VEST ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

A vest adjustment system includes a plurality of first couplers on a first front portion of a vest and a plurality of second couplers on a second front portion of the vest. The first couplers may receive a first cord, and the second couplers may receive a second cord. A first adjuster may couple to a first bottom edge and receive the first cord. In a similar manner, a second adjuster may couple to a second bottom edge and receive the second cord. One or more removably attachable couplers may attach the first cord to the second cord, allowing a user to adjust the vest. The vertical and horizontal tightness and position of the vest may be adjusted by pulling each cord.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vests. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vest adjustment system to increase comfort, fit, and adjustability of the vest.

BACKGROUND

Race vests are typically designed to hold or carry fluids, food, supplements, hydration, clothing, hiking poles, climbing gear, skis, and other necessities. Vests may be desirable in many technical fields and for participation in outdoor sports including skiing, walking, running, biking, hiking, mountaineering, climbing, and riding ATV and similar recreational vehicles. These vests have traditionally been fastened, closed, or attached with the use of buckles or other hardware that are often heavy, cumbersome, and without flexibility to accommodate normal movement and breathing. They also have a tendency to not stay adjusted to the correct fit, but often loosen in the activity and require readjustment.

Traditional systems have extra webbing or other attachment materials that are left lengthened to allow for adjustment to different shapes; these ends are difficult to tuck away and maintain without flopping around the wearer. Further, to prevent flapping, a user will often tighten the vest significantly, which can restrict the lungs and make it more difficult to breathe.

Additionally, customizing the length of the prior art straps is not easy and often requires the wearer to stop and look at the straps while making adjustments and dealing with buckles.

Accordingly, there is a need for vest adjustment system that does not have loose straps, does not flop, can be easily adjusted, and that does not inhibit breathing. The present vest adjustment system seeks to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a vest adjustment system comprises a plurality of first couplers on a first front portion of a vest and a plurality of second couplers on a second front portion of the vest. The plurality of first couplers attach to a first edge on the first front portion. The plurality of second couplers attach to a second edge on the second front portion. The first couplers may receive a first cord, and the second couplers may receive a second cord. The first and second cords may be an elastic material.

A first adjuster may couple to a first bottom edge and receive the first cord. In a similar manner, a second adjuster may couple to a second bottom edge and receive the second cord. More specifically, first and second toggle spring-stops may couple to the vest at the first and second bottom edges via one of the plurality of first and second couplers, respectively. One or more removably attachable couplers may attach to the first cord and/or second cord. The removably attachable couplers may allow the first front portion to be attached to the second front portion via the first cord and second cord.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a vest adjustment system;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a vest adjustment system with a single removably attachable coupler attached to an upper portion of a first cord and a second cord;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a vest adjustment system with a single removably attachable coupler attached to a middle portion of first cord and a second cord; and

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a vest adjustment system with multiple removably attachable couplers.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a race vest with a vest adjustment system in a loosened configuration;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a race vest with a vest adjustment system coupled to a user;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a race vest with a vest adjustment system in a tightened configuration;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a race vest with a vest adjustment system in a loosened configuration;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a race vest with a vest adjustment system in a tightened configuration;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a vest adjustment system; and

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a vest coupled to a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

While examples herein may relate to a “race vest,” it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to racing alone. Indeed, the vest disclosed herein may be used for physical activities, including hiking, biking, archeology, or numerous other industries where a user could benefit from an easy access vest that does not inhibit breathing and that allows heat to adequately escape.

As discussed above, there is a need for vest adjustment system that does not have loose straps, does not flop, can be easily adjusted, and that does not inhibit breathing. The race vest disclosed below solves these and other problems.

Race vests have traditionally been fastened, closed, or attached with the use of buckles or other hardware that are often heavy, cumbersome, and without flexibility to accommodate normal movement and breathing. They also have a tendency to not stay adjusted to the correct fit, but often loosen in the activity and require readjustment. This is especially true as a user races and his/her breathing changes, as does the positioning of the vest. Additionally, traditional systems may have extra webbing or other attachment materials that are left long so as to adjust to different shapes, and these long, loose ends are difficult to tuck. Additionally, adjusting many traditional race vests requires separate straps to adjust the vest horizontally and vertically in an effort to achieve the optimal positioning and comfort.

