HK1168740B - Self adjusting contoured strap device and method - Google Patents

Description

Self-adjusting contoured belt apparatus and method

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No.61/155,787 filed on 26/2/2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to bags and cases for holding electronic devices or other valuables. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to improved straps for assisting in carrying bags and cases.

Background

Bags, backpacks, purses, soft-boxes, backpacks, side packs, hip packs, waist packs, messenger bags, and regular bags that may be used to store and/or transport electronic equipment or other valuables. Such bags and cases must have handles, straps, or other means for carrying them. Typically, the band is disposed on the shoulder or around the neck of the user. Carrying a bag or box by a belt may be uncomfortable for the user if the belt is not ergonomically well designed. Customers wish to purchase bags and boxes that not only properly store the intended contents, but are also comfortable to carry. Embodiments of the present invention provide novel straps that adapt to the user's anatomy to make the bag or case more comfortable to carry.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a strap is provided for carrying a bag. The device includes: an elongated member having a first side and a second side; at least two segmented pads; at least two clips for connecting the at least two segmented mats to the elongated member; a first material covering a first side of the elongated member and a top side of the at least two clips; and a second material covering the second side of the elongated member and the at least two segmented mats.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for distributing the weight of a bag or box being carried. The method comprises the following steps: providing a segmented foam member; attaching the segmented foam members to the tensile tape, wherein the segmented foam members are attached using clips; attaching a foam sheet to the segmented foam member on a side opposite the clip; and covering the segmented foam member and clip with a mesh.

Other and further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following embodiments are provided for illustrative and exemplary purposes only, and that many combinations and modifications of the elements of the various embodiments of the invention are possible.

Drawings

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to the following detailed description, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a belt according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the belt of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the belt of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a clip for the strap of FIG. 1; and is

FIGS. 5A and 5B are top views of a belt profile mechanism for one embodiment of the belt of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a plurality of views of a clip according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Among other things, the present invention may be embodied as a system or device. Furthermore, the embodiments should not be construed as limited to bags or boxes, which are provided only for ease of understanding. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms have the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase "in one embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Moreover, the phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Further, as used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive "or" operator, and is equivalent to the term "and/or," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of "a", "an" and "the" includes plural references. The meaning of "in. The term "coupled" implies that the elements may be directly connected together or may be coupled through one or more intermediate elements.

Further, throughout this specification, the term bag may be used, however, this is not intended to be limiting and bags include, but are not limited to, backpacks, purses, softcases, backpacks, side packs, hip packs, waist packs, messenger bags, and regular bags used to store and/or transport items.

Aspects of embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with an unlimited variety of bags or boxes. The embodiments of the strap described herein may be included as an initial strap on the bag, or as a retrofit or replacement strap for the bag, or as a replacement strap for bags with shorter handles, or other straps.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a belt 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The belt 100 includes a top cover 102 and a bottom cover 104. The top cover 102 may be constructed of any textile material that is flexible and elastic such that it stretches and deforms and then returns to its original size and shape. It may also be constructed from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymeric products or other pliable or malleable substances, so long as the substances are flexible and resilient. Preferably, but not necessarily, the top cover 102 has perforations, e.g., it preferably has a mesh structure (shown). More preferably, the top cover 102 is constructed of a stretch mesh material. The bottom cover 104 may be constructed of any textile material that is flexible and elastic such that it stretches and deforms and then returns to its original size and shape. It may also be constructed from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymeric products or other pliable or malleable substances, so long as the substances are flexible and resilient. As shown, the bottom cover 104 and/or the top cover 102 may optionally be constructed from a three-dimensional mesh material. However, such a web is not intended to be a limitation on embodiments of the present invention.

The elongated member 106 is positioned between the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104. The elongated member 106 may be constructed of any textile material that is flexible and has sufficient strength to support the "resting weight/hanging weight" of the bag or case to which the strap is attached. The elongate structural elements may also be constructed from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymeric products, however, such materials are less preferred. Preferably, the elongated member 106 is constructed of a deformable strip of nylon. More preferably, the elongated member is a stretched tape. Preferably, the elongate member is 10mm wide. While 10mm may be the preferred width, this is not intended to be a limitation on the width of the elongated member, and various widths are contemplated within the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The width may be greater or less depending on the desired strength of the belt 100 and its intended use. Preferably, the width is between 5mm and 20 mm. The elongated member 106 has a first end 108 and a second end 110. Attached to the first end 108 and the second end 110 of the elongated member 106 are narrow flat strips 112, 114 of flexible material for creating a loop. The flat strips 112, 114 of flexible material may be attached directly to the elongate member. Alternatively, the flat strips 112, 114 of flexible material may be connected by using a connecting or coupling means or by coupling it with an alternative fabric or material. Preferably, the narrow flat strips 112, 114 of flexible material are constructed from a nylon webbing. Preferably, the nylon tape is 50mm wide. While 50mm may be the preferred width, this is not intended to be a limitation on the width of the flat strip of flexible material, and various widths are contemplated within the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The width may be greater or less depending on the desired strength of the belt 100. Preferably, the width is between 25mm and 75 mm. Loops are created by feeding narrow flat strips 112, 114 of flexible material through snap hooks or other coupling means members 116, 118. The coupling devices 116, 118 enable the strap 100 to be connected or coupled to a bag or box. The coupling devices 116, 118 may be constructed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, fiberglass, metal substances, synthetic or semi-synthetic material polymeric products. The length of the loop formed by the narrow flat strip of flexible material may be adjusted by sliding the adjustment rings 120, 122 along the length of the narrow flat strips 120, 122. Although this embodiment is described as having a loop formed from a flat strip of flexible material, other coupling means are contemplated within the scope of embodiments of the present invention, including, but not limited to, buckles, clips, and metal loops.

