US20110214212A1 - Load bearing suspension system - Google Patents

Load bearing suspension system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20110214212A1
US20110214212A1 US12/736,458 US73645809A US2011214212A1 US 20110214212 A1 US20110214212 A1 US 20110214212A1 US 73645809 A US73645809 A US 73645809A US 2011214212 A1 US2011214212 A1 US 2011214212A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
belt
attachment means
load bearing
suspension system
harness
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/736,458
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English (en)
Inventor
Thomas A. Marx
Eric Yeates
Charles E. Buis lII
Scott V. Ferros
Zac West
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited LLC
Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US12/736,458 priority Critical patent/US20110214212A1/en
Assigned to BLACKHAWK INDUSTRIES PRODUCT GROUP UNLIMITED LLC reassignment BLACKHAWK INDUSTRIES PRODUCT GROUP UNLIMITED LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MARX, THOMAS A., BUIS, CHARLES E., III, Ferros, Scott V., YEATES, ERIC M., WEST, ZAC
Publication of US20110214212A1 publication Critical patent/US20110214212A1/en
Assigned to ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC. reassignment ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC. NUNC PRO TUNC ASSIGNMENT (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BLACKHAWK INDUSTRIES PRODUCT GROUP UNLIMITED LLC
Assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. reassignment BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC., CALIBER COMPANY, EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC., FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY, SAVAGE ARMS, INC., SAVAGE RANGE SYSTEMS, INC., SAVAGE SPORTS CORPORATION
Assigned to SAVAGE ARMS, INC., SAVAGE RANGE SYSTEMS, INC., FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY, SAVAGE SPORTS CORPORATION, CALIBER COMPANY, ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC., EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC. reassignment SAVAGE ARMS, INC. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT RELEASE Assignors: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
Assigned to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. reassignment BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BEE STINGER, LLC, BOLLE AMERICA, INC., BOLLE INC., BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC., BUSHNELL INC., EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC., FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY, GOLD TIP, LLC, MICHAELS OF OREGON CO., MILLETT INDUSTRIES, Night Optics USA, Inc., PRIMOS, INC., SAVAGE ARMS, INC., SAVAGE RANGE SYSTEMS, INC., SAVAGE SPORTS CORPORATION, Serengeti Eyewear, Inc., STONEY POINT PRODUCTS INC., VISTA OUTDOOR INC., VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC
Assigned to VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC reassignment VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/0007—Garments with built-in harnesses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
    • A45F3/14—Carrying-straps; Pack-carrying harnesses