The vest adjustment system described herein comprises, generally, a first cord coupled to a first front portion of a vest and a second cord coupled to a second front portion of the vest. Removably attachable couplers may couple to the first or second cord, thereby allowing the first cord to couple to the second cord or vice versa. After a user couples the cord together via the removably attachable couplers, the user may then tighten the vest by pulling on both cords simultaneously at a first bottom edge and a second bottom edge of the vest, thereby allowing the vest to simultaneously adjust vertically and horizontally. It will be appreciated that the vest adjustment system removes bulky, cumbersome buckles found in the prior art and allows a user to make vertical and horizontal adjustments to their vest while running or stationary.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, a vest adjustment system 100 comprises a plurality of first couplers 102 on a first front portion 104 of a vest 106 and a plurality of second couplers 108 on a second front portion 110 of the vest 106. The plurality of first couplers 102 attach to a first edge 112 on the first front portion 104. The plurality of second couplers 108 attach to a second edge 114 on the second front portion 110. A void 115 is interposed between the first edge 112 and the second edge 114. Further, the first and second couplers 102, 108 may be spaced apart along the first edge 112 and second edge 114, respectively, at an identical distance so as equalize adjustment of the vest 106, as discussed herein below. The first and second couplers 102, 108 may be a material (e.g., nylon webbing) that is looped and sewn into the vest 106. In some embodiments, the looped couplers 102, 108 may comprise a reflective material so as to provide protection to a runner during the dark hours of a day. While the first and second couplers 102, 108 are shown as being a loop of material, it will be appreciated that other couplers may be used, such as plastic hooks or loops.

The first couplers 102 may receive a first cord 116 and the second couplers 108 may receive a second cord 118. The first and second cords 116, 118 may be secured to the vest 106 at their respective ends so as to prevent accidental removal from the vest 106. Furthermore, the first and second cords 116, 118 may be slidable within the first and second couplers 102, 108, respectively. The first and second cords 116, 118 may be an elastic material. It will be appreciated that the elastic material may allow the vest 106 to remain tightly secured to a user when coupled together, while at the same time allowing for flexibility with increased breathing and movement. It could be envisioned that other materials may be used instead of materials having elastic properties, such as nylon webbing.

A first adjuster 120 (e.g., drawstring toggle spring-stop) may couple to a first bottom edge 122 and receive the first cord 116. In a similar manner, a second adjuster 124 (e.g., drawstring toggle spring-stop) may couple to a second bottom edge 126 and receive the second cord 118. More specifically, the first and second toggle spring-stops 120, 124 may couple to the vest 106 at the first and second bottom edges 122, 126 via one of the plurality of first and second couplers 102, 108, respectively. While the first and second toggle spring-stops 120, 124 are shown coupled to the vest 106 by using the first and second couplers 102, 108, it will be appreciated that other means of attachment may be used, such as metal couplers, strings, elastics, or other device or material to secure the couplers 120, 124 to the vest 106. It will further be appreciated that the first and second toggle spring-stops 120, 124 may also be at other locations, such as coupled to the first edge 112 and second edge 114, respectively, or any other location on the first front portion 104 and the second front portion 110. Furthermore, while the drawstring toggle-spring stops may be shown, it will be appreciated that other adjustment mechanisms may be used, such as keyhole style cord locks or wheeled cord locks.

