Slip belt carrying apparatus
An apparatus for suspending a plurality of articles from a user comprises a belt securable around the mid torso (waist) of a user and an inner stationary flexible member suspended beneath the belt and extending completely around the torso of the user. The apparatus further comprises an outer rotatable flexible member suspended from and rotatable a full 360 degrees about the inner stationary flexible member, the outer rotary flexible member extending at least partially around the torso of the user and being operable to attach a plurality of containers thereto. The apparatus may comprise a container for carrying articles comprising an outer shell extending between top and bottom ends, an attachment for securing the outer shell to a support and an inner sleeve extending between the top and bottom ends of the outer shell.
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for carrying articles, and in particular to a harness and belt system onto which containers may be attached, with the belt permitting relative rotational movement between the wearer and the containers.
2. Description of Related ArtIn a variety of employment and hobby activities, it is desirable to have a number of objects close at hand and carried on the user for ready access. Examples of such activities include tradesmen carrying tools, police or military personnel carrying weapons and ammunition, safety personnel carrying first aid and triage equipment, and photographers carrying camera equipment and accessories.
One method of carrying objects is to attach the objects to a belt secured onto the user. Other belt carrying systems have been described, but lack flexibility with the attached objects located at one or more fixed locations around the user. Examples of these carrying systems include U.S. Pat. No. 3,762,616 (Brunstetter), US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0096545 A1 (Chang), and International Publication Number WO 2005/107512 A2.
Other belt carrying devices include both an inner and outer belt system, from which containers may be suspended, with the ability for each container to be slid along the outer belt, permitting relative rotational movement between the wearer and each of the containers. Disadvantageously, the containers of such devices must be moved individually which may be time consuming. Additionally, due to the buckles for such belts, a full 360-degree rotation about the wearer is not possible. Examples of such devices include U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,576 (Rogers) and US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0051037 A1 (Ballard).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to a first embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed an apparatus for suspending a plurality of articles from a user comprising a belt securable around the mid torso of a user and an inner stationary flexible member suspended beneath the belt and extending completely around the lower torso of the user. The apparatus further comprises an outer rotary flexible member suspended from and rotatable about the inner stationary flexible member, the outer rotary flexible member extending at least partially around the lower torso of the user and being operable to attach a plurality of containers thereto which are suitable for carrying articles therein.
The inner stationary flexible member may comprise an elongate flexible inner strap oriented around the lower torso of the user along a plane perpendicular to an axis through the torso. The elongate flexible inner strap may be formed of a plastic.
The inner stationary flexible member may include a plurality of rigid inner clip segments secured thereto wherein the outer rotary flexible member is supported on the plurality of rigid inner clip segments. Each of the plurality of rigid inner clips segments may include at least one outer wall extending parallel to the elongate flexible inner strap. The at least one outer wall may comprise a pair of coplanar vertically spaced apart walls. The pair of coplanar vertically spaced apart walls may extend to free distal ends at opposite ends thereof. The plurality of rigid inner clip segments may include an inner wall extending parallel to the elongate flexible inner strap. The inner wall may extend to free distal ends at top and bottom edges of the rigid inner clip segments. The flexible inner strap may be located between the inner wall and the at least one outer wall. The plurality of the rigid inner clip segments may be evenly spaced around the flexible member with a gap distance therebetween.
The outer rotary flexible member may comprise an elongate flexible strap oriented around and rotatably movable about the lower torso of the user along a plane perpendicular to an axis through the torso. The outer rotary flexible member may include a plurality of outer clip segments secured thereto adapted to engage upon the outer wall of the inner stationary flexible member. Each of the plurality of outer clip segments may include u-shaped walls adapted to slidably surround top and bottom edges of the outer wall of the rigid inner clip segments. The plurality of outer clip segments may be secured to the outer flexible member a plurality of in pairs distributed therearound. The plurality of pairs may have gap distances between them operable to support a container thereon.
The apparatus may further comprise at least one container operable to carry an article therein comprising an outer shell extending between top and bottom ends, an attachment for securing the outer shell to the outer flexible rotary member and an inner sleeve extending between the top and bottom ends of the outer shell. The attachment may comprise a clip selectably securable over the outer flexible rotary member within the gap between groups of outer belt clip segments. The inner sleeve may comprise an elastic tubular member sized smaller than the outer shell and stretched at the top and bottom ends to form an hour glass shape inside the outer shell.
The apparatus may further comprise a harness secured to the waist belt and adapted to extend over the shoulders of a user. The harness may include a chest plate extending across the chest of a user and adapted to have a container secured thereto. The apparatus may further comprise attachment points operable to receive the chest plate thereon as well as attachments on the back of the harness for a tripod case and clothing pouches.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed a kit for carrying articles comprising a belt securable around the mid torso of a user, an inner stationary flexible member suspended beneath the belt and extending completely around the torso of the user and an outer rotary flexible member suspended from and rotatable about the inner stationary flexible member, the outer rotary flexible member extending at least partially around the lower torso of the user and being operable to attach a plurality of containers thereto. The apparatus further comprises at least one container operable to carry an article therein comprising an outer shell extending between top and bottom ends, an attachment for securing the outer shell to the outer flexible rotary member and an inner sleeve extending between the top and bottom ends of the outer shell.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed an apparatus for carrying articles comprising an outer shell extending between top and bottom ends, an attachment for securing the outer shell to a support and an inner sleeve extending between the top and bottom ends of the outer shell.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention wherein similar characters of reference denote corresponding parts in each view,
Referring to
The system 10 includes a belt assembly 12 and a plurality of attached containers 14 rotatably supported on the belt assembly 12 around the user's lower torso (hips), supported by a waist belt 16. The waist belt 16 is secured to the torso of a user and remains stationary on the user's body while the attached belt assembly 12 may allow a full 360-degree rotation of the attached containers around the user's lower torso (hips), as will be described in more detail below.
The waist belt 16 comprises an elongate strap 22, securable about a user's torso, with an adjustable closure mechanism 26. The elongate strap 22 may be constructed using, such as by way of non-limiting example, polyester webbing, or any other suitable material, such that it is flexible and may fully encircle the user's waist. The adjustable closure mechanism 26 may be, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a quick release buckle, as is commonly known, allowing for the waist belt 16 to be opened or closed, and additionally allowing for length adjustment of the elongate strap 22, to adjust to the waist size of various users. It will be appreciated that other closure mechanisms and length adjustment methods may be useful, as well. Optional attached padded material 24 secured to an inside surface of the waist belt strap may improve comfort for the user and may be constructed using, such as by way of non-limiting example, padded nylon fabric. The padded material 24 may be formed in a plurality of pieces to span the side waist areas of the user, as shown in the current embodiment of the invention, or it may be formed in a single piece, spanning any length along the waist belt 16. The optional padded material 24 may be attached to the elongate strap 22 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, sewn with thread, rivets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or any other known fasteners.
A plurality of suspension straps 28 are suspended from the waist belt 16, distributed therearound, with connecting clasps 20 therealong. The suspension straps 28 and connecting clasps 20 join the waist belt 16 with the belt assembly 12. The suspension straps 28 may be made using any suitable material, such as, by way of non-limiting example, polyester webbing, and are secured to the waist belt 16 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, thread, rivets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or any other known fasteners. The connecting clasps 20 may be any suitable clasp, as is commonly known, such as, by way of non-limiting example, quick release clasps or buckles. The mating portions of the connecting clasps 20 are attached to the belt assembly 12, distributed at matching intervals, such that the belt assembly 12 may be supported by the waist belt 16 when both portions of each connecting clasp 20 are connected.
Turning now to
As best seen on
The flexible elongate inner belt strap 34, extending between first and second ends, 80 and 82, respectively, is sized to extend fully around a user's hips, and spaced apart therefrom when in use. It may be appreciated that a variety of inner belt strap 34 lengths may be useful, to allow for various sizes of users. The inner belt strap 34 may be constructed using such as, by way of non-limiting example, ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick by 1½ inch (38 mm) wide nylon material, however other materials and sizes may be useful, as well. As set out above, the inner belt strap 34 extends through a plurality of inner belt clip segments 32, within the centre gap 72, such that the inner belt strap 34 engages upon the back wall 56 between the upper and lower connecting walls, 66 and 68. The inner belt strap 34 is fastened to the back wall 56 of each inner belt clip segment 32 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rivets or adhesive. The plurality of inner belt clip segments 32 are evenly spaced apart along the full length of the inner belt strap 34, allowing a gap distance 190 therebetween the first and second side edges 48 and 50 of adjacent inner belt clip segments 32 at the back walls 56 such as in the range of between ⅛ inches and ¼ inches (3 mm and 6 mm), by way of non-limiting example, to allow the stationary inner belt 30 to flexibly encircle a user without interference between the inner belt clip segments 32 whether on a straight or curved portion of the wearer's torso.
The inner belt tongue 36, extending between first and second ends, 76 and 78, respectively, may be constructed using similar material, and may be similar in thickness and width, to the inner belt strap 34, and may extend approximately 3-6 inches (75-150 mm) in length, although other lengths may be useful, as well. As shown in
To close the stationary inner belt 30 for use, the second end 78 of the inner belt tongue 36 may be slidably inserted into the stationary inner belt 30 through the centre gaps 72 of the inner belt clip segments 32 proximate to the second end 82 of the inner belt strap 34. The inner belt tongue 36 is illustrated in
The stationary inner belt 30 may be secured in the closed position, as shown in
As set out above, the belt assembly 12 may be supported by the waist belt 16, and is connected with a plurality of suspension straps 28 and connecting clasps 20, secured to the waist belt 16 and to the inside of the stationary inner belt 30 by any known means, spaced apart to match the spacing of the suspension straps 28 on the waist belt 16.
Referring to
The flexible elongate outer belt strap 94, extending between first and second ends, 140 and 142, respectively, is sized to partially extend around the stationary inner belt 30, as best illustrated in
Turning now to
Referring to
The top and bottom covers, 156 and 158, match the shape profile of the body 150 and may be sized to fit within the body 150, as illustrated in
Referring to
The internal suspension sleeve 162 is fabricated using a flexible, stretchable material, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a 3/64 inch (1 mm) thick neoprene material with stretch Lycra nylon laminated thereon both inner and outer surfaces. Referring to
Optional attachments may be added to the container 14, as illustrated by example in
Referring now to
When fully assembled, the belt assembly 12 allows for a plurality of containers 14 to be attached thereon, as best illustrated in
An optional shoulder harness assembly 18 may be added to the system 10, as illustrated in
The shoulder harness assembly 18 includes two elongate shoulder straps 200, securable over a user's shoulders and torso forming front and rear portions, 196 and 198, respectively, thereof, with adjusting clasps 202 at the distal ends thereof, connecting with a plurality of suspension straps 204 attached to the waist belt 16 therearound. The shoulder straps 200 and suspension straps 204 may be made using any suitable material, such as, by way of non-limiting example, polyester webbing, and the suspension straps 204 are secured to the waist belt 16 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, thread, rivets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or any other known fasteners. The adjusting clasps 202 may be any suitable clasp, as is commonly known, such as, by way of non-limiting example, quick release clasps or buckles, allowing for length adjustment of the shoulder straps 200 to adjust the size of the shoulder harness assembly 18 for various users.
The shoulder harness assembly 18 may include an optional vest 206, onto which the shoulder straps 200 may be secured. The vest 206 comprises a back panel 208 proximate to the rear portion 198 with two front extensions 210 proximate to the front portion 196, as best shown in
To utilize the system 10 as shown in
It may be appreciated that the articles within the plurality of containers 14 are protected by the internal suspension sleeve 162, therefore they may remain within the containers 14 for storage and transport, without additional protective supports for the articles required. To transport the system 10 and articles within the plurality of containers 14, the system 10 may be easily dismantled and all components loaded into a conventional carry-on sized suitcase, as is commonly known.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus for suspending a plurality of articles from a user comprising:
- a belt securable around the mid torso of a user;
- an inner stationary flexible member suspended beneath said belt and extending completely around said lower torso of said user; and
- an outer rotary flexible member suspended from and rotatable about said inner stationary flexible member, said outer rotary flexible member extending at least partially around said torso of said user and being operable to attach a plurality of containers thereto.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inner stationary flexible member comprises an elongate flexible inner strap oriented around said lower torso of said user along a plane perpendicular to an axis through said torso.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said elongate flexible inner strap is formed of a plastic.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inner stationary flexible member includes a plurality of rigid inner clip segments secured thereto wherein said outer rotary flexible member is supported on said plurality of rigid inner clip segments.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of rigid inner clips segments includes at least one outer wall extending parallel to said elongate flexible inner strap.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said at least one outer wall comprises a pair of coplanar vertically spaced apart walls.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said pair of coplanar vertically spaced apart walls extend to free distal ends at opposite ends thereof.
8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said plurality of rigid inner clip segments include an inner wall extending parallel to said elongate flexible inner strap.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said inner wall extends to free distal ends at top and bottom edges of said rigid inner clip segments.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said flexible inner strap is located between said inner wall and said at least one outer wall.
11. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said plurality of said rigid inner clip segments are evenly spaced around said flexible member with a gap distance therebetween.
12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said outer rotary flexible member comprises an elongate flexible strap oriented around and rotatably movable about said lower torso of said user along a plane perpendicular to an axis through said torso.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said outer rotary flexible member includes a plurality of outer clip segments secured thereto adapted to engage upon said outer wall of said inner stationary flexible member.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein each of said plurality of outer clip segments includes u-shaped walls adapted to slidably surround top and bottom edges of said outer wall of said rigid inner clip segments.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said plurality of outer clip segments are secured to said outer flexible member a plurality of in groups distributed therearound.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said plurality of groups have gap distances between them operable to support a container attached thereon.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one container operable to carry an article therein comprising:
- an outer shell extending between top and bottom ends;
- an attachment for securing said outer shell to said outer flexible rotary member; and
- an inner sleeve extending between said top and bottom ends of said outer shell.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said attachment comprises a clip selectably securable over said outer flexible rotatable member.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said inner sleeve comprises an elastic tubular member sized smaller than said outer shell and stretched at said top and bottom ends to form an hour glass shape inside said outer shell.
20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said inner sleeve attached to top and bottom edges of said outer shell is utilized without top or bottom cover to facilitate carrying a camera body with attached lens.
21. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a harness secured to said belt and adapted to extend over the shoulders of a user.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said harness includes a chest plate extending across the chest of a user and adapted to have said container secured thereto.
23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said harness further comprises attachment points operable to receive said container thereon.
24. A kit for carrying articles comprising:
- a belt securable around the mid torso of a user;
- an inner stationary flexible member suspended beneath said belt and extending completely around said torso of said user;
- an outer rotary flexible member suspended from and rotatable about said inner stationary flexible member, said outer rotary flexible member extending at least partially around said torso of said user and being operable to attach a plurality of containers thereto; and
- at least one container operable to carry an article therein comprising: an outer shell extending between top and bottom ends; an attachment for securing said outer shell to said outer flexible rotatable member; and an inner sleeve extending between said top and bottom ends of said container outer shell.
25. An apparatus for carrying articles comprising:
- an outer shell extending between top and bottom ends;
- an attachment for securing said outer shell to a support; and
- an inner sleeve extending between said top and bottom ends of said outer shell.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 21, 2016
Publication Date: May 24, 2018
Inventor: Wayne Danforth (Kelowna)
Application Number: 15/356,917