Attached to the elongated member is a plurality of clips 128(a.. n). The clip 128(a.. n) is described in more detail herein in connection with fig. 4. Secured to each clip 128(a.. n) is a vibration dampening pad 124(a.. n), which, as depicted, is a segmented foam pad. The pad 124(a.. n) may be constructed of any material that provides cushioning, is flexible, is deformable, and absorbs energy. Preferably, the cushion 124(a.. n) is made of ethylene vinyl acetate foam. Preferably, the ethylene vinyl acetate foam is 10mm thick. While 10mm may be the preferred thickness, this is not intended to be a limitation on the thickness of the cushioning material, and various thicknesses are contemplated within the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The thickness may be greater or less depending on the desired cushioning. Further, although depicted as having a uniform thickness, the pad 124(a.. n) may have a variable thickness, i.e., may be wavy. Although pads 124(a.. n) are depicted as being octagonal in shape, such a shape is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present invention. It is contemplated that the pad 124(a.. n) may have any geometry and size, so long as the pad 124(a.. n) is larger in size than the clip 128(a.. n) such that no clip 128(a.. n) extends beyond the surface of the pad 124(a.. n) on which it rests. The shape of the pad 124(a.. n) is ergonomically designed to conform to the user's body. Although strap 100 is depicted as having seven clips 108(a.. n) and seven pads 124(a.. n), this is not intended to be a limitation on the number of clips or pads that may be contemplated within the scope of embodiments of the present invention, and fewer or more clips or pads may be present depending on the size of the strap. The pad 124(a.. n), clip 128(a.. n), and elongate member 106 form a segmented tension assembly 500 (fig. 5).

Between the pad 124(a.. n) and the bottom cover 104 is a length of soft cushioning material 126. Although the preferred embodiment includes a cushioning material 126, the cushioning material is optional. The cushioning material 126 is preferably a piece of open cell foam. Preferably, the open-cell foam is 5mm thick. While 5mm may be the preferred thickness, this is not intended to be a limitation on the thickness of the cushioning material, and various thicknesses are contemplated within the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The thickness may be greater or less depending on the desired cushioning. The cushioning material 126 provides additional cushioning of the strap 100 when the strap is placed around the neck or shoulders of a user.

Fig. 2 is a top view 200 of the belt 100 of fig. 1. As depicted in fig. 2, top cover 102 and bottom cover 104 are tied together to create a pocket for holding segmented stretch assembly 500. Preferably, the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 are tied together using a secure seam, such as a zig-zag seam 204, through an elastic band 202 or other elastic material. Alternative materials may be used to tie the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104, so long as the material is flexible and capable of recovering its shape after it is deformed. Further, although described as stitching, the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 may be tied by other means, including flexible adhesives, mechanical connections (hooks, snaps, etc.), or any other means. The encapsulated segmented stretch assembly 500 (as discussed below) is coupled to the flat strips of flexible material 112, 114 by knots 206 or other reinforcement adhered to a durable material 208 such as leather, vinyl, nylon, or reinforced textile material. Alternatively (not shown), the segmented tension assembly 500 may be coupled directly to the flat strips 112, 114 of flexible material by mechanical connectors such as snaps, buckles, clasps, buttons, or hooks, or by using such connectors to connect the segmented tension assembly 500 to the durable material 206.

Fig. 3 is a bottom view 300 of the belt 100 of fig. 1. As depicted in fig. 3, top cover 102 and bottom cover 104 are tied together to create a pocket for holding the segmented tensile assembly. Preferably, as described in connection with fig. 2, the top cover 102 and the bottom cover 104 are tied together using a secure seam, such as a zig-zag seam 204, by an elastic band 202 or other elastic material. The bottom cover 104 may be complementary to a non-slip material 308, such as polyurethane or rubber, to prevent the assembly from slipping off the neck, shoulders, etc. of the user when carried by the user.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a clip 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The clip 400 may be constructed from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymeric products, or other moldable, pliable or malleable substances. The clip 400 has a top side 402 and a bottom side 404. The top side 402 is comprised of two elements 406, 412. Although described as being comprised of two elements, it is contemplated within the scope of embodiments of the present invention that the two elements may be constructed as a single element having two portions. The two parts 406, 412 each have a first end 408, 414 and a second end 410, 416. The top side pieces 406, 412 may be tapered in shape such that the thickness at the second ends 410,416 is thinner than at the first ends 408, 414. Preferably, the difference in thickness is significant. For example, second ends 408, 414 may be one-third or less of the thickness at second ends 410, 416. The second ends 410,416 of the top side pieces are connected to the bottom side 404. The top side of the top side parts 406, 412 optionally has a groove 408(a.. n), 414(a.. n) at the second end 410, 416. The recesses 408(a.. n) and 414(a.. n) help to strengthen the clip (when the components are stitched together) between needle strikes. The attachment of the fabric helps prevent slippage of the covering. Additionally, the grooves 408(a.. n), 414(a.. n) may help prevent the fabric covering from slipping along the clip 400. Although the clip 400 is depicted as being generally rectangular, this geometry is not intended to be a limitation on the shape of the clip 400. The clip geometry may vary so long as it is configured to hold an elongate member.