To adjust the vest 106 to a user, one or more removably attachable couplers 128 may be used. In particular, the first front portion 104 and the second front portion 110 of the vest 106 may be coupled to each other via the one or more removably attachable couplers 128. The removably attachable couplers 128 may be hooks, hook and loop, single gated carabiners, double gated carabiners, or any other mechanism to couple the first cord 116 to the second cord 118. The removably attachable couplers 128 may be removed and coupled to either the first cord 116 or the second cord 118 so as to accommodate the dominant hand of a user. For example, the couplers 128 may comprise a partially closed hook on each end, with one hook being more tightly closed than the other, such that the intent is for that portion to remain hooked (i.e., not as easily removed) while the other end, with the more open hook, functions as the quick-release coupler end. In this way, a right-handed user may couple the closed hook side of the coupler 128 to the first cord 116 while a left-handed user may couple the coupler 128 to the second cord 118. This is generally not possible with buckles on race vests in the art. Additionally, the couplers 128 may also be adjusted along the vertical length of the first or second cords 116, 118 to accommodate positioning across a user's torso. This allows a user to select the optimal position for comfort. For example, some users may prefer the cords 116, 118 to be coupled across the sternum, while other may prefer a different location. Additionally, a user may choose to have one coupler 128, as shown in FIG. 2, or a plurality of couplers, as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 2, a single removably attachable coupler 128 may attach to an upper portion 130 of the first and second cords 116, 118. As shown in FIG. 3, another user may prefer it to be located at a middle portion 132. Another user may prefer a plurality of connections, ensuring a snug fit, such as shown in FIG. 4 with couplers at a bottom portion 134 and top portion 130. While two couplers are shown, more may be used. Accordingly, a user may place the removably attachable couplers 128 in numerous locations so as to customize the fit of the vest 106, something that isn't possible with vests in the prior art. In other words, prior art vests utilize straps and buckles that are not movable, vertically, to accommodate placement on a user. Because each user has a different torso (particularly between male and female) and each person has their own optimal placement, non-movable straps are a problem in the art. Therefore, the adjustable couplers 128, being vertically movable on the torso, solve a significant problem in the art.

Many race vests on the market are extremely difficult to adjust, especially while running. A lot of these difficulties come from the positioning of the adjustment mechanisms, as well as the types of adjustment mechanisms (e.g., straps and buckles) used on the vest. For example, typical race vests require a user to adjust vertical and horizontal mechanisms, assuming the ability to adjust in both directions is available. Adjusting these vests correctly requires a lot of time because a user must adjust two to four straps and buckles, separately adjusting each one.

In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 5-10, a user may place the vest on their body and attach the first and second cords 116, 118 via one or more of the removably attachable couplers 128 at the upper portion 130, middle portion 132, bottom portion 134, or any other location. As shown in FIG. 6, once the removably attachable couplers 128 are coupled to the first and second cords 116, 118, the user may pull the first and second cords 116, 118, at the first bottom edge 122 and second bottom edge 126, which pulls the first front portion 104 and the second front portion 110 towards each other, thereby tightening the vest 106 and decreasing the width of the void 115. It will be appreciated that the first and second cords 116, 118 may be pulled simultaneously or independently to adjust the vest adjustment system 100. If the adjusters 120, 124 are toggle spring-stops, the vest 106 cannot loosen once tightened and a user can adjust each side one-handedly. Further, when the first and second front portions 104, 110 are moving towards each other, they are also adjusted vertically. Accordingly, adjusting the first and second cords 116, 118 allows a user to adjust the vertical and horizontal positioning of the vest 106 at the same time, which allows a user to find the proper positioning of the vest 106 for their body type. This simultaneous adjustment of vertical and horizontal, while merely pulling on two cords (116, 118) has not been achieved by the prior art. This is important as it allows a user to make large and minute adjustments to the tightness of the vest 106 while running or participating in other activities. Further, a user does not need to divert their eyes from the activity to adjust the vest 106.

The first adjuster 120 and the second adjuster 124 may assist the user in adjusting and securing the first and second cords 116, 118 in a desired position. Further, the first and second adjusters 120, 124 and the excess first and second cords 116, 118, due to tightening the vest 106, may be stored in cord pockets 136 and 138. The cords 116, 118 may also be hidden beneath a layer of the vest, as shown in FIG. 9. It will be appreciated that having a single adjustment system that adjusts both the vertical and horizontal adjustments allows a user to adjust the vest 106 quickly and easily as well as adjust the vest 106 while running. As shown in FIG. 11, it will further be appreciated that when the one or more removably attachable couplers 128 attach the first cord 116 to the second cord 118, a storage area is created. For example, a user may store accessories 140, such as gloves or a hat, between the first and second cords 116, 118 and their body.

Additionally, if the vest 106 is overtightened, a user can simply depress the spring-top on the adjusters 120, 124 to release the cord 116, 118, thereby loosening the vest 106 to a proper fit. In the prior art, particularly when straps are used, a user is required to use two hands to maneuver the strap through the buckle in order to loosen the buckle. This may take precious time, particularly when in a foot race. Further, most straps and buckles are not forgiving, which may restrict a user's ability to breath properly. In contrast, the cords 116, 118 disclosed herein are preferably elastic, allowing expansion as a user breathes and moves. Accordingly, the vest adjustment system 100 disclosed herein solves these problems.

Therefore, as appreciated from the foregoing disclosure, the vest adjustment system 100 disclosed herein solves the need for a vest that does not have loose straps, does not flop, can accommodate gear, that allows heat to escape, and that does not inhibit breathing.

It will also be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A vest adjustment system comprising:

a vest comprising a first front portion and a second front portion, the first front portion having a plurality of first couplers extending therefrom, and the second front portion having a plurality of second couplers extending therefrom;

a first cord slidably coupled to the plurality of first couplers, the first cord adjustable via a first adjuster;

a second cord slidably coupled to the plurality of second couplers, the second cord adjustable via a second adjuster;

one or more removably attachable couplers to attach the first cord to the second cord.

2. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first couplers couple to a first edge on the first front portion.

3. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second couplers couple to a second edge of the second front portion.

4. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first couplers and the plurality of second couplers each comprise a material that is looped and coupled to the vest.

5. The vest adjustment system of claim 4, wherein the material comprises a reflective material.

6. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the first cord and the second cord comprise elastics.

7. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the first adjuster and second adjuster are each drawstring toggle spring-stops.

8. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the first adjuster is coupled to a first bottom edge of the first front portion.

9. The vest adjustment system of claim 8, wherein the first adjuster is coupled to one of the plurality of first couplers at the first bottom edge.

10. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the second adjuster is coupled to a second bottom edge of the second front portion.

11. The vest adjustment system of claim 11, wherein the second adjuster is coupled to one of the plurality of second couplers at the second bottom edge.

12. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the one or more removably attachable couplers attach at an upper portion and bottom portion of the first cord and second cord.

13. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the removably attachable couplers attach at an upper portion of the first cord and second cord.

14. A vest adjustment system comprising:

a vest comprising a first front portion and a second front portion, the first front portion having a first edge with a plurality of first couplers extending therefrom, and the second front portion having a second edge with a plurality of second couplers extending therefrom;

a first cord attached to the plurality of first couplers and slidable therein, the first cord adjustable via a first adjuster coupled to a first bottom edge of the vest;

a second cord attached to the plurality of second couplers and slidable therein, the second cord adjustable via a second adjuster coupled to a second bottom edge of the vest; and

one or more removably attachable couplers to couple the first cord to the second cord;

wherein when the first cord and the second cord are each pulled downwardly at the first bottom edge and the second bottom edge, the distance between the first edge and second edge is decreased.

15. The vest adjustment system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of first couplers and the plurality of second couplers each comprise a material that is looped and coupled to the vest.

16. The vest adjustment system of claim 14, wherein the first cord and the second cord comprise an elastic material.

17. The vest adjustment system of claim 14, wherein the first adjuster and second adjuster comprise drawstring toggle spring-stops.

18. The vest adjustment system of claim 14, wherein the first adjuster is coupled to one of the plurality of first couplers at the first bottom edge.

19. The vest adjustment system of claim 14, wherein the second adjuster is coupled to one of the plurality of second couplers at the second bottom edge.