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to load bearing and/or suspension systems.
  • the present invention relates to an ergonomic load bearing and/or suspension system.
  • the duty/tool belt that provides the foundation on which the wearer's tools are supported has traditionally been a heavy, rigid, leather belt, with a large metal buckle.
  • the better leather belts are made of two layers of leather, glued, and stitched tightly together, to increase the belt's stiffness for the purpose of supporting the items it must carry.
  • duty/tool belts are often attached to the wearer's trousers belt beneath it by several “keepers” spaced at intervals around the belt.
  • These keepers are leather or synthetic straps, typically 1 ⁇ 2′′ to 3 ⁇ 4′′ wide, that are placed around both the duty/tool belt and the trousers belt beneath it, after which the keeper is fastened into a closed loop either with two metal snaps or with Velcro to hold the two belts together and thus restrict the duty/tool belt's movement on the user's waist.
  • duty/tool belts are sometimes made with hook-and-loop (“Velcro”) material on their underside, to attach them, without keepers, to a trousers belt faced with corresponding Velcro material.
  • Velcro hook-and-loop
  • duty/tool belt The paramount purpose of the duty/tool belt is, of course, to allow the wearer to carry his or her most important items of equipment in a manner that will make them both secure, and readily accessible when needed.
  • Tightening the belt in an attempt to keep it from sliding down increases the discomfort to the wearer's back, hips, and nerves.
  • the tight belt sometimes causes equipment or equipment pouches to bite into the wearer's hip, or to aggravate the nerves running over the hip.
  • the present invention relates generally to load bearing and/or suspension systems.
  • the present invention relates to an ergonomic load bearing and/or suspension system.
  • the present invention relates to a suspender system that transfers at least some of the duty/tool belt's weight to the wearer's shoulders, relieving weight and pressure on the wearer's lower back and hips.
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system comprises an over-the-shirt system, which incorporates a visible or partially visible suspenders load bearing and/or suspension system.
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system of the present invention comprises an under-the-shirt system, which comprises a non-visible or only minimally visible, non-suspender load bearing and/or suspension systems.
  • a shirt, or other overgarment is formed so as to accommodate the load bearing and/or suspension system instead of actually being the load bearing and/or suspension system.
  • the shirt or overgarment provides a more traditional appearance with non-traditional materials and construction.
  • the shirt or other overgarment may also be formed so as to accommodate conventional or concealed soft armor.
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system is applied the shirt or overgarment itself and/or to externally worn hard or soft armor.
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system is applied external tactical armor/vests.
  • a typical shirt or other overgarment may be retrofitted to accommodate the load bearing and/or suspension system of the present invention.
  • an existing duty shirt may be modified to include iron-on patches and cut opening.
  • a wearer may take a current in-use shirt and make a simply alteration to employ this new system.
  • the system duty shirt may be modified to incorporate longer zipper access to reach in for adjusting the adjustment dial.
  • the shirt or other overgarment may include a substantially flat interior pocket in this opening where a wearer could keep important personal items, such as, for example, identification cards.
  • the shirt or overgarment itself may have ballistic properties.
  • the overgarment may comprise a vest, either a tactical-type vest or an external vest.
  • the vest may optionally include a zippered front as well as certain side protection and fitted patterning.
  • the vest may be constructed so as to provide increased flexibility for a custom fit.
  • the vest can combine a zippered front with a degree of modular dexterity.
  • an adjustment dial is positioned within the load bearing and/or suspension system in order to allow the system to be adjusted for each individual wearer. While an adjustment dial may be utilized, any device capable of retracting appropriate section(s) of the load bearing and/or suspension system may be utilized.
  • the adjustment dial may be manually manipulated to extend or retract portions of the load bearing and/or suspension system.
  • the adjustment dial may allow for auto-retraction and/or tensioning of the components of the load bearing and/or suspension system.
  • the adjustment dial, or other retracting device is attached or coupled to a suspender-type portion of the load bearing and/or suspension system.
  • the adjustment dial, or other retracting device maybe attached coupled to a belt portion of the load bearing and/or suspension system.
