DE69803415T2 - Shoulder strap with interchangeable padding for golf bag, backpack or other bags - Google Patents

Abstract

A shoulder strap for golf bags, rucksacks and other carry bags, the strap having an outer cover (5) containing an opening (6) through which may be introduced a removable insert made of a supple, strong non-porous material such as polyurethane formed into an airtight inflated sack itself divided into compartments by seams (2) with gaps (3) permitting transference of air between compartments. The air cushioning renders the strap comfortable to wear whilst carrying a heavy load. Should the insert become punctured it can be readily replaced through the opening (6). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to shoulder straps with replaceable padded inserts for golf bags, backpacks and other carrying bags.

Shoulder straps are used to comfortably carry heavy bags. Golf bags usually have one, but sometimes two shoulder straps. Backpacks and baby carriers, for example, usually have two shoulder straps.

However, shoulder straps often become uncomfortable after a while, especially when carrying a heavy weight.

DE-U-195 05 091 shows a bag in which air bags are provided in or attached to the straps.

According to the present invention there is provided a shoulder strap for bags, having means for receiving an insert, the insert comprising a sealed inflated air bag made of soft non-porous material 1 and having an opening in the strap to enable replacement of the air bag.

The insert can be manufactured to have walls consisting of a single layer of material or two or more layers. The thickness of the material and the number of layers used will affect the resistance to accidental puncture of the insert.

The insert may be designed as a complete tube or it may be designed with sections. These sections may be completely separated and sealed against each other. If one section is accidentally punctured, the other sections would remain inflated. Alternatively, the insert could have sections that are not completely separated from each other (if a gap is left between each section). This would allow air to flow between the sections when the insert is under pressure, i.e. when the shoulder strap is used. This process would make the insert more malleable and able to distribute the load across its length and width.

A specific embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the insert before inflation;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the insert after inflation;

Fig. 3 a cross-section through the inflated insert; and

Fig. 4 a longitudinal section of the insert within the outer shell of the belt.

Two sheets of polyurethane are welded together using a high frequency welding tool with a "trimmed" weld on the outside.

As shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing, the insert is first shaped so that a narrow gap 1 remains at the outer weld. At the same time, seams 2 are welded along the length and width which prevent the insert from assuming a 'sausage' shape when inflated and from creating a 'hinge effect' allowing a comfortable fit to the shoulder. Gaps 3 are left between the inner and outer seams to allow air to flow between the sections when inflated.

Air is blown into the insert between the middle layers through the narrow gap 1; this gap is then sealed by another weld as shown in Figs. 2 and 4:

As shown in Fig. 4, the outer cover layer 5 of the shoulder strap has an opening 6 on its underside at one end to enable the insert to be placed in position. This opening can be closed by "VELCO", "pop fasteners", zipper or button or could be left open as a flap. By locating the opening on the underside of the strap it will tend to remain closed.

The purpose of an opening in the shoulder strap is that if the insert is accidentally pierced, it can be easily replaced.

Another specific embodiment of the invention is as previously described, but has a check valve 7 through which the insert is inflated.

Another specific embodiment of the invention is designed as previously described, but a polyurethane tube is used instead of sheets. This means that in this case there is no need for a complete external weld.

Claims (9)

1. Shoulder strap for bags, with a device (5) for receiving an insert, the insert comprising a sealed inflated air bag made of soft non-porous material, and with an opening (6) in the strap to enable replacement of the air bag. 2. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein the air bag is divided into compartments with internal gaps to allow air flow between the compartments. 3. Shoulder strap according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the opening (6) is located on the underside of the strap in the wearing position. 4. Shoulder strap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (6) is arranged near one end of the strap. 5. Shoulder strap according to claim 2, wherein the inner gaps are provided between inner and outer seams (2) which delimit the compartments. 6. A shoulder strap according to claim 5, wherein an inner seam (2) extends across the width of the strap to provide a hinged effect for use. 7. A shoulder strap according to any preceding claim, wherein the insert is formed from one or more panels of polyurethane which are sealed and stitched by high frequency welding. 8. Shoulder strap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (6) is provided with a closure device. 9. Shoulder strap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert has an inflation valve (7).