U.S. patent application number 14/839004 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-02 for compound curvature waist strap.
The applicant listed for this patent is Recreational Equipment, Inc.. Invention is credited to Shon Kendall Hancock, Lauren Rose Meyer, Jay Barrett Willet.
Application Number | 20170055682 14/839004 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58103269 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170055682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Willet; Jay Barrett ; et
al. |
March 2, 2017 |
COMPOUND CURVATURE WAIST STRAP
Abstract
A waist strap with layers of variable material to provide
cushioning in layers on the side of the waist strap contacting the
wearer and structural strength in layers opposite the side
contacting the wearer; the waist strap having a first strap portion
and a second strap portion, and each strap portion having a
lengthwise curvature to curve about a waist of a wearer and a
crosswise curvature along the height of the waist strap to create a
compound curvature contour around a wearer, and each strap portion
having an upper padded region, a central padded region and a lower
padded region with the central padded region generally recessed
relative to the upper and lower padded regions to further define a
crosswise curvature of the waist strap by the recessed central
padded region and resulting upper and lower padded region
protrusions.
Inventors: |
Willet; Jay Barrett;
(Tacoma, WA) ; Meyer; Lauren Rose; (Port Orchard,
WA) ; Hancock; Shon Kendall; (Issaquah, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Recreational Equipment, Inc. |
Kent |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58103269 |
Appl. No.: |
14/839004 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2003/144 20130101;
A45F 3/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14 |
Claims
1. A waist strap, comprising: a strap anchor point; a first strap
portion having a first end and a second strap portion having a
second end, each strap portion having an inner side and an outer
side, wherein each strap portion is coupled to the strap anchor
point and comprises: a lengthwise curvature such that the inner
side is a concave side of the lengthwise curvature and the outer
side is a convex side of the lengthwise curvature; and a crosswise
curvature such that the inner side is a concave side of the
crosswise curvature and the outer side is a convex side of the
crosswise curvature; and a belt fastener coupled to each of the
first end and second end.
2. The waist strap according to claim 1, wherein the inner side of
the first strap portion and second strap portion each further
comprises: an upper padded region having an upper edge and a lower
edge; a central padded region coupled to the upper padded region
having an upper edge and a lower edge; and a lower padded region
coupled to the central padded region having an upper edge and a
lower edge.
3. The waist strap according to claim 2, wherein the upper edge of
the upper padded region is a first endpoint and the lower edge of
the lower padded region is a second endpoint of the convex side of
the crosswise curvature.
4. The waist strap according to claim 3, wherein the lower edge of
the upper padded region couples to the upper edge of the central
padded region at a first intersection line, and the upper edge of
the lower padded region couples to the lower edge of the central
padded region at a second intersection line.
5. The waist strap according to claim 4, wherein the first
intersection is a first endpoint and the section intersection is a
second endpoint of the concave side of the crosswise curvature.
6. The waist strap according to claim 5, wherein a radius of
curvature of the convex side of the crosswise curvature is greater
than a radius of curvature of the concave side of the crosswise
curvature.
7. The waist strap according to claim 2, wherein each of the upper
padded region, central padded region, and lower padded region have
an outer surface coinciding with the outer side of the strap
portion and an inner surface coinciding with the inner side of the
strap portion.
8. The waist strap according to claim 7, wherein the outer side of
the strap portion is a shell layer constructively compressing the
upper edge of the upper padded region towards the inner side and
constructively compressing the lower edge of the lower padded
region towards the inner side.
9. The waist strap according to claim 7, wherein each of the upper
padded region, central padded region, and lower padded region has a
maximum thickness defined by the maximum distance between the inner
surface and the outer surface.
10. The waist strap according to claim 9, wherein the maximum
thickness of the central padded region is less than the maximum
thickness of the upper padded region and lower padded region.
11. The waist strap according to claim 1, wherein the lengthwise
curvature is a curvature measured from the strap anchor point to a
first or second end or a respective first or second strap
portion.
12. The waist strap according to claim 11, wherein the lengthwise
curvature extends the strap portion away from the strap anchor
point relative to a tangent line intersecting the strap anchor
point.
13. The waist strap according to claim 12, wherein the lengthwise
curvature extends the strap portion away from the tangent line at
such a curvature that a first end and second end point in a
direction back towards the strap anchor point.
14. The waist strap according to claim 1, wherein a cross section
of each strap portion comprises at least a first layer on the inner
side and a second layer.
