U.S. patent application number 15/356917 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-24 for slip belt carrying apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wayne Danforth. Invention is credited to Wayne Danforth.
Application Number | 20180140076 15/356917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58534661 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180140076 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Danforth; Wayne |
May 24, 2018 |
Slip belt carrying apparatus
Abstract
An apparatus for suspending a plurality of articles from a user
comprises a belt securable around the mid torso (waist) of a user
and an inner stationary flexible member suspended beneath the belt
and extending completely around the torso of the user. The
apparatus further comprises an outer rotatable flexible member
suspended from and rotatable a full 360 degrees about the inner
stationary flexible member, the outer rotary flexible member
extending at least partially around the torso of the user and being
operable to attach a plurality of containers thereto. The apparatus
may comprise a container for carrying articles comprising an outer
shell extending between top and bottom ends, an attachment for
securing the outer shell to a support and an inner sleeve extending
between the top and bottom ends of the outer shell.
Inventors: |
Danforth; Wayne; (Kelowna,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Danforth; Wayne |
Kelowna |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
58534661 |
Appl. No.: |
15/356917 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41F 9/025 20130101;
A45F 2003/146 20130101; A45F 3/14 20130101; A45F 2003/144 20130101;
A45F 3/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14; A41F 9/02 20060101 A41F009/02; A45F 3/10 20060101
A45F003/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for suspending a plurality of articles from a user
comprising: a belt securable around the mid torso of a user; an
inner stationary flexible member suspended beneath said belt and
extending completely around said lower torso of said user; and an
outer rotary flexible member suspended from and rotatable about
said inner stationary flexible member, said outer rotary flexible
member extending at least partially around said torso of said user
and being operable to attach a plurality of containers thereto.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inner stationary flexible
member comprises an elongate flexible inner strap oriented around
said lower torso of said user along a plane perpendicular to an
axis through said torso.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said elongate flexible inner
strap is formed of a plastic.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inner stationary flexible
member includes a plurality of rigid inner clip segments secured
thereto wherein said outer rotary flexible member is supported on
said plurality of rigid inner clip segments.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of rigid
inner clips segments includes at least one outer wall extending
parallel to said elongate flexible inner strap.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said at least one outer wall
comprises a pair of coplanar vertically spaced apart walls.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said pair of coplanar
vertically spaced apart walls extend to free distal ends at
opposite ends thereof.
8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said plurality of rigid inner
clip segments include an inner wall extending parallel to said
elongate flexible inner strap.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said inner wall extends to free
distal ends at top and bottom edges of said rigid inner clip
segments.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said flexible inner strap is
located between said inner wall and said at least one outer
wall.
11. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said plurality of said rigid
inner clip segments are evenly spaced around said flexible member
with a gap distance therebetween.
12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said outer rotary flexible
member comprises an elongate flexible strap oriented around and
rotatably movable about said lower torso of said user along a plane
perpendicular to an axis through said torso.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said outer rotary flexible
member includes a plurality of outer clip segments secured thereto
adapted to engage upon said outer wall of said inner stationary
flexible member.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein each of said plurality of
outer clip segments includes u-shaped walls adapted to slidably
surround top and bottom edges of said outer wall of said rigid
inner clip segments.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said plurality of outer clip
segments are secured to said outer flexible member a plurality of
in groups distributed therearound.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said plurality of groups have
gap distances between them operable to support a container attached
thereon.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one
container operable to carry an article therein comprising: an outer
shell extending between top and bottom ends; an attachment for
securing said outer shell to said outer flexible rotary member; and
an inner sleeve extending between said top and bottom ends of said
outer shell.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said attachment comprises a
clip selectably securable over said outer flexible rotatable
member.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said inner sleeve comprises
an elastic tubular member sized smaller than said outer shell and
stretched at said top and bottom ends to form an hour glass shape
inside said outer shell.
20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said inner sleeve attached to
top and bottom edges of said outer shell is utilized without top or
bottom cover to facilitate carrying a camera body with attached
lens.
21. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a harness secured
to said belt and adapted to extend over the shoulders of a
user.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said harness includes a chest
plate extending across the chest of a user and adapted to have said
container secured thereto.
23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said harness further
comprises attachment points operable to receive said container
thereon.
24. A kit for carrying articles comprising: a belt securable around
the mid torso of a user; an inner stationary flexible member
suspended beneath said belt and extending completely around said
torso of said user; an outer rotary flexible member suspended from
and rotatable about said inner stationary flexible member, said
outer rotary flexible member extending at least partially around
said torso of said user and being operable to attach a plurality of
containers thereto; and at least one container operable to carry an
article therein comprising: an outer shell extending between top
and bottom ends; an attachment for securing said outer shell to
said outer flexible rotatable member; and an inner sleeve extending
between said top and bottom ends of said container outer shell.
25. An apparatus for carrying articles comprising: an outer shell
extending between top and bottom ends; an attachment for securing
said outer shell to a support; and an inner sleeve extending
between said top and bottom ends of said outer shell.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a method and
apparatus for carrying articles, and in particular to a harness and
belt system onto which containers may be attached, with the belt
permitting relative rotational movement between the wearer and the
containers.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] In a variety of employment and hobby activities, it is
desirable to have a number of objects close at hand and carried on
the user for ready access. Examples of such activities include
tradesmen carrying tools, police or military personnel carrying
weapons and ammunition, safety personnel carrying first aid and
triage equipment, and photographers carrying camera equipment and
accessories.
[0003] One method of carrying objects is to attach the objects to a
belt secured onto the user. Other belt carrying systems have been
described, but lack flexibility with the attached objects located
at one or more fixed locations around the user. Examples of these
carrying systems include U.S. Pat. No. 3,762,616 (Brunstetter), US
Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0096545 A1 (Chang), and
International Publication Number WO 2005/107512 A2.
[0004] Other belt carrying devices include both an inner and outer
belt system, from which containers may be suspended, with the
ability for each container to be slid along the outer belt,
permitting relative rotational movement between the wearer and each
of the containers. Disadvantageously, the containers of such
devices must be moved individually which may be time consuming.
Additionally, due to the buckles for such belts, a full 360-degree
rotation about the wearer is not possible. Examples of such devices
include U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,576 (Rogers) and US Patent Application
Publication No. 2016/0051037 A1 (Ballard).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to a first embodiment of the present invention
there is disclosed an apparatus for suspending a plurality of
articles from a user comprising a belt securable around the mid
torso of a user and an inner stationary flexible member suspended
beneath the belt and extending completely around the lower torso of
the user. The apparatus further comprises an outer rotary flexible
member suspended from and rotatable about the inner stationary
flexible member, the outer rotary flexible member extending at
least partially around the lower torso of the user and being
operable to attach a plurality of containers thereto which are
suitable for carrying articles therein.
[0006] The inner stationary flexible member may comprise an
elongate flexible inner strap oriented around the lower torso of
the user along a plane perpendicular to an axis through the torso.
The elongate flexible inner strap may be formed of a plastic.
[0007] The inner stationary flexible member may include a plurality
of rigid inner clip segments secured thereto wherein the outer
rotary flexible member is supported on the plurality of rigid inner
clip segments. Each of the plurality of rigid inner clips segments
may include at least one outer wall extending parallel to the
elongate flexible inner strap. The at least one outer wall may
comprise a pair of coplanar vertically spaced apart walls. The pair
of coplanar vertically spaced apart walls may extend to free distal
ends at opposite ends thereof. The plurality of rigid inner clip
segments may include an inner wall extending parallel to the
elongate flexible inner strap. The inner wall may extend to free
distal ends at top and bottom edges of the rigid inner clip
segments. The flexible inner strap may be located between the inner
wall and the at least one outer wall. The plurality of the rigid
inner clip segments may be evenly spaced around the flexible member
with a gap distance therebetween.
[0008] The outer rotary flexible member may comprise an elongate
flexible strap oriented around and rotatably movable about the
lower torso of the user along a plane perpendicular to an axis
through the torso. The outer rotary flexible member may include a
plurality of outer clip segments secured thereto adapted to engage
upon the outer wall of the inner stationary flexible member. Each
of the plurality of outer clip segments may include u-shaped walls
adapted to slidably surround top and bottom edges of the outer wall
of the rigid inner clip segments. The plurality of outer clip
segments may be secured to the outer flexible member a plurality of
in pairs distributed therearound. The plurality of pairs may have
gap distances between them operable to support a container
thereon.
[0009] The apparatus may further comprise at least one container
operable to carry an article therein comprising an outer shell
extending between top and bottom ends, an attachment for securing
the outer shell to the outer flexible rotary member and an inner
sleeve extending between the top and bottom ends of the outer
shell. The attachment may comprise a clip selectably securable over
the outer flexible rotary member within the gap between groups of
outer belt clip segments. The inner sleeve may comprise an elastic
tubular member sized smaller than the outer shell and stretched at
the top and bottom ends to form an hour glass shape inside the
outer shell.
[0010] The apparatus may further comprise a harness secured to the
waist belt and adapted to extend over the shoulders of a user. The
harness may include a chest plate extending across the chest of a
user and adapted to have a container secured thereto. The apparatus
may further comprise attachment points operable to receive the
chest plate thereon as well as attachments on the back of the
harness for a tripod case and clothing pouches.
[0011] According to a further embodiment of the present invention
there is disclosed a kit for carrying articles comprising a belt
securable around the mid torso of a user, an inner stationary
flexible member suspended beneath the belt and extending completely
around the torso of the user and an outer rotary flexible member
suspended from and rotatable about the inner stationary flexible
member, the outer rotary flexible member extending at least
partially around the lower torso of the user and being operable to
attach a plurality of containers thereto. The apparatus further
comprises at least one container operable to carry an article
therein comprising an outer shell extending between top and bottom
ends, an attachment for securing the outer shell to the outer
flexible rotary member and an inner sleeve extending between the
top and bottom ends of the outer shell.
[0012] According to a further embodiment of the present invention
there is disclosed an apparatus for carrying articles comprising an
outer shell extending between top and bottom ends, an attachment
for securing the outer shell to a support and an inner sleeve
extending between the top and bottom ends of the outer shell.
[0013] Other aspects and features of the present invention will
become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review
of the following description of specific embodiments of the
invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention
wherein similar characters of reference denote corresponding parts
in each view,
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of a system including a harness and
belt assembly carrying apparatus with attached containers on the
belt, chest plate and back according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the belt assembly of FIG. 1,
with the inner belt open.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective partial view of belt assembly of
FIG. 1, with the inner belt open.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail top plan view of the belt
assembly of FIG. 1, with the inner belt closed.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the belt assembly of
FIG. 1, taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of a container attached to the system
of FIG. 1, with a suspension system, closed lid and a tripod
bracket (removed from the lens) suspended beneath the container by
an optional attachment system.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a back view of a container attached to the system
of FIG. 1, with open top and bottom covers.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 6
attached to the belt assembly of FIG. 1 in a curved belt
configuration, with an open lid.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 6
attached to the belt assembly of FIG. 1 in a straight belt
configuration, with a closed lid.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the system of FIG. 1, with
attached containers in a first or installation position.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the system of FIG. 1, with
attached containers in a second or rotated position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a system for carrying a
plurality of articles on a user according to a first embodiment of
the invention is shown generally at 10. The system 10 may be used
to carry a variety of items, including, by way of non-limiting
example, photography equipment such as camera bodies, lenses,
tripods, filters, flash bodies, etc. It may be appreciated that
other items may be carried within the containers, as well. The
system 10 comprises a harness assembly 18 securable to a wearer
supporting a waist belt 16 and belt assembly 12, with outer belt 90
rotatable thereabout.
[0028] The system 10 includes a belt assembly 12 and a plurality of
attached containers 14 rotatably supported on the belt assembly 12
around the user's lower torso (hips), supported by a waist belt 16.
The waist belt 16 is secured to the torso of a user and remains
stationary on the user's body while the attached belt assembly 12
may allow a full 360-degree rotation of the attached containers
around the user's lower torso (hips), as will be described in more
detail below.
[0029] The waist belt 16 comprises an elongate strap 22, securable
about a user's torso, with an adjustable closure mechanism 26. The
elongate strap 22 may be constructed using, such as by way of
non-limiting example, polyester webbing, or any other suitable
material, such that it is flexible and may fully encircle the
user's waist. The adjustable closure mechanism 26 may be, such as,
by way of non-limiting example, a quick release buckle, as is
commonly known, allowing for the waist belt 16 to be opened or
closed, and additionally allowing for length adjustment of the
elongate strap 22, to adjust to the waist size of various users. It
will be appreciated that other closure mechanisms and length
adjustment methods may be useful, as well. Optional attached padded
material 24 secured to an inside surface of the waist belt strap
may improve comfort for the user and may be constructed using, such
as by way of non-limiting example, padded nylon fabric. The padded
material 24 may be formed in a plurality of pieces to span the side
waist areas of the user, as shown in the current embodiment of the
invention, or it may be formed in a single piece, spanning any
length along the waist belt 16. The optional padded material 24 may
be attached to the elongate strap 22 by any known means, such as,
by way of non-limiting example, sewn with thread, rivets, snaps,
hook and loop fasteners, or any other known fasteners.
[0030] A plurality of suspension straps 28 are suspended from the
waist belt 16, distributed therearound, with connecting clasps 20
therealong. The suspension straps 28 and connecting clasps 20 join
the waist belt 16 with the belt assembly 12. The suspension straps
28 may be made using any suitable material, such as, by way of
non-limiting example, polyester webbing, and are secured to the
waist belt 16 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting
example, thread, rivets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or any
other known fasteners. The connecting clasps 20 may be any suitable
clasp, as is commonly known, such as, by way of non-limiting
example, quick release clasps or buckles. The mating portions of
the connecting clasps 20 are attached to the belt assembly 12,
distributed at matching intervals, such that the belt assembly 12
may be supported by the waist belt 16 when both portions of each
connecting clasp 20 are connected.
[0031] Turning now to FIG. 3, the belt assembly 12 includes a
stationary inner belt 30 suspended from the suspension straps 28
and a rotatable outer belt 90. The stationary inner belt 30 is
comprised of a plurality of inner belt clip segments 32 secured to
an inner belt strap 34, extending between first and second ends, 80
and 82, respectively. As seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, an inner belt
tongue 36 extends from the first end 80 and is receivable within an
inner belt clip segment 32 of the stationary inner belt 30
proximate to the second end 82. An inner belt connecting strap 38
is secured to an inner belt clip segment 32 proximate to the first
end 80 and includes a first connector 40 mateable with a second
connector 42 secured to an inner belt clip segment 32 proximate to
the second end 82. The present embodiment of the invention is
illustrated with first and second connectors, 40 and 42,
respectively, as a snap, as is commonly known, but it may be
appreciated that other reclosable fastener methods may be useful,
as well, such as, by way of non-limiting example, hook and loop
fasteners.
[0032] As best seen on FIGS. 5 and 6, each inner belt clip segment
32 extends between the front and rear surfaces, 44 and 46,
respectively, between the first and second side edges, 48 and 50,
respectively, with a midpoint 49 therebetween, and between the top
and bottom, 52 and 54, respectively. A back wall 56 extends along
and defines the rear surface 46 between the first and second side
edges, 48 and 50, and between the top and bottom, 52 and 54. The
back wall 56 may be tapered from the midpoint 49 to the first and
second side edges, 48 and 50, as illustrated on FIG. 5, such that
the back wall 56 may have a wider profile at the midpoint 49, with
a taper angle such as, by way of non-limiting example, between 1
and 3 degrees. Upper and lower front walls, 58 and 60,
respectively, extend along and define the front surface 44 between
the first and second side edges, 48 and 50, and substantially
between the top and bottom, 52 and 54, with a gap therebetween, as
shown in FIG. 6, forming upper and lower ridges, 62 and 64,
respectively, proximate to the gap. As best seen in FIG. 5, the
upper and lower front walls, 58 and 60, may be tapered from the
midpoint 49 to the first and second side edges, 48 and 50, such
that the upper and lower front walls, 58 and 60, may have a wider
profile at the midpoint 49, with a taper angle such as, by way of
non-limiting example, between 1 and 3 degrees. The upper and lower
front walls, 58 and 60, may have a wider profile between the first
and second side edges, 48 and 50, than the back wall 56. Referring
now to FIG. 6, it may be appreciated that the inner belt clip
segment 32 may be constructed such that the upper and lower ridges,
62 and 64, may be of any length, and they may be formed such that
there is no gap therebetween, with the upper and lower front walls,
58 and 60, formed as one piece. In particular, it will be
appreciated that were fasteners such as by way of no non-limiting
example rivets are used to secure clip segments 32 to the belt
strap 34 as well as the outer belt clip segments 92 to the outer
belt strap 94, the gap between such ridges will be required to
permit access thereto as well as to prevent such fasteners from
contacting each other and thereby resisting the motion of their
respective belts relative to each other. It will also be
appreciated that the length of the upper and lower front walls 58
and 60 should be selected to retain the inner belt tongue 36 when
it is inserted in the cavity 72. Upper and lower connecting walls,
66 and 68, respectively, extend substantially between the first and
second side edges, 48 and 50, and between the upper and lower front
walls, 58 and 60, and the back wall 56, forming top, centre and
bottom gaps, 70, 72 and 74, therebetween. The top and bottom gaps,
70 and 74, are sized to receive portions of the rotatable outer
belt 90 therein, as will be described in more detail below, while
the centre gap 72 is sized to receive both the inner belt strap 34
and the inner belt tongue 36 therein, the purpose of which will be
described in more detail below. Each inner belt clip segment 32 may
be formed of any suitable material, such as, by way of non-limiting
example, injection molded plastics, nylon or the like.
[0033] The flexible elongate inner belt strap 34, extending between
first and second ends, 80 and 82, respectively, is sized to extend
fully around a user's hips, and spaced apart therefrom when in use.
It may be appreciated that a variety of inner belt strap 34 lengths
may be useful, to allow for various sizes of users. The inner belt
strap 34 may be constructed using such as, by way of non-limiting
example, 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick by 11/2 inch (38 mm) wide nylon
material, however other materials and sizes may be useful, as well.
As set out above, the inner belt strap 34 extends through a
plurality of inner belt clip segments 32, within the centre gap 72,
such that the inner belt strap 34 engages upon the back wall 56
between the upper and lower connecting walls, 66 and 68. The inner
belt strap 34 is fastened to the back wall 56 of each inner belt
clip segment 32 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting
example, rivets or adhesive. The plurality of inner belt clip
segments 32 are evenly spaced apart along the full length of the
inner belt strap 34, allowing a gap distance 190 therebetween the
first and second side edges 48 and 50 of adjacent inner belt clip
segments 32 at the back walls 56 such as in the range of between
1/8 inches and 1/4 inches (3 mm and 6 mm), by way of non-limiting
example, to allow the stationary inner belt 30 to flexibly encircle
a user without interference between the inner belt clip segments 32
whether on a straight or curved portion of the wearer's torso.
[0034] The inner belt tongue 36, extending between first and second
ends, 76 and 78, respectively, may be constructed using similar
material, and may be similar in thickness and width, to the inner
belt strap 34, and may extend approximately 3-6 inches (75-150 mm)
in length, although other lengths may be useful, as well. As shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner belt tongue 36 extends past the first
end 80 of the inner belt strap 34, with the first end 76 secured to
the stationary inner belt 30 within the centre gap 72 of the inner
belt clip segment 32 located proximate to the first end 80 of the
inner belt strap 34. The inner belt tongue 36 may be fastened to
the inner belt strap 34 or to the inner belt clip segment 32 by any
known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rivets or
adhesive.
[0035] To close the stationary inner belt 30 for use, the second
end 78 of the inner belt tongue 36 may be slidably inserted into
the stationary inner belt 30 through the centre gaps 72 of the
inner belt clip segments 32 proximate to the second end 82 of the
inner belt strap 34. The inner belt tongue 36 is illustrated in
FIG. 5 with the first end 76 secured within one inner belt clip
segment proximate to the first end 80 of the inner belt strap 34
and passing the inner belt clip segments 32 proximate to the second
end 82 of the inner belt strap 34, such that the first and second
ends, 80 and 82, of the inner belt strap 34 are positioned in close
proximity to one another. It may be appreciated that the inner belt
tongue 36 may pass through more or less inner belt clip segments 32
than is illustrated in the present embodiment of the invention
depending upon the width of the inner belt clip segments 32 and the
length of the inner belt tongue 36.
[0036] The stationary inner belt 30 may be secured in the closed
position, as shown in FIG. 5, using the inner belt connecting strap
38 with first and second connectors, 40 and 42, as set out above.
The inner belt strap 34 is sized such that when the first and
second connectors, 40 and 42, are mated, the distance between the
two inner belt clip segments 32 located at distal ends of the inner
belt strap 34 are spaced a distance apart that matches the spacing
of all inner belt clip segments 32 on the stationary inner belt
30.
[0037] As set out above, the belt assembly 12 may be supported by
the waist belt 16, and is connected with a plurality of suspension
straps 28 and connecting clasps 20, secured to the waist belt 16
and to the inside of the stationary inner belt 30 by any known
means, spaced apart to match the spacing of the suspension straps
28 on the waist belt 16.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, the rotatable outer belt 90 is
comprised of a plurality of outer belt clip segments 92 secured to
an outer belt strap 94, extending between first and second ends 140
and 142, respectively. As best seen on FIGS. 5 and 6, each outer
belt clip segment 92 extends between the front and rear surfaces,
96 and 98, respectively, between the first and second side edges,
100 and 104, respectively, with a midpoint 102 therebetween, and
between the top and bottom, 106 and 108, respectively. Back top and
bottom ridges, 110 and 112, respectively, extend at the rear
surface 98 from the top and bottom, 106 and 108, and between the
first and second side edges, 100 and 104, and are sized to be
slidably received within the top and bottom gaps, 70 and 74, of an
inner belt clip segment 32. An upstanding wall 114 extends between
the top and bottom, 106 and 108, and between the first and second
side edges, 100 and 104, and is spaced apart from the back top and
bottom ridges, 110 and 112, by upper and lower connecting walls,
116 and 118, respectively, such that inner top and bottom gaps, 120
and 122, respectively, are formed therebetween, sized to slidably
receive the upper and lower front walls, 58 and 60, of an inner
belt clip segment 32. Upper and lower connecting walls, 124 and
126, respectively, extend from the upstanding wall 114 to the front
surface 96 of the outer belt clip segment 92, between first and
second side edges, 100 and 104, with top and bottom ridges, 128 and
130, respectively, extending from the distal ends thereof, forming
a front gap 132, therebetween. As best seen on FIG. 5, the top and
bottom ridges, 128 and 130, may be tapered from the midpoint 102 to
the first and second side edges, 100 and 104, with a taper angle
such as, by way of non-limiting example, between 1 and 3 degrees,
such that the top and bottom ridges, 128 and 130, may have a wider
profile at the midpoint 102 than at the first and second side
edges, 100 and 104. The top and bottom ridges, 128 and 130, may
have a longer profile between the first and second side edges, 100
and 104, than the upper and lower connecting walls, 124 and 126. As
seen on FIG. 6, the front gap 132 is sized to receive the outer
belt strap 94 therein.
[0039] The flexible elongate outer belt strap 94, extending between
first and second ends, 140 and 142, respectively, is sized to
partially extend around the stationary inner belt 30, as best
illustrated in FIG. 3. The outer belt strap 94 may be constructed
using such as, by way of non-limiting example, 1/8 inch (3 mm)
thick by 2 inch (51 mm) wide nylon material, however other
materials and sizes may be useful, as well. As set out above, the
outer belt strap 94 extends through a plurality of outer belt clip
segments 92, within the front gap 132, such that the outer belt
strap 94 engages upon the upstanding wall 114 and upon the top and
bottom ridges, 128 and 130. The outer belt strap 94 is fastened to
each outer belt clip segment 92 by any known means, such as, by way
of non-limiting example, rivets or adhesive. The plurality of outer
belt clip segments 92 are spaced apart along the full length of the
outer belt strap 94 in groups of three, or as in groups of two, as
best seen on FIG. 3, although it may be appreciated that other
quantities may be useful, as well. The two proximate outer belt
clip segments 92 are spaced apart allowing a distance therebetween
the first and second side edges 100 and 104 of adjacent outer belt
clip segments 92 such as in the range of between 3/32 inches and
7/32 inches (3 mm and 6 mm), by way of non-limiting example, with
each group of outer belt clip segments 92 spaced apart such as in
the range of 2 inches to 21/2 inches (52 mm to 63 mm), by way of
non-limiting example, although other spacing distances may be
useful, as well, to allow for one or more containers to be attached
to the outer belt strap 94, as will be set out in more detail
below.
[0040] Turning now to FIG. 7, a container 14 attached to the belt
assembly 12 is illustrated. The container 14 includes a body 150,
extending between the top and bottom edges, 152 and 154,
respectively, with top and bottom covers, 156 and 158,
respectively, thereon. A space blocker 220 and a plurality of
container attachment clips 160 may be simultaneously secured to the
body 150 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting
example, rivets or adhesive, although it may be appreciated that
other attachment methods may be useful, as well. An internal
suspension sleeve 162 extends between the top and bottom edges, 152
and 154, within the body 150, as will described in more detail
below.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 7, 9 and 10, in the current embodiment of
the invention the body 150 may be formed in an essentially square
shape with rounded corners, onto which the spacer block 220 and
attachment clips 160 may be mounted. Although the body shape is
illustrated as square, it may be appreciated that other body shapes
such as, by way of non-limiting example, circular, rectangular or
irregular, may be useful, as well. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the height of the body 150 of each container 14 may vary, to
accommodate variable sizes of articles therein. The body 150 may be
constructed using, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a thin
wall PVC extrusion, although other materials and methods of
construction may be useful, as well.
[0042] The top and bottom covers, 156 and 158, match the shape
profile of the body 150 and may be sized to fit within the body
150, as illustrated in FIG. 7 of the present embodiment of the
invention, although it may be appreciated that it may be useful to
have the top and bottom covers, 156 and 158, fit over the body 150,
as well. The bottom cover 158 may be permanently secured to the
body 150 at the bottom edge 154 by any known means, such as, by way
of non-limiting example, rivets or adhesive. It may be appreciated
that the body 150 and bottom cover 158 may be co-formed, as well.
The top cover 156 is removable from the body 150, and may be
secured with a flexible mounting strap and fastener 166, as is
commonly known. The top and bottom covers, 156 and 158, may be
constructed using such as, by way of non-limiting example, ABS
molded or vacuum formed plastics, although other materials and
methods of construction may be useful, as well.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the spacer block 220 is located
between the plurality of at least one attachment clip 160 and the
container body 150 and extends between top and bottom edges, 222
and 224, respectively, first and second side edges, 226 and 228,
respectively, with inside and outside surfaces, 230 and 232,
respectively. The spacer block 220 may be constructed using such
as, by way on non-limiting example, ABS injection molded plastic,
although other materials and methods of construction may be useful
as well. The plurality of at least one attachment clips 160 extends
between the top 168 and bottom 170, respectively, and between first
and second side edges, 169 and 171, respectively, with outside and
inside surfaces, 172 and 174, respectively, and is simultaneously
secured to the spacer block 220 and the body 150, as set out above,
proximate to the top 168. A tapered ridge 176 extends from the
inside surface 174 proximate to the bottom 170 and engages upon the
spacer block 220 such that a gap 178 is formed between the inside
surface 174 of the attachment clip 160 and the spacer block 220.
The tapered ridge 176 is sized and positioned such that the gap 178
may receive, and the inside surface 174 of the attachment clip 160
may engage upon, the outer belt strap 94 of the belt assembly 12.
Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the plurality of at least one
attachment clips 160 engage upon the outer belt strap 94 of the
belt assembly 12 between the outer belt clip segments 92. The at
least one attachment clip 160 is constructed using such as, by way
of non-limiting example, injection molded nylon, although other
materials and methods of construction may be useful, as well. As
illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the present embodiment of the
invention includes two attachment clips 160, although it may be
appreciated that more or less attachment clips 160 may be useful,
as well. As best seen in FIG. 9 outside surface 232 of the spacer
block 220 may be curved such that when the attachment clips 160 are
mounted on the spacer block 220, the attachment clips are angularly
aligned with one another, such that the attachment clips 160 may
best engage with the outer belt strap 94 when the belt assembly 12
is in the closed position.
[0044] The internal suspension sleeve 162 is fabricated using a
flexible, stretchable material, such as, by way of non-limiting
example, a 3/64 inch (1 mm) thick neoprene material with stretch
Lycra nylon laminated thereon both inner and outer surfaces.
Referring to FIG. 7, the internal suspension sleeve 162 is sized
such that the diameter of the sleeve is smaller than the outer
profile of the body 150 when in the relaxed position, with the
length extending beyond the top and bottom edges, 152 and 154, of
the body 150. The ends of the internal suspension sleeve 162 are
stretched over the top and bottom edges, 152 and 154, of the body
150 and secured in place by any known means, such as, by way of
non-limiting example, adhesive or sewn in place with thread.
Subsequent to attachment of the suspension sleeve 162 to the body
150, an edge trim molding 164, as is commonly known, may be fitted
around the entire top and bottom edges, 152 and 154, of the body
150, thus encapsulating the edges of both the suspension sleeve 162
and body 150. When stretched and secured in place, the internal
suspension sleeve 162 forms an hourglass shape, as illustrated in
FIG. 7, which supports and centers articles therein without the
need for additional support or padding. As the internal suspension
sleeve 162 is flexible and stretchable, any shape of article may be
contained therein, limited by the size and shape of the body 150.
It may be appreciated that the container 14 may be constructed
without the internal suspension sleeve 162, for carrying small
miscellaneous items, or optionally with an internal suspension
sleeve, but without bottom or top lids, as illustrated in FIGS. 1,2
and 8. In particular, such configuration with an open top and
bottom and an elasticized internal suspension sleeve may be
particularly useful for carrying a camera body 4 with attached lens
6. It will be appreciated that additional padding around the top of
such container provided by replacing the body edge trim mold with
an edge trim mold having an integral padded bulb 165 may be useful
as well as a snap strap 186 for securing the camera body 4 therein
may also be useful.
[0045] Optional attachments may be added to the container 14, as
illustrated by example in FIG. 7. One example of an optional
attachment is a lens tripod bracket attachment assembly 180. A lens
tripod bracket 8 may be secured to the bottom of a container 14
with an elasticized bottom strap 182, secured to the bottom cover
158 with, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rivets, and a
removable elasticized side strap 184, fastened to the body 150
with, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a snap or hook and
loop fastener. It may be appreciated that other attachment
assemblies for other accessories may be useful, as well.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a container 14 is shown
attached to the belt assembly 12 in both a curved belt
configuration and a straight belt configuration. As set out above,
the gap distance 190 between the inner belt clip segments 32 is in
the range of between 1/8 inches and 1/4 inches (3 mm and 6 mm), by
way of non-limiting example, as constructed in the straight belt
configuration. When the belt assembly 12 is worn by a user, with
the stationary inner belt 30 closed, the inner belt strap 32 flexes
and will include curved portions, as seen in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12. At
the curved portions, the back walls 56 of the inner belt clip
segments 32 are spaced apart a reduced gap distance 192, such as in
the range of between 1/16 inches and 3/16 inches (1.5 mm and 5 mm
mm), such that the inner belt clip segments 32 do not interfere
with each other when in use. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the
profile of the insider surface 230 of the spacer block 220 which
provides the angular orientation of the attachment clips 160
relative to each other, as well as the profile of the outer belt
clip segments 92, are such that the rotatable outer belt 90 may
smoothly engage with the stationary inner belt 30, without
interference between parts in either the straight or curved
configuration.
