WO2014145379A1

WO2014145379A1 - Adjustable strap for bags or instruments

Info

Publication number: WO2014145379A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/030134
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ryan M. DIETZ
Original assignee: Dietz Ryan M
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2014-03-17
Publication date: 2014-09-18

Abstract

An adjustable strap assembly for bags and instruments is provided. The assembly includes an adjustable strap having a shoulder pad or cushion, and a reel for varying the length of the strap to suit the convenience of a user. This design provides a convenient and efficient way for a user to adjust the strap as desired for use or storage.

Description

ADJUSTABLE STRAP FOR BAGS OR INSTRUMENTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/787,059, filed March 15, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an adjustable strap design for use in

combination with bags or instruments. Typical bags and instruments which are within the scope of the invention include, for instance, tote bags, luggage bags, gym bags, equipment bags, golf bags and other sporting bags, such as bags for hunting, etc. Typical instruments within the scope of the invention include musical instruments such as guitars, drums and the like. The length of the strap is adjustable by means of lines housed in one or more reels affixed to the strap which permit the reels to be retracted by spooling the reel, or extended by unwinding the reel.

Typical bag or instrument straps utilize a wide range of fabric or leather straps which are adjustable by a multitude of plastic or metal adjustment devices such as a sliding adjuster or buckle. These adjustments are typically done by hand when the strap is not being used to carry the bag or instrument, as the adjustment mechanisms are difficult to access by the user while a bag or instrument is being carried. In addition, these manual straps leave the strap in an extended position when the bag or instrument is removed by the user, resulting in a tripping hazard and potential damage to the bag or instrument in addition to the strap itself.

The use of reels to make line or cord adjustments is well known in the art. For example, reels have been used for scuba diving equipment (U.S. Patent Nos. 5, 178,067 and 5,697,572), identification badges (U.S. Patent No. 7,007,882), headphones (U.S. Patent No. 7,614,578), telephone extension cords (U.S. Patent No. 5,094,396), and cell phones, pagers and other devices worn on a belt (U.S. Patent Nos. 7,216,665 and 7,665,684; and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2013/0181019). The respective disclosures of these patents and published patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. Although these references do not address the problems outlined in the present invention, the art contains many examples of the use of reels in connection with other devices.

It will be readily appreciated that there is a perceived need to develop a strap for bags and instruments of various types to permit the user to adjust the strap while the bag or instrument is being carried or used to ensure that the strap is the proper length according to the needs of the user. The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above, as well as other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior techniques. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to shoulder straps for bags and instruments having affixed thereto one or more adjustable cable reels adapted to be secured to the bag or musical instrument. The strap design of the present invention as described herein permits the user to rapidly and conveniently adjust the length of the strap while carrying the bag or instrument, and additionally permits the efficient storage of the strap when the cable is retracted.

In one embodiment, an adjustable strap assembly is provided comprising a bag or instrument and an adjustable shoulder strap. The bag or instrument typically includes a pair of spaced apart first attachment members for securing the strap, such as, for instance, the buckles typically found on tote bags. The strap is adjustable using one or more reels (typically one or two reels) having lines with complementary attachment members for engaging the attachment members of the bag or instrument, such as hooks. The lines are spooled or wound on the reel and retracted using a spring mechanism within the reel. The lines can be extended by the user and locked in place at a desired length to suit the convenience of the user. The shoulder strap has a central padded section for engaging the shoulder of the user in a comfortable manner. The reels can be positioned directly on the central padded section, or at the end of the shoulder strap.

Various combinations of reels and lines can be used in the practice of this invention depending on the requirements of the particular user. In another embodiment, a single reel, if used, typically contains two lines at opposite ends thereof. The lines can be synchronized so that they operate together or in tandem, and can be adjusted at the same rate if they are spooled together.

In a further embodiment, two reels can be used. These reels can be positioned in a side- by-side relationship, or stacked one on top of the other. In this embodiment, each reel can typically host a single line. However, it is also possible for multiple lines to extend from each reel.

In a still further embodiment, the instrument typically is a musical instrument, such as a guitar, and the bag typically includes a luggage bag, a computer bag, a gym bag, a golf bag, and the like.

In a yet still further embodiment, an attachment member is positioned on the end of each line and can include a hook with a protective sheath.

The present invention, accordingly, comprises the construction, combination of elements and components, and/or the arrangement of parts and steps which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure. The foregoing aspects and embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative only, and are not meant to restrict the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts side and top views of an embodiment of the adjustable shoulder strap of the present invention illustrating 2 stacked reels.

FIG. 2 depicts top and side views of 2 reels stacked on top of each other as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts top and side views of 2 reels positioned in a side-by-side relationship.

FIG. 4 depicts top and side views of 2 reels positioned in an alternate side-by-side relationship.