  • improvements are made to a pair of trousers as well.
  • the trousers and body a traditional appearance, but allow for improved performance.
  • the appearance of the trousers is modified to provide for even better performance.
  • improvements are made to a duty/tool belt. While maintaining a relatively traditional appearance, the improved the duty/tool belt is constructed using extremely non-traditional elements and/or components.
  • the duty/tool belt includes an overmolded portion.
  • the overmolded portion may be included along at least an area of the upper and/or lower edge of the belt, in an area proximate the right and left hip bone areas of a wearer.
  • the duty/tool belt may be constructed so as to include at least some interfacing loops for the harness structure to support the belt.
  • interfacing loops may be appropriately secured around a more traditional duty/tool belt.
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system includes a holster or other pouch or carrier.
  • the holster, pouch, or carrier allows for improved positioning, carrying angles, and/or carry heights.
  • the holster, pouch, or carrier is able to be attached or coupled to certain elements of the load bearing and/or suspension system of the present invention.
  • certain methods of attachment are provided for proper utilization of the load bearing and/or suspension system.
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system can be a stand-alone system; can be worn over a shirt, a shirt-like overgarment, and/or vest; can be formed as an integral part of a shirt, a shirt-like overgarment, and/or vest; and/or can be part of a combined body armor carrier and load bearing and/or suspension system.
  • a Velcro adjustable version of the load bearing and/or suspension system is similar to the adjustment dial version, except that instead of the adjustment dial, the system utilizes Velcro-controlled gross adjustments in the nylon straps that pass down from the right and left shoulder harnesses, combined with plastic adjustment buckles that permit the straps to be shortened or lengthened several inches to allow fine adjustments to be made by accessing the strap ends through the slots in the modified uniform shirts.
  • the plastic buckles are quickly detachable by the user, by means of a glove-compatible pinch-to-release design.
  • the simplicity and less mechanical nature of the Velcro strap adjustable system can be more reliable in extended field use and under adverse conditions.
  • the user has the option of determining how much of the duty/tool belt's weight he or she transfers off the hips and waist, and onto the shoulders. Slack in the load bearing and/or suspension system will leave all or almost all of the weight and pressure on the user's hips and waist, while a tight load bearing and/or suspension system can transfer virtually all of the duty/tool belt's weight to the user's shoulders. Individual users may prefer to adjust the ratio based on their own comfort, physical condition, or the nature of activity in which they are engaged.
  • Analogizing the load bearing and/or suspension system to a backpack with shoulder straps and a hip belt the user may also wish to tighten and loosen the load bearing and/or suspension system from time to time during the day, to give either his shoulders or his hips a rest by temporarily transferring more of the weight to the other part of his body.
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system can also be used with unconventional uniform shirts, such as bike patrol shirts and golf-type shirts.
  • Other types of shirts can be modified to permit the use of load bearing and/or suspension system of this design as well.
  • Various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention separately provide a load bearing and/or suspension system, which is capable of accommodating and/or allowing for non-traditional equipment placement.
  • Various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention separately provide a load bearing and/or suspension system, which is capable of being used in conjunction with all kinds of undershirts as well as with various armor carriers.
  • Various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention separately provide a load bearing and/or suspension system, which is not dependent on any kind of internal carrier.
  • Various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention separately provide a load bearing and/or suspension system, which provides a better overall distribution of the weight that results from conventionally carried duty gear.
  • Various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention separately provide a load bearing and/or suspension system, which is capable of accommodating both male and female wearers, as well as wearers of various body types, physical condition, disabilities, and/or skill levels.
  • Various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention separately provide a load bearing and/or suspension system, which allows improved freedom of movement for a wearer.