15. The waist strap according to claim 13, wherein a rigidity of
the first layer is less than a rigidity of the second layer.
16. The waist strap according to claim 14, wherein the first layer
comprises a plurality of ventilation openings.
17. The waist strap according to claim 14, wherein the second layer
is a shell layer constructively compressing an upper edge of the
first layer towards the inner side of a strap portion and
constructively compressing a lower edge of the first layer towards
the inner side of a strap portion.
18. The waist strap according to claim 1, wherein the belt fastener
is a buckle.
19. The waist strap according to claim 1, wherein the strap anchor
point is an attaching portion.
20. The waist strap according to claim 19, wherein the attaching
portion couples to a cargo enclosure.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Waist straps are wearable devices to assist in carrying
loads and attempt to reduce strain and tension on the body of a
wearer. Comfort is commonly found in cushioning, padding, or other
pliable material interfaces. Materials and configurations to
provide the strength required to support heavier loads sacrifice
comfort to a wearer; similarly, waist straps and wearable devices
seeking to improve comfort sacrifice the ability to carry heavier
loads due to the materials and configurations employed for comfort
purposes. Materials and novel configurations of waist straps that
do not sacrifice one tenet in favor of the other are demanded by
customers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A contoured waist strap (also called a waist belt or hip
belt within the art, but hereafter referred to as "waist strap" or
"waist straps" as the context requires) capable of comfortably
supporting heavy loads carried by a wearer are described.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a contoured waist
strap cupping the hip and waist area of a wearer through straps
with compound curvatures integrating various materials with
different properties among the materials to both deliver comfort
and support for heavy loads borne by the wearer. Embodiments of the
present invention may be applied to couple with backpacks or other
cargo enclosure areas, affix to moving belts or other strain
reducing apparatuses, or couple with attachments worn directly on
the waist strap such as water bottles or first aid kits or other
similarly sized attachments.
[0003] Certain embodiments of the present invention direct the load
carried by a wearer to the iliac crest of the wearer's skeletal
structure. Current waist straps in the art use flat materials to
direct this load to a wearer's body. The flat surface cannot align
with the contours of the body. This misalignment creates uneven
pressure on various points of the body and increases discomfort,
which in turn limits the weight load willing to be carried, or the
duration of use, by the wearer. Discomfort from flat waist straps
manifests as abrasion points, chaffed skin, muscle pain, and back
strain.
[0004] Other devices in the art use softer and more pliable
materials to deliver even pressure and improve comfort, but this in
turn limits the load that may be carried as the waist strap will
collapse and cease to function and provide support under heavier
loads. Still other devices in the art stitch reliefs into the waist
strap to cinch the material comprising a waist strap and create a
contour, or cut material out of the waist strap to create a
recessed contour. Such devices reduce the overall strength of the
waist strap by increasing the stress within the material through
the reduction of the area that will be bearing a load. While
stitching creates a contour, cinching the material further reduces
any padding available at the stitch point and thus limits comfort
due to reduced padding at the point intended for skeletal contact
at the contour.
[0005] The currently available prior art relies on pressing the
waist strap against the body to distribute the carried load;
pressing is typically by cinching a belt strap coupled to the waist
strap. Embodiments of the present invention instead cup the contour
of the wearer's body through a compound curvature structure rather
than requiring external force to provide contoured contact.
[0006] Embodiments of the invention use compound curvatures to
contour to the wearer's anatomy while using variable materials
within the contoured waist strap to maintain the strength required
to support heavy loads and provide a comfortable interface for the
wearer. In other words, the structure of a stronger material to
bear the loads follows the contoured shaping of padding material to
provide comfort. Compound curvatures permit consistent padding
thickness about the waist of the wearer to improve comfort, as
opposed to reducing comfort seen in prior art contoured waist
straps that by design reduce padding. By providing a contoured
contact with the skeletal structure about the waist of a wearer,
distribution of a carried load is provided more evenly than if
applied by flat contact or if applied to a muscle region such as
the lower back.
[0007] The improved distribution of load increases the comfort
while simultaneously enabling heavier loads to be carried relative
to a waist strap that uses flat but strong materials or those that
use contoured but weak materials or those that diminish the
strength of strong materials through cinching, stitching or other
area reducing construction techniques.
