Backpack Shoulder Strap Skin Protector

Abstract

A backpack shoulder strap protector includes laminated padded shoulder coverings that are in direct contact with the skin. The padded coverings are held together and in place by elastic material around the waist, also elastic material that is attached between the pads keeping them in place. The primary function is to prevent abrasion and damage of the skin due to the weight and movement of the backpack straps while walking that have clothing or other items under the straps.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a padding device that is worn against the skin to prevent the abrasion of the skin due to clothing and other material between straps and the skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Despite all the improvements in backpacking equipment, particularly the straps, clothing and other items are being pressed against the skin by the weight of backpacks. Clothing between the straps and skin fold, crease and have seams in them that in a short period of time chafe the skin causing tenderness and pain. Depending on the weight of the pack and the movement of the hiker this tenderness can rapidly escalate to sever abrasion, breaking of the skin and bleeding.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed toward the prevention of abrasion to the skin from backpack straps by a padded shoulder covering that is in direct contact with the skin preventing clothing and other items from damaging the skin.

In one aspect of the invention the padding device consists of rubber foam material laminated to a fabric or other soft materials. The soft materials are in contact with the skin providing a smooth surface that does not chafe backed by foam rubber that is in various thicknesses, depending on the weight of the backpack, to prevent clothing and other items roughness and irregularities to cause damage to the skin.

This system enables the user to significantly reduce the unavoidable pressure points caused by the backpack straps that abrade especially the collar bones, muscles of the shoulders, upper back and chest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in the detail below with reference to the diagrams below:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the backpack shoulder strap skin protector for a male according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the backpack shoulder strap skin protector for a female according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the backpack shoulder strap skin protector for a male according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the backpack shoulder strap skin protector for a female according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a male user 102a wearing the shoulder strap skin protector 100 directly on the skin. The padding 103 covering the shoulders, back and chest is a laminated rubber with the rubber on the top and a smother material on the bottom which is in contact with the skin. Various embodiments of the present disclosure include padding laminations of multiple materials to adapt to heavier backpacks, shapes and skin sensitivities. The device is held in place by elastic material around the chest 104 and is kept from moving by elastic between the right and left pads, front and back 105.

FIG. 2 shows a female user 102b wearing the shoulder strap skin protector 101 directly on the skin. This variation of embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates one example of this device being used with a sports bra 107. The skin protector 101 is worn under the bra and straps with the front elastic attachment 106 connecting to the waist band 104. Various embodiments of the present disclosure include other configurations that adapt to different body types and undergarments.

FIGS. 1 and 2 shows that the locations of the laminated rubber pad 103 to be situated on the primary points of contact between the pack straps and the areas of the shoulders that receive the greatest amount of stress and abrasion. The primary points of contact are the trapezius muscle at the top of the shoulder and the collar bone or clavicle. The clavicle anterior surface which is convex or projects out and forward is the primary surface that receives the most severe damage due to abrasion. Various embodiments of the present disclosure include the padding and proper location that is required to protect the primary points of abrasion while wearing a backpack with shoulder straps.

FIG. 3 illustrates the male users 102a various locations of the elastic material that surround the waist 104 and connects the laminated rubber pads 105. The elastic material makes it possible to easily put on the device by stretching the device over the users head and inserting the user's arms. The elastic material also keeps it in place while wearing backpack and allows easy movement while walking. The soft material 108 that is laminated to the rubber material is visible in this perspective view. Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a range of sizes and configurations adapting to many different body types.

FIG. 4 illustrates the female users 102b various locations for the elastic material that connects the rubber laminated material 103 to the waist band 106 and the elastic material 105 that connects the padding material 103 in the back. The soft material 108 on the skin side of the laminated rubber is visible in this perspective view.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A backpack shoulder strap protector comprising;

A padded device that covers the shoulders that is worn against the skin under the straps of a backpack.

The pads are made of laminated material with a smooth finish that does not abrade the skin, deform or form creases which is worn directly against the skin. The other side of the laminated material is a rubber of various thicknesses to absorb and even out the irregularities of clothing or other items under the backpack straps.

The device is held together by elastic material that holds the padding in place around the waist and connects the pads front and back to prevent movement.

2. The backpack shoulder skin protector of claim 1, wherein the device provides protection to the most vulnerable areas of the shoulders, upper chest and back from abrasion due to the irregularities of clothing and other items between the backpack straps and the skin.