  • Various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention separately provide a load bearing and/or suspension system, which does not need to be removed during certain activities, such as, for example, while the wearer is using a toilet.
  • Various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention separately provide a load bearing and/or suspension system, which is constructed so as to avoid nerve damage often associated with military, law enforcement, and others and other belt-wearing tradesmen.
  • Various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention separately provide a load bearing and/or suspension system, which is capable of being utilized with a conventional-looking but wrap-around-securing shirt.
  • Various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention separately provide a load bearing and/or suspension system, which provides improved comfort and reduction of fatigue to those wearing equipment-laden duty/tool belts.
  • Various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of this invention separately provide a load bearing and/or suspension system, which may reduce the incidence and/or severity of physical ailments commonly associated with the long-term wearing of duty/tool belts.
  • FIG. 1 shows a prior art suspender system
  • FIGS. 2A-2K show various views of the components of a first exemplary embodiment of a load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIGS. 3A-3K show various views of the components of an additional exemplary embodiment of the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIGS. 4A-4K show various views of the components of an additional exemplary embodiment of the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIGS. 5A-5C show various components of an additional exemplary embodiment of the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIGS. 6A-6C show various views of an exemplary embodiment of a shirt to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIGS. 7A-7C show various views of an additional exemplary embodiment of a shirt to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIGS. 8A-8C show various views of an additional exemplary embodiment of a shirt to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIGS. 9A-9C show various views of an additional exemplary embodiment of a shirt to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIGS. 10A-10C show various views of an exemplary embodiment of a vest and harness to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIGS. 11A-11C show various views of an additional exemplary embodiment of a vest and harness to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIGS. 12A-12E show various views of an exemplary embodiment of a harness to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIGS. 13A-13C show various views of an additional exemplary embodiment of a vest, harness, and belt to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIGS. 14A-14C show various views of exemplary attachment means to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 15 shows an exemplary belt to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 16 shows an exemplary pair of pants and belt to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate the placement of an exemplary belt, according to this invention, in relative to a wearer's skeletal structure
  • FIGS. 18A-18C show various views of an exemplary belt and belt padding elements to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIGS. 19A-19B show an exemplary belt and attachment means to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 20 shows various views of an exemplary belt padding element and attachment means to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 21 shows various views of an exemplary belt padding element and an additional embodiment of an attachment means to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 22 shows an exemplary belt, belt padding element, and attachment means to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 23 shows an exemplary attachment means to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 24A shows front perspective view of an exemplary belt, belt padding element, and attachment means to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 24B shows side perspective view of an exemplary belt, belt padding element, and attachment means to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 25A shows side perspective view of an exemplary belt, belt padding element, and attachment means to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 25B shows side perspective view of an exemplary belt, belt padding element, and attachment means position around a wearer's waist, according to this invention
  • FIGS. 26A-26C show an exemplary load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention, as worn by a user;
  • FIGS. 27A-27C show various components of an additional exemplary embodiment of the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIGS. 28A-28C show an additional exemplary embodiment of a harness to be utilized in connection with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 29 shows an additional exemplary embodiment of a harness to be utilized in connection with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIG. 30 shows an additional exemplary embodiment of a harness to be utilized in connection with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention
  • FIG. 31 shows an additional exemplary embodiment of a harness to be utilized in connection with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIGS. 32A-32C show an exemplary load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention, as worn by a user.
  • load bearing and/or suspension system “suspender”, and “non-suspender” are used for basic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention. Therefore, the “load bearing and/or suspension system”, “suspender”, and “non-suspender” are not to be construed as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of this invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a prior art suspender system. Suspenders designed to be worn outside the wearer's shirt have been offered in the past.
  • suspenders were designed to attach to a duty/tool belt with breakaway keepers that unsnapped when a certain amount of force is applied to the keepers. Unfortunately, this can result in the keepers regularly unsnapping during routine use.
  • the present invention provides a load bearing and/or suspension system that is at least partially concealed under a wearer's shirt.
  • FIGS. 2A-2K show various views of the components of a first exemplary embodiment of the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system 100 includes at least some of a belt 110 , a harness 130 , an undergarment 150 , and a shirt 170 .
  • the belt 110 is substantially rigid.
  • the belt 110 includes a belt padding element 116 that extends around a lower portion of the belt, at least along a portion of the belt 110 that will be located over a wearer's hips.
  • the belt padding element 116 includes a rolled, molded edge of the belt. The belt padding element 116 , if included, provides a degree of padding to provide a measure of comfort to the wearer.
  • the belt 110 also includes belt attachment means 112 that generally extend from or are embedded within the belt 110 .
  • the harness 130 comprises a fabric, webbing, mesh, or reinforced fiber material that is flexible enough to drape over the shoulders of the wearer, and strong enough to support at least a portion of a load while in tension. Each end of the harness 130 terminates in a harness attachment means 132 .
  • the belt attachment means 112 and the harness attachment means 132 include corresponding mating attachment means, such as, for example, amish buttons, male/female snap-release buckles, Velcro or other hook-and-loop fasteners, a corresponding button and buttonhole, mating snaps, hook-and-eye closures, or other fastening means for removably interlacing or attaching the belt attachment means 112 to the harness attachment means 132 .
  • mating attachment means such as, for example, amish buttons, male/female snap-release buckles, Velcro or other hook-and-loop fasteners, a corresponding button and buttonhole, mating snaps, hook-and-eye closures, or other fastening means for removably interlacing or attaching the belt attachment means 112 to the harness attachment means 132 .
  • the undergarment 150 may comprise an undershirt, T-shirt, or vest. In various exemplary embodiments, the undergarment 150 may have certain ballistic properties. As illustrated, undergarment 150 is intended to be worn under the harness 130 .
  • the overgarment or shirt 170 is intended to be worn over a predominant portion of the harness 130 , but tucked under or into the belt 110 so as to at least partially conceal or hide the harness 130 under the shirt 170 .
  • one or more apertures 172 are formed through the shirt 170 .
  • the aperture's 172 are formed proximate the location of the belt attachment means 112 . It should be appreciated that the closer the location of the apertures 172 to the belt attachment means 112 , the less of the harness 130 that becomes visible outside of the shirt 170 .
  • the apertures 172 include grommets, stitching, or other reinforcement around their perimeter.
  • the belt 110 when the load bearing and/or suspension system 100 is worn, the belt 110 can be worn in a traditional fashion, over the wearer's pants and shirt 170 , while the harness 130 can be worn under the shirt 170 .
  • the harness attachment means 132 are able to pass through the apertures 172 in order to connect or attach to the belt attachment means 112 .
  • the harness 130 is able to be releasably connected or coupled to the belt 110 such that the load of the belt 110 can be shared between the belt 110 and the harness 130 , and thus be distributed between the wearer's hips and shoulders.
  • FIGS. 2C and 2D show exterior views of the shirt 170
  • FIGS. 2E and 2F show interior views of the shirt 170 so as to illustrate relative positioning of the harness 130 within the shirt 170 .
  • the shirt 170 may include multiple apertures 172 at different positions, accommodating users having different torso heights.
  • the undergarment 150 may comprise an undergarment 150 ′, which includes additional padding 155 ′ proximate and area where the harness 130 will transmit a load to the wearer's shoulders. Additionally, the undergarment 150 ′ may include Velcro or other hook and loop closure means that provide girth adjustments and make it easier for a wearer to put the undergarment 150 ′ on or take the undergarment 150 ′ off.
  • a shirt or other overgarment may be retrofitted to accommodate the harness 130 .
  • an existing shirt may be modified to include apertures similar to the apertures 172 .
  • a wearer may take a current shirt and make a simply alteration to employ the load bearing and/or suspension system 100 .
  • FIGS. 3A-3K show various views of the components of an additional exemplary embodiment of the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention, wherein the harness 130 , as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B , is replaced by a vest or overgarment 230 .
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system 200 includes at least some of a belt 210 having a belt padding element 216 , an undergarment 250 , and a shirt 270 .
  • the belt 210 and the undergarment 250 correspond to and operate similarly to the belt 110 , the belt padding elements 116 , and the undergarment 150 , as described above, with reference to FIGS. 2A-2K .
  • the vest 230 is designed to be worn over the shirt 270 and provide load-bearing support to the belt 210 .
  • the vest 230 includes belt loops 233 , which provide a means for removably securing the belt 210 to the vest 230 .
  • the vest 230 may optionally include padding elements 235 and may optionally include Velcro or other hook and loop closure means that provide girth adjustments and make it easier for a wearer to put the vest 230 on or take the vest 230 off.
  • FIGS. 4A-4K , 10 A- 10 C, and 12 A- 12 E show various views of the components of an additional exemplary embodiment of the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system 300 includes at least some of a belt 310 having a belt padding element 316 , an undergarment 350 , and a shirt 370 .
  • the apertures 172 of the shirt 170 are repositioned from a position in the front and rear of the shirt to a positioned proximate the sides of the shirt 370 .
  • apertures 372 of the shirt 370 are somewhat larger than the apertures 172 of the shirt 170 .
  • corresponding belt attachment means 312 are located in an area of the belt 310 that will be positioned proximate sides of the wearer when the load bearing and/or suspension system 300 is worn.
  • the harness 330 includes an adjustment dial 335 that allows the length of the harness attachment means 332 to be adjusted.
  • the adjustment dial 335 when the adjustment dial 335 is rotated or otherwise manipulated, a portion of cable or webbing 333 is adjusted so that the length of the harness attachment means 332 is altered.
  • an adjustment dial 335 is positioned within the load bearing and/or suspension system in order to allow the system to be adjusted for each individual wearer. While an adjustment dial 335 may be utilized, any device capable of retracting appropriate section(s) of the load bearing and/or suspension system may be utilized.
  • the adjustment dial 335 may be manually manipulated to extend or retract portions of the load bearing and/or suspension system 300 . Alternatively, the adjustment dial 335 may allow for auto-retraction and/or tensioning of the components of the harness 330 .
  • the adjustment dial 335 is attached or coupled to the harness 330 .
  • an adjustment dial, or other retracting device may be attached to or imbedded within a portion of the belt, as illustrated in FIGS. 18A-26C .
  • the shirt 370 may include adjustment dial access apertures 376 form behind the front pockets of the shirt 370 . Included, the adjustment dial access apertures of 376 provide access to the adjustment dials 335 , such that the length of the harness attachment means 332 can be adjusted while the load bearing and/or suspension system 300 is worn.
  • adjustment dial 335 is optional and at the harness 330 may be utilized without the adjustment dial 335 , as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C .
  • the undergarment 350 may optionally include padding elements 335 and may optionally include Velcro or other hook and loop closure means that provide girth adjustments and make it easier for a wearer to put the undergarment 350 on or take the undergarment 350 off.
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system 300 includes a padded harness 330 passing over each of the user's shoulders, similar in design to a handgun shoulder holster harness.
  • a nylon strap with Velcro adjustment, or a circular plastic “X” juncture connects the two shoulder sections behind the user's neck, between the shoulder blades.
  • Each shoulder section passes over the front and rear of the shoulder, and joins below the user's armpit, where the front and rear straps connect to a nylon pad.
  • the nylon pad holds a knob-shaped dial-type, adjustment dial 335 , by means of which the user can lengthen or shorten a loop of vinyl covered steel wire 333 by turning the adjustment dial 335 .