FIG. 5 depicts top and side views of a single reel showing 2 lines wound around the reel spool and extending in opposite directions. FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of the adjustable shoulder strap of the invention showing a reel positioned on the end of the shoulder strap.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of the adjustable shoulder strap of the invention showing a reel positioned on the end section of the shoulder pad.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of the adjustable shoulder strap of the invention showing a reel connected to the shoulder pad with a cable.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of the adjustable shoulder strap of the invention showing 2 reels positioned on the shoulder pad with 4 lines extending from the reels (2 lines from each reel).

FIG. 10 is a top view of an embodiment of the adjustable shoulder strap of the invention showing 2 reels positioned on the shoulder pad with 3 lines extending from the reels (2 lines from one reel and one line from the remaining reel).

The drawings will be described further in connection with the following Detailed Description of the Invention. Other features and advantages of the present novel technology will be apparent from the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology may be employed in the following description for convenience rather than for any limiting purpose. Except as provided in the definitions herein, terminology used herein should be considered as being used for purposes of convenience rather than in any limiting sense.

As used herein the term "instrument" includes musical instruments of every type and variety, transportable objects such as tools, weapons, rifles, implements, or any device which can be carried or operated using a strap which connects at 1, 2, 3 or 4 attachment points. The term "musical instrument", as used herein, is intended to include virtually any musical instrument, including but not limited to, stringed instruments, such as guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, and the like, or non-stringed instruments, such as percussion instruments (drums), keyboards, brass or woodwind instruments, and the like. A "bag" as used herein is intended to denote any form of luggage which utilizes a strap for support, including but not limited to, a laptop bag, a gym bag, a tote bag, a garment bag, a sport bag, a golf bag, a camera bag, a rifle bag, and the like.

A "line" as used herein typically includes cables, belts, wires, cords and the like.

A "reel" as used herein includes any form of belt, cable or cord extension and retraction mechanism which may be spring loaded or capable of retraction. A reel typically includes a spool for winding the line, a locking mechanism for securing the line, and a spring for providing retraction of the line. A reel can have a single line, or two lines extending therefrom. Generally, the invention will employ a single reel or a pair of reels as described herein.

A "lock" as used herein includes a mechanism for preventing movement of the line within the reel. Most typically the lock is a central part of the reel. The lock can be controlled by a switch, a push-button, a turn knob, etc.

A "spring" provides the reel with a retraction force, and includes coil springs, hair springs, spiral springs, motor springs, main springs, recoil springs, wind springs, retractor springs and flat springs.

A "hook" is an attachment device on the line which is used to connect the strap to a complementary attachment on the bag or instrument. The complementary attachment includes, but is not limited to, loops, rings, or other components on the bag or instrument. The hook includes, but is not limited to, snap hooks, swivel hooks, strap locks, or other connection devices.

A "pad" is any cushioning fabric positioned in the shoulder area of the strap for user comfort. The pad is typically fabricated from textiles, foams, rubber, gels, plastics, or some like materials.

The invention is generally directed to shoulder strap designs and assemblies which utilize retractable cable reels to adjust the overall length of the strap. The straps of the invention permit the user to simply and freely adjust the length of the strap while carrying an instrument or bag, and provide efficient storage of the strap when it is retracted, resulting in improved functionality for the strap. The cable reel is a standard reel design and generally includes a spool for winding one or two lines, a spring for retracting the lines, a locking mechanism or device for locking the lines, and an enclosing case.

In practical application, the user places the shoulder strap over his or her shoulder, adjusts the length of the bag or instrument to the desired length using the reel, and engages the locking mechanism to lock the line to the desired length. In embodiments where two reels are present, the shoulder pad is positioned relative to the ends of the strap with the lock disengaged for increased user comfort, and subsequently locked in place at the desired length.

When the user desires to remove the bag or instrument from his or her shoulder, the user disengages the lock, the shoulder strap is removed from the shoulder or over the head, and the strap automatically retracts to the point where it fits securely onto the bag or instrument ensuring it is properly stowed.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a pair of reels 100 stacked on top of each other and centrally positioned on shoulder pad 103. Two cables 104 extend outwardly from the reels in opposite directions and can be locked in position with locks 101. Each cable 104 is depicted with a hook 102 designed to engage a complementary attachment on a bag or instrument. Hooks 102 are contained in housings 105 and are shown with protective sheaths 107. Housings 105 are designed to enclose the hooks when the cable or line is fully retracted to protect against damage or injury. Protective sheaths 107 are designed to protect the instrument or bag from potential damage due to contact with the hook.