[0008] Embodiments of the invention may employ various materials
with different rigidity and other material properties among the
materials in cross sectional layers. An embodiment may have a rigid
outer shell as the main structure, and this rigid outer shell is
contoured to a semi-rigid inner padding; whereas another embodiment
may have a semi rigid outer shell with a pliable foam inner padding
for uses that require carrying lighter loads. Modular construction
of some embodiments permit interchanging the layers of the
embodiment to provide customized strength and comfort for a
particular use by, or preference of, the wearer.
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention, in addition to having
variable materials through the cross section of the waist strap may
have variable materials in the skeletal contact side of the strap.
Such variable contact materials permit improved functionality, as
breathable materials may be introduced at certain locations, or
softer padding on bone contact, or firmer padding where support is
needed about a contoured portion.
[0010] Construction of contours can be enabled through pattern
making of the cross sectional layers, such that darts are cut out
of the material and when the dart edges are assembled the compound
curvature forms and maintains the assembled construction through
wear and temperature exposure. Other contour curvature construction
may be through injection molding material into a preformed mold, or
cold pressing a material, or additive manufacturing into a desired
shape to maintain the material properties throughout the contour.
Other embodiments may produce a reaction contour curvature by
having a consistent material thickness through the cross section,
but a soft or less dense material running through the center of the
waist strap's length such that when the waist strap is worn the
center compresses further than the other portions of the waist
strap and a contour forms as a function of variable pliability.
[0011] Embodiments of the invention create a waist strap from two
strap portions. Each strap portion has concave curvatures in two
directions. The first curvature, a lengthwise curvature, runs the
length of each strap portion to curve around the waist of a wearer
to terminate at a strap end. The second curvature, a crosswise
curvature, runs the height of each strap portion, to curve around
the iliac crest of a wearer.
[0012] Embodiments of the invention have a series of regions
oriented along the length of a strap portion. In one embodiment, an
upper padded region and lower padded region extend towards the body
of a wearer such that they protrude relative to a central padded
region. A crosswise curvature is formed by these protrusions
relative to the central padded region to cup the contours of a
wearer; in one embodiment the contour forms around the iliac crest
of the wearer. Embodiments of the invention can create further
curvature through thicknesses of the upper and lower protrusions
that are greater than the thickness of the central padded region.
Curvature by thickness is created in other embodiments through
variable density or pliability of material use, such that the
central padded region has a lower density or higher pliability than
the upper and lower protrusions and when worn by a wearer the
central padded region compresses further than the upper and lower
protrusions creating a crosswise curvature when worn.
[0013] Embodiments of the invention create a lengthwise curvature
relative to a strap anchor point where each strap portion
originates and curves as each strap portion extends away from the
strap anchor point to ends of each strap portion. The strap anchor
point is a tangent point to the lengthwise curvature of each strap
portion. Each end of a strap portion can couple to a belt fastener,
for example a buckle, such that each strap portion may join at the
respective belt fasteners at the strap ends to create a lengthwise
loop to the waist strap, though the curvature is formed regardless
of coupling the strap ends.
[0014] These and other embodiments of the invention along with many
of its advantages and features are described in more detail in
conjunction with the text below and attached figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention and its embodiments will become more readily
apparent when the accompanying detailed description is taken in
conjunction with the following figures.
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a compound
curvature waist strap having a lengthwise curvature and a crosswise
curvature to strap portions extending from a strap anchor point
according to a particular embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a compound curvature
waist strap having a lengthwise curvature to strap portions
extending from a strap anchor point according to a particular
embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a crosswise
curvature of a strap portion having an upper edge and a lower edge,
an outer side and an inner side, an upper padded region, a central
padded region, a lower padded region, a thickness relative to the
outer side and inner side, a rigid layer, and a less rigid layer
according to a particular embodiment;
[0019] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an exploded view of a multi-layered
strap portion to a compound curvature waist strap, the
multi-layered strap portion having an upper padded region and lower
padded region and central padded region, a plurality of structure
layers, and an outer layer coupled to a belt fastener according to
a particular embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Embodiments of the present invention relate to technologies
to provide a structured waist strap to enable a wearer to more
efficiently carry heavy loads coupled to the waist strap.
Embodiments of the invention further provide a compound curvature
shape that contours to a wearer, improving comfort to the wearer
when carrying the load.
