WO2015057239A1

WO2015057239A1 - Load bearing system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2015057239A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/065597
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen PLANTE
Original assignee: Plante Stephen
Priority date: 2013-10-18
Filing date: 2013-10-18
Publication date: 2015-04-23
Also published as: US20150108193A1

Abstract

A system may include an acromion-socket to receive a user's acromion-portion. The system may also include a strap positioned by the acromion-socket where the strap connects a load to the user.

Description

LOAD BEARING SYSTEM AND METHOD

BACKGROUND

[0001] The disclosure relates to the field of load bearing systems.

[0002] Generally and in humans, an acromion comp an outer end of the scapula. A humerus comprises the long bone in the arm extending from the shoulder to the elbow. A clavicle comprises a bone that extends from the sternum to the acromion. SUMMARY [0003] In one embodiment, a system may include an acromion-socket to receive a user's acromion-portion . The system may also include a strap positioned by the

acromion-socket where the strap connects a load to the user.

[0004] The acromion-socket may be shaped to also engage a user's humerus that is closest to the user's acromion-portion. The acromion-socket may be removable from the strap, can be positioned anywhere along the strap, and/or integral to the strap.

[0005] The acromion-socket' s greatest width is larger than the strap's greatest width. The strap crosses a vertical line defined by the user's spinal cord and/or does not cross a vertical line defined by the user's spinal cord.

[0006] The acromion-socket comprises a deformable material that aids in engaging the user's acromion- ' ^{1 1} ird member that aids in engaging the user's acromion-portion. The acromion-socket is pre- formed to aid in receiving the user's acromion-portion. The acromion-socket pre-forming is achieved by material cut pattern, fastening pattern, fabrication process, and/or material selection.

[0007] The acromion-socket maintains the load's weight on the user' s acromion-portion during use of the

acromion-socket by positioning the acromion-socket on the user' s acromion-portion through the cupping of the user' s acromion-portion instead of permitting the acromion- socket to slide away from the user's acromion-portion and towards the user' s clavicle closest to the user' s

acromion-portion. The acromion-socket transfers a

majority of the load's weight to the user's acromion- portion.

[0008] Another aspect is a method, which may include receiving a user's acromion-portion in an acromion- socket. The method may also include positioning a strap by the acromion-socket where the strap connects a load to the user.

[0009] The method may further include shaping the acromion-socket to also engage a user' s humerus that is closest to the user's acromion-portion. The method may additionally include making the acromion-socket removable from the strap, positioned anywhere along the strap, and/or integral to the strap.

[0010] The method may also include making the

acromion-socket' s greatest width larger than the strap's greatest width. The method may further include making the strap cross a vertical line defined by the user' s spinal cord and/or not cross a vertical line defined by the user's spinal cord.

[0011] The method may additionally include engaging the user' s acromion-portion via a deformable material and/or a hard member that aids in engaging the user's acromion-portion. The method may also include pre-forming the acromion-socket to aid in receiving the user' s acromion-portion. The method may further include

achieving the pre-forming of the acromion-socket by material cut pattern, fastening pattern, fabrication process, and/or material selection.