  • the harness attachment means 332 on each side passes through the aperture 372 in the shirt 370 , to allow the harness attachment means 332 to attached to the belt attachment means 312 and provide support to the belt 310 at a point approximately even with the side-seam of the wearer's uniform trousers.
  • FIGS. 5A-5C show various components of an additional exemplary embodiment of the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • an enlarged slot 376 ′ may be formed in the shirt 370 ′ to act as an aperture 372 ′.
  • a portion of reinforcing material 375 ′ maybe attached or coupled to the shirt 370 ′ to reinforce the aperture 372 ′.
  • At least a portion of the reinforcing material 375 ′ may include a flap-style closure that can be secured, for example, by Velcro.
  • reinforcing material 375 ′ may also be used if an existing shirt is modified to be used with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIGS. 6A-7C show a rear view, a side view, and a front view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a shirt 470 that can be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention. More specifically, FIGS. 6A-6C show an exterior view of alternate embodiment of a shirt 470 having an aperture 472 , which includes a flap-style closure that can be opened so that elements of the load bearing and/or suspension system can be adjusted while the system is being worn.
  • FIGS. 7A-7C show and interior view of the shirt 470 , illustrating the aperture 472 and further illustrating adjustable dial access apertures 476 positioned below the front pockets of the shirt 470 .
  • FIGS. 8A-9C show a rear view, a side view, and a front view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a shirt 570 that can be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention. More specifically, FIGS. 8A-8C show an exterior view of alternate embodiment of a shirt 570 having an aperture 572 , which includes a flap-style closure that can be opened so that elements of the load bearing and/or suspension system can be adjusted while the system is being worn. FIGS. 9A-9C show and interior view of the shirt 570 , illustrating the aperture 572 .
  • the shirt 570 also includes adjustable dial access apertures 576 positioned proximate the front pockets of the shirt 570 .
  • the adjustable dial access apertures 576 incorporate longer zipper or Velcro closure access to reach in for adjusting the adjustment dial 335 .
  • the shirt or other overgarment may include a substantially flat interior pocket 576 ′ in this opening where a wearer can keep important personal items, such as, for example, identification cards.
  • FIGS. 13A-13C show various views of an additional exemplary embodiment of a vest, harness, and belt to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • the load bearing and/or suspension system 600 is similar to the load bearing and/or suspension system 300 , including a belt 610 , a harness 630 , and undergarment 650 , adjustment dials 635 , cable 633 , and Velcro closure means 654 .
  • the harness 630 of the load bearing and/or suspension system 600 is releasably attached, via Velcro, to the undergarment 650 .
  • FIGS. 14A-14C show various views of exemplary belt attachment means 712 , 712 ′, and 712 ′′ and harness attachment means 732 , 732 ′, in 732 ′′ to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIG. 15 shows an exemplary belt to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIG. 16 shows an exemplary pair of pants and belt to be utilized in conjunction with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIGS. 17A-17B illustrate the placement of an exemplary belt, according to this invention, in relative to a wearer's skeletal structure.
  • FIGS. 18A-26C show an exemplary load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention, wherein an adjustment dial, or other retracting device, is attached to or imbedded within a portion of the belt.
  • FIGS. 27A-27C show various components of an additional exemplary embodiment of the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIGS. 28A-28C show an additional exemplary embodiment of a harness to be utilized in connection with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIG. 29 shows an additional exemplary embodiment of a harness to be utilized in connection with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIG. 30 shows an additional exemplary embodiment of a harness to be utilized in connection with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIG. 31 shows an additional exemplary embodiment of a harness to be utilized in connection with the load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention.
  • FIGS. 32A-32C show an exemplary load bearing and/or suspension system according to this invention, as worn by a user.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
US12/736,458 2008-04-08 2009-04-08 Load bearing suspension system Abandoned US20110214212A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/736,458 US20110214212A1 (en) 2008-04-08 2009-04-08 Load bearing suspension system

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12333608P 2008-04-08 2008-04-08
PCT/US2009/002238 WO2010008426A2 (fr) 2008-04-08 2009-04-08 Système de suspension de support de charge
US12/736,458 US20110214212A1 (en) 2008-04-08 2009-04-08 Load bearing suspension system

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2009/002238 A-371-Of-International WO2010008426A2 (fr) 2008-04-08 2009-04-08 Système de suspension de support de charge

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/952,981 Continuation-In-Part US9554637B2 (en) 2008-04-08 2015-11-26 Load bearing suspension system

Publications (1)

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US20110214212A1 true US20110214212A1 (en) 2011-09-08

Family

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Family Applications (1)

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US12/736,458 Abandoned US20110214212A1 (en) 2008-04-08 2009-04-08 Load bearing suspension system

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US (1) US20110214212A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2276369A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010008426A2 (fr)

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US20110036877A1 (en) * 2009-08-17 2011-02-17 Jacqueline Boino Personal object carrier
US20110131860A1 (en) * 2009-12-04 2011-06-09 Brian Borkowski Firearm stabilization apparatus
US20130047312A1 (en) * 2011-08-26 2013-02-28 Marc Rashad Wilson Garment with carrying pouch and support system
US8819984B2 (en) 2009-12-04 2014-09-02 Asymmetric Technologies, Llc Firearm stabilization apparatus
US20150230530A1 (en) * 2012-06-27 2015-08-20 Youdal CHOI Top having suspenders coupled integrally therewith
US20160140866A1 (en) * 2014-06-06 2016-05-19 Erin McGuire Tactile Input for Improving Physical Movement
US20170099932A1 (en) * 2015-10-09 2017-04-13 Thule Organization Solutions Inc. Adjustable Backpack
US9726450B2 (en) 2009-12-04 2017-08-08 Asymmetric Technologies, Llc Firearm stabilization apparatus
US10066901B2 (en) 2013-11-21 2018-09-04 Jason Dahl Outer garment for carrying a concealed object
US10485274B2 (en) * 2016-04-06 2019-11-26 Douglas L. Allen Vertical lift harness and turnout gear
US20210386129A1 (en) * 2018-11-12 2021-12-16 Sft Laboratory Co., Ltd. Body of air-conditioning garment and air-conditioning garment
US20220232908A1 (en) * 2021-01-22 2022-07-28 Huiyun You Reducing load vest-bag
US11779063B2 (en) 2017-04-20 2023-10-10 Greenburg UK Limited Garment
USD1022447S1 (en) * 2022-03-16 2024-04-16 Pingyang Yingxin Leather Co., Ltd. Shoulder holster

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DE102016103588A1 (de) * 2016-02-29 2017-08-31 Uni&Forma D.O.O. Oberbekleidungsstück

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US6088831A (en) * 1999-04-13 2000-07-18 Jensen; Derek L. Peace officer's uniform with gear support
US20030110550A1 (en) * 2001-12-18 2003-06-19 Guibord Michel Daniel Work tool belt device
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US20110036877A1 (en) * 2009-08-17 2011-02-17 Jacqueline Boino Personal object carrier
US10154724B2 (en) * 2009-08-17 2018-12-18 Jacqueline Boino Personal object carrier
US9726450B2 (en) 2009-12-04 2017-08-08 Asymmetric Technologies, Llc Firearm stabilization apparatus
US8819984B2 (en) 2009-12-04 2014-09-02 Asymmetric Technologies, Llc Firearm stabilization apparatus
US20110131860A1 (en) * 2009-12-04 2011-06-09 Brian Borkowski Firearm stabilization apparatus
US8484878B2 (en) * 2009-12-04 2013-07-16 Brian Borkowski Firearm stabilization apparatus
US20130047312A1 (en) * 2011-08-26 2013-02-28 Marc Rashad Wilson Garment with carrying pouch and support system
US20150230530A1 (en) * 2012-06-27 2015-08-20 Youdal CHOI Top having suspenders coupled integrally therewith
US10066901B2 (en) 2013-11-21 2018-09-04 Jason Dahl Outer garment for carrying a concealed object
US20160140866A1 (en) * 2014-06-06 2016-05-19 Erin McGuire Tactile Input for Improving Physical Movement
US10058163B2 (en) * 2015-10-09 2018-08-28 Thule, Inc. Adjustable backpack
US20170099932A1 (en) * 2015-10-09 2017-04-13 Thule Organization Solutions Inc. Adjustable Backpack
US10485274B2 (en) * 2016-04-06 2019-11-26 Douglas L. Allen Vertical lift harness and turnout gear
US11779063B2 (en) 2017-04-20 2023-10-10 Greenburg UK Limited Garment
US20210386129A1 (en) * 2018-11-12 2021-12-16 Sft Laboratory Co., Ltd. Body of air-conditioning garment and air-conditioning garment
US20220232908A1 (en) * 2021-01-22 2022-07-28 Huiyun You Reducing load vest-bag
USD1022447S1 (en) * 2022-03-16 2024-04-16 Pingyang Yingxin Leather Co., Ltd. Shoulder holster

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2276369A4 (fr) 2015-03-04
WO2010008426A3 (fr) 2010-03-11
EP2276369A2 (fr) 2011-01-26
WO2010008426A2 (fr) 2010-01-21

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