Stabilizing Belt with Harness

Abstract

A stabilizing belt for use by a person in need of assisted mobility or in recreation, the stabilizing belt comprising a base, a belt to secure the base to a wearer, and a pair of handles attached to the base. The base may be uniquely contoured to provide support and comfort for the wearer. A harnessing system may be provided for added security and stability. The harnessing system is versatile so as to go over the shoulders or under the legs, as necessary. The belt may further comprise handle supports for reinforcement, a pad for comfort, a cover for durability, and a pocket for versatility.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/144,401, filed Dec. 30, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part, application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/540,502, filed Jul. 2, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/854,823, filed Aug. 11, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,211,043, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/769,518, filed Apr. 28, 2010, which applications are incorporated in their entirety here by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a support belt or stabilizing belt.

BACKGROUND

There are various modes of transportation in which two or more people may ride in tandem. For example, riding motorcycles, watercraft vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), snowmobiles, horseback riding, bicycles, or skiing are circumstances in which two or more people may be riding in tandem. In such situations, the back rider may hold onto the front rider in various uncomfortable and restricting ways to stabilize or balance himself or herself. In addition, current stabilizing belts are too cumbersome and, therefore, lack the versatility to be used across different activity, lack proper lumbar support, and are uncomfortable as the belt digs into the wearer's body.

Other circumstances may require the ability to stabilize the wearer of the belt, such as medical assistance and therapy. These belts also tend to be cumbersome and lack lumbar support. In addition, it is inconvenient, uncomfortable, and problematic to have an individual already in a weakened state to be forced to where a belt or vest so as to be assisted in movement.

For the foregoing reasons there is a need for an unproved stabilizing belt that is versatile enough to be used across various activities, provide adequate lumbar support, is comfortable to wear, and easy to use for those requiring assistance for movement.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a stabilizing belt that can be used for a variety of activities, provides adequate lumbar support, is comfortable to wear, and easy to use for those requiring assistance, such as medical assistance. One aspect of the present ration is to provide a stabilizing belt designed to provide adequate lumbar support yet provide flexibility for movement.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a stabilizing belt in which the fastening mechanism does not dig into the wearer and cause discomfort.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a stabilizumg belt that can be used across various activities as opposed to a single activity.

Another aspect of the present invention is to improve the functionality of a stabilizing belt.

Another aspect is to provide assistance to those having difficulty with movements, such as a patient, without requiring the patient to don any additional equipment or device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the interior side of the cover;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 assembled;

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the exterior side of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the interior side of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows the present invention in use for assisted mobility;

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows the embodiment in FIG. 9 worn in a first configuration; and

FIG. 11 shows the embodiment in FIG. 9 worn in a second configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

With reference to the figures, the present invention is directed towards a stabilizing belt 100 for use, for example, by a pair of riders riding a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or watercraft, in tandem; or for assisted movement. The stabilizing belt 100 worn by the front rider provides a means for the back rider to stabilize himself or herself during the ride. In other uses, such as for medical assistance, the stabilizing belt 100 may be worn by the patient or the caregiver. In situations in which it is difficult for the patient to don the stabilizing belt 100 the caregiver can don the belt 100 providing the patient with multiple grasping points to find the best leverage.

The stabilizing belt 100 comprises a pad 102, a belt 104 to wrap around the pad 102 and secure the pad 102 to a wearer, and at least one handle 106 attached to the pad 102. The pad 102 provides support and comfort for the wearer. The belt 104 allows the pad 102 to be attached to the wearer. The handle 106 provides the means for the back rider, patient, or caregiver to stabilize himself or herself against the wearer or assist the wearer.

The pad 102 comprises an interior side 108 that abuts the wearer, and an exterior side 110 opposite the interior side 108, the interior and exterior sides 108, 110 defining a first edge 112, a second edge 114 opposite the first edge 112, a top edge 116 adjacent to the first and second edges 112, 114, and a bottom edge 118 opposite the top edge 116 and adjacent to the first and second edges 112, 114. The designation of the top and bottom edges 116, 118 has been made only for the sake of clarity and ease of discussion. Either edge can serve as the top or bottom depending on how the wearer wears the stabilizing belt.

Also, for the sake of clarity and ease of discussion the distance from the first edge 112 to the second edge 114 will be referred to as the length and the distance from the top edge 116 to the bottom edge 118 will be referred to as the width. These designations apply to the other features of the present invention, such as the cover, strap, the mesh, and the like.

In some embodiments, the pad 102 may have a simple geometric shape. For example, the pad 102 may be rectangular, trapezoidal, oval, circular and the like. In some embodiments, the top and bottom edges 116, 118 of the pad 102 are uniquely contoured to provide better support, comfort, and versatility. Therefore, the width of portions of the pad 102 may vary along the length of the pad 102 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the some embodiments, the pad 102 comprises a lumbar support area 120 and bilateral side support areas 122, 124 that extend away from the lumbar support area 120 and terminate at the first and second edges 112, 114, respectively. The side supports 122, 124 may extend away from the lumbar support 120 in a uniform fashion, thereby forming a rectangular configuration. In some embodiments, the side supports 122, 124 may taper as they extend away from the lumbar support 120, thereby forming a triangular, trapezoidal, or oval configuration. In some embodiments, the width of the side support 122, 124 may expand rather than taper away from the lumbar support 120.

The lumbar support 120 occupies the middle portion of the pad 102. To enhance support given to the lumbar region of the wearer while minimizing weight of the stabilizing belt or discomfort to the wearer, the lumbar support 120 may be wider than the side supports 122, 124. In some embodiments, the lumbar support area 120 may be a single enlarged area extending from one side to the other side of the lumbar region of the wearer.

In some embodiments, to further add flexibility without compromising the support, the top and bottom edges 116, 118 within the lumbar support area 120 may converge toward each other at a central area 126. The central area 126 is the area that would be positioned along the spine of the wearer. Thus, the width of the central area 126 is less than the width of the lumbar support area 120. In such an embodiment, the lumbar support area 120 can be described as having two distinguishable or separate lumbar support areas 120, one for the left side and one for the right side of the wearer.

Due to the difference in width between the lumbar support areas 120 and the central area 126, the wearer is able to move and twist his or her body more freely as the central region 126 facilitates the twisting movement of the lumbar support areas 120 out of their natural plane.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the pad 102 may be generally rectangular in shape with the top and bottom edges 116, 118 tapering towards each other at the central area 126 of the pad 102. Therefore, the width at the central area 126 may be generally smaller than the widths at the first and second edges 112, 114. In addition or alternatively, the width at the central area 126 of the pad 102 may be generally smaller than the width of the pad at regions of the lumbar support area 120 laterally adjacent to the central region as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

The pad 102 is generally flat and made of a cushion type material. Suitable materials for the pad 102 include foam, rubber, and variations thereof. In some embodiments, the interior side of the lumbar support area 120 may comprise a bulge. In other words, the surface of the interior side 108 on the lumbar support area 120 may be convex to match the curvature of the lumbar region of the spine of the wearer. This provides added support to the wearer.

To secure the pad 102 to the wearer, a belt 104 is provided to wrap around the pad 102 and the wearer. Preferably, since the belt 104 must withstand the pulling of the handles 106 by a second rider, a caregiver, a patient, and the like, the belt 104 should be made from a strong, generally inelastic material. For example, the belt 104 may be made of nylon, leather, canvas, or other sturdy fabrics, or materials that can be made sturdy. In some embodiments, additional belts 104a may be used to reinforce security and sturdiness.

The belt 104 further comprises a means for securing 128 the pad 102 to the wearer. The securing means 128 may be hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buttons, buckles, and the like. The belt 104 further comprises an adjustment strap 130 so that the belt 104 can be tightened or loosened before or after fastening.

In some embodiments, the belt 104 is fastened to the pad 102, preferably on the exterior side 110. In other embodiments, the belt 104 remains detached from the pad 102 relying on the frictional forces generated from tightening the belt 104 around the pad 102 for securement.

To improve the sturdiness and securement of the handles 106 to the pad 102, the handles 106 may be attached to handle supports 132. Handle supports 132 may be hard, thin sturdy pieces of plastic, metal, wood, composite material, or the like that is fastened to the pad 102 and the belt 104. In some embodiments, the handle supports 132 may have rounded and beveled edges. The force from pulling, twisting, and tugging of the handles 106 during use gets dispersed throughout the entire handle support 132 thereby minimizing damage to the pad 102. Otherwise, without the handle support 132, the force would be localized at the point of connection to the pad 102, which could easily damage the pad 102.

In the preferred embodiment, the handle supports 132 are irreversibly fastened to the pad with fasteners, such as by rivets 134. As such, through-holes 136 may be provided on the handle supports 132 through which a rivet 134 may be inserted to fasten the handle support 132 to the pad 102. Additional through-holes 136 may also be provided to fasten the handles 106 to the handle support 132.

Other fastening means may also be used, such as stitching, adhesives, nuts and bolts, and the like. Irreversible fastening refers to fasteners that cannot be removed without noticeably damaging the fastener or the material to which the fastener is fastened. Reversible fasteners may also be used if it provides secure attachment without adding discomfort to the wearer.

Although the handle supports 132 may be attached anywhere on the pad 102, the preferred position is to attach the handle supports 132 to the lumbar support area 120 as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, multiple handles 106a-106d, and multiple handle supports 132a-132d may be used. The handles 102a-102d and handle supports 132a-432d can be positioned in a number of different strategic locations so as to maximize the function of the belt.

To facilitate the securement of the belt 104 to the pad 102, each handle support 132 may comprise a pair of elongated slits 138 through which the belt 104 can be interlaced as shown in FIG. 1 (the lower belt 104a). The slits 138 may be positioned at the opposite lateral edges of the handle support 132. In such an embodiment, the belt 104 may be attached to the pad 102 via the handle support 132 rather than being directly attached to the pad 102. Since the belt 104 is not directly fastened to the pad 102, this also allows the belt 104 to be adjusted to the left or to the right by adjusting the belt 104 through the slit 138. In embodiments utilizing multiple belts 104, multiple pair of slits 138 can be provided on the handle support. 132 accordingly. Alternatively, each belt. 104 can have a separate handle support 132. In some embodiments, to allow the handle support 132 to be used in a vertical manner or at an oblique angle, opposing slits 132a, 132b on the same handle support 132 may be offset as shown in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing belt 100 may further comprise a cover 140 to conceal and protect the underlying components of the stabilizing belt 100. The cover 140 is similar in shape as the pad 102; therefore, the cover 140 comprises an exterior side 142 and an interior side 144 opposite the exterior side 142, the exterior and interior sides defining a first edge 212, a second edge 214 opposite the first edge 212, a top edge 216 adjacent to the first and second edges 212, 214, a bottom edge 218 adjacent to the first and second edges 212, 214 and opposite the top edge 216, and a central region 127 centrally located in between the first and second edges 212, 214, wherein the top and bottom edges 216, 218 define a width of the cover 140, wherein the width of the cover at the central region 127 is smaller than the width of the cover at a region laterally adjacent to the central region 127. Therefore, the cover has the same or similar contours as the pad 102.

The interior side 144 of the cover 140 may be overlaid on top of the handle support 132, at least a portion of the belt 104, and the pad 102. In the preferred embodiment, the cover 140 has substantially the same shape as the pad 102 so as to fully cover the pad 102 while minimizing any excess material. In some embodiments, the cover 140 may completely cover or envelop the pad 102. In other embodiments, the cover 140 only covers the exterior side 110 of the pad 102.

In embodiments with a cover 140, the belt 104 and/or strap 154 may be attached to the cover 140 rather than the pad 102. In some embodiments, the belt 104 and/or strap 154 may be attached to both the pad 102 and the cover 140. Therefore, the belt 104 may be attached to the pad 102, the cover 140, or both, and the strap 154 may be attached to the pad 102, the cover 140, or both, or any combination thereof can be used.

In some embodiments, the cover 140 comprises a slit 146. On the interior side 144 of the cover 140 adjacent to the slit 146 may be a pouch 148. For example, if the slit 146 is a horizontal slit, a pouch 148 may be positioned just below the slit 146 so that the slit 146 and pouch 148 can function as a pocket. A user can insert various items through the slit 146 into the pouch 148.

The cover 140 may be made from any durable material, such as rubber, nylon, leather, canvas and other fabric material. In some embodiments, the cover 140 may be water proof or water resistant to keep the pad 102 dry for water sport activities.

The handles 106 may be attached through the exterior surface 142 of the cover 140 to the handle supports 132. Handle supports 132 may be made from hard, sturdy material such as metal, plastic, wood, and the like. The end portions 150a, 150b of the handles 106 can be riveted through the cover 140 onto the handle support 132 for secure attachment. In addition, the end portions 150a, 150b may be double stitched to the cover 140. The grip portion 152 of the handle 106 may be covered with foam or rubber to provide a comfortable grip.

In some embodiments, the handles 106 may be reversibly fastened to the handle supports 132. Utilizing reversible fasteners provides a means for adjusting the orientation or placement of the handles. By way of example only, the two handle supports 132 may be arranged parallel to each other a specified distance apart. Each handle 106 may be secured parallel to one handle support 132, thereby having a vertical orientation when the stabilizing belt 100 is worn. This allows the rear user to grasp the handles with his palms facing toward each other. To rearrange the orientation of the handles 106, the user can remove the fastener and re-fasten the handles 106 in a horizontal orientation, perpendicular to the handle supports 132 by fastening one of the end portions 150a of the first handle 106 to one end 132a of the first handle support 132 and the second end 150b of the first handle 106 to the same end 132a of the second handle support 132. The second handle 106a can be similarly fastened to the opposite end 132b of both handle supports 132. This allows the user to utilize a palm up or palm down grip.

In some embodiments, the handles 106, 106a and handle supports 132 may be configured to provide a means for adjusting the placement or orientation of the handle without having to disassemble the stabilizing belt. For example, the handle support 132 may be frame-shaped or be a single rectangular or square plate having slits and/or a plurality of holes. The ends 150a, 150b of the handles 106 may have retractable pins that can be retracted by the push of a button on the handles 106, 106a. In the retracted configuration, the handles may be free to slide along the slits and positioned at different holes. Release of the button allows the pins to engage the holes so as to be locked in place. This allows the user to change the distance between the handles 106, 106a or change the orientation and placement of the handles 106, 106a. In such an embodiment, the cover would also comprise slits or openings to allow the handles 106, 106a to move to a different position. Reversible fasteners that can be used in this embodiment include, but are not limited to nuts and bolts, magnets suction cups, clips, spring loaded pins, bayonet-style connectors, mounts, and the like. In these embodiments, care should be taken so that the handles 106 do not slip out from the handle support 132 during use.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing belt 100 may comprise a plurality of handles 106a-106e arranged in various configurations so as to provide the option of a variety of different grip positions without having to make any adjustments as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 9. In addition, having a plurality of handles 106a-106e allows the user to change his or her grip instantly at any time. Handles 106a-106e may be arranged in a variety of positions, such as vertically, horizontally, at any oblique angle therebetween, and any combination thereof. Reference to the orientation of the handles is with respect to the wearer standing upright and the stabilizing belt being worn as intended. Each handle 106a-106e may have associated with it a handle support 132.

In another example, the stabilizing belt 100 may comprise four handles 106 arranged in a square or rectangular orientation. For example, a pair of horizontally oriented handles may be positioned at opposite ends of the vertically oriented handles 106.

In some embodiments, to facilitate securement of the pad 102 to the wearer, a strap 154 may extend out from each of the first and second edges 112, 114 of the pad 102. Preferably, the strap 154 may be an elastic material or partially elastic material comprising a fastening means 155 so that the pad 102 and strap 154 can be wrapped around the wearer's body and fastened in the front, rear, or sides. For example, the strap 154 may comprise a fastening means 155, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buttons, buckles and the like. In some embodiments, the strap 154 may be a two piece strap, with the first piece 154a extending from the first edge 112 and the second piece 154b extending from the second edge 114. In some embodiments, the first and second pieces 154a, 154b may be attached to their respective edges 112, 114. In some embodiments, the strap 154 may be one continuous piece that overlaps the entire pad 102. The one piece strap may be fastened to the pad 102. The strap 154 allows the pad 102 to remain in place while the belt 104 securely fastens the pad 102 to the wearer.

The strap 154 also serves as an interface between the belt 104 and the wearer. This prevents the belt. 104 from uncomfortably digging into the wearer's skin when the belt 104 is tightened around the wearer. To accommodate this function, the width of the strap 154 may be greater than the width of the belt 104. In embodiments comprising multiple belts 104 the width of the elastic strap 154 may be greater than the combined width of all of the belts and the spaces therebetween.

In embodiments having a two piece strap, as shown in FIG. 4, the first strap piece 154a may be elastic and the second strap piece 154b may be made of an inelastic fabric. The inelastic fabric material provides additional comfort and protection from the belt 104. The first strap piece 154a and the second strap piece 154b may have fastening means 155 to fasten the first strap piece 154a to the second strap piece 154b. For example, the first and second strap pieces may comprise hook-and-loop fasteners to fasten to each other. In some embodiments, the fastening means 155 of the second strap piece 154b may be overlaid on top of the second strap piece 154b.

In some embodiments, the second strap piece 154b may comprise a series of lumbar supports 160 secured to the second strap piece 154b. These lumbar supports 160 may be elongated strips of a relatively rigid material, such as plastic, wood, metal, and the like. In this embodiment, the pad 102 is worn on the front and the second strap piece 154b wraps around the back at the lumbar region and fastens to the first strap piece 154a. When the stabilizing belt 100 is pulled by the handles 106, the second strap piece 154b does not fold or collapse, but rather, remains firm, thereby providing more comfort and support to the wearer.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing belt 100 further comprises a breathable fabric 156 attached to the interior side 108 of the pad 102. For example, the breathable fabric 156 may be mesh or some other type of lining to provide comfort when the stabilizing belt 100 is worn by the wearer, particularly when worn without clothes.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, in addition to or in lieu of the breathable fabric 156, the stabilizing belt 100 may further comprise a rubberized material 158 as the final layer below the pad 102.

Having disclosed the various features of the present invention, many different variations can be designed by the various combinations of features without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, in some embodiments, the pad 102 may be omitted. Although this may decrease comfort, it may also allow for a lower manufacturing cost. In such an embodiment, the cover 140 would essentially function like the pad 102. Therefore, any belt 104, strap 154, handle 106, and handle support. 132 that would have been attached to the pad 102 could be attached to the cover 140. Even in embodiments with the pad 102, any belt 104, strap 154, handle 106, and handle support 132 could be attached to the cover 140, or any combination of attachments to the cover 140 and pad 102.

In some embodiments, to further improve the supporting capability of the stabilizing belt 100, any of the embodiments discussed previously may further comprise a harness system. By way of example only, FIG. 9 shows one of the embodiments with the harness system. The harness system comprises a plurality of fastening mechanisms and a pair of harness straps. The plurality of fastening mechanisms are strategically positioned on the stabilizing belt 100 so that the harness system can be used to wrap over a wearer's shoulder in a first configuration as shown in FIG. 10, or wrap under a wearers legs in a second configuration as shown in FIG. 11. Preferably, the harness system is attached to the pad 102 and/or the cover 140 of the stabilizing belt 100. For ease of description, the pad 102 and/or cover 140 will be referred to generically as the base 300. Thus, the base 300 may be the pad 102, the cover 140, or the combination of the pad 102 and cover 140. As such, when the harness system is described as being attached to the base 300, this means the harness system can be attached to the pad 102, the cover, 140, or both. Similarly, when referring to the side edges 312, 314, the top edge 316, or the bottom edge 318 of the base 300, this is meant to refer to the side edges 112, 114, top edge 116, or bottom edge 118, respectively, of the pad 102, or the side edges 212, 214, top edge 216, or bottom edge 218, respectively, of the cover 140, or both.

As shown in the example of FIG. 9, in the preferred embodiment the fastening mechanisms are rings with associated hooks, or buckles. However, other fastening mechanisms can be used, such as snap buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, and the like. These fastening mechanisms can be fixed to the base 300, for example by stitching, or removably or adjustably attached to the base 300 so that the fastening mechanisms can be moved to different locations on the base 300 or adjusted for comfort and effectiveness,

In the preferred embodiment, a first upper fastener (shown as ring 200a) may be positioned along the top edge 316 of the base 300. Preferably, the first fastener (e.g. ring 200a) is positioned along the centerline C of the base 300. In some embodiments, two upper fasteners may be bilaterally arranged about the centerline C on the top edge 316.

Two side fasteners (e.g. rings 200b, 200c), one each, may be positioned along the first edge 312 and the second edge 314. Two lower fasteners (e.g. rings 200d, 200e) may be positioned along the bottom edge 318 medial to the two side fasteners. In some embodiments, a single lower fastener nay be used and positioned on the centerline C along the bottom edge 318.

A pair of harness straps 170a, 170b are provided that can attach to the upper fastener 200a, side fasteners 200b, 200c and lower fasteners 200d, 200e. Each strap 170a, 170b has a first free end 172a, 172b and a second free end 174a, 174b on the opposite side. These straps 170a, 170b can be made adjustable as is known in the art. A padding 176a, 176b may be attached to the straps 170a, 170b in between the first free end 172a, 172b and the second free end 174a, 174b for added comfort. At each end of the harness straps are reciprocal fasteners 178a, 178b, 180a, 180b that can attach to the fasteners. In the example shown, the reciprocal fasteners are latched hooks (like a carabiner) or buckles.

In use, the first end 172a of one of the harness straps 170a can be attached to a side fastener 200b. The second end 174a of the harness strap 170a can be fastened to the lower fastener 200d or the upper fastener 200a. This can be done while the wearer is wearing the stabilizing belt 100. Therefore, while wearing the stabilizing belt 100, the wearer can attach the first end 172a to a side fastener 200b, then place the harness strap 170a over the shoulder and attach the second end 174a to the upper fastener 200a. This process can be repeated on the other side, as shown in FIG. 10.

Alternatively, the second end 174a of the harness strap 170a can be wrapped under the leg and fastened to the lower harness 200d. This can be repeated on the opposite side for better lower body support, as shown in FIG. 11.

In some embodiments, to improve the versatility of the harness system, multiple fasteners can be positioned on the stabilizing belt 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the stabilizing belt 100 has seven harness fasteners: an upper fastener (e.g. ring 200a) located along the centerline C on the top edge 316; two bilaterally arranged side fasteners (e.g. rings 200b, 200c), one side fastener (e.g. ring 200b) along the first edge 318, and one side fastener (e.g. ring 200c) along the second edge 314; two auxiliary fasteners (e.g. buckles 190a, 190b) bilaterally arranged at the bottom corners where the side edge 314 and the bottom edge 318 meet, and where side edge 312, 314 and the bottom edge 318 meet; and two bilaterally arranged lower fasteners (e.g. rings 200d, 200e) along the bottom edge 318. The harness strap 170a has a first end 172a with a first reciprocal fastener (e.g. buckle 180a), and a second end 174a with a second reciprocal fastener (e.g. latched hook 178a). In this example, the buckle 180a is removably attached to a second latched hook 182a, wherein the second latched hook 182a attaches to the side fastener (ring 200b). Detachment of the buckle fastener 180a at the first end 172a allows the buckle fastener 180a to be fastened to the auxiliary fastener 190a. Thus, the wearer has multiple options that he or she can choose from to provide the best comfort and support for a given use.

For example, the first end 172a can be attached to either the side fastener 200b or the auxiliary fastener 190a, and the second end 174a can be fastened to either the upper fastener 200a, or the lower fastener 200d. The same options are available for the opposite side. So, the first end 172b can be attached to either the side fastener 200c or the auxiliary fastener 190b, and the second end 174b can be fastened to either the upper fastener 200a, or the lower fastener 200e.

In this example, since the first ends 172a, 172b are buckles, but the side fasteners 200b, 200c are rings, intermediate buckles 184a, 184b may be used as adapters to allow the first ends 172a, 172b to connect to their respective side fasteners 200b, 200c with latched rings 182a, 182b. Alternatively, the auxiliary fasteners 190a, 190b may also be rings so that the first end can connect to any of the side fasteners 200b, 200c, auxiliary fasteners 190a, 190b, and lower fasteners 200d, 200e using latched rings. Alternatively, the side fasteners 200b, 200c, auxiliary fasteners 190a, 190b, and lower fasteners 200d, 200e may be buckles so that the first ends 172a, 172b can connect to these fasteners using the buckle system. Any other type of fastening mechanism and any combinations thereof (with or without adapters) can be used so long as the first ends 172a, 172b and the second ends 174a, 174b are capable of attaching and detaching from the fasteners so that the harness straps 170a, 170b can be used as shoulder supports or leg supports.

In sonic embodiments, a back support may be provided that can be built into the base 300 or made attachable to the base 300. Therefore, the stabilizing belt 100 can be used with our without the back support. Preferably, the back support is attached to the central region of the base to provide added stiffness as necessary. Therefore, the back support may be any rigid structure, such as a piece of plastic, metal, wood, and the like. The back support may be flat and rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the back support may be contoured to fit better against the lumbar region of the back.

Due to the unique design of the stabilizing belt 100, a single belt can be used for various activities. Some stabilizing belts utilize an entire chest harness. Although suitable for watercraft activities, these may be too cumbersome for other activities. The stabilizing belt 100 of the present invention can be used for motorcycle or bicycle riding, watercraft sports, ATV's, snowmobiles, horseback riding, skiing, hiking, walking, sexual activity, medical assistance, therapy, and more. In addition, the stabilizing belt 100 can be configured to carry animals such as dogs, cats, and other animals.

When used for medical assistance, the stabilizing belt 100 may be worn either by the patient (or person requiring assisted mobility) 12 or the caregiver 10. When worn by the caregiver 10, the patient 12 is able to grasp any of the various handles 106a-106e that is most comfortable to the patient 12 and provides the best leverage as shown in FIG. 8. In the meanwhile, the caregiver 10 still has his hands free to utilize them however he wishes.

In some uses, the patient can wear the stabilizing belt 100 and allow the caregiver 10 to lift the patient 12 by any of the handles 106a-106e. In embodiments with a harness system, the fasteners can also be used to help move the patient. For example, the upper fastener 200a can be connected to a crane-type lifting machine, so that a machine can lift the patient wearing the stabilizing belt 100.

In some uses, both the patient 12 and the caregiver 10 can wear the stabilizing belt 100 maximizing the option of having the caregiver hold on to the patient, the patient hold on to the caregiver, or both.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A stabilizing belt, comprising:

a. a base having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, the first and second sides defining a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a top edge adjacent to the first and second edges, a bottom edge adjacent to the first and second edges and opposite the top edge, and a central region centrally located in between the first and second edges;

b. a belt extending out from at least the first edge of the base, the belt comprising a fastening systems to secure the base to a user;

c. at least one handle protruding out from the base;

d. a plurality of fastening mechanisms arranged on the base;

e. a pair of harness straps attachable to the fastening mechanism, each harness strap comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms are arranged on the base such that when one of the first ends is attached to a first fastening mechanism and one of the second ends is attached to a second fastening mechanism the harness strap is configured to be worn on a shoulder of the user, and when the second end is attached to a third fastening mechanism the harness strap is configured to wrap around a leg of the user.

2. The stabilizing belt of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom edges define a first width at the first edge, the top and bottom edges define a second width at the second edge, and the top and bottom edges define a third width at the central region, wherein the third width is smaller than the first and second widths.

3. The stabilizing belt of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms comprise:

a. an upper fastener at the central region and along the top edge of the base, the upper fastener connectable to the first end of each harness strap; and

b. two lower fasteners bilaterally arranged relative to the upper fastener, the two lower fasteners positioned along the bottom edge of the base, each of the lower fasteners connectable to at least one of the first ends of the harness straps.

4. The stabilizing belt of claim 3, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms further comprise

a. a first side fastener adjacent to the first side edge and positioned laterally to a first lower fastener; and

b. a second side fastener adjacent to the second side edge and positioned laterally to a second lower fastener.

5. The stabilizing belt of claim 4, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms further comprise

a. a first auxiliary fastener located on the base below and medial to the first side fastener and lateral to the first lower fastener; and

b. a second auxiliary fastener located on the base below and medial to the second side fastener and lateral to the second lower fastener.

6. The stabilizing belt of claim 5, wherein the first ends of each harness strap comprise a buckle fastener, wherein each of the side fasteners comprises a first reciprocal buckle that can fasten with the buckle fastener, and each of the auxiliary fasteners comprises a second reciprocal buckle that can fasten with the buckle fastener, such that each harness strap is interchangeably connectable between one of the side fasteners and one of the auxiliary fasteners.

7. The stabilizing belt of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms comprise:

a. at least one upper fastener along the top edge of the base, the at least one upper fastener connectable to the first end of each harness strap; and

b. at least one lower fastener along the bottom edge of the base, the at least one lower fastener connectable to at least one of the first ends of the harness straps.

8. A stabilizing belt, comprising:

a. a pad having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, the first and second sides defining a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a top edge adjacent to the first and second edges, a bottom edge adjacent to the first and second edges and opposite the top edge, and a central region centrally located in between the first and second edges;

b. a belt extending out from at least the first edge of the pad, the belt comprising a fastening systems to secure the pad to a user;

c. at least one handle protruding out from the pad;

d. a plurality of fastening mechanisms arranged on the pad;

e. a pair of harness straps attachable to the fastening mechanism, each harness strap comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms are arranged on the pad such that when one of the first ends is attached to a first fastening mechanism and one of the second ends is attached to a second fastening mechanism the harness strap is configured to be worn on a shoulder of the user, and when the second end is attached to a third fastening mechanism the harness strap is configured to wrap around a leg of the user.

9. The stabilizing belt of claim 8, wherein the top and bottom edges define a first width at the first edge, the top and bottom edges define a second width at the second edge, and the top and bottom edges define a third width at the central region, wherein the third width is smaller than the first and second widths.

10. The stabilizing belt of claim 8, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms comprise:

a. an upper fastener at the central region and along the top edge of the pad, the upper fastener connectable to the first end of each harness strap; and

b. two lower fasteners bilaterally arranged relative to the upper fastener, the two lower fasteners positioned along the bottom edge of the pad, each of the lower fasteners connectable to at least one of the first ends of the harness straps.

11. The stabilizing belt of claim 10, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms further comprise

a. a first side fastener adjacent to the first side edge and positioned laterally to a first lower fastener; and

b. a second side fastener adjacent to the second side edge and positioned laterally to a second lower fastener.

12. The stabilizing belt of claim 11, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms further comprise

a. a first auxiliary fastener located on the pad below and medial to the first side fastener and lateral to the first lower fastener; and

b. a second auxiliary fastener located on the pad below and medial to the second side fastener and lateral to the second lower fastener.

13. The stabilizing belt of claim 12, wherein the first ends of each harness strap comprise a buckle fastener, wherein each of the side fasteners comprises a first reciprocal buckle that can fasten with the buckle fastener, and each of the auxiliary fasteners comprises a second reciprocal buckle that can fasten with the buckle fastener, such that each harness strap is interchangeably connectable between one of the side fasteners and one of the auxiliary fasteners.

14. The stabilizing belt of claim 8, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms comprise:

a. at least one upper fastener along the top edge of the pad, the at least one upper fastener connectable to the first end of each harness strap; and

b. at least one lower fastener along the bottom edge of the pad, the at least one lower fastener connectable to at least one of the first ends of the harness straps.

15. A stabilizing belt, comprising:

a. a cover having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, the first and second sides defining a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a top edge adjacent to the first and second edges, a bottom edge adjacent to the first and second edges and opposite the top edge, and a central region centrally located in between the first and second edges;

b. a belt extending out from at least the first edge of the cover, the belt comprising a fastening systems to secure the cover to a user;

c. at least one handle protruding out from the cover;

d. a plurality of fastening mechanisms arranged on the cover;

e. a pair of harness straps attachable to the fastening mechanism, each harness strap comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms are arranged on the cover such that when one of the first ends is attached to a first fastening mechanism and one of the second ends is attached to a second fastening mechanism the harness strap is configured to be worn on a shoulder of the user, and when the second end is attached to a third fastening mechanism the harness strap is configured to wrap around a leg of the user.

16. The stabilizing belt of claim 15, wherein the top and bottom edges define a first width at the first edge, the top and bottom edges define a second width at the second edge, and the top and bottom edges define a third width at the central region, wherein the third width is smaller than the first and second widths.

17. The stabilizing belt of claim 15, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms comprise:

a. at least one upper fastener along the top edge of the cover, the at least one upper fastener connectable to the first end of each harness strap; and

b. at least one lower fastener along the bottom edge of the cover, the at least one lower fastener connectable to at least one of the first ends of the harness straps.

18. The stabilizing belt of claim 17, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms further comprise

a. a first side fastener adjacent to the first side edge and positioned laterally to the at least one lower fastener; and

b. a second side fastener adjacent to the second side edge and positioned laterally to the at least one lower fastener, opposite the first side fastener.

19. The stabilizing belt of claim 18, wherein the plurality of fastening mechanisms further comprise

a. a first auxiliary fastener located on the cover below and medial to the first side fastener and lateral to the at least one lower fastener; and

b. a second auxiliary fastener located on the cover below and medial to the second side fastener and lateral to the at least one lower fastener.

20. The stabilizing belt of claim 19, wherein the first ends of each harness strap comprise a buckle fastener, wherein each of the side fasteners comprises a first reciprocal buckle that can fasten with the buckle fastener, and each of the auxiliary fasteners comprises a second reciprocal buckle that can fasten with the buckle fastener, such that each harness strap is interchangeably connectable between one of the side fasteners and one of the auxiliary fasteners.