U.S. patent application number 17/688889 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-16 for wearable track system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Christopher Landano. The applicant listed for this patent is James J. Bordonaro, Christopher Landano, James E. Richardson. Invention is credited to James J. Bordonaro, Christopher Landano, James E. Richardson.
Application Number | 20220183449 17/688889 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220183449 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Landano; Christopher ; et
al. |
June 16, 2022 |
WEARABLE TRACK SYSTEM
Abstract
A wearable track system has a strap having a first and second
fastening end separated from one another by a strap length. The
wearable track system further has a track extending along the strap
length and being interconnected to the strap via at least one
spacer and having at least one track length disposed above at least
one of the first fastening end and the second fastening end from a
portion of the track interconnected via the at least one spacer.
When the wearable track system is assembled, the track forms into a
continuous looped structure.
Inventors: |
Landano; Christopher;
(Glendale, NY) ; Bordonaro; James J.; (Bayshore,
NY) ; Richardson; James E.; (Eliot, ME) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Landano; Christopher
Bordonaro; James J.
Richardson; James E. |
Glendale
Bayshore
Eliot |
NY
NY
ME |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Landano; Christopher
Glendale
NY
|
Appl. No.: |
17/688889 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15279317 |
Sep 28, 2016 |
11266224 |
|
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17688889 |
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13077937 |
Mar 31, 2011 |
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15279317 |
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61319584 |
Mar 31, 2010 |
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International
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14; A45F 3/00 20060101 A45F003/00; A45F 5/02 20060101
A45F005/02 |
Claims
1. A wearable track system, comprising: a strap having a first
fastening end, a second fastening end, and a strap length
separating the first fastening end from the second fastening end;
and a track extending along the strap length and being
interconnected to the strap via at least one spacer and having at
least one track length disposed above at least one of the first
fastening end and the second fastening end from a portion of the
track interconnected via the at least one spacer, wherein the track
has a first end and a second end, each of the first end and second
end being configured to couple to one another to thereby form the
track into a continuous looped structure.
2. The wearable track system of claim 1, further comprising at
least one saddle detachably coupled to the track.
3. The wearable track system of claim 2, wherein the at least one
saddle has a C-shaped groove configured to slidably and removably
engage the track.
4. The wearable track system of claim 2, wherein the at least one
saddle is configured to slidably and removably engage the track at
any point along the track.
5. The wearable track system of claim 2, further comprising a
locking mechanism on the at least one saddle.
6. The wearable track system of claim 4, wherein the at least one
saddle has a C-shaped groove configured to slidably and removably
engage the track.
7. The wearable track system of claim 3, wherein the at least one
saddle is configured to slidably and removably engage the track at
any point along the track.
8. The wearable track system of claim 3, further comprising a
locking mechanism on the at least one saddle.
9. The wearable track system of claim 4, further comprising a
locking mechanism on the at least one saddle.
10. The wearable track system of claim 1, wherein the first end and
the second end couple via a slidable tongue.
11. The wearable track system of claim 10, further comprising at
least one saddle detachably coupled to the track.
12. The wearable track system of claim 11, wherein the at least one
saddle has a C-shaped groove configured to slidably and removably
engage the track.
13. The wearable track system of claim 11, wherein the at least one
saddle is configured to slidably and removably engage the track at
any point along the track.
14. The wearable track system of claim 11, further comprising a
locking mechanism on the at least one saddle.
15. The wearable track system of claim 14, wherein the at least one
saddle has a C-shaped groove configured to slidably and removably
engage the track.
16. The wearable track system of claim 12, wherein the at least one
saddle is configured to slidably and removably engage the track at
any point along the track.
17. The wearable track system of claim 15, further comprising a
locking mechanism on the at least one saddle.
18. The wearable track system of claim 16, further comprising a
locking mechanism on the at least one saddle.
19. A wearable track system, comprising: a strap having a first
fastening end, a second fastening end, and a strap length
separating the first fastening end from the second fastening end,
each of the first fastening end and the second fastening end being
configured to couple to one another to thereby form a substantially
circular garment configured to receive a portion of a user's body;
and a track extending along the strap length and disposed above the
strap via at least one spacer, the track having a first end and a
second end, wherein each of the first end and second end being
configured to couple to one another to thereby form a continuous
circular travel path, wherein the continuous circular travel path
is substantially concentric with the substantially circular
garment.
20. A track belt, comprising: a belt; and a track disposed away
from the belt via a spacer, the track having a first end and a
second end, each of the first end and the second end being
configured to extend beyond the length of the belt when the belt is
worn.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. Patent
Application No. 15/279,317, filed on Sep. 28, 2016, now U.S. Pat.