FIG. 2 shows a pair of reels 100 stacked vertically (on top of each other) and positioned underneath or in proximity to dual locks 101 which can also encompass the reels as shown. Cables 104 are depicted extending in opposite directions. Dual springs 110 provide an appropriate level of force for retracting the cables 104, thereby shortening the length of the strap.

FIG. 3 shows a pair of reels 100 positioned adjacent to each other and underneath or in proximity to dual locks 101 which can encompass the reels. Cables 104 are depicted as extending in opposite directions.

FIG. 4 shows a pair of reels 100 positioned in a side-by-side relationship adjacent to each other and underneath or in proximity to dual locks 101. Cables 104 are shown extending in opposite directions with two springs 110 providing the appropriate force for the retraction of cables 104.

FIG. 5 shows a single reel 100 positioned underneath or in proximity to single lock 109 which is positioned above the reel. Reel 100 utilizes spring 110 for providing sufficient retraction force for the two cables 104 which extend in opposite directions as shown.

FIG. 6 shows a shoulder strap having a single retractable reel 109 and locking mechanism

101 positioned at or in proximity to one end of the strap. Also shown is shoulder pad 103 positioned in the center of the strap, cable 104, hooks 102, hook housings 105, and hook sheath 107. Hook housing 105 and hook sheath 107 serve to protect the user, instrument or bag from injury and damage.

FIG. 7 shows a shoulder strap having a single retraction reel 109 positioned at or in proximity to one end of shoulder pad 103. Lock 101 is located in close proximity to reel 109, with cable 104 shown extending therefrom. Hook 102 is depicted as being positioned at the end of cable 104 and is protected by hook sheath 107. At the opposite end of the strap is guitar peg hole 106 which is used for attaching this end of the strap to a guitar or other musical instrument.

FIG. 8 shows a shoulder strap which uses one retraction reel 109 located at or near hook 102 and hook sheath 107. Hook 102 and hook sheath 107 are depicted as being separated from shoulder pad 103 by cable 104. Lock 101 is positioned in proximity to reel 109 with cable 104 extending therefrom. Hook 102 is located at the end of cable 104 and is protected by hook sheath 107. At the opposite end of the strap from hook 102 is guitar peg hole 106 which is used for attaching this end of the strap to a guitar or other musical instrument.

FIG. 9 shows a shoulder strap which uses a pair of retractor reels 111 located either at the center or near the end of shoulder pad 103. Lock 101 is used to control the length of cables 104, and lock 101 is located in proximity to reels 111. Hooks 102 are located at the ends of cables 104, and are each protected by hook sheaths 107. In this embodiment, both reels 111 include two cables for a total of four cables as shown. This arrangement permits four points of attachment for the strap to the bag or instrument for added stability and control.

FIG. 10 also shows a shoulder strap which uses a pair of retractor reels 111 located either at the center or near the leading end of shoulder pad 103. Lock 101 is used to control the length of cables 104, and lock 101 is located near reels 111. Hooks 102 are located at the ends of cables 104, and are each protected by hook sheaths 107. In this embodiment, one reel has two cables, and the other reel has a single cable for a total of three cables as shown. This arrangement permits three points of attachment for the strap to the bag or instrument for added stability and control.

As it is anticipated that certain changes may be made in the present invention without departing from the precepts herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. All references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto in their entirety.

Claims

What is claimed is:

CLAIMS 1. An adjustable strap assembly comprising:

a bag or instrument capable of being supported by a shoulder strap worn by an individual, said bag or musical instrument including a pair of spaced apart first attachment members for securing a strap; and

an adjustable shoulder strap further comprising:

a central padded section for contacting the shoulder of an individual; at least one reel comprising a lock for locking the reel, a spring for retraction of a line, and a spool for winding at least one retractable line, said reel(s) being positioned on or connected to the shoulder strap; and

at least one retractable line extending from the reel, each of said lines containing a second attachment member complementary to the first attachment member on said bag or musical instrument for engaging said first attachment member and securing the strap to the bag or musical instrument;

wherein said reel(s) can adjust the length of the line to a suitable position for the convenience of the individual supporting the bag or musical instrument.

2. The adjustable strap assembly of claim 1 wherein the reel(s) are affixed to the central padded section of the shoulder strap.

3. The adjustable strap assembly of claim 1 wherein the reel(s) are positioned at the end of the shoulder strap.

4. The adjustable strap assembly of claim 1 which includes a single reel with 2 retractable lines disposed at opposite ends of the reel.

The adjustable strap of claim 4 wherein the 2 lines operate in tandem.

6. The adjustable strap assembly of claim 1 which includes 2 reels.

7. The adjustable strap assembly of claim 6 wherein the 2 reels are stacked one on top of the other.

8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the instrument is a musical instrument, preferably a guitar.

9. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the bag is a computer bag, tote bag, or golf bag.

10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the second attachment member is a hook with a protective sheath.