US20180140076A1

US20180140076A1 - Slip belt carrying apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20180140076A1
Application number: US15/356,917
Authority: US
Inventors: Wayne Danforth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-11-21
Filing date: 2016-11-21
Publication date: 2018-05-24
Also published as: CA2984830A1; CA2984831C; CA2957563A1; CA2984830C; CA2984831A1

Abstract

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

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 Art

In 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 INVENTION

According 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention wherein similar characters of reference denote corresponding parts in each view,

FIG. 1 is a front view of a system including a harness and belt assembly carrying apparatus with attached containers on the belt, chest plate and back according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the belt assembly of FIG. 1, with the inner belt open.

FIG. 4 is a perspective partial view of belt assembly of FIG. 1, with the inner belt open.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail top plan view of the belt assembly of FIG. 1, with the inner belt closed.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the belt assembly of FIG. 1, taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a container attached to the system of FIG. 1, with a suspension system, closed lid and a tripod bracket (removed from the lens) suspended beneath the container by an optional attachment system.

FIG. 8 is a back view of a container attached to the system of FIG. 1, with open top and bottom covers.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 6 attached to the belt assembly of FIG. 1 in a curved belt configuration, with an open lid.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 6 attached to the belt assembly of FIG. 1 in a straight belt configuration, with a closed lid.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the system of FIG. 1, with attached containers in a first or installation position.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the system of FIG. 1, with attached containers in a second or rotated position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a system for carrying a plurality of articles on a user according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 10. The system 10 may be used to carry a variety of items, including, by way of non-limiting example, photography equipment such as camera bodies, lenses, tripods, filters, flash bodies, etc. It may be appreciated that other items may be carried within the containers, as well. The system 10 comprises a harness assembly 18 securable to a wearer supporting a waist belt 16 and belt assembly 12, with outer belt 90 rotatable thereabout.
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 FIG. 3, the belt assembly 12 includes a stationary inner belt 30 suspended from the suspension straps 28 and a rotatable outer belt 90. The stationary inner belt 30 is comprised of a plurality of inner belt clip segments 32 secured to an inner belt strap 34, extending between first and second ends, 80 and 82, respectively. As seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, an inner belt tongue 36 extends from the first end 80 and is receivable within an inner belt clip segment 32 of the stationary inner belt 30 proximate to the second end 82. An inner belt connecting strap 38 is secured to an inner belt clip segment 32 proximate to the first end 80 and includes a first connector 40 mateable with a second connector 42 secured to an inner belt clip segment 32 proximate to the second end 82. The present embodiment of the invention is illustrated with first and second connectors, 40 and 42, respectively, as a snap, as is commonly known, but it may be appreciated that other reclosable fastener methods may be useful, as well, such as, by way of non-limiting example, hook and loop fasteners.
As best seen on FIGS. 5 and 6, each inner belt clip segment 32 extends between the front and rear surfaces, 44 and 46, respectively, between the first and second side edges, 48 and 50, respectively, with a midpoint 49 therebetween, and between the top and bottom, 52 and 54, respectively. A back wall 56 extends along and defines the rear surface 46 between the first and second side edges, 48 and 50, and between the top and bottom, 52 and 54. The back wall 56 may be tapered from the midpoint 49 to the first and second side edges, 48 and 50, as illustrated on FIG. 5, such that the back wall 56 may have a wider profile at the midpoint 49, with a taper angle such as, by way of non-limiting example, between 1 and 3 degrees. Upper and lower front walls, 58 and 60, respectively, extend along and define the front surface 44 between the first and second side edges, 48 and 50, and substantially between the top and bottom, 52 and 54, with a gap therebetween, as shown in FIG. 6, forming upper and lower ridges, 62 and 64, respectively, proximate to the gap. As best seen in FIG. 5, the upper and lower front walls, 58 and 60, may be tapered from the midpoint 49 to the first and second side edges, 48 and 50, such that the upper and lower front walls, 58 and 60, may have a wider profile at the midpoint 49, with a taper angle such as, by way of non-limiting example, between 1 and 3 degrees. The upper and lower front walls, 58 and 60, may have a wider profile between the first and second side edges, 48 and 50, than the back wall 56. Referring now to FIG. 6, it may be appreciated that the inner belt clip segment 32 may be constructed such that the upper and lower ridges, 62 and 64, may be of any length, and they may be formed such that there is no gap therebetween, with the upper and lower front walls, 58 and 60, formed as one piece. In particular, it will be appreciated that were fasteners such as by way of no non-limiting example rivets are used to secure clip segments 32 to the belt strap 34 as well as the outer belt clip segments 92 to the outer belt strap 94, the gap between such ridges will be required to permit access thereto as well as to prevent such fasteners from contacting each other and thereby resisting the motion of their respective belts relative to each other. It will also be appreciated that the length of the upper and lower front walls 58 and 60 should be selected to retain the inner belt tongue 36 when it is inserted in the cavity 72. Upper and lower connecting walls, 66 and 68, respectively, extend substantially between the first and second side edges, 48 and 50, and between the upper and lower front walls, 58 and 60, and the back wall 56, forming top, centre and bottom gaps, 70, 72 and 74, therebetween. The top and bottom gaps, 70 and 74, are sized to receive portions of the rotatable outer belt 90 therein, as will be described in more detail below, while the centre gap 72 is sized to receive both the inner belt strap 34 and the inner belt tongue 36 therein, the purpose of which will be described in more detail below. Each inner belt clip segment 32 may be formed of any suitable material, such as, by way of non-limiting example, injection molded plastics, nylon or the like.
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 FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner belt tongue 36 extends past the first end 80 of the inner belt strap 34, with the first end 76 secured to the stationary inner belt 30 within the centre gap 72 of the inner belt clip segment 32 located proximate to the first end 80 of the inner belt strap 34. The inner belt tongue 36 may be fastened to the inner belt strap 34 or to the inner belt clip segment 32 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rivets or adhesive.
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 FIG. 5 with the first end 76 secured within one inner belt clip segment proximate to the first end 80 of the inner belt strap 34 and passing the inner belt clip segments 32 proximate to the second end 82 of the inner belt strap 34, such that the first and second ends, 80 and 82, of the inner belt strap 34 are positioned in close proximity to one another. It may be appreciated that the inner belt tongue 36 may pass through more or less inner belt clip segments 32 than is illustrated in the present embodiment of the invention depending upon the width of the inner belt clip segments 32 and the length of the inner belt tongue 36.
The stationary inner belt 30 may be secured in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 5, using the inner belt connecting strap 38 with first and second connectors, 40 and 42, as set out above. The inner belt strap 34 is sized such that when the first and second connectors, 40 and 42, are mated, the distance between the two inner belt clip segments 32 located at distal ends of the inner belt strap 34 are spaced a distance apart that matches the spacing of all inner belt clip segments 32 on the stationary inner belt 30.
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 FIG. 3, the rotatable outer belt 90 is comprised of a plurality of outer belt clip segments 92 secured to an outer belt strap 94, extending between first and second ends 140 and 142, respectively. As best seen on FIGS. 5 and 6, each outer belt clip segment 92 extends between the front and rear surfaces, 96 and 98, respectively, between the first and second side edges, 100 and 104, respectively, with a midpoint 102 therebetween, and between the top and bottom, 106 and 108, respectively. Back top and bottom ridges, 110 and 112, respectively, extend at the rear surface 98 from the top and bottom, 106 and 108, and between the first and second side edges, 100 and 104, and are sized to be slidably received within the top and bottom gaps, 70 and 74, of an inner belt clip segment 32. An upstanding wall 114 extends between the top and bottom, 106 and 108, and between the first and second side edges, 100 and 104, and is spaced apart from the back top and bottom ridges, 110 and 112, by upper and lower connecting walls, 116 and 118, respectively, such that inner top and bottom gaps, 120 and 122, respectively, are formed therebetween, sized to slidably receive the upper and lower front walls, 58 and 60, of an inner belt clip segment 32. Upper and lower connecting walls, 124 and 126, respectively, extend from the upstanding wall 114 to the front surface 96 of the outer belt clip segment 92, between first and second side edges, 100 and 104, with top and bottom ridges, 128 and 130, respectively, extending from the distal ends thereof, forming a front gap 132, therebetween. As best seen on FIG. 5, the top and bottom ridges, 128 and 130, may be tapered from the midpoint 102 to the first and second side edges, 100 and 104, with a taper angle such as, by way of non-limiting example, between 1 and 3 degrees, such that the top and bottom ridges, 128 and 130, may have a wider profile at the midpoint 102 than at the first and second side edges, 100 and 104. The top and bottom ridges, 128 and 130, may have a longer profile between the first and second side edges, 100 and 104, than the upper and lower connecting walls, 124 and 126. As seen on FIG. 6, the front gap 132 is sized to receive the outer belt strap 94 therein.
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 FIG. 3. The outer belt strap 94 may be constructed using such as, by way of non-limiting example, ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick by 2 inch (51 mm) wide nylon material, however other materials and sizes may be useful, as well. As set out above, the outer belt strap 94 extends through a plurality of outer belt clip segments 92, within the front gap 132, such that the outer belt strap 94 engages upon the upstanding wall 114 and upon the top and bottom ridges, 128 and 130. The outer belt strap 94 is fastened to each outer belt clip segment 92 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rivets or adhesive. The plurality of outer belt clip segments 92 are spaced apart along the full length of the outer belt strap 94 in groups of three, or as in groups of two, as best seen on FIG. 3, although it may be appreciated that other quantities may be useful, as well. The two proximate outer belt clip segments 92 are spaced apart allowing a distance therebetween the first and second side edges 100 and 104 of adjacent outer belt clip segments 92 such as in the range of between 3/32 inches and 7/32 inches (3 mm and 6 mm), by way of non-limiting example, with each group of outer belt clip segments 92 spaced apart such as in the range of 2 inches to 2½ inches (52 mm to 63 mm), by way of non-limiting example, although other spacing distances may be useful, as well, to allow for one or more containers to be attached to the outer belt strap 94, as will be set out in more detail below.