No. 11,266,224, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/077,937 filed on Mar. 31, 2011,
which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/319,584 filed Mar, 31, 2010, each of the
foregoing applications being incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for use
primarily by photographers and other trade professionals such as
police officers, construction workers and so on, as well as
students, campers and others in connection with carrying and
quickly accessing equipment and accessories. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a vest-like apparatus and method of
use thereof for storage and transport of all types of different
equipment and accessories, both in the front and in the back of the
vest-like apparatus, while simultaneously providing for easy and
speedy access to said equipment, even to equipment located in the
back of the vest-like apparatus, at a moment's notice, without
removal or donning off thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Trade professionals, sports enthusiasts, anyone who wears
tools or equipment on their belt/harness, "Do it yourselfers",
"Sports/Outdoor enthusiasts", Amusement park/stadium food and gift
vendors and photographers work with an arsenal of equipment. Such
arsenal of photographic equipment can include multiple cameras,
multiple lenses, lens cleaners, filters, flashes, diffusers,
batteries and so on.
[0004] In the case of photographers, for example, they carry their
arsenal of photographic equipment in photography bags, carry-ons,
and backpacks. However, as the
[0005] photographers' arsenal of photographic equipment grows, so
does the size and number of the photography bags, carry-ons and
backpacks used by the photographers.
[0006] In an effort to keep their arsenal of photography equipment
close at hand, photographers usually carry their photography bags
and carry-ons by their straps, on their shoulder. Such carrying is
bulky, heavy, shifts the load of the arsenal of photographic
equipment onto one shoulder of the photographer, and very often
results in injury to the photographers' neck, back and shoulders.
In addition, such carrying and the structure of the bags and
carry-ons prevents easy and quick access to important photographic
equipment. More specifically none of the bags, carry-ons or even
belts allow for the ability to quickly move equipment and supplies
from the back of the wearer to the front without having to take of
the devices or without some significant manipulation. Finally, such
carrying and structure of the bags and carry-ons, results in the
loss of creative photographs due to the absence of a key piece of
equipment necessary to capture the image for the creative
photograph, for the simple reason that the bags are either so small
or so bulky that the equipment was never packed, or even worse, was
left behind.
[0007] Many devices have been developed in the past to help
photographers carry their photographic equipment. They include
bags, backpacks, and even vests. However none of these devices have
been able to totally and completely solve the problems set forth
herein above. Accordingly there is still a need for an apparatus
and method that allows its user to carry a whole host of equipment,
without physical stress, discomfort and injury to the user, while
at the same time making such equipment accessible on short order
with minimum effort, and preferably by simply revolving such
equipment around the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method for the carrying of equipment and
accessories that prevents the overloading of pockets found on the
front portion of devices, coats, and jackets.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method for the carrying of equipment and
accessories that prevents physical stress and injury to the users
of said apparatus.
[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method that provides for significantly
quicker and easier access to equipment and accessories by its
users.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method that is basically donned on by the user of
the apparatus and accessories, like an item of clothing such as a
jacket or vest or a belt, but which allows for quick and easy
access of the apparatus and accessories without having to take the
inventive apparatus off or having to fuss or excessively manipulate
the inventive device to access such equipment.
[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus and method that is basically donned on by the
user, like an item of clothing such as a jacket or vest, but which
allows for quick and easy access of the equipment and accessories
stored in the inventive apparatus by rotating the apparatus around
the user's body from the front to the back and from the back to the
front, without the removal of said apparatus.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an apparatus and method that allows for the full storage of
equipment and accessories and prevents them from being left behind
or getting misplaced.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method that contributes to the taking of better and
more creative pictures by better storing and easily accessing the
proper equipment and accessories without damage thereto.
[0015] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a
belt-like apparatus for use about a selected portion of a user's
torso which has at least one accessory mountable traveler member
and at least one traveler band. The accessory mountable traveler
member is securely but slidably saddled upon the traveler band,
which encircles and encloses the user's torso so as to allow the
unimpeded revolution of the accessory mountable traveler member
about the entire outer perimeter of the belt-like apparatus, from
the front to the back of and around the user's torso.
[0016] These and other objects, advantages, features, and
characteristics of the invention will be apparent from the
following description of a preferred embodiment, considered along
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] It is believed that the present invention will be better
understood from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the numerals
represent identical elements and wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional, isometric, right to left view
of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional, isometric view of the back of
the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is another three-dimensional, isometric, left to
right view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional, isometric view of the back of
the apparatus of FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional, exploded, isometric view of
the inventive apparatus of FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional, exploded, isometric view of
the inventive apparatus of FIG. 2.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional, exploded, isometric view of
the inventive apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional, exploded, isometric view of
the inventive apparatus of FIG. 4.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a plan front view of the apparatus of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a plan bottom view of the inventive apparatus of
FIG. 9.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a plan side view of the inventive apparatus of
FIG. 9.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a plan top view of the inventive apparatus of
FIG. 9.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a plan back side view of the inventive apparatus
of FIG. 9.
[0031] FIG. 14 is plan side view of the inventive apparatus of FIG.
13.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a plan three-dimensional front view of the
apparatus of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a plan three-dimensional top view of the
inventive apparatus of FIG. 15.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a plan three-dimensional side view of the
inventive apparatus of FIG. 15.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a plan, three-dimensional back view of the
inventive apparatus of FIG. 15.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a plan, three-dimensional bottom view of the
inventive apparatus of FIG. 15.
[0037] FIG. 20 is plan side view of the inventive apparatus of FIG.
18.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a three dimensional, exploded, enlarged, partial,
isometric view of the sleeve end of the tracker band of the
inventive apparatus taken through line A-A in FIGS. 5-8.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a three-dimensional, enlarged isometric view of
one embodiment of the traveler member shown in more detail, in
FIGS. 5-8;
[0040] FIG. 23 is a three-dimensional, exploded, enlarged isometric
view of another embodiment of the traveler member shown in more
detail, in FIGS. 5-8;
[0041] FIGS. 24-27 are three-dimensional, isometric views of the
inventive apparatus as appended on a harness-like or suspender
vest, from different angles and showing the 360.degree. path of the
traveler band around the central logitudinal axis of the
harness-like or suspender vest.
[0042] FIG. 28 is a plan three-dimensional front view of the
apparatus of the present invention appended on a harness-like or
suspender vest.
[0043] FIG. 29 is a plan three-dimensional top view of the
inventive apparatus appended on the harness like or suspender vest
of FIG. 28.
[0044] FIG. 30 is a plan three-dimensional side view of the
inventive apparatus appended on the harness like or suspender vest
of FIG. 28.
[0045] FIG. 31 is a plan, three-dimensional back view of the
inventive apparatus as appended on the harness-like or suspender
vest of FIG. 28.
[0046] FIG. 32 is a plan, three-dimensional bottom view of the
inventive apparatus as appended on the harness-like or suspender
vest of FIG. 28.
[0047] FIG. 33 is plan side view of the inventive apparatus as
appended on the harness-like or suspender vest of FIG. 31.
[0048] FIG. 34 is a three-dimensional perspective of another
embodiment having two of the inventive apparatus as appended of the
harness-like or suspender vest of the present invention without
storage compartments or pockets;
[0049] FIG. 35 is a three-dimensional perspective of the shoulder
section of the vest-like apparatus of FIG. 34;
[0050] FIG. 36 is a three-dimensional perspective of a section of
the vest-like apparatus of FIG. 34;
[0051] FIGS. 37-40 are three-dimensional exploded perspectives of
the individual components of of the vest-like apparatus of FIG. 34;
and
[0052] FIG. 41 is a three-dimensional perspective of the vest-like
apparatus of FIG. 34, fully assembled and worn by its user.
TABLE-US-00001 LIST OF ELEMENTS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE IDENTIFYING
NUMERALS ELEMENT FIG. NUMBER ELEMENT 10 The inventive belt-like
apparatus 20 traveler band 22 tongue end of traveler band 24 sleeve
end of traveler band 30 spacer strip 40 strap 50 releasable buckle
52 female side of the releasable buckle 54 male side of the
releasable buckle 60 traveler member 62 accessory mounting face 62A
Backplate 62B Velcro loop retaining plate 62C Double sided Velcro
62D webbing 62E buckle 64 saddle face 66 saddle seat 68 saddle
flanks or arms 68A Retaining lever 68B Pivot nub 69 c-shaped groove
70 Traveler body 72 Nylon clamp 74 clamp activation cross slide 100
Shoulder straps 110 rotating utility belt 112 Webbing 112A Outer
surface of the webbing 112 112B Inner surface of the webbing 112
114 track system 114A track 114B base for track system 114 116
Channel members 117 Saddle 117A Outer side of the saddle 117B Inner
side of the saddle 118 Bracket 118A Outer Surface of the Bracket
118B Inner Surface of the Bracket 118C Slide Channel on the Bracket
119 Male connection of a clip-on pocket 70 120 quick release clips
122 Quick release buttons
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0053] Referring more specifically to FIGS. 1-4, and FIGS. 24-27,
the inventive belt-like apparatus, which can optionally be placed
around a user's torso, is generally depicted at 10. It is designed
to provide for the mounting, carrying and storage of equipment and
accessories and to freely circumvolve such equipment and
accessories around the wearer's torso, thereby providing access to
such equipment and accessories with speed and ease at a moment's
notice; without removing the belt-like apparatus. It can be worn by
itself as is shown in FIGS. 1-4, or it can be mounted on a
vest-like harness capable of being placed on a user's torso as is
shown in FIGS. 24-27 and FIG. 34.
[0054] The inventive belt-like apparatus 10 is provided with at
least one accessory mountable traveler member 60 and at least one
traveler band 20. The accessory mountable traveler member 60 is
slidably saddled upon the traveler band 20. The traveler band 20 in
turn form one single pathway for the traveler member 60, which
encircles and encloses a selected portion of the user's torso to
allow the unimpeded revolution or circumvolution of the traveler
member 60 about the entire outer perimeter of the belt-like
apparatus 10, around the user's torso.
[0055] The traveler band 20 has a first end and a second end. The
first end is slightly tapered to form a thin tongue end 22 . The
second end, which is opposite to the first end or the tongue end
22, is provided with a clasp-like or sleeve end 24. In use, the
sleeve end 24 fixedly but removably receives and engages the tongue
end 22, when the tongue end is inserted therein, thereby closing
the traveler band 20 and forming the single continuous unimpeded
pathway for the traveler member 60, around the user's torso withing
the belt-like apparatus 10.
[0056] The accessory mountable traveler member 60 in turn, consists
of an accessory mounting face 62 and a saddle face 64. When the
traveler member is slidably saddled onto the traveler band, and the
belt-like apparatus 10 is closed, i.e., when the tongue end 22 is
inserted into the sleeve end 24 of the traveler band 20, the
accessory mounting face 62 is directed outwardly, away from the
user's torso. It is designed, and is provided with means, for
mounting accessories or gear onto the travel member 60. Such
mounting means can be anything that is currently available, or will
be made available in the future, for mounting or attaching or
supporting gear, accessories and so on. In one embodiment it is
provided with a VELCRO.RTM. loop retaining plate 62B and double
sided VELCRO C. In another embodiment it is provided with a webbing
strip 62D, permanently and securely fixed on the accessory face 62,
together with a buckle 62E attached to the webbing 62D, to which a
pouch can be attached.
[0057] By comparison, when the traveler member is slidably saddled
onto the traveler band, and the belt-like apparatus is closed, the
saddle face 64 is directed inwardly, towards the user's torso or
the center of the belt-like apparatus 10. It comprises a saddle
seat 66 and two flanks 68 horizontally extending therefrom, such
that said flanks 68 and said saddle seat 66 form a c-shaped groove
69 capable of embracing and slidably mating with the traveler band
20, thereby allowing the accessory mountable travel member 60 to
freely circumnavigate around the entire circumference of the
traveler band 20 and by extension the belt-like apparatus 10 when
the need arises. Optionally, the accessory mountable travel member
60 can also be provided with a means for preventing it from
slidably moving along the traveler band 20, as for example when the
belt-like apparatus 10 is not being used, or it is being used
primarily for carrying.
[0058] The belt-like apparatus is further provided with at least
one spacer strip 30, upon which the traveler band 20 is mounted.
The space strip 30 can be one continuous strip or it could be an
intermittently continuous strip around the entire outer
circumference of the belt-like apparatus 10. It acts as a base for
the traveler band 20 and as a mechanism to create a space between
the traveler band 20 and the belt-like apparatus. The width of the
space created is complimentary to the thickness of the saddle
flanks 68, and ever so slightly wider, to permit the unimpeded
circumvolution of the traveler member 60 around the outer perimeter
of the belt-like apparatus 10.
[0059] The belt like apparatus can optionally be equipped with a
strap 40 and a releasable buckle 50. The strap acts as a base
support for the spacer strip 30. The releasable buckle in turn, has
a female component 52 and a male component 54, each of the male and
female components being fixedly attached to each of the first end
and second end of the strap 40, respectively. Further, the traveler
band tongue and opposite sleeve ends 22 and 24 longitudinally
extend beyond each of the first and second ends of said spacer
strip and beyond the free end edges of the male and female
components 54 and 52 of the strap 40, respectively.
[0060] In one embodiment of the inventive ergonomic rotatable
belt-like apparatus 10 for carrying, storing and accessing
accessories and field gear, it comprises a layered belt travel band
system having outer, inner and intermediate layers for slidably
securing at least one field gear container. It has at least one
outer layer securing travel band 20, which can optionally be an
elongated, flexible semirigid rail-like band or strap having
attachment means for attaching to and removing the apparatus from a
user's body in a belt-like manner.
[0061] The at least one semirigid rail-like band or strap can be a
thin, elongated strip of flexible semirigid material having an
outer surface and an opposite inner surface. It optionally has a
width of from about 3 mm to about 6 mm (perferably about 4 mm) and
a thickness of from about 0.05 mm to about 0.40 mm (preferably
about 0.15 min).
[0062] The at least one semirigid rail-like band or strap has a top
edge and a corresponding opposite bottom edge, these edges being
coextensive with the at least one semirigid rail strip. Further, it
has a tongue end 22 and an opposite clasp or sleeve end 24 capable
of receiving and grasping the tongue end of the at least one
semirigid rail-like band or strap. Optionally, the clasp end can be
a plate with curved edges forming an insertion slot for accepting
insertion of the tongue end 22 and a width about the same as that
of the at least one semirigid rail-like band or strap and a
thickness of from about 1.01 to about 1.15 times the thickness of
the at least one semirigid rail strip. Finally, the clasp is having
user-operable quick release means for releasably securing said
semirigid rail strip within said clasp to form a circumferential
belt about a selected portion of a user's body for securing
accessories and field gear.
[0063] The layered belt traveler band system further has a second
intermediate layer comprising a padded elongated spacer layer of a
suitable resilient material having, respectively, opposite outer
and inner surfaces, a width and a thickness, said its outer surface
being in contact with and substantially coextensive with and in
center-alignment with the inner surface of the at least one
semirigid rail-like band or strap outer layer forming traveler band
20. Optionally, the thickness of the second resilient padded spacer
layer is from about 3 times to about 10 times the thickness of the
at least one semirigid rail-like band or strap; and the width is
from about 0.5 times to about 0.9 times the width of said at least
one semirigid rail-like band or strap.
[0064] Optionally, the layered belt traveler band system is
equipped with a third intermediate layer comprising a flexible
elongated belt layer made of a suitable strong and flexible belting
material. It has opposite outer and inner surfaces, a width and a
thickness, and the outer surface of the third belt layer being in
contact with and substantially coextensive with and in
center-alignment with the inner surface of the second resilient
padded spacer layer. The thickness of the third belt layer is
suitable to impart sufficient tensile strength integrity to the
system to securely grasp a selected body part of a user. Further,
the third intermediate belt layer has a pair of opposite ends
having quick release fastening means for fastening them together to
form a belt; and optionally a width of 1 times to about 1.5 times
the width of the at least one semirigid rail-like band or strip and
a length that is shorter than the length of the semi-rigid
rail-like band or strip so that when it is fastened the buckle is
under but spaced apart from the closed tongue and sleeve ends.
[0065] Finally, the layered belt traveler band system can be
optionally equipped with a fourth elongated inner padding layer
made of a suitable resilient padding material. It too has opposite
outer and inner surfaces, a width and a thickness, and the outer
surface of the fourth inner padding layer being in contact with and
substantially coextensive with and in center-alignment with the
inner surface of the third intermediate layer belt layer. The inner
surface of the fourth elongated inner padding layer is for contact
with the body of a user upon deployment of said system claimed
herein.
[0066] The thickness of the fourth inner padding layer is
sufficient to pad the system in contact with the body of the user
and to vector distribute about the user's body the downward force
of the weight of field gear containers that are secured to said
system. Its width can optionally be from about 1.5 times to about
3.0 times the width of the at least one semirigid rail-like band or
strap. Optionally it could comprise a plurality of contiguous pad
segments, said segments comprising a continuum that in turn
comprises the fourth inner layer; each segment respectively having
a pair of opposite vertically extending sides, said vertical sides
having fastening means thereon for fastening to the respective
adjacent contiguous respective pad segment. The fastening means for
fastening fourth inner layer pad segments to the respective
adjacent contiguous respective pad segment may optionally comprise
hook and loop fastener means.
[0067] The outer, intermediate and inner layers are fastened
together by a plurality of fastening means affixed spaced-apart
upon the system. They are disposed substantially at or near the
centerline of said system. They extend laterally through suitably
aligned apertures in all layers to comprise a means for fastening
together and fixing in place the layers of said system.
[0068] The layered belt traveler band system is equipped with at
least one quick release slidable rigid securing traveler member
having an outer side and an inner side. In one embodiment the inner
side has a central groove for engaging and slidably mounting the
respective upper and lower edges of the at least one semirigid
rail-like band or strap forming the travel band 20. Optionally, the
quick release traveler member 60 is provided with locking means,
said locking means being user-movable between an open un-locked
position and a closed, locked position, said locking means
comprising a convenient user-openable and user-closable means such
as a retaining level 68B, for attaching and alternately detaching
said traveler member 60 from the at least one semirigid rail-like
band or strip, the groove on the inner surface of the at least one
traveler member for slidably grasping said at least one semirigid
rail-like band or strap; the groove securely but slidably fixing
the traveler member 60 to the at least one semirigid rail-like band
or strap. The outer surface of traveler member 60 has means for
releasably securing a field gear pocket thereto.
[0069] Another embodiment of the ergonomic rotatable apparatus for
carrying, storing and accessing accessories and field gear
comprising layered belt rail system having outer, inner and
intermediate layers for slidably securing at least one field gear
container, has: at least one outer layer securing rail, said at
least one securing rail comprising an elongated flexible semirigid
rail strip; said at least one semirigid rail strip having
attachment means for attaching to and removing said system from a
portion of the user's body in a belt-like manner; wherein said at
least one semirigid rail strip being further comprised of a thin,
elongated strip of flexible semirigid material having an outer
surface and an opposite inner surface, having a width of about 4 mm
and a thickness of about 0.15 mm; wherein further said at least one
semirigid rail strip has a top edge and a corresponding opposite
bottom edge, said edges being coextensive with said at least one
semirigid rail strip; and wherein
[0070] said at least one semirigid rail strip has a tongue end and
an opposite clasp end, said clasp end having a clasp for grasping
said tongue end of said at least one semirigid rail strip, said
clasp comprising a plate having an insertion slot for accepting
insertion of said tongue end of said at least one semirigid rail
strip; wherein said clasp plate comprises a width about the same as
that of said at least one semirigid rail strip and a thickness of
about 1.15 times the thickness of said at least one semirigid rail
strip and wherein said plate and extends longitudinally from said
clasp end of said at least one semirigid rail strip; said clasp
further having user-operable quick release means for releasably
securing said semirigid rail strip within said clasp to form a
circumferential belt about a selected portion of a user's body lfor
securing field gear; and wherein said system having a second
intermediate layer comprising a padded elongated spacer layer
comprised of a suitable resilient material, said second resilient
padded spacer layer having, respectively, opposite outer and inner
surfaces, a width and a thickness, said outer surface of said
second spacer layer being in contact with and substantially
coextensive with and in center-alignment with said inner surface of
said at least one semirigid rail strip outer layer, and wherein
said thickness of said second resilient padded spacer layer being
from about 3 times to about 10 times the thickness of said at least
one semirigid rail strip; and wherein said width of said second
resilient padded spacer layer being from about 0.5 times to about
0.9 times the width of said at least one semirigid rail strip; and
wherein said system having a third intermediate layer comprising a
flexible elongated belt layer comprised of a suitable strong and
flexible belting material, said third belt layer having,
respectively, opposite outer and inner surfaces, a width and a
thickness, said outer surface of said third belt layer being in
contact with and substantially coextensive with and in
center-alignment with said inner surface of said second resilient
padded spacer layer, and wherein said thickness of said third belt
layer is suitable to impart sufficient tensile strength integrity
to said system to securely grasp a selected body part of a user;
and wherein said third intermediate belt layer comprises a
respective pair of opposite ends, said ends having quick release
fastening means for fastening said ends together to form a belt;
and wherein said width of said third intermediate layer belt layer
is from 1.0 times to about 1.5 times the width of said at least one
semirigid rail strip; and wherein said system having a fourth
elongated inner padding layer comprised of a suitable resilient
padding material, said fourth inner padding layer having,
respectively, opposite outer and inner surfaces, a width and a
thickness, said outer surface of said fourth inner padding layer
being in contact with and substantially coextensive with and in
center-alignment with said inner surface of said third intermediate
layer belt layer, and wherein said inner surface of said fourth
elongated inner padding layer is for contact with the body of a
user upon deployment of said system claimed herein; and wherein
said thickness of said fourth inner padding layer being sufficient
to pad the system in contact with the body of a user and to vector
distribute about the user's body the downward force of the weight
of field gear containers that are secured to said system, and
wherein said width of said fourth inner padding layer being about 2
times the width of said at least one semirigid rail strip; and
wherein said outer, intermediate and inner layers are fastened
together by a plurality of fastening means affixed spaced-apart
upon said system, said fastening means disposed substantially at or
near the centerline of said system, said fastening means extending
laterally through suitably aligned apertures in all layers to
comprise a means for fastening together and fixing in place said
layers of said system; and wherein said system has at least one
quick release slidable rigid securing cleat having an outer side
and an inner side, said inner side having a central groove for
engaging said respective upper and lower edges of said at least one
semirigid rail strip, said at least one quick release cleat further
having locking means, said locking means being user-movable between
an open un-locked position and a closed, locked position, said
locking means comprising a convenient user-openable and
user-closable means for attaching and alternately detaching said
cleat from said at least one semirigid rail strip, said groove on
said inner surface of said at least one cleat for slidably grasping
said at least one semirigid rail strip; said groove securely but
slidably fixing said cleat to said at least one semirigid rail
strip; and wherein said outer surface of said cleat has means for
releasably securing a field gear pocket thereto.
[0071] Optionally any one of the embodiment described herein above,
can be provided with spaced apart upwardly extending short
suspension straps. They can be made of a suitably strong and
flexible belting material, and be able to be secured to said system
between the third and said fourth layer by means of the layer
fastening means. They are equipped with fastening means affixed to
their upper end for receiving a complementary fastening means and
for being secured either on a vest-like apparatus or a harness or
another belt on the user for better support.
[0072] Optionally, any one of the embodiments described herein
above can be mounted on a four-point suspension harness comprised
of a pair of crossed suspension straps, comprising a pair of rear
straps and a pair of front straps, said harness having a pair of
respective shoulder pads disposed respectively on said pair of
straps, said pair of straps having a total of four downwardly
extending ends, said ends respectively having fastening means
affixed thereto for receiving a complementary fastening means from
said short suspension straps of said multilayered field gear
securing system; said harness for distributively hanging a portion
of the weight of said field gear securing system from the shoulders
of a user, said suspension harness being configured in the manner
of a pair of conventional apparel suspenders; and wherein said pair
of front straps have user adjustment means for adjusting the length
thereof for a comfortable and effective weight bearing fit.
[0073] Optionally, any one of the embodiments of the apparatus
described herein above can be mounted on any part of the user's
torso, as for example on the waist or the chest or anywhere in
between.
[0074] In any one of the embodiments described above the means for
fastening the multiple layers of the system together can be a
plurality of spaced apart rivets extending perpendicularly to the
plane of said system from the outer surface of the first layer
through respective corresponding apertures in each layer to a
termination upon the inner surface of the fourth layer. The rivets
hold the layers securely together into a unified system.
[0075] As was set forth herein above, FIGS. 24-34 and FIG. 41
generally depict the inventive apparatus as it is appended on a
vest-like apparatus at 10. It is put on just like a regular jacket
or a regular vest. It consists of a front panel and a back panel.
The front panel overlays and optionally covers the front of the
user's torso, and the back panel overlays and optionally covers the
back of the user's torso. Each of the front and back torso panels
is formed by at least one pair of shoulder straps 100, which
overlay across the top of and are supported by the user's
shoulders, and at least one rotating utility belt 110 fixedly
attached to said shoulder straps. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, both
straps 100 may optionally be provided with padding 34 to provide
comfort to the user's torso and shoulders when the harness-like
vest is worn by its user.
[0076] The harness-like vest and the corresponding belt-like
apparatus 10 is closed and secured by quick release clips 120,
preferably heavy duty, located at the ends of the belt like
apparatus 110 and optionally in the front of the user's torso as
shown in FIG. 34. The harness-like apparatus must be closed to
activate the rotation or spinning or revolution of the traveler
member 20 around the user's torso. It is the belt-like apparatus in
turn, which is provided with the equipment storing apparatus for
the storage of and accessibility to equipment and accessories on
the harness-like vest.
[0077] In the preferred embodiment of the harness-style vest shown
in FIGS. 34 and 41, there are at least two inventive belt-like
apparati 110 connected to the shoulder straps 100. This provides
for two levels of circumvolution and storage. On each level there
is a quick release clip 120 located at the center of the front
panel. One on each level, to comfortably secure and connect the
entire system and make it ready for rotation. As can be seen from
FIG. 36, the quick release clips can be disengaged with a quick
release button 122 located on the top of the quick release clip
120.
[0078] The belt-like apparatus 110 comprises a webbing 112, a
traveler system 114, and channel members 116, mounted and engaged
on said traveler system 114 . The webbing 112 has an inner surface
112B that abuts the user's torso and an outer surface 112A that
faces away from the user's torso. The outer surface 112A of the
webbing 112 acts as the support base upon which the traveler system
114 is permanently attached and supported by. When the quick
release clips 120 are secured, the traveler system 114 completely
encircles and encloses the user's torso.
[0079] The traveler system 114 functions similarly to railroad
tracks. It provides the base upon which the channel members 116
(equivalent to traveler members 60) are mounted, which in turn
allow for the attachment and mounting of the storage compartments
or pouches or pockets 70. It is made up of individual track
sections that are mounted on the webbing 112 and interconnected to
form a continuous track around the user's torso. As a result, the
channel members 116, mounted on the traveler system 114 , can move
both clockwise and counterclockwise.
[0080] In one embodiment of the traveler system shown in FIG.
37-40, a single thin traveler band 114A is constructed from either
metal or plastic by either fixedly mounting it on, or by unitarily
molding it with, a relatively thicker, smaller dimensioned base
114B. The base 114B is then permanently mounted on the webbing 112
of the inventive belt-like apparatus 110 thereby causing the
traveler band 114A to face away from the torso of the user.
Alternatively, the traveler band 114A could be tubular and mounted
on the center of a plate-like base 114B , which in turn is mounted
on the webbing 112 of the inventive belt-like apparatus 110.
[0081] As was set forth herein above, the inventive belt-like
apparatus 110, further comprises channel members 116. FIGS. 38-40
display one embodiment of a channel member 116, for use with the
thin traveler band disclosed herein above and shown in FIG. 37. It
is adapted to engage and move relative to the flat travel band
along the entire length of the travel band. It comprises a saddle
117 and a bracket 118.
[0082] The saddle 117 has an inner side 117B and an outer side
117A. The inner side 117B is arc or u-shaped, imparting to the
channel member 116 a receiving end, which encases and is in sliding
engagement with the thin travel band 114A along the entire length
of the travel band. Alternatively , the sliding channel member may
include square, rectangular, etc., dimensioned receiving ends where
alternative dimensioned and shaped travel bands 114A are utilized.
The diameter, thickness and length of the receiving ends of the
channel members 116 allow for their secure engagement of the travel
band within their receiving ends, to form and provide the stable
support structure for the storage and easy access of the equipment
mounted thereon, whether the channel members are located on the
front panel or the back panel.
[0083] The bracket 118 is fixedly attached, mounted on, or
unitarily molded with the outer surface 117A of the saddle 117, of
the channel member 116. The bracket 118 also has an outer surface
118A, which in turn is provided with a slide channel 118C having
inner dimensions that are wider than its outer dimensions. The
slide channel 118C receives a male connection 119 of a clip
attached to equipment-holding pockets or pouches 70, and supports
all camera equipment mounted on the outer surface of the channel
member. As shown in FIG. 40, once the channel member 116 is
slidably mounted on the track, the pocket/storage pouch 70 designed
for specific equipment and having the male counterpart 119 is
inserted and slid into the slide channel 118C of the outer surface
of the bracket 118 supported by the saddle 117 of the channel
member 116 and locks securely thereto, in a lock-and-key mechanism.
FIG. 40 shows a storage pouch pocket complete with the male
counterpart 119 of the channel member 116 attached to one side of
such storage pocket.
[0084] Alternatively, instead a bracket, the channel member 116 may
be equipped with heavy duty magnets, buttons, or snaps that could
be used to secure the storage pouches or pockets 70 thereto.
[0085] The storage pouches or pockets will be made of tough
waterproof material and all will be padded for the added protection
of the equipment.
[0086] In practice, the channel members 116 are mounted on the
single continuous travel band encircling the torso of the user. The
user is able to load equipment on both the front and the back
portion of the harness-like vest. Once the equipment is mounted and
locked on the travel, it can be easily and quickly accessed by the
user at the front of user's torso by simply moving and spinning the
channel members and the pouches supported thereon, around the
travel band. FIG. 41 shows a fully loaded harness like vest in use
and capable of revolving around the user's torso to provide access
to all equipment without the removal of the harness like vest.
[0087] While particular embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated and described in detail herein, they are provided by
way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
invention. Since certain changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in the above description, or shown in the accompanying
drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a literal sense.
Practitioners of the art will realize that the sequence of steps
and the embodiments depicted in the figures can be altered without
departing from the scope of the present invention and that the
illustrations contained herein are singular examples of a multitude
of possible depictions of the present invention.
* * * * *