[0021] In one embodiment, a waist strap is formed from a pair of
strap portions coupled to a common strap anchor point. Each strap
portion has an inner side configured to contact a wearer and an
outer side opposite the inner side. In one embodiment, the strap
portions extend from the strap anchor point to a strap end, and
have a curvature along the length of each waist strap such that the
inner side of each strap portion is a concave side of the
lengthwise curvature, and the outer side of each strap portion is a
convex side of the lengthwise curvature. In one embodiment, a first
strap portion terminates at a first end and a second strap portion
terminates at a second end.
[0022] In one embodiment, each strap portion has a crosswise
curvature relative to the height of the particular strap portion.
In one embodiment, the inner side of the strap portion is a concave
side of the crosswise curvature, and the outer side of each strap
portion is a convex side of the crosswise curvature.
[0023] In one embodiment, the lengthwise curvature to each strap
portion when combined with the crosswise curvature to each strap
portion creates a compound curvature waist strap to contour to a
wearer of the waist strap.
[0024] In one embodiment, each strap portion has an upper padded
region oriented along the length of the strap portion. In one
embodiment, the upper padded region has an upper edge and a lower
edge. In one embodiment, the upper edge of the upper padded region
coincides with an upper edge of a strap portion. In one embodiment,
the upper edge of the upper padded region defines a first endpoint
of a crosswise curvature of a strap portion.
[0025] In one embodiment, each strap portion has a central padded
region oriented along the length of the strap portion. In one
embodiment, the central padded region has an upper edge and a lower
edge. In one embodiment, the upper edge of the central padded
region coincides with a lower edge of an upper padded region. In
one embodiment, the central padded region and upper padded region
coincide along a first intersection line oriented along the length
of a strap portion.
[0026] In one embodiment, each strap portion has a lower padded
region oriented along the length of the strap portion. In one
embodiment, the lower padded region has an upper edge and a lower
edge. In one embodiment, the upper edge of the lower padded region
coincides with a lower edge of a central padded region. In one
embodiment, the central padded region and lower padded region
coincide along a second intersection line oriented along the length
of a strap portion. In one embodiment, the lower edge of the lower
padded region coincides with a lower edge of the waist strap. In
one embodiment, the lower edge of the lower padded region defines a
second endpoint of a crosswise curvature of a strap portion.
[0027] In one embodiment, a central padded region is coupled to an
upper padded region and a lower padded region.
[0028] In one embodiment, the crosswise convex curvature on the
outer side of a strap portion is measured from a first endpoint,
that is the upper edge of an upper padded region, to a second
endpoint, that is the lower edge of a lower padded region. The
convex side of the crosswise curvature has a radius of curvature
relative between the first endpoint to the second endpoint. In one
embodiment, the radius of curvature of the convex side of the
crosswise curvature is constant throughout the length of the strap
portion. In another embodiment, the radius of curvature of the
convex side of the crosswise curvature is variable throughout the
length of the strap portion as the height of the outer side may
vary throughout the length of the strap portion.
[0029] In one embodiment, the concave side of the crosswise
curvature on the inner side of a strap portion is measured from a
first intersection line, that is where an upper padded region's
lower edge coincides with a central padded region's upper edge, to
a second intersection line, that is where a central padded region's
lower edge coincides with a lower padded region's upper edge. The
concave side of the crosswise curvature has a radius of curvature
relative between the first intersection line and second
intersection line. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of
the concave side of the crosswise curvature is constant throughout
the length of the strap portion. In another embodiment, the radius
of curvature of the concave side of the crosswise curvature is
variable throughout the length of the strap portion as the height
of the central padded region may vary throughout the length of the
strap portion.
[0030] In one embodiment, a radius of curvature of the convex side
of the crosswise curvature is greater than a radius of curvature of
the concave side of the crosswise curvature. In another embodiment,
the radius of curvature of the concave side of the crosswise
curvature is the same as the radius of curvature of the convex side
of the crosswise curvature.
[0031] In yet another embodiment, the concave side of the crosswise
curvature is measured relative from the first endpoint to the
second endpoint.
[0032] In one embodiment, the upper padded region has an inner
surface and an outer surface. In one embodiment, the upper padded
region has a thickness as measured between the inner surface and
outer surface. In one embodiment the thickness of the upper padded
region is a range from 0.5 inches to 1 inch. According to one
embodiment, the upper padded region has a maximum thickness,
measured as the maximum distance between the inner surface and the
outer surface of upper padded region. In one embodiment, the inner
surface of the upper padded region coincides with the inner side of
a strap portion. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the upper
padded region coincides with the outer surface of a strap portion.
In another embodiment, the outer surface of the upper padded region
interfaces with a cross sectional layer of the strap portion.
[0033] In one embodiment, the central padded region has an inner
surface and an outer surface. In one embodiment, the central padded
region has a thickness as measured between the inner surface and
outer surface. In one embodiment the thickness of the upper padded
region is a range from 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches. According to one
embodiment, the central padded region has a maximum thickness,
measured as the maximum distance between the inner surface and the
outer surface of the central padded region. In one embodiment, the
inner surface of the central padded region coincides with the inner
side of a strap portion. In one embodiment, the outer surface of
the central padded region coincides with the outer surface of a
strap portion. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the
central padded region interfaces with a cross sectional layer of
the strap portion.
[0034] In one embodiment, a lower padded region has an inner
surface and an outer surface. In one embodiment, the lower padded
region has a thickness as measured between the inner surface and
outer surface. In one embodiment the thickness of the lower padded
region is a range from 0.5 inches to 1 inch. According to one
embodiment, the lower padded region has a maximum thickness,
measured as the maximum distance between the inner surface and the
outer surface of the lower padded region. In one embodiment, the
inner surface of the lower padded region coincides with the inner
side of a strap portion. In one embodiment, the outer surface of
the lower padded region coincides with the outer surface of a strap
portion. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the lower
padded region interfaces with a cross sectional layer of the strap
portion.
[0035] In one embodiment, the maximum thickness of the central
padded region is less than the maximum thickness of the upper
padded region. In another embodiment, the maximum thickness of the
central padded region is less than the maximum thickness of the
lower padded region. In one embodiment, the greater maximum
thickness of the upper padded region and lower padded region
relative to the central padded region creates a crosswise curvature
to the waist strap.
[0036] In one embodiment, the density of the central padded region
is less than the density of an upper padded region and lower padded
region. In one embodiment, the pliability of the central padded
region is greater than the pliability of an upper padded region and
lower padded region. In these embodiments, under an application of
force equally applied to each of the upper, central and lower
padded regions, the central padded region compresses deeper
relative to the upper padded region and lower padded region. In
these embodiments, a crosswise curvature of a strap portion is
formed when the waist strap is worn by a wearer, and the
application to the body compresses the maximum thickness of central
padded region to a compressed thickness less than the compressed
thickness of the upper padded region and lower padded region.
[0037] In one embodiment, each strap portion is constructed from a
plurality of layers such that a cross section of a strap portion is
made up from multiple materials. In one embodiment, an upper padded
region is a layer and in other embodiments a central padded region
or lower padded region may make up the same layer. In some
embodiments, the central padded region or lower padded region are
distinct layers. In other embodiments, the inner side of a strap
portion is a first layer. In one embodiment, interfacing with the
first layer is a second layer. Other embodiments may have multiple
additional layers interfacing or coupling to a second layer in the
direction of an outer side of a strap portion. In one embodiment,
the rigidity of the second layer is greater than the rigidity of
the first layer, such that the second layer is an exoskeleton to
the first layer. In other embodiments, the additional layers have
increasing rigidity relative to the first or second layer such that
the additional layers are an exoskeleton to the first or second
layer.
[0038] According to the embodiment, each layer may be configured to
provide a particular function. In one embodiment, a first layer is
constructed from a pliable material to provide a comfortable
interface to a wearer of the waist strap. In another embodiment,
the outer side of a strap portion is a second layer and is
constructed from a rigid material to provide strength and structure
to the waist strap. For example, in one embodiment the first layer
is polyurethane foam or polyethylene foam to provide cushioning,
dampening, and breathability on the side contacting the wearer. In
another example, the second layer is fiberglass or acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS) to provide strength and impact resistance
to the waist strap. In other embodiments, the first layer is a mesh
layer; a mesh layer can improve breathability against contact with
a wearer or improve cleaning of the inner side of the waist
strap.
[0039] In one embodiment, the second layer is constructed from a
flat pattern with vertically oriented darts. When assembled, either
from sewing the dart lines together or binding them with adhesive
or affixing the dart lines through other means, the second layer
bows to create a crosswise curvature. In one embodiment, the dart
construction assembly of a second layer, when coupled to an upper
padded region, pushes the upper edge of an upper padded region
towards the inner side of a strap portion by constructive
compression. In another embodiment, the vertical dart construction
assembly of a second layer, when coupled to a lower padded region,
pushes the lower edge of the lower padded region towards the inner
side of a strap portion by constructive compression. By
constructively compressing the upper or lower edge towards the
inner side of a strap portion, a crosswise curvature of the strap
portion is formed in one embodiment.