[0012] The method may additionally include maintaining the load's weight on the user's acromion-portion during use of the acromion-socket by positioning the acromion- socket on the user's acromion-portion through the cupping of the user's acromion-portion instead of permitting the acromion-socket to slide away from the user's acromion- portion and towards the user's clavicle closest to the user's acromion-portion. The method may also include transferring via the acromion-socket a majority of the load's weight to the user's acromion-portion.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the system may include an acromion-socket to receive a user's acromion- portion where the acromion-socket' s greatest width while being used is larger than the strap's greatest width while being used, and the acromion-socket is pre-formed to aid in receiving the user's acromion-portion. The system may also include a strap positioned by the acromion-socket where the strap connects a load to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front-view illustration of a load bearing system in accordance with various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side-view illustration of the load bearing system of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a front-view illustration of an alternative embodiment of the load bearing system of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a rear-view illustration of the load bearing system of FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 5.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 5.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 5.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 5.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 5.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 5.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 11. [0026] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating method aspects according to the method of FIG. 5.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating in accordance with various embodiments of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0029] With reference now to Fig. 1, a load bearing system 10 is initially described. In one embodiment, the system 10 includes an acromion-socket 12 to receive a user's 11 acromion-portion 14. In one embodiment, the acromion-portion 14 comprises the user's 11 acromion, muscles, ligaments, skin, and/or the like. In another embodiment, the acromion-portion 14 comprises the user's 11 acromion, humerus, muscles, ligaments, skin, clothing, and/or the like. The system 10 also includes a strap 16 positioned by the acromion-socket 12 where the strap connects a load 15 to the user 11. For example, the load 15 comprises a daypack, messenger bag, backpack, heavy item, bulky article, and/or the like. The strap 16 can include multiple attachment points to the acromion-socket 12 and/or the load, for instance. In another embodiment, the strap 16 includes multiple straps that connect to the acromion-socket 12 and/or the load 15.

[0030] In one embodiment, the acromion-socket 12 is shaped to also engage a user's 11 humerus 18 that is closest to the user's acromion-portion 14. In other words, the acromion-socket 12 receives, e.g. cups, the user's 11 acromion-portion 14 as well as the user's humerus 18. In another embodiment, the acromion-socket 12 is removable from the strap 16, can be positioned

anywhere along the strap, and/or integral to the strap.

[0031] In one embodiment, the acromion-socket' s 12 greatest width 20 is larger than the strap's 16 greatest width 22. For example, the acromion-socket' s 12 greatest width while being used by the user 11 is larger than the strap's 16 greatest width at that same point in time.

[0032] In one embodiment, the strap 16 crosses a vertical line 24 defined by the user's 11 spinal cord and/or does not cross a vertical line defined by the user's spinal cord. In other words, the strap 16 stays on the side of the acromion-socket 12 and/or crosses over the spinal cord line 24 to the user's 11 other side.

[0033] In one embodiment, the acromion-socket 12 comprises a deformable material 19 that aids in engaging the user's 11 acromion-portion 14 and/or a hard member 17 that aids in engaging the user's acromion-portion. For example, the deformable material 19 comprises foam, elastic material, padding, and/or the like, and the deformable material conforms to the user's 11 acromion- portion 14 during use of the acromion-socket 12. In another embodiment, the hard member 17 comprises a plastic cup that covers the acromion-socket' s 12 side that does not engage the user 11, for instance. In another embodiment, the hard member 17 comprises ribs, plates, and/or the like.

Docket No. SMP-PCT [ 0034 ] In one embodiment, the acromion-socket 12 is pre-formed to aid in receiving the user's 11 acromion- portion 14. For example, the acromion-socket 12 is sized and/or shaped to cup a user's 11 acromion-portion 14. The acromion-socket' s 12 pre-forming is achieved by material cut pattern, fastening pattern, fabrication process, and/or material selection.

[ 0035 ] The material cut pattern aids in pre-forming the acromion-socket 12 when the panels are joined

together, e.g. sewing, bonding, and/or the like, which have curved seams, which results in panel shaping, for instance. Once the panels are together, they assume a predetermined acromion-socket 12 profile that includes a cavity to receive the user's 11 acromion-portion 14. The fastening pattern aids in pre-forming the acromion-socket 12 when the fasteners, e.g. strap and buckle, hook and loop combinations, and/or the like, are adjusted to provide the pre-formed shape, for example. The

fabrication process aids in pre-forming the acromion- socket 12 when an elastic panel is joined to a non- elastic panel, e.g. alternating pattern, to provide a preload and/or post-load to the acromion-socket 12, for instance. The material selection aids in pre-forming the acromion-socket 12 when a wire, hard member 17, and/or the like provide structure to the acromion-socket 12.

[ 0036 ] In another embodiment, some degree of rotary motion is possible for the user's 11 acromion-portion 14 within the acromion-socket 12. In other words, the user's 11 acromion-portion 14 comprises a ball-like part, e.g.

Docket No. SMP-PCT acromion, humerus, muscles, ligaments, skin, clothing, and/or the like, that fits into a ball-like socket, e.g. the acromion-socket 12, and such allows the ball-like part some free movement within the ball-like socket.

[ 0037 ] In one embodiment, the acromion-socket 12 maintains the load's 15 weight on the user's 11 acromion- portion 14 during use of the acromion-socket by

positioning the acromion-socket on the user' s acromion- portion through the cupping of the user' s acromion- portion instead of permitting the acromion-socket to slide away from the user's acromion-portion and towards the user's clavicle 26 closest to the user's acromion- portion. The acromion-socket 12 transfers a majority of the load's weight to the user's 11 acromion-portion 14.

[ 0038 ] Another aspect is a method, which is now described with reference to flowchart 30 of FIG. 5. The method begins at Block 32 and may include receiving a user's acromion-portion in an acromion-socket at Block 34. The method may also include positioning a strap by the acromion-socket where the strap connects a load to the user at Block 36. The method ends at Block 38.

[ 0039 ] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 40 of FIG. 6, the method begins at Block 42. The method may include the steps of FIG. 5 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include shaping the acromion-socket to also engage a user's humerus that is closest to the user's acromion-portion at Block 44. The method ends at Block 46.

Docket No. SMP-PCT [0040] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 48 of FIG. 7, the method begins at Block 50. The method may include the steps of FIG. 5 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include making the acromion-socket removable from the strap, positioned anywhere along the strap, and/or integral to the strap Block 52. The method ends at Block 54.

[0041] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 56 of FIG. 8, the method begins at Block 58. The method may include the steps of FIG. 5 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include making the acromion-socket' s greatest width larger than the strap's greatest width at Block 60. The method ends at Block 62.

[0042] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 64 of FIG. 9, the method begins at Block 66. The method may include the steps of FIG. 5 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include making the strap cross a vertical line defined the user's spinal cord and/or not cross a vertical line defined by the user' s spinal cord at Block 68. The method ends at Block 70.

[0043] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 72 of FIG. 10, the method begins at Block 74. The method may include the steps of FIG. 5 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include engaging the user's acromion-portion via a deformable material and/or a hard member that aids

Docket No. SMP-PCT in engaging the user's acromion-portion at Block 76. The method ends at Block 78.

[0044] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 80 of FIG. 11, the method begins at Block 82. The method may include the steps of FIG. 5 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include pre-forming the acromion-socket to aid in receiving the user's acromion-portion at Block 84. The method ends at Block 86.

[0045] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 88 of FIG. 12, the method begins at Block 90. The method may include the steps of FIG. 11 at Blocks 34, 36, and 84. The method may additionally include achieving the pre-forming of the acromion-socket by material cut pattern, fastening pattern, fabrication process, and/or material selection at Block 92. The method ends at Block 94.

[0046] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 96 of FIG. 13, the method begins at Block 98. The method may include the steps of FIG. 5 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include maintaining the load' s weight on the user's acromion-portion during use of the acromion-socket by positioning the acromion-socket on the user's

acromion-portion through the cupping of the user's acromion-portion instead of permitting the acromion- socket to slide away from the user's acromion-portion and towards the user's clavicle closest to the user's

Docket No. SMP-PCT acromion-portion at Block 102. The method ends at Block 104.

[0047] In another method embodiment, which is now described with reference to flowchart 106 of FIG. 14, the method begins at Block 108. The method may include the steps of FIG. 5 at Blocks 34 and 36. The method may additionally include transferring via the acromion-socket a majority of the load's weight to the user's acromion- portion at Block 110. The method ends at Block 112.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the system 10 includes an acromion-socket 12 to receive a user's 11 acromion-portion 14 where the acromion-socket' s greatest width while being used is larger than the strap's greatest width while being used, and the acromion-socket is pre-formed to aid in receiving the user's acromion- portion. The system 10 also includes a strap 16

positioned by the acromion-socket 12 where the strap connects a load 15 to the user 11.

[0049] Historically, a load bearing strap transfers the weight onto the neck and clavicle of the user.

However, system 10 moves the load away from the neck of the user.

[0050] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects may be embodied as a system and/or method. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not

intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly

Docket No. SMP-PCT indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,

operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0051] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as

specifically claimed. The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the

principles of the embodiments and the practical

application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0052] While the preferred embodiment has been

described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope

Docket No. SMP-PCT of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the embodiments first described.

[0053] Aspects of the embodiments are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods and systems (apparatus) according to the embodiments. The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems and methods according to various embodiments. It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly

indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,

operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Docket No. SMP-PCT [0055] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as

principles of the embodiments and the practical

[0056] While the preferred embodiment has been

described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the embodiments first described.

Docket No. SMP-PCT

Claims

Non-Provisional Patent Application CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system comprising:

an acromion-socket to receive a user's acromion- portion; and

a strap positioned by the acromion-socket where the strap connects a load to the user.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the acromion- socket is shaped to also engage a user's humerus that is closest to the user's acromion-portion .

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the acromion- socket is at least one of removable from the strap, can be positioned anywhere along the strap, and integral to the strap .

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the acromion- socket' s greatest width is larger than the strap's greatest width .

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the strap at least one of crosses a vertical line defined by the user' s spinal cord and does not cross a vertical line defined by the user's spinal cord.

Docket No. SMP-PCT

- 1 - Non-Provisional Patent Application

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the acromion- socket comprises at least one of a deformable material that aids in engaging the user's acromion-portion and a hard member that aids in engaging the user's acromion-portion.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the acromion- socket is pre-formed to aid in receiving the user's

acromion-portion .

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the acromion- socket pre-forming is achieved by at least one of material cut pattern, fastening pattern, fabrication process, and material selection.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the acromion- socket maintains the load' s weight on the user' s acromion- portion during use of the acromion-socket by positioning the acromion-socket on the user's acromion-portion through the cupping of the user' s acromion-portion instead of permitting the acromion-socket to slide away from the user' s acromion-portion and towards the user' s clavicle closest to the user's acromion-portion.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the acromion- socket transfers a majority of the load's weight to the user's acromion-portion.

Docket No. S P-PCT

- 2 - Non-Provisional Patent Application

11. A method comprising:

receiving a user' s acromion-portion in an acromion-socket; and

positioning a strap by the acromion-socket where the strap connects a load to the user.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising shaping the acromion-socket to also engage a user' s humerus that is closest to the user's acromion-portion.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising making the acromion-socket at least one of removable from the strap, positioned anywhere along the strap, and

integral to the strap.

14. The method of claim 11 further comprising making the acromion-socket' s greatest width larger than the strap's greatest width.

15. The method of claim 11 further comprising making the strap at least one of cross a vertical line defined by the user' s spinal cord and not cross a vertical line defined by the user's spinal cord.

16. The method of claim 11 further comprising engaging the user's acromion-portion via at least one of a

Docket No. S P-PCT

- 3 - Non-Provisional Patent Application

deformable material and a hard member that aids m engaging the user's acromion-portion .

17. The method of claim 11 further comprising pre-forming the acromion-socket to aid in receiving the user's acromion-portion.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising achieving the pre-forming of the acromion-socket by at least one of material cut pattern, fastening pattern, fabrication process, and material selection.

19. The method of claim 11 further comprising maintaining the load' s weight on the user' s acromion- portion during use of the acromion-socket by positioning the acromion-socket on the user's acromion-portion through the cupping of the user' s acromion-portion instead of permitting the acromion-socket to slide away from the user's acromion-portion and towards the user's clavicle closest to the user's acromion-portion.

20. The method of claim 11 further comprising transferring via the acromion-socket a majority of the load's weight to the user's acromion-portion.

21. A system comprising:

Docket No. S P-PCT

- 4 - an acromion-socket to receive a user's acromion- portion where the acromion-socket' s greatest width while being used is larger than the strap' s greatest width while being used, and the acromion-socket is pre-formed to aid i receiving the user' s acromion-portion; and

- 5 -