embodiments, the support region 12 defines one or more
openings that are sized to substantially correspond to the
elongated safety tether 28c such that the safety tether 28 may be
strung through (e.g., by a user) the one or more openings in order
to maintain the safety connector adjacent (e.g., to) the support
region 12c.
[0039] Safety Connector Clip Embodiment
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a safety tether 28d according to yet another
embodiment. As may be understood from this figure, the safety
tether 28d in various embodiments comprises a connecting element
34d, a first connecting portion 42d, a shock absorption portion
68d, a second connecting portion 44d and a clip 70d.
[0041] Connecting Element
[0042] In various embodiments, the connecting element 34d includes
any suitable connecting element 34d such as the connecting elements
34e, 34f, 34g shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, which are described more fully
below.
[0043] First Connecting Element Embodiment
[0044] FIG. 6A shows a connecting element 34e according to a
particular embodiment. As shown in this figure, the connecting
element 34e comprises a first connecting portion 80e and a second
connecting portion 90e. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the
first connecting portion 80e comprises a substantially rectangular
(e.g., rectangular) body 88e that defines a substantially
rectangular (e.g., rectangular) first opening 86e on the body's
front face 84e, a substantially circular (e.g., circular) second
opening 85e on a side face of the body 88e, and a substantially
rectangular (e.g., rectangular) cutaway 83e on the side face
adjacent (e.g., to) a rear portion of the body 88e. In various
embodiments, the second opening 85e may be non-circular in shape
(e.g., a rectangular opening, a triangular opening, etc.). As shown
in this figure, the substantially rectangular cutaway 83e defines
two substantially co-facing rod support faces. The first connecting
portion 80e further comprises a substantially cylindrical (e.g.,
cylindrical) rod 82e that is disposed within the substantially
rectangular cutaway 83e, extends substantially perpendicularly
(e.g., perpendicularly) from and between the two substantially
co-facing rod support faces, and is configured to enable attachment
of the first connecting portion 80e to the safety tether 28.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 6A, the second connecting portion 90e
comprises a substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular) body 98e
that defines a substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular)
cutaway 93e on a side face of the body 98e. As shown in this figure
the substantially rectangular cutaway 93e defines two substantially
co-facing rod support faces. The second connecting portion 90e
further comprises a substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical)
rod 92e that is disposed within the substantially rectangular
cutaway 93e, extends substantially perpendicularly (e.g.,
perpendicularly) from and between the two substantially co-facing
rod support faces, and is configured to enable attachment of the
second connecting portion 90e to the safety tether 28.
[0046] In various embodiments, the second connecting portion 90e
further comprises a substantially rhomboidal (e.g. rhomboidal)
protrusion 96e that extends substantially perpendicularly (e.g.,
perpendicularly) from a front face 94e of the body. In other
embodiments, the protrusion 96e may be any other suitable shape
(e.g., a substantially triangular shape, a substantially
rectangular shape, etc.). In the embodiment shown in this figure,
the rhomboidal protrusion has a substantially rectangular base
having dimensions that substantially correspond (e.g., correspond)
to the dimensions of the rectangular first opening 86e. In
particular embodiments, the protrusion 96e comprises a
substantially dome-shaped (e.g., dome shaped) second protrusion 95e
(e.g., a detent) that is disposed about the protrusion's outer face
and extends from the protrusion 96e in a direction that is
substantially perpendicular (e.g., perpendicular) from the
direction in which the protrusion 96e extends from the front face
94e of the body 98e. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the dome
shaped second protrusion 95e has a base diameter that is
substantially similar to (e.g., the same as) the diameter of the
first connecting portion's substantially circular second opening
85e. In other embodiments, the second protrusion 95e may have any
suitable shape that at least generally corresponds to the shape of
the second opening 85e (e.g., triangular, rectangular, etc.)
[0047] As may be understood from this figure, the first and second
connecting portions 80e, 90e are configured to allow a user (e.g.,
a wearer of the safety garment 10) to releasably couple the first
and second connecting portions 80e, 90e together. In order to
couple the first and second connecting portions 80e, 90e, the user
at least fully inserts the substantially rhomboidal protrusion 96e
into the first opening 86e such that the second protrusion 95e is
at least partially disposed (e.g., fully disposed) within the
second opening 85e. As the user begins to insert the substantially
rhomboidal protrusion 96e into the first opening 86e, the
dome-shaped second protrusion 95e contacts the inside surface of
the first connecting portion's front face 84e and begins to apply a
force on the first connecting portion 80e in a direction
perpendicular to the face of the rhomboidal protrusion 96e from
which the second protrusion 95e extends. As the user continues to
insert the substantially rhomboidal protrusion 96e into the first
opening 86e, the force applied by the second protrusion 95e causes
the side face of the first connecting portion 80e defining the
second opening 85e to bend outward from its neutral position,
allowing the rhomboidal protrusion 96e and the second protrusion
95e to slide into the first opening 86e until the first and second
connecting portions 80e, 90e are in a coupled state (e.g., the
second protrusion 95e is seated in the second opening 85e).
[0048] In the coupled state: (1) the first connecting portion's
front face 84e at least substantially contacts the second
connecting portion's front face 94e; (2) the second protrusion 95e
is at least partially disposed (e.g., fully disposed) within the
second opening 85e; and (3) the side face of the first connecting
portion 80e defining the second opening 85e is back in its neutral
position. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, when the
first and second connecting portions 80e, 90e are in the coupled
state, the second protrusion is configured to maintain the first
and second connecting portions 80e, 90e in the coupled state. In
various embodiments, the connecting element 34e may comprise a
plurality of openings and corresponding protrusions on either or
both of the first and second connecting portions 80e, 90e to
facilitate maintenance of the coupled state.
[0049] In particular embodiments, a sufficient force pulling the
first and second connecting portions 80e, 90e apart from one
another may be sufficient to cause the first and second connecting
portions 80e, 90e to become decoupled. As the separating force is
applied, the second protrusion begins to apply a perpendicular
force on the inside surface of the side face of the first
connecting portion 80e defining the second opening 85e causing it
to bend away from its neutral position a sufficient distance to
allow the rhomboidal protrusion 96e and the second protrusion 95e
to slide out of the first opening 86e. Thus, the amount of force
necessary to decouple the second connecting portions 80e, 90e may
depend on one or more of the material used to form the second
connecting portion 80e, 90e and the thickness of the walls of the
connecting portion 80e.
[0050] Second Connecting Element Embodiment
[0051] FIG. 6B shows a connecting element 34f according to another
embodiment. As shown in this figure, the connecting element 34f
comprises a first connecting portion 80f and a second connecting
portion 90f. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the first
connecting portion 80f comprises a substantially rectangular (e.g.,
rectangular) body 88f that defines a substantially rectangular
(e.g., rectangular) cutaway 83f on a side face of the body. As
shown in this figure the substantially rectangular cutaway 83f
defines two substantially co-facing (e.g., co-facing) rod support
faces. The first connecting portion 80f further comprises a
substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) rod 82f that is
disposed within the substantially rectangular cutaway 83f and
extends between the two substantially co-facing rod support faces.
A substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular) first magnet 85f
that is disposed adjacent the body's front face 84f is coupled to
the body 88f. In various embodiments, the magnet 85f may be coupled
to the body 88f by a fastener (e.g., glue, a rivet or a screw) or
the magnet 85f may be integrally formed with the body 88f. In other
embodiments, the first connecting portion may include any other
suitable first magnet 85f (e.g., a magnet having any other suitable
shape), or any suitable material that is at least partially
magnetic.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 6B, the second connecting portion 90f
comprises a substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular) body 98f
that defines a substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular)
cutaway 93f on a side face of the body. As shown in this figure the
substantially rectangular cutaway 93f defines two substantially
co-facing rod support faces. The second connecting portion 90f
further comprises a substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical)
rod 92f that is disposed within the substantially rectangular
cutaway 93f, extends substantially perpendicularly (e.g.,
perpendicularly) from and between the two substantially co-facing
rod support faces, and is configured to enable attachment of the
second connecting portion 90f to the safety tether 28. In the
embodiment shown in this figure, the second connecting portion 90f
comprises a second magnet 95f disposed within an opening 96f
defined on a front face 94f of the second portion. In various
embodiments, the opening has dimensions that substantially
correspond to the dimensions of the first magnet 85f. In particular
embodiments, the outer face of the first magnet 85f has a polarity
that is substantially opposite the polarity of the outer face of
the second magnet 95f.
[0053] As may be understood from FIG. 6B, when the first and second
connecting portions 80f, 90f are in a coupled state: (1) the first
connecting portion's front face 84f at least substantially contacts
(e.g., substantially mates with) the second connecting portion's
front face 94f; (2) the first magnet 85f is substantially adjacent
to the second magnet 95f; and (3) the first magnet 95f is at least
partially disposed (e.g., fully disposed) within the opening 96f
defined on the second portion's front face 94f. As will be
understood by one skilled in the art, a sufficient opposing force
on the first and second connecting portions 80f, 90f will be
sufficient to cause the first and second magnets 85f, 95f (e.g.,
and therefore the first and second connecting portions 80f, 90f) to
decouple from one another.
[0054] Third Connecting Element Embodiment
[0055] FIG. 6C shows a connecting element 34g according to a third
embodiment. As shown in this figure, the connecting element 34g is
a hook and loop fastener element comprising a hook and loop
fastener hook element 85g and a hook and loop fastener loop element
95g. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the
connecting element 34g is configured to allow a user to releasably
couple and decouple the hook and loop fastener hook element 85g and
the hook and loop fastener loop element 95g by pressing the
elements together or pulling them apart with sufficient force
respectively.
[0056] First Connecting Portion
[0057] Referring again to FIG. 5, in various embodiments, the
safety tether 28d includes a first tether portion 42d comprising a
length of material having a first end, a second end, a front
surface, and a rear surface. In particular embodiments, the first
tether portion 42d comprises a piece of elongated substantially
rectangular material. In various embodiments, the material may
include any suitable material that is substantially flexible to
allow the safety tether 28d to hang substantially freely while
having sufficient tensile strength such that the first tether
portion 42d maintains substantially the same length (e.g., the same
length) when pulled (e.g., such as a cloth or a suitable woven
fabric). In other embodiments, the first tether portion may include
any other suitable tether portion (e.g., such as a rope, chain,
etc.) In particular embodiments, the safety tether's first end is
attached (e.g., to) the connecting element 34d.
[0058] Shock Absorption Portion
[0059] In particular embodiments, the safety tether 28d comprises a
shock absorption portion 68d that extends between the safety
tether's first and second tether portions 42d, 44d. In various
embodiments, the shock absorption portion 68d comprises a length of
material having a first end, a second end, a front surface, and a
rear surface. In particular embodiments, the shock absorption
portion 68d comprises a piece of elongated substantially
rectangular (e.g., rectangular) material. In particular
embodiments, the material is any suitable material that is
sufficiently stretchy to allow the shock absorption portion to
increase in length in response to a pulling force, and sufficiently
springy to return to a neutral position upon cessation of the
pulling force (e.g., a material such as spandex, elastane,
etc.).
[0060] In various embodiments, the shock absorption portion is
configured to allow the safety tether 28d to extend from a first
length (e.g., a length of the safety tether 28d when no force
tensile force is being applied to the safety tether 28d) to a
second length in response to a tensile force. In particular
embodiments, the second length is greater than the first length. In
various embodiments, the shock absorption portion is configured to
bias the safety tether 28d towards the neutral position in which
the safety tether 28d has a length that is substantially the first
length.
[0061] Second Connecting Portion
[0062] In various embodiments, the safety tether 28d includes a
second tether portion 44d comprising a length of material having a
first end, a second end, a front surface, and a rear surface. In
particular embodiments, the second tether portion 44d comprises a
piece of elongated substantially rectangular material. In various
embodiments, the material may include any suitable material that is
substantially flexible to allow the safety tether 28d to hang
substantially freely while having sufficient tensile strength such
that the second tether portion 44d maintains substantially the same
length (e.g., the same length) when pulled (e.g., such as a cloth
or a suitable woven fabric). In other embodiments, the second
tether portion 44d may include any other suitable tether portion
(e.g., such as a rope, chain, etc.) In particular embodiments, the
shock absorption portion's second end is attached (e.g., to) the
second tether portion's first end and the clip 70d is attached
(e.g., to) the second tether portion's second end.
[0063] Clip
[0064] In particular embodiments, the safety tether 28d includes a
clip 70d adjacent the second tether portion's second end. In
various embodiments, the clip 70d includes any suitable clip for
allowing a user to selectively attach the safety tether 28d to any
suitable object or person (e.g., a shopping cart, etc.). In the
embodiment shown in this figure, the clip 70d is embodied as a
carabineer comprising a loop (e.g., comprised of three pieces 72d,
74d, 76d) and a spring gate 78d. In the embodiment shown in this
figure, the spring gate 78d is configured to rotate about an axis
80d and comprises a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) for biasing
the spring gate to the neutral position shown in FIG. 5.
[0065] Safety Garment and Safety Connecter Illustrative Uses
[0066] In various embodiments, when the safety tether 28 is not
being used for coupling two or more persons, it may be accepted in
the pocket 22 in a rolled up or folded fashion (e.g., in order to
store the safety tether 28). As a particular example, if a
connection between individual persons of a group shall be
implemented (e.g., to form a daisy chained group of
kindergarteners), the safety tether 28 may be pulled out of the
pocket 22 and connected via the safety tether's second connecting
element 34 provided at its second end region 32 to the connection
region 36 and/or the second counter connecting element 38 thereof
provided at the support region 12 of a second safety garment 10
(e.g., a safety garment 10 worn by another person). This person may
for example be positioned in front, behind, or next to the person
wearing the safety garment 10 (e.g., such as the safety garment 10
shown in FIG. 1). In various embodiments, it may be possible to
form a continuous group of persons (e.g., a continuous group of
coupled persons), which may, for example, move in public in this
form such that the risk that individual persons may become
separated from the other connected persons is reduced (e.g.,
eliminated).
[0067] In particular embodiments, the safety garment's second end
region 32 may be releasable when attached to the safety garment 10
of another person. In such embodiments, in situations in which two
or more persons are coupled to one another, if one person trips for
example, the pulling force on the safety tether 28 may be
sufficient to cause the second connecting element 34 to be released
from the connecting element of the safety garment 10 of the other
person. If the second connecting element 34 cannot release from the
second safety garment 10 due to an obstruction (e.g., due to being
caught on one of the safety garment wearers, etc.), the pulling
force on the safety tether 28 may cause the first end region 30 to
sever its connection to the support region 12. In particular
embodiments, the force required for releasing the first end region
30 from the support region 12 may be greater than the force
required for releasing the second end region 32 from the allocated
and/or here coupled connection region 36 of the other safety
garment 10.
[0068] In particular embodiments, it may be possible for a first
coupled person to exert a force on the safety tether 28 that is
insufficient to decouple any of the connecting elements maintaining
the connection between the first coupled person and a second
coupled person but is sufficient to exert a force on the second
coupled person (e.g., because the first coupled person is moving
more quickly than the second coupled person, the first coupled
person falls behind the second coupled person, the first coupled
person changes direction, etc.). In such embodiments, the safety
tether's shock absorption portion 64 may be configured to enable
the safety tether 28 to increase in length to at least partially
absorb the force exerted by the first coupled person such that the
second coupled person can continue traveling substantially
unperturbed (e.g., substantially without feeling the force exerted
by the first coupled person on the safety tether 28). In such
embodiments, the shock absorption portion 64 may be configured to
bias the safety tether 28 back to its neutral length, which may
cause the safety tether 28 to return to its neutral length upon
cessation of the pulling force.
[0069] In various embodiments the force required to decouple any of
the connecting elements is greater than the force required to
stretch the safety tether 28 (e.g., stretch the shock absorption
portion 64 of the safety tether 28) to a substantially fully
extended length (e.g., to the maximum length to which the safety
tether is capable of extending). In other embodiments, the force
required to decouple any of the connecting elements may be less
than the force required to stretch the safety tether 28 to a
substantially fully extended length, but greater than a force
required to at least partially stretch the safety tether 28 to a
length greater than the length of the safety tether 28 in a neutral
state (e.g., a state in which the safety tether 28 is not
experiencing a tensile force).
Alternative Embodiments
[0070] In various embodiments, the safety garment may include
additional features to those described above or different
combinations of any features described above. Exemplary alternative
embodiments are described below.
[0071] Life Vest
[0072] In various embodiments, a safety garment may be embodied as
a life vest that includes a safety tether for selectively coupling
one or more wearers of the life vest together. In such embodiments,
the support region may comprise one or more selectively inflatable
bladders that are configured to maintain a volume of air. In
particular embodiments, the one or more bladders may be configured
to maintain a sufficient volume of air to allow a wearer of the
safety garment to float. In various embodiments in which the safety
garment is embodied as a life vest, the safety tether may be
substantially permanently attachable to the safety garment (e.g.,
or coupled with sufficient strength to prevent two coupled persons
who are floating from becoming disconnected).
[0073] Alarm
[0074] In various embodiments, the safety garment 10 may be
configured to include an alarm that signals when the safety tether
28 detaches at coupling region 40. For example, the safety tether
28 may include electrical leads that are embedded in the safety
tether 28 and that are attached to a battery operated alarm unit
that is coupled to the safety garment 10. In various embodiments,
the coupling region 40 may act as a switch that is in a closed
position when the coupling region is intact (e.g., tether portion
42 is attached to tether portion 44). In this configuration, the
alarm is not triggered. However, when sufficient force is exerted
on the safety tether 28 to cause the coupling region 40 to detach,
the switch may be in the open position causing the alarm to sound.
Placement of the alarm on the safety vest 10 allows the wearer of
the vest to be easily tracked by the sound of the alarm. In various
other embodiments, the alarm may be located on the either of tether
portions 42, 44.
[0075] Other Suitable Safety Garment Embodiments
[0076] In various embodiments, a safety garment may comprise any
suitable garment or wearable object. For example, a safety garment
may include a bracelet, a shirt, a pair of pants, a jacket, a
sweatshirt, a pair of gloves, a sleeve, a backpack or other
satchel, etc.
CONCLUSION
[0077] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention
pertains having the benefits of the teachings presented in the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, as
will be understood by one skilled in the relevant field in life of
this disclosure, the invention may take form in a variety of
different mechanical and operational configurations. As a
particular example, when a hook and loop fastener element is
described, it should be understood that it may include a hook and
loop fastener hook element, a hook and loop fastener loop element,
or any other suitable combination of hook and loop elements or hook
and loop fastener elements. Therefore, it is to be understood that
the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments
disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended
to be included within the scope of the appended exemplary concepts.
Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a
generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of
limitation.
* * * * *