[0040] In one embodiment, the second layer is constructed from a
flat pattern with horizontally oriented darts. When assembled,
either from sewing the dart lines together or binding them with
adhesive or affixing the dart lines through other means, the second
layer bows to create a lengthwise curvature. In one embodiment, the
horizontal dart construction assembly of a second layer, when
coupled to a strap portion, pushes a first end or second end of a
respective strap portion towards the inner side of the strap
portion by constructive compression. By constructively compressing
a first end or second end of a respective strap portion towards the
inner side of a strap portion, a lengthwise curvature of the strap
portion is formed in one embodiment.
[0041] In one embodiment, the first end or second end of a
respective strap portion couples to a belt fastener. When the belt
fastener on a first and second end join, the strap portions create
a loop to the waist strap. In one embodiment, the belt fastener is
a buckle. In another embodiment, the belt fastener is a lace system
for tying together the first and second ends of the respective two
strap portions. In one embodiment, each strap portion extends from
an anchor point and terminates at a respective first and second
end.
[0042] In one embodiment, a lengthwise curvature of a strap portion
is defined as the curvature of the strap portion measured from the
strap anchor point to a respective first or second end. In one
embodiment, the lengthwise curvature is such that a strap portion
extends outward from the strap anchor point and curves such that
the strap anchor point is a tangent point as the strap portion
curves away. In one embodiment, a strap portion extends away from
the strap anchor point and as it extends it curves away from a
tangent line intersecting the tangent point. In one embodiment, the
strap portion curves away from the tangent line and begins to curve
a first or second end of a strap portion back towards the direction
of the strap anchor point, though the first or second end is
geometrically offset from the strap anchor point due to the strap
portion curving away from the tangent line.
[0043] In one embodiment, the central padded region comprises a
foam layer with a series of vertical recessions, such that each
recession enhances breathability against contact of a wearer. In
one embodiment, a vertical recession traverses the entire cross
section of the foam layer to the central padded region to be a
complete cutout in the central padded region. In other embodiments,
a vertical recession begins at the inner side of the central padded
region but does not fully traverse the thickness of the central
padded region.
[0044] In another embodiment, the waist strap includes an attaching
portion. In one embodiment, the attaching portion is a strap anchor
point from which strap portions extend from. In another embodiment,
the attaching portion couples to an external structure. In one
embodiment, the attaching portion couples to a cargo enclosure,
such as a backpack. The attaching portion enables coupling heavy
loads to the waist strap such that a wearer of the waist strap can
carry the load with the weight distributed efficiently to the
skeletal structure of the wearer through the compound curvature
structure of the waist strap contouring to the wearer's body. Other
attachments to the attaching portion may be smaller attachable
devices such as water bottles or first aid kits or tools. The
attaching portion in one embodiment is where the load intended to
be carried by the waist strap wearer is coupled for distribution of
the weight of the load to the waist strap.
[0045] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a particular
embodiment of a waist strap 100. In one embodiment, waist strap 100
has a first strap portion 110 and a second strap portion 112. In
one embodiment, each of strap portion 110 and 112 has an inner side
107 and outer side 108. In one embodiment, each of strap portion
110 and 112 has a lengthwise curvature 101. In one embodiment, each
inner side 107 of each strap portion has a concave crosswise
curvature 102. In another embodiment, each outer side 108 of each
strap portion has a convex crosswise curvature 106. In one
embodiment, crosswise curvature 102 has a radius of curvature less
than that of crosswise curvature 106. In other embodiments,
crosswise curvature 102 has a radius of curvature greater than that
of crosswise curvature 106 and in still other embodiments crosswise
curvature 102 has the same radius of curvature as that of crosswise
curvature 106. In still other embodiments, along the length of
either strap portion 110 and 112, the crosswise curvature 102 and
crosswise curvature 106 is variable along the length of either
strap portion 110 and 112. According these embodiments, crosswise
curvature 102 may be greater or less than crosswise curvature 106
at any given point along the length of strap portion 110 or 112.
Waist strap 100, in one embodiment also has strap anchor point 103.
According to embodiment, strap anchor point 103 may be an attaching
portion for coupling to an external load, such as a cargo enclosure
like a backpack.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a waist strap 100.
Waist strap 100 has a strap anchor point 103. In one embodiment,
strap portion 110 and strap portion 112 couple to strap anchor
point 103. In one embodiment, strap anchor point 103 is a tangent
point for lengthwise curvature 101 of either strap portion 110 or
strap portion 112. The tangent point intersects with tangent line
220. Each of strap portions 110 and 112 extend away from strap
anchor point 103 and curves away from tangent line 220 to form
lengthwise curvature 101. In one embodiment, strap portion 110
extends away from anchor point 103 to terminate at first end 204.
In another embodiment, strap portion 112 extends away from anchor
point 103 to terminate at second end 205. In one embodiment,
lengthwise curvature 101 is defined as the curvature of strap
portion 110 or 112 away from tangent line 220 and towards the
respective first end 204 or second end 205.
[0047] In one embodiment, strap portion 110 extends from anchor
point 103 and tangent line 220 such that lengthwise curvature 101
turns first end 204 back in the direction towards strap anchor
point 103 even though first end 204 is geometrically offset from
strap anchor point 103 by virtue of the extension of strap portion
110 extending away from strap anchor point 103 and tangent line
220.
[0048] In one embodiment, strap portion 112 extends from anchor
point 103 and tangent line 220 such that lengthwise curvature 101
turns second end 205 back in the direction towards strap anchor
point 103 even though second end 205 is geometrically offset from
strap anchor point 103 by virtue of the extension of strap portion
112 extending away from strap anchor point 103 and tangent line
220.
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a particular embodiment of a cross
section of a strap portion. In one embodiment, a strap portion has
an outer side 330 and inner side 335. In one embodiment, the strap
portion cross section has a second layer 320. Second layer 320, in
one embodiment is high density polyethylene (HDPE). In alternative
embodiments, second layer 320 is ABS or fiberglass or rigid
composite, or in still other embodiments comprises thermoplastics
and high density foams. Second layer 320 is configured as a strong
exoskeleton to the strap portion cross section. In one embodiment,
the strap portion cross section has a first layer 317. First layer
317 can be polyurethane foam or polyethylene foam or other suitable
foam to provide malleable cushioning on the inner side 335 intended
for contact with a wearer of the waist strap. In other embodiments,
the strap portion cross section has additional layers 345 and 355.
Additional layers 345 and 355 can provide additional structural
functions, such as shock absorption and dampening between first
layer 317 and second layer 320. Additional layers 345 and 355 may
be made from the same materials as first layer 317 or second layer
320, or may be made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or ethylene
diamene (EDA) or polyvinyl to provide a strength and structural
interface between first layer 317 and second layer 320 according to
the embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 3 further illustrates a cross section of upper padded
region 315 having an upper edge 302, central padded region 310, and
lower padded region 325 having lower edge 301. In one embodiment,
central padded region 310 meets upper padded region 315 at first
intersection 360 and central padded region 310 meets lower padded
region 325 at second intersection 365. In one embodiment, a concave
radius of curvature 102 is measured by the inner side 335 of first
intersection 360 to inner side 335 of second intersection 365. In
another embodiment, a convex radius of curvature 106 is measured
from upper edge 302 and lower edge 301. In one embodiment, convex
radius of curvature 106 is greater than concave radius of curvature
102; in another embodiment, convex radius of curvature 106 is less
than concave radius of curvature 102.
[0051] FIG. 3 further illustrates thickness 370 of upper padded
region 315, thickness 372 of central padded region 310, and
thickness 374 of lower padded region 325. In one embodiment, the
maximum of thickness 372 is less than the maximum of thickness 370
or 374. In one embodiment, thickness 370 traverses first layer 317;
in another embodiment, thickness 372 traverse first layer 317; in
another embodiment, thickness 374 traverses first layer 317. In
another embodiment, each of thickness 370, 372, and 374 are equal
when the waist strap is unloaded. In another embodiment, central
padded region 310 is made from more pliable or less dense material
than upper padded region 315 or lower padded region 325, such that
upon loading the waist strap and worn by a wearer, thickness 372
compresses deeper than thickness 370 and 374, creating a recession
of central padded region 310 and concave curvature 102 to contour
to the wearer.
[0052] In one embodiment, second layer 320 is a shell layer, and
second layer 320 is constructed from a rigid material such that it
serves as a strong exoskeleton to a strap portion. In one
embodiment inner side 335 comprises a mesh material to improve
breathability against contact with a wearer.
[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of layers comprising a
strap portion. Layer 401 is an upper padded region, and layer 402
is a lower padded region. Layer 403 is a central padded region
configured to couple to layer 401 and layer 402. Layer 403 may have
at least one vertical recession 404 to provide a ventilation means
to a wearer of the waist strap. Layer 405 is a shell layer that may
be the final layer such that it is the outer side of a waist strap,
though in other embodiments, layer 405 is an additional layer to
layer 405' that may be one or more layers similarly constructed as
layer 405 to provide particular functions to the waist strap. Layer
405 may have a plurality of vertical darts 412. Vertical dart 412
has a first edge 414 and a second edge 416. When assembled, either
by sewing or by adhesive or other construction means, first edge
414 aligns with second edge 416 to create a crosswise curvature to
layer 405 or 405' as applicable. The resulting construction of
layer 405 or 405' after assembling vertical dart 412 provides a
preformed crosswise curvature to apply layers 401, 402, and 403
against. One of skill in the art can envision preformed crosswise
curvature layer 405 or 405' techniques that do not require vertical
dart 412 assembly. For example, injection molding into a
prefabricated shape or cold pressing layer 405 or 405' can create a
preformed crosswise curvature to apply layers 401, 402, and
403.
[0054] In another embodiment, layer 406 is a layer on the outer
side of a strap portion. Layer 406 has horizontal darts 422 with
third edge 424 and fourth edge 426. When assembled, either by
sewing or by adhesive or other construction means, third edge 424
aligns with fourth edge 426 to create a lengthwise curvature to
layer 406. The resulting construction of layer 406 provides a
preformed lengthwise curvature to apply layers 401, 402, 403, and
405 or 405' against. One of skill in the art can envision preformed
lengthwise curvature layer 406 techniques that do not require
horizontal dart 422 assembly. For example, injection molding into a
prefabricated shape or cold pressing layer 406 can create a
preformed lengthwise curvature.
[0055] Belt fastener 430 can be applied to any of layers 405 or
405' as applicable or layer 406. Belt fastener 430 as depicted is a
buckle, but in other embodiments can be a lace system or other
fastening means envisioned by one of skill in the art.
[0056] While the invention has been described in terms of
particular embodiments and illustrative figures, those of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited
to the embodiments or figures described. For example, in various
embodiments described above, a radius of curvature to a convex side
of the crosswise curvature is greater than a radius of curvature to
a concave side of the crosswise curvature. However, in other
embodiments, a radius of curvature to a convex side of the
crosswise curvature is less than a radius of curvature to a concave
side of the crosswise curvature. In still other embodiments, the
radius of curvature of the convex or concave side of the crosswise
curvature is variable, such that along the length of a strap
portion a radius of curvature to a convex side of the crosswise
curvature may be greater or less than a radius of curvature to a
concave side of the crosswise curvature at any given point along
the length of a strap portion.
[0057] Reference throughout this document to "one embodiment,"
"certain embodiments," "an embodiment," or similar term means that
a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner on one or more embodiments without limitation.
[0058] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of
the present invention only and are presented in the cause of
providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily
understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of
various embodiments of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is
made to show structural details of the invention in more detail
than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the
invention, the description taken with the drawings and/or examples
making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms
of the invention may be embodied in practice.
[0059] As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms "a"
and "an" are taken to mean "one," "at least one" or "one or more."
Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms used herein
shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the
singular.
[0060] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." The term "or" as used herein is
to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any
combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" means any of the following: A;
B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C. An exception to this
definition will occur only when a combination of elements,
functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually
exclusive.
[0061] Words using the singular or plural number also include the
plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words
"herein," "above," and "below" and words of similar import, when
used in this disclosure, shall refer to this disclosure as a whole
and not to any particular portions of the disclosure.
[0062] The description of embodiments of the disclosure is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise
form disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples for the
disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, various
equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the
disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.
Such modifications may include, but are not limited to, changes in
the dimensions and/or the materials shown in the disclosed
embodiments.
[0063] All of the references cited herein are incorporated by
reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary,
to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the above
references to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.
These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of
the detailed description.
[0064] Specific elements of any foregoing embodiments can be
combined or substituted for elements in other embodiments.
Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments
of the disclosure have been described in the context of these
embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages,
and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to
fall within the scope of the disclosure.
[0065] Therefore, it should be understood that the invention can be
practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and
scope of the appended claims. The description is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with
modification and alteration and that the invention be limited only
by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *