U.S. patent application number 16/948203 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-08 for firefighter radio anti-sway strap.
The applicant listed for this patent is Fire Innovations LLC. Invention is credited to Juancarlos Colorado, Theodore Jeffrey Tautges.
Application Number | 20210100342 16/948203 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005260296 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210100342 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Colorado; Juancarlos ; et
al. |
April 8, 2021 |
Firefighter Radio Anti-Sway Strap
Abstract
An anti-sway strap that includes a length of flexible material
having an upper end and a lower end, said lower end looped back on
itself to form a return portion and a bend; an adjustment buckle
disposed on said lower end; a connector disposed on said bend; a
magnet disposed on said upper end; and a ferromagnetic connecting
element for magnetically engagement with said magnet; wherein said
adjustment buckle enables the adjustment of the strap length
between said magnet and said connector.
Inventors: |
Colorado; Juancarlos;
(Rohnert Park, CA) ; Tautges; Theodore Jeffrey;
(Merrill, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fire Innovations LLC |
Petaluma |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005260296 |
Appl. No.: |
16/948203 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62896510 |
Sep 5, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F
2200/0516 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. An anti-sway strap, comprising: a length of flexible material
having an upper end and a lower end, said lower end looped back on
itself to form a return portion and a bend; an adjustment buckle
disposed on said lower end; a connector disposed on said bend; a
magnet disposed on said upper end; and a ferromagnetic connecting
element for magnetically engagement with said magnet; wherein said
adjustment buckle enables the adjustment of the strap length
between said magnet and said connector.
2. The anti-sway strap of claim 1, wherein said strap material is
fire retardant.
3. The anti-sway strap of claim 2, wherein said fire retardant
strap material is selected from the group consisting of leather,
aramid fiber, polypropylene, PES polyester, and PA-nylon.
4. The anti-sway strap of claim 1, wherein said magnet is a plate
magnet.
5. The anti-sway strap of claim 4, wherein said plate magnet has an
integral ring for connecting to said upper end.
6. The anti-sway strap of claim 1, wherein said connector is
trigger snap connector.
7. The anti-sway strap of claim 1, wherein said trigger snap
connector is slidingly disposed on said bend.
8. The anti-sway strap of claim 1, wherein said ferromagnetic
connecting element is disposed in a slidable retaining clip
configured for attachment to a waist belt.
9. The anti-sway strap of claim 9, wherein said retaining clip
includes a ferromagnetic ferromagnetic plate incorporated into said
retaining clip.
10. The anti-sway strap of claim 1, wherein ferromagnetic
connecting element is disposed in a waist belt.
11. The anti-sway strap of claim 1, wherein said ferromagnetic
connecting element is disposed in a harness strap.
12. An anti-sway strap, comprising: an elongate flexible strap,
adjustable in its length, and having a first end and a second end;
a magnetic quick release coupling element disposed on said first
end; a snap connector element disposed on said second end; and a
ferromagnetic element configured for attachment to a harness or
waist belt and for magnetic coupling to said magnetic quick release
coupling element.
13. The anti-sway strap of claim 12, wherein said magnetic quick
release coupling element is a neodymium magnet.
14. The anti-sway strap of claim 13, wherein said magnetic quick
release coupling element is a magnetic cup assembly comprising a
round neodymium base magnet encased in a chrome-plated steel cup
and bonded to an interior side of said cup with adhesives.
15. The anti-sway strap of claim 12, wherein said snap connector is
a trigger snap connector.
16. The anti-sway strap of claim 12, wherein said elongate flexible
strap is fire resistant webbing.
17. The anti-sway strap of claim 12, further including a harness
strap to provide a second anchoring element.
18. The anti-sway strap of claim 17, wherein said harness strap is
configured for attachment to an equipment piece ring.
19. The anti-sway strap of claim 12, wherein said ferromagnetic
element is a plate disposed on a retaining clip.
20. The anti-sway strap of claim 19, wherein said removable belt
clip is a retaining clip configured for removable and slidable
attachment to a waist belt.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/896,510, filed
09/05/2019 (Sep. 5, 2019), which application is incorporated in its
entirety by reference herein.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0004] Not applicable.
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0005] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Field of the Invention: The present invention relates
generally to straps and harnesses for carrying a portable radio,
and more particularly to straps for securing communications devices
to belts and harnesses, and still more particularly to a
firefighter's magnetic stabilizing (anti-sway) strap for reducing
radio pendulation.
[0007] Background Discussion: Firefighters and other first
responders typically carry communications devices, most commonly a
two-way radio. The radio may be holstered in a radio case attached
directly to a waist belt, or it may be connected to an
over-the-shoulder strap worn either outside or inside personal
protective equipment, such as a fire kit including a turnout coat
and trousers. When deployed on a shoulder strap harness, the radio
is subject to swinging and often at the expense of the user's
comfort, ease of use, and occasionally safety.
[0008] Anti-sway straps are known, all including spring-biased
clips (at best, swivel clips or trigger-snap hooks) at each end of
the strap. The clips are adapted for coupling to a turnout gear
waist belt and/or a shoulder strap. When the user wishes to attach
or to detach the radio holster or case from the belt or shoulder
strap, the clip must be opened using the thumb and a finger--which
is a clumsy and extremely difficult operation to perform in
gloves.
[0009] It would be desirable, therefore, to provide an anti-sway
radio stabilizing strap that facilitates rapid uncoupling from a
user's belt or other harness strap without the need to grasp the
clip to attach and disengage it. It is to that end that the present
invention is directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is an anti-sway stabilization strap
adapted for use with communications devices suspended from
harnesses and/or webbing disposed over or under personal protective
equipment, such as turnout coats, for firefighters and other
emergency first responders or military personnel.
[0011] In its most essential aspect, the inventive anti-sway strap
includes an elongate flexible strap, adjustable in its length,
having a first end and a second end. A magnetic quick release
coupling element is disposed on the first end. A snap connector
element is disposed on the second end. And a ferromagnetic element
configured for attachment to a harness or waist belt is provided
for magnetic coupling to the magnetic quick release coupling
element.
[0012] In embodiments, the anti-sway strap is paired with a
ferromagnetic element configured to connect to a wearer's waist
belt or shoulder harness. Also, in embodiments, the ferromagnetic
element is a flat disc or plate securely incorporated into a
retaining clip, which is preferably a foldable nylon or plastic bar
with a snap closure that enables the wearer to slidably secure the
clip to a belt. Thus, in use, the wearer may adjust the position
anywhere along the length of his/her waist belt according to size
and device position preferences. The clip positions the
ferromagnetic element over the belt material so that the magnet
couples without interference and so that the clip itself does not
contribute to sway.
[0013] This brief summary statement of the invention broadly sets
out the more important features of the present invention so that
the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and
so that the present contributions to the art may be better
appreciated. But there are additional features of the invention
that will be described in the detailed description of the preferred
embodiments of the invention which will form the subject matter of
the claims appended hereto. As such, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based
may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures,
methods, and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded
as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Rather,
the fundamental aspects of the invention, along with the various
features and structures that characterize the invention, are
pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming
a part of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view in elevation of a radio
deployed and suspended from a harness system stabilized by the
anti-sway of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a front view in elevation of a retaining clip
bearing a ferromagnetic plate or magnet suitable for cooperating
with a magnet on the anti-sway strap of the present invention, this
view showing the retention clip in an open configuration and
disposed laterally across a waist belt;
[0017] FIG. 2B is the same view showing the retaining clip closed
and secured on the waist belt;
[0018] FIG. 2C is the same view showing the magnetic disposed on
the upper end of the anti-sway strap coupled to the ferromagnetic
plate on the retaining clip;
[0019] FIG. 3A is a side view in elevation as taken along section
line 3A-3A of FIG. 2A;
[0020] FIG. 3B is a side view in elevation showing the anti-sway
strap magnet poised for engaging the ferromagnetic plate on the
retaining clip;
[0021] FIG. 3C is a side view in elevation as taken along section
line 3C-3C of FIG. 2C;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a front view in elevation of the anti-sway strap
coupled to the retaining clip, and featuring its potential pivotal
motion when not attached to a harness;
[0023] FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the anti-sway strap in
use, as coupled to a retaining clip on a waist belt and to a D-ring
on a communications device or holster;
[0024] FIG. 5B is the same view showing stabilization provided by
the anti-sway strap as a user bends and engages in movements that
would ordinarily induce pendulation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5B, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is
illustrated therein a new and improved firefighter radio anti-sway
(stabilization) strap, generally denominated 10 herein.
[0026] Collectively, the figures show an exemplary embodiment of
the inventive strap, which includes a length of flexible material
12 (leather, aramid fiber, polypropylene, PES polyester, PA-nylon,
and other fireproof or fire-retardant webbing) having a return
portion 14 looped through an adjustment buckle 16. The upper end 18
of the strap is looped over the bar 20 of a rectangular ring 22 on
a generally planar disc magnet 24. A bend is formed at a lower end
26, where the return portion 14 loops back on the strap length and
has a free end slidingly disposed on and connected over the bar 28
of swiveling trigger snap 30. The adjustment buckle enables the
user to adjust the effective length of the strap, i.e., the strap
length between the trigger snap and the magnet.
[0027] As will be appreciated from FIG. 1, the anti-sway strap
extends between and is connected to the D-ring 32 of a radio 34 (or
holster supporting a radio). It is coupled to the D-ring at its
lower end 26 with the trigger snap 30 and via the disc magnet 24 at
its upper end 18 to a suitable ferromagnetic connecting element 36
disposed on a retaining clip 38 clipped onto the waist belt 40 of a
user, such as a firefighter FF, which in this illustration is shown
encircling the user on the outside of a protective gear. A second
anchoring element is provided by another harness strap 42, such as
a shoulder strap, as well known in the art.
[0028] Looking next at FIGS. 2A-2C, in an embodiment, a retaining
clip 44 includes a ferromagnetic connecting element, such as a
ferromagnetic plate 46, riveted or otherwise incorporated into the
retaining clip 44, which is slidably disposed around the waist
belt. This clip may be of the kind described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,823,566, which patent is incorporated in its entirety by
reference herein. Such a clip may best be described as an injection
molded, heavy duty, reusable connecting clip adapted for attaching
modular pouches to modular lightweight load-carrying equipment and
pouch attachment ladder system webbings. Use of such a device
enables a wearer to position the retaining clip anywhere along the
length of the waist belt or other harness strap, such that the
anti-sway device can be deployed on and incorporated into nearly
any harness configuration. They are manufactured and sold by
Tactical Tailor of Lakewood, Wash., USA.
[0029] It will be appreciated, moreover, that if desired to have a
more fixed location, the ferromagnetic plate may be incorporated
into the waist belt itself, thus eliminating the need for an extra
element. Indeed, the magnet coupling element may be disposed along
the length of any harness strap such that the radio suspension
configuration can be tailored to a user's preferences, the only
imperative being a two-point connection to the radio with spaced
anchor points so as to create a triangular strap geometry [see
FIGS. 1, 5A-5B].
[0030] In embodiments, elements specifications may include the
following: magnets may be neodymium cup magnets comprising round
base magnets encased in chrome plated steel cups and bonded to the
cup interiors with adhesives. Round base magnets may be termed
magnetic cup holders or magnetic cup assembly. Preferably magnets
have a diameter approximately 3/4 inches and a holding power of
approximately 40 lbs. Trigger snaps for the lower end of the strap
are preferably standard duty swiveling metal trigger snap hooks.
Screws or rivets to couple the magnets to the retaining clip may be
1/8 inch standard slotted screws, though multiple variations are
suitable.
[0031] Specification variations may be implemented for differing
applications, including variations within the personal protective
equipment field. For instance, the magnet and ferromagnetic plate
may be configured, sized, and of coupling strength sufficient to
effectively couple and hold a radio in the attached anti-sway
position even when the waist belt is worn under a turnout coat
while the anti-sway strap is attached on the exterior side of the
side of the coat. This gives the user particular flexibility in
donning the PPE kit and entirely eliminates any need for buckle
elements outside the coat that can get caught on environmental
structure or exposed to heat and flame.
[0032] As will be appreciated, the anti-sway strap provides a
stabilizing feature that eliminates the shortcomings of
conventional anti-sway straps having only clips at the fastening
ends. It is an improvement long needed and having a profound
practical impact.
[0033] The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary
skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best
mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the
inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete
disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction,
dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described.
Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and
equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may
be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit
and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative
materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes,
forms, functions, operational features or the like.
[0034] Therefore, the above description and illustrations should
not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *