Abstract: A carrying strap for carrying a load greatly minimizes a bouncing action due to the load and better distributes the stress on a shoulder or a neck supporting the strap. The strap has stretchable segments separated by a gap and connected by less stretchable or non-stretchable joints. The relatively short segments and joints prevent the strap from expanding too far or tearing when heavy loads are carried. The gaps separating the segments reduce a weight bearing surface contacting a user's shoulder and distributes the stress at the point of contact throughout the strap. In response to the load, the segments expand. This enlarges the gap which further decreases the point of contact between the segments and the shoulder. The strap also has a pad underlying the segments for cushioning the shoulder. A sleeve may be fixedly or removably attached to the segments and the pad.

Abstract: A hoist brake with an incremental self adjusting feature. The brake has interdigitated plates which will stop a driven shaft when engaged and allow the shaft to rotate when not engaged. The brake is normally biased into an engaged position and an electromagnet is provided to disengage the brake. A sensing apparatus is provided which measures the gap traversed by a portion of the brake when the brake is activated, the traverse indicating the amount of wear which has taken place since the last adjustment. When the amount of wear is greater than a predetermined amount, the distance between the electromagnet and associated plate on which it acts is incrementally reduced the next time the brake is activated to adjust the gap and insure continued proper performance.