The second ends 408, 414 of the top side parts 406, 412 have projections 418, 420. Although depicted as a rectangular shaped protrusion with rounded corners, the geometry of the protrusion as shown is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The protrusion may be of varying geometry, it may be semi-circular, triangular, square or any other shape, it may also be irregular in shape. Regardless of shape, the size, shape and proportions of the projections must be such that an elongate member 106 inserted between the top side pieces 416, 412 will be held between the projections 418, 420 and below the projections 418, 420.

In one embodiment, the other top side piece 406, 412 has a constant thickness (not shown). If the top side pieces 406, 412 have a constant thickness, the support structure is arranged so as to form a ramp-like structure sloping downwards from the first end to the second end. In this embodiment, a support structure (not shown) is provided for the elongate structural member (when it is located between the top side parts).

In a preferred embodiment, the clip 400 is 6cm long and 1.5cm wide. At the ends 410 and 416, the thickness is preferably 0.20 cm. The distance between the projections 418, 420 is preferably 0.39cm and the thickness of each projection 418, 420 is preferably 0.15 cm. If grooves are provided at the ends 410,416, preferably each groove is 0.7cm in length and 0.06cm in depth. An embodiment depicting such preferred dimensions of the clip 600 is provided in fig. 6. In fig. 6, "a" depicts a top view of the clip 600, "B" depicts a side view of the clip 600, and "C" depicts an end view of the clip 600. Specific cross sections are depicted in D and E. The above dimensions are provided for exemplary purposes only and are therefore not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the present invention. The size may be larger or smaller. In a preferred embodiment, such lengths/dimensions are scaled.

Fig. 5A and 5B are top views of an internal band profile mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5A depicts segmented tension assembly 500 in a relaxed state, while fig. 5B depicts segmented tension assembly 502 in a deformed state (e.g., when the assembly is adjusted to the user's body). As shown, the segmented component can deform in multiple directions.

Conventional belts are straight or have a preformed curved shape. The straight band does not conform to the body of the wearer. This results in the weight of the bag being unevenly loaded on the body of the wearer. When worn in a manner that pads on the shoulders opposite the pouch, i.e., when the band is diagonally across the body of the wearer, the preformed curved band conforms perfectly to the user's shoulders. However, when the preformed curved strap is worn on the same side of the body as the bag, the curved strap tends to tilt such that one edge bears heavily on the shoulder of the wearer. As a result, the load of the bag is arranged along a narrow line, which may cause discomfort to the user. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a novel segmented tensioning assembly and a novel clip to create a self-adjusting strap that conforms in contour to the shape of the body being worn. Because of the novel segmented foam construction of the belt and the stretch tape about which the segments are free to move, the belt is able to conform to the wearer's body. In addition, the clips that couple the strap to the segmented foam spread the load across the width of the foam pad.

Although described as a neck or shoulder strap, such use is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The novel strap may also be embodied as a waist belt, a backpack belt, a seat belt, or any other strap or retaining configuration. Furthermore, while embodiments of the present invention are intended for use by humans, alternative configurations of the device are contemplated within the scope of the present invention such that the device may be used by animals.

As previously mentioned, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (6)

1. A strap for carrying a bag, the strap comprising:

an elongated member having a longitudinal axis, a first side, a second side, and first and second ends;

a segmented mat having at least two segments, wherein each mat is disposed substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member;

at least two clips for connecting the at least two segments to the elongate member, wherein the at least two clips are attached to the elongate member such that the at least two clips are substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, wherein each clip comprises a bottom side attached to the first surface of one of the segments of the segmented mat and a top side, the top side having a groove defined therein by a groove bottom surface and two groove side surfaces, the groove bottom surface facing in a direction opposite the bottom side of the clip, and a first projection extending from one of the two groove side surfaces, wherein the elongate member is disposed in the groove of each clip in a space defined between a groove bottom surface and the first projection;

a first material covering a first side of the elongated member and a top side of the at least two clips; and

a second material covering the second side of the elongated member and the segmented mat.

2. The belt as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a cushioning material located between the at least two segmented pads and the second material.

3. The belt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first material and the second material are mesh materials.

4. The belt as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

a first flexible material coupled to the first end; and

a second flexible material coupled to the second end.

5. The belt as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprises a deformable material.

6. The belt of claim 1, wherein the second tab extends from the other of the two groove side surfaces.