Turning now to FIG. 7, a container 14 attached to the belt assembly 12 is illustrated. The container 14 includes a body 150, extending between the top and bottom edges, 152 and 154, respectively, with top and bottom covers, 156 and 158, respectively, thereon. A space blocker 220 and a plurality of container attachment clips 160 may be simultaneously secured to the body 150 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rivets or adhesive, although it may be appreciated that other attachment methods may be useful, as well. An internal suspension sleeve 162 extends between the top and bottom edges, 152 and 154, within the body 150, as will described in more detail below.
Referring to FIGS. 7, 9 and 10, in the current embodiment of the invention the body 150 may be formed in an essentially square shape with rounded corners, onto which the spacer block 220 and attachment clips 160 may be mounted. Although the body shape is illustrated as square, it may be appreciated that other body shapes such as, by way of non-limiting example, circular, rectangular or irregular, may be useful, as well. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the height of the body 150 of each container 14 may vary, to accommodate variable sizes of articles therein. The body 150 may be constructed using, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a thin wall PVC extrusion, although other materials and methods of construction may be useful, as well.
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 FIG. 7 of the present embodiment of the invention, although it may be appreciated that it may be useful to have the top and bottom covers, 156 and 158, fit over the body 150, as well. The bottom cover 158 may be permanently secured to the body 150 at the bottom edge 154 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rivets or adhesive. It may be appreciated that the body 150 and bottom cover 158 may be co-formed, as well. The top cover 156 is removable from the body 150, and may be secured with a flexible mounting strap and fastener 166, as is commonly known. The top and bottom covers, 156 and 158, may be constructed using such as, by way of non-limiting example, ABS molded or vacuum formed plastics, although other materials and methods of construction may be useful, as well.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the spacer block 220 is located between the plurality of at least one attachment clip 160 and the container body 150 and extends between top and bottom edges, 222 and 224, respectively, first and second side edges, 226 and 228, respectively, with inside and outside surfaces, 230 and 232, respectively. The spacer block 220 may be constructed using such as, by way on non-limiting example, ABS injection molded plastic, although other materials and methods of construction may be useful as well. The plurality of at least one attachment clips 160 extends between the top 168 and bottom 170, respectively, and between first and second side edges, 169 and 171, respectively, with outside and inside surfaces, 172 and 174, respectively, and is simultaneously secured to the spacer block 220 and the body 150, as set out above, proximate to the top 168. A tapered ridge 176 extends from the inside surface 174 proximate to the bottom 170 and engages upon the spacer block 220 such that a gap 178 is formed between the inside surface 174 of the attachment clip 160 and the spacer block 220. The tapered ridge 176 is sized and positioned such that the gap 178 may receive, and the inside surface 174 of the attachment clip 160 may engage upon, the outer belt strap 94 of the belt assembly 12. Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the plurality of at least one attachment clips 160 engage upon the outer belt strap 94 of the belt assembly 12 between the outer belt clip segments 92. The at least one attachment clip 160 is constructed using such as, by way of non-limiting example, injection molded nylon, although other materials and methods of construction may be useful, as well. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the present embodiment of the invention includes two attachment clips 160, although it may be appreciated that more or less attachment clips 160 may be useful, as well. As best seen in FIG. 9 outside surface 232 of the spacer block 220 may be curved such that when the attachment clips 160 are mounted on the spacer block 220, the attachment clips are angularly aligned with one another, such that the attachment clips 160 may best engage with the outer belt strap 94 when the belt assembly 12 is in the closed position.
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 FIG. 7, the internal suspension sleeve 162 is sized such that the diameter of the sleeve is smaller than the outer profile of the body 150 when in the relaxed position, with the length extending beyond the top and bottom edges, 152 and 154, of the body 150. The ends of the internal suspension sleeve 162 are stretched over the top and bottom edges, 152 and 154, of the body 150 and secured in place by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, adhesive or sewn in place with thread. Subsequent to attachment of the suspension sleeve 162 to the body 150, an edge trim molding 164, as is commonly known, may be fitted around the entire top and bottom edges, 152 and 154, of the body 150, thus encapsulating the edges of both the suspension sleeve 162 and body 150. When stretched and secured in place, the internal suspension sleeve 162 forms an hourglass shape, as illustrated in FIG. 7, which supports and centers articles therein without the need for additional support or padding. As the internal suspension sleeve 162 is flexible and stretchable, any shape of article may be contained therein, limited by the size and shape of the body 150. It may be appreciated that the container 14 may be constructed without the internal suspension sleeve 162, for carrying small miscellaneous items, or optionally with an internal suspension sleeve, but without bottom or top lids, as illustrated in FIGS. 1,2 and 8. In particular, such configuration with an open top and bottom and an elasticized internal suspension sleeve may be particularly useful for carrying a camera body 4 with attached lens 6. It will be appreciated that additional padding around the top of such container provided by replacing the body edge trim mold with an edge trim mold having an integral padded bulb 165 may be useful as well as a snap strap 186 for securing the camera body 4 therein may also be useful.
Optional attachments may be added to the container 14, as illustrated by example in FIG. 7. One example of an optional attachment is a lens tripod bracket attachment assembly 180. A lens tripod bracket 8 may be secured to the bottom of a container 14 with an elasticized bottom strap 182, secured to the bottom cover 158 with, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rivets, and a removable elasticized side strap 184, fastened to the body 150 with, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a snap or hook and loop fastener. It may be appreciated that other attachment assemblies for other accessories may be useful, as well.
Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a container 14 is shown attached to the belt assembly 12 in both a curved belt configuration and a straight belt configuration. As set out above, the gap distance 190 between the inner belt clip segments 32 is in the range of between ⅛ inches and ¼ inches (3 mm and 6 mm), by way of non-limiting example, as constructed in the straight belt configuration. When the belt assembly 12 is worn by a user, with the stationary inner belt 30 closed, the inner belt strap 32 flexes and will include curved portions, as seen in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12. At the curved portions, the back walls 56 of the inner belt clip segments 32 are spaced apart a reduced gap distance 192, such as in the range of between 1/16 inches and 3/16 inches (1.5 mm and 5 mm mm), such that the inner belt clip segments 32 do not interfere with each other when in use. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the profile of the insider surface 230 of the spacer block 220 which provides the angular orientation of the attachment clips 160 relative to each other, as well as the profile of the outer belt clip segments 92, are such that the rotatable outer belt 90 may smoothly engage with the stationary inner belt 30, without interference between parts in either the straight or curved configuration.
When fully assembled, the belt assembly 12 allows for a plurality of containers 14 to be attached thereon, as best illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. To access any container 14 thereon, the rotatable outer belt 90 may be slidably rotated around the user, with the outer belt clip segments 92 engaging with the inner belt clip segment 32 sequentially as the rotatable outer belt 90 is rotated about the user. The rotatable outer belt 90 may be rotated to any position, thereby allowing the user to access all containers.
An optional shoulder harness assembly 18 may be added to the system 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The shoulder harness assembly 18 is secured to the waist belt 16, allowing weight distribution of the belt assembly 12 over the shoulders and back of the user, in addition to the waist support previously outlined. Additionally, the harness assembly 18 may include attachment locations for additional containers 14, as will be described in more detail below.
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 FIG. 1. The vest 206 may be constructed using such as, by way of non-limiting example, padded nylon fabric to provide comfort to the user, and the shoulder straps 200 may be attached by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rivets or sewn with thread. The back panel 208 overlays and possibly covers the back of the user's torso. A plurality of containers 14 of various sizes may be attached to the back panel 208 by any known means, such as, by way of non-limiting example, permanent attachment with rivets or sewn with thread, or removable attachment with hook and loop fasteners. An optional container attachment bracket 212 may be attached to the shoulder harness assembly 18 between the two shoulder straps 200 at the front portion 196. The container attachment bracket 212 may be formed to mate with the attachment clips 160 of a container 14 as set out above, or a container 14 may be attached to the bracket by any other known means.
To utilize the system 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shoulder harness assembly 18, waist belt 16 and belt assembly 12 may be connected together with the adjusting clasps 202 and connecting clasps 20 as set out above, while the waist belt 16 and the belt assembly 12 are in the open position, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The user may don the shoulder harness assembly 18 of the system 10 in a similar manner as a backpack is donned, as is commonly known. The shoulder harness assembly 18 may be adjusted for the user's height with the adjusting clasps 202. The waist belt 16 may then be closed and adjusted to the user's waist size with the adjustable closure mechanism 26, and the belt assembly 12 may be closed as outlined above. All containers 14 may be attached to the system 10 at any time, although it may be appreciated that the plurality of containers 14 attached to the back panel 208 of the shoulder harness assembly 18 may preferentially be attached prior to donning the system 10. Once the user is wearing the system 10, the plurality of containers 14 attached to the belt assembly 12 may be accessed by rotating the rotatable outer belt 90 around the user's torso, as described above.
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

What is claimed is:

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.