[0047] When fully assembled, the belt assembly 12 allows for a
plurality of containers 14 to be attached thereon, as best
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. To access any container 14 thereon,
the rotatable outer belt 90 may be slidably rotated around the
user, with the outer belt clip segments 92 engaging with the inner
belt clip segment 32 sequentially as the rotatable outer belt 90 is
rotated about the user. The rotatable outer belt 90 may be rotated
to any position, thereby allowing the user to access all
containers.
[0048] An optional shoulder harness assembly 18 may be added to the
system 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The shoulder harness
assembly 18 is secured to the waist belt 16, allowing weight
distribution of the belt assembly 12 over the shoulders and back of
the user, in addition to the waist support previously outlined.
Additionally, the harness assembly 18 may include attachment
locations for additional containers 14, as will be described in
more detail below.
[0049] The shoulder harness assembly 18 includes two elongate
shoulder straps 200, securable over a user's shoulders and torso
forming front and rear portions, 196 and 198, respectively,
thereof, with adjusting clasps 202 at the distal ends thereof,
connecting with a plurality of suspension straps 204 attached to
the waist belt 16 therearound. The shoulder straps 200 and
suspension straps 204 may be made using any suitable material, such
as, by way of non-limiting example, polyester webbing, and the
suspension straps 204 are secured to the waist belt 16 by any known
means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, thread, rivets,
snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or any other known fasteners. The
adjusting clasps 202 may be any suitable clasp, as is commonly
known, such as, by way of non-limiting example, quick release
clasps or buckles, allowing for length adjustment of the shoulder
straps 200 to adjust the size of the shoulder harness assembly 18
for various users.
[0050] The shoulder harness assembly 18 may include an optional
vest 206, onto which the shoulder straps 200 may be secured. The
vest 206 comprises a back panel 208 proximate to the rear portion
198 with two front extensions 210 proximate to the front portion
196, as best shown in FIG. 1. The vest 206 may be constructed using
such as, by way of non-limiting example, padded nylon fabric to
provide comfort to the user, and the shoulder straps 200 may be
attached by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting
example, rivets or sewn with thread. The back panel 208 overlays
and possibly covers the back of the user's torso. A plurality of
containers 14 of various sizes may be attached to the back panel
208 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example,
permanent attachment with rivets or sewn with thread, or removable
attachment with hook and loop fasteners. An optional container
attachment bracket 212 may be attached to the shoulder harness
assembly 18 between the two shoulder straps 200 at the front
portion 196. The container attachment bracket 212 may be formed to
mate with the attachment clips 160 of a container 14 as set out
above, or a container 14 may be attached to the bracket by any
other known means.
[0051] To utilize the system 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
shoulder harness assembly 18, waist belt 16 and belt assembly 12
may be connected together with the adjusting clasps 202 and
connecting clasps 20 as set out above, while the waist belt 16 and
the belt assembly 12 are in the open position, as illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4. The user may don the shoulder harness assembly 18 of
the system 10 in a similar manner as a backpack is donned, as is
commonly known. The shoulder harness assembly 18 may be adjusted
for the user's height with the adjusting clasps 202. The waist belt
16 may then be closed and adjusted to the user's waist size with
the adjustable closure mechanism 26, and the belt assembly 12 may
be closed as outlined above. All containers 14 may be attached to
the system 10 at any time, although it may be appreciated that the
plurality of containers 14 attached to the back panel 208 of the
shoulder harness assembly 18 may preferentially be attached prior
to donning the system 10. Once the user is wearing the system 10,
the plurality of containers 14 attached to the belt assembly 12 may
be accessed by rotating the rotatable outer belt 90 around the
user's torso, as described above.
[0052] It may be appreciated that the articles within the plurality
of containers 14 are protected by the internal suspension sleeve
162, therefore they may remain within the containers 14 for storage
and transport, without additional protective supports for the
articles required. To transport the system 10 and articles within
the plurality of containers 14, the system 10 may be easily
dismantled and all components loaded into a conventional carry-on
sized suitcase, as is commonly known.
[0053] While specific embodiments of the invention have been
described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered
illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the
invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying
claims.
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