WO2017040086A1

WO2017040086A1 - Compound curvature waist strap

Info

Publication number: WO2017040086A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/048005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jay Barrett Willet; Lauren Rose Meyer; Shon Kendall Hancock
Original assignee: Recreational Equipment, Inc
Priority date: 2015-08-28
Filing date: 2016-08-22
Publication date: 2017-03-09
Also published as: US20170055682A1

Abstract

A waist strap with layers of variable material to provide cushioning in layers on the side of the waist strap contacting the wearer and structural strength in layers opposite the side contacting the wearer; the waist strap having a first strap portion and a second strap portion, and each strap portion having a lengthwise curvature to curve about a waist of a wearer and a crosswise curvature along the height of the waist strap to create a compound curvature contour around a wearer, and each strap portion having an upper padded region, a central padded region and a lower padded region with the central padded region generally recessed relative to the upper and lower padded regions to further define a crosswise curvature of the waist strap by the recessed central padded region and resulting upper and lower padded region protrusions.

Description

COMPOUND CURVATURE WAIST STRAP

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Waist straps are wearable devices to assist in carrying loads and to attempt to reduce strain and tension on the body of a wearer. Comfort is commonly found in cushioning, padding, or other pliable material interfaces. Materials and configurations to provide the strength required to support heavier loads sacrifice comfort to a wearer; similarly, waist straps and wearable devices seeking to improve comfort sacrifice the ability to carry heavier loads due to the materials and configurations employed for comfort purposes. Materials and novel configurations of waist straps that do not sacrifice one tenet in favor of the other are demanded by customers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A contoured waist strap (also called a waist belt or hip belt within the art, but hereafter referred to as "waist strap" or "waist straps" as the context requires) capable of comfortably supporting heavy loads carried by a wearer is described. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a contoured waist strap cupping the hip and waist area of a wearer through straps with compound curvatures integrating various materials with different properties among the materials to deliver both comfort and support for heavy loads borne by the wearer. Embodiments of the present invention may be applied to couple with backpacks or other cargo enclosure areas, affix to moving belts or other strain-reducing apparatuses, or couple with attachments worn directly on the waist strap, such as water bottles or first aid kits or other similarly sized attachments.

[0003] Certain embodiments of the present invention direct the load carried by a wearer to the iliac crest of the wearer's skeletal structure. Current waist straps in the art use flat materials to direct this load to a wearer's body. The flat surface cannot align with the contours of the body. This misalignment creates uneven pressure on various points of the body and increases discomfort, which in turn limits the weight load willing to be carried, or the duration of use, by the wearer. Discomfort from flat waist straps manifests as abrasion points, chaffed skin, muscle pain, and back strain. [0004] Other devices in the art use softer and more pliable materials to deliver even pressure and improve comfort, but this in turn limits the load that may be carried, as the waist strap will collapse and cease to function and will not provide support under heavier loads. Still other devices in the art stitch reliefs into the waist strap to cinch the material comprising a waist strap and create a contour, or cut material out of the waist strap to create a recessed contour. Such devices reduce the overall strength of the waist strap by increasing the stress within the material through the reduction of the area that will be bearing a load. While stitching creates a contour, cinching the material further reduces any padding available at the stitch point and thus limits comfort due to reduced padding at the point intended for skeletal contact at the contour.

[0005] The currently available prior art relies on pressing the waist strap against the body to distribute the carried load; pressing is typically achieved by cinching a belt strap coupled to the waist strap. Embodiments of the present invention instead cup the contour of the wearer's body through a compound curvature structure rather than using external force to provide contoured contact.

[0006] Embodiments of the invention use compound curvatures to contour to the wearer's anatomy while using variable materials within the contoured waist strap to maintain the strength required to support heavy loads and provide a comfortable interface for the wearer. In other words, the structure of a stronger material to bear the loads follows the contoured shaping of padding material to provide comfort. Compound curvatures permit consistent padding thickness about the waist of the wearer to improve comfort, as opposed to reducing comfort as experienced in prior art contoured waist straps that by design reduce padding. By providing a contoured contact with the skeletal structure about the waist of a wearer, distribution of a carried load is provided more evenly than if applied by flat contact or if applied to a muscle region such as the lower back.

[0007] The improved distribution of load increases the comfort while simultaneously enabling heavier loads to be carried relative to a waist strap that uses flat-but-strong materials or those that use contoured-but-weak materials or those that diminish the strength of strong materials through cinching, stitching, or other area-reducing construction techniques.

[0008] Embodiments of the invention may employ various materials with different rigidity and other material properties among the materials in cross-sectional layers. An embodiment may have a rigid outer shell as the main structure, and this rigid outer shell is contoured to a semirigid inner padding; whereas another embodiment may have a semirigid outer shell with a pliable foam inner padding for uses that require carrying lighter loads. Modular construction of some embodiments permits interchanging the layers of the embodiment to provide customized strength and comfort for a particular use by, or preference of, the wearer.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention, in addition to having variable materials through the cross section of the waist strap may have variable materials in the skeletal contact side of the strap. Such variable contact materials permit improved functionality, as breathable materials may be introduced at certain locations, or softer padding on bone contact, or firmer padding where support is needed about a contoured portion.

[0010] Construction of contours can be enabled through pattern making of the cross- sectional layers, such that darts are cut out of the material and when the dart edges are assembled the compound curvature forms and maintains the assembled construction through wear and temperature exposure. Other contour curvature construction may be through injection molding material into a preformed mold, or cold-pressing a material, or additive manufacturing into a desired shape to maintain the material properties throughout the contour. Other embodiments may produce a reaction contour curvature by using a consistent material thickness through the cross section but a soft or less dense material running through the center of the waist strap's length such that when the waist strap is worn, the center compresses further than the other portions of the waist strap and a contour forms as a function of variable pliability.

[0011] Embodiments of the invention create a waist strap from two strap portions. Each strap portion has concave curvatures in two directions. The first curvature, a lengthwise curvature, runs the length of each strap portion to curve around the waist of a wearer to terminate at a strap end. The second curvature, a crosswise curvature, runs the height of each strap portion to curve around the iliac crest of a wearer.

[0012] Embodiments of the invention have a series of regions oriented along the length of a strap portion. In one embodiment, an upper padded region and lower padded region extend toward the body of a wearer such that they protrude relative to a central padded region. A crosswise curvature is formed by these protrusions relative to the central padded region to cup the contours of a wearer; in one embodiment the contour forms around the iliac crest of the wearer. Embodiments of the invention can create further curvature through thicknesses of the upper and lower protrusions that are greater than the thickness of the central padded region. Curvature by thickness is created in other embodiments through variable density or pliability of material use, such that the central padded region has a lower density or higher pliability than the upper and lower protrusions, and when worn by a wearer the central padded region compresses further than the upper and lower protrusions, creating a crosswise curvature when worn.

[0013] Embodiments of the invention create a lengthwise curvature relative to a strap anchor point where each strap portion originates and curves as each strap portion extends away from the strap anchor point to ends of each strap portion. The strap anchor point is a tangent point to the lengthwise curvature of each strap portion. Each end of a strap portion can couple to a belt fastener, for example a buckle, such that each strap portion may join at the respective belt fasteners at the strap ends to create a lengthwise loop to the waist strap, though the curvature is formed regardless of coupling the strap ends.

[0014] These and other embodiments of the invention along with many of its advantages and features are described in more detail in conjunction with the text below and attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention and its embodiments will become more readily apparent when the accompanying detailed description is taken in conjunction with the following figures.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a compound curvature waist strap having a lengthwise curvature and a crosswise curvature to strap portions extending from a strap anchor point according to a particular embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a compound curvature waist strap having a lengthwise curvature to strap portions extending from a strap anchor point according to a particular embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a crosswise curvature of a strap portion having an upper edge and a lower edge, an outer side and an inner side, an upper padded region, a central padded region, a lower padded region, a thickness relative to the outer side and inner side, a rigid layer, and a less rigid layer according to a particular embodiment;

[0019] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an exploded view of a multilayered strap portion to a compound curvature waist strap, the multilayered strap portion having an upper padded region and lower padded region and central padded region, a plurality of structure layers, and an outer layer coupled to a belt fastener according to a particular embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention relate to technologies to provide a structured waist strap to enable a wearer to more efficiently carry heavy loads coupled to the waist strap. Embodiments of the invention further provide a compound curvature shape that contours to a wearer, improving comfort to the wearer when carrying the load.

[0021] In one embodiment, a waist strap is formed from a pair of strap portions coupled to a common strap anchor point. Each strap portion has an inner side configured to contact a wearer and an outer side opposite the inner side. In one embodiment, the strap portions extend from the strap anchor point to a strap end and have a curvature along the length of each waist strap such that the inner side of each strap portion is a concave side of the lengthwise curvature, and the outer side of each strap portion is a convex side of the lengthwise curvature. In one embodiment, a first strap portion terminates at a first end, and a second strap portion terminates at a second end.

[0022] In one embodiment, each strap portion has a crosswise curvature relative to the height of the particular strap portion. In one embodiment, the inner side of the strap portion is a concave side of the crosswise curvature, and the outer side of each strap portion is a convex side of the crosswise curvature.

[0023] In one embodiment, the lengthwise curvature to each strap portion when combined with the crosswise curvature to each strap portion creates a compound curvature waist strap to contour to a wearer of the waist strap. [0024] In one embodiment, each strap portion has an upper padded region oriented along the length of the strap portion. In one embodiment, the upper padded region has an upper edge and a lower edge. In one embodiment, the upper edge of the upper padded region coincides with an upper edge of a strap portion. In one embodiment, the upper edge of the upper padded region defines a first endpoint of a crosswise curvature of a strap portion.

[0025] In one embodiment, each strap portion has a central padded region oriented along the length of the strap portion. In one embodiment, the central padded region has an upper edge and a lower edge. In one embodiment, the upper edge of the central padded region coincides with a lower edge of an upper padded region. In one embodiment, the central padded region and upper padded region coincide along a first intersection line oriented along the length of a strap portion.

[0026] In one embodiment, each strap portion has a lower padded region oriented along the length of the strap portion. In one embodiment, the lower padded region has an upper edge and a lower edge. In one embodiment, the upper edge of the lower padded region coincides with a lower edge of a central padded region. In one embodiment, the central padded region and lower padded region coincide along a second intersection line oriented along the length of a strap portion. In one embodiment, the lower edge of the lower padded region coincides with a lower edge of the waist strap. In one embodiment, the lower edge of the lower padded region defines a second endpoint of a crosswise curvature of a strap portion.

[0027] In one embodiment, a central padded region is coupled to an upper padded region and a lower padded region.

[0028] In one embodiment, the crosswise convex curvature on the outer side of a strap portion is measured from a first endpoint, which is the upper edge of an upper padded region, to a second endpoint, which is the lower edge of a lower padded region. The convex side of the crosswise curvature has a radius of curvature relative between the first endpoint to the second endpoint. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the convex side of the crosswise curvature is constant throughout the length of the strap portion. In another embodiment, the radius of curvature of the convex side of the crosswise curvature is variable throughout the length of the strap portion, as the height of the outer side may vary throughout the length of the strap portion. [0029] In one embodiment, the concave side of the crosswise curvature on the inner side of a strap portion is measured from a first intersection line, which is where an upper padded region's lower edge coincides with a central padded region's upper edge, to a second intersection line, which is where a central padded region's lower edge coincides with a lower padded region's upper edge. The concave side of the crosswise curvature has a radius of curvature relative between the first intersection line and second intersection line. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the concave side of the crosswise curvature is constant throughout the length of the strap portion. In another embodiment, the radius of curvature of the concave side of the crosswise curvature is variable throughout the length of the strap portion, as the height of the central padded region may vary throughout the length of the strap portion.

[0030] In one embodiment, a radius of curvature of the convex side of the crosswise curvature is greater than a radius of curvature of the concave side of the crosswise curvature. In another embodiment, the radius of curvature of the concave side of the crosswise curvature is the same as the radius of curvature of the convex side of the crosswise curvature.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the concave side of the crosswise curvature is measured relative from the first endpoint to the second endpoint.

[0032] In one embodiment, the upper padded region has an inner surface and an outer surface. In one embodiment, the upper padded region has a thickness as measured between the inner surface and outer surface. In one embodiment, the thickness of the upper padded region ranges from 0.5 inch to 1 inch. According to one embodiment, the upper padded region has a maximum thickness, measured as the maximum distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of upper padded region. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the upper padded region coincides with the inner side of a strap portion. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the upper padded region coincides with the outer surface of a strap portion. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the upper padded region interfaces with a cross-sectional layer of the strap portion.

[0033] In one embodiment, the central padded region has an inner surface and an outer surface. In one embodiment, the central padded region has a thickness as measured between the inner surface and outer surface. In one embodiment, the thickness of the upper padded region is a range from 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch. According to one embodiment, the central padded region has a maximum thickness, measured as the maximum distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the central padded region. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the central padded region coincides with the inner side of a strap portion. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the central padded region coincides with the outer surface of a strap portion. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the central padded region interfaces with a cross- sectional layer of the strap portion.

[0034] In one embodiment, a lower padded region has an inner surface and an outer surface. In one embodiment, the lower padded region has a thickness as measured between the inner surface and outer surface. In one embodiment, the thickness of the lower padded region is a range from 0.5 inch to 1 inch. According to one embodiment, the lower padded region has a maximum thickness, measured as the maximum distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the lower padded region. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the lower padded region coincides with the inner side of a strap portion. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the lower padded region coincides with the outer surface of a strap portion. In another embodiment, the outer surface of the lower padded region interfaces with a cross-sectional layer of the strap portion.

[0035] In one embodiment, the maximum thickness of the central padded region is less than the maximum thickness of the upper padded region. In another embodiment, the maximum thickness of the central padded region is less than the maximum thickness of the lower padded region. In one embodiment, the greater maximum thickness of the upper padded region and lower padded region relative to the central padded region creates a crosswise curvature to the waist strap.

[0036] In one embodiment, the density of the central padded region is less than the density of the upper padded region and lower padded region. In one embodiment, the pliability of the central padded region is greater than the pliability of the upper padded region and lower padded region. In these embodiments, under an application of force equally applied to each of the upper, central and lower padded regions, the central padded region compresses deeper relative to the upper padded region and lower padded region. In these embodiments, a crosswise curvature of a strap portion is formed when the waist strap is worn by a wearer, and the application to the body compresses the maximum thickness of central padded region to a compressed thickness less than the compressed thickness of the upper padded region and lower padded region.

[0037] In one embodiment, each strap portion is constructed from a plurality of layers such that a cross section of a strap portion comprises multiple materials. In one embodiment, an upper padded region is a layer, and in other embodiments a central padded region or lower padded region may make up the same layer. In some embodiments, the central padded region and lower padded region are distinct layers. In other embodiments, the inner side of a strap portion is a first layer. In one embodiment, interfacing with the first layer is a second layer. Other embodiments may have multiple additional layers interfacing or coupling to a second layer in the direction of an outer side of a strap portion. In one embodiment, the rigidity of the second layer is greater than the rigidity of the first layer, such that the second layer forms an exoskeleton to the first layer. In other embodiments, the additional layers have increasing rigidity relative to the first or second layer, such that the additional layers form an exoskeleton to the first or second layer.

[0038] According to the embodiment, each layer may be configured to provide a particular function. In one embodiment, a first layer is constructed from a pliable material to provide a comfortable interface to a wearer of the waist strap. In another embodiment, the outer side of a strap portion is a second layer and is constructed from a rigid material to provide strength and structure to the waist strap. For example, in one embodiment the first layer is polyurethane foam or polyethylene foam to provide cushioning, dampening, and breathability on the side contacting the wearer. In another example, the second layer is fiberglass or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) to provide strength and impact resistance to the waist strap. In other embodiments, the first layer is a mesh layer; a mesh layer can improve breathability against contact with a wearer or improve cleaning of the inner side of the waist strap.

[0039] In one embodiment, the second layer is constructed from a flat pattern with vertically oriented darts. When assembled, either from sewing the dart lines together or binding them with adhesive or affixing the dart lines through other means, the second layer bows to create a crosswise curvature. In one embodiment, the dart construction assembly of a second layer, when coupled to an upper padded region, pushes the upper edge of an upper padded region toward the inner side of a strap portion by constructive compression. In another embodiment, the vertical dart construction assembly of a second layer, when coupled to a lower padded region, pushes the lower edge of the lower padded region toward the inner side of a strap portion by constructive compression. By constructively compressing the upper or lower edge toward the inner side of a strap portion, a crosswise curvature of the strap portion is formed in one embodiment.

[0040] In one embodiment, the second layer is constructed from a flat pattern with horizontally oriented darts. When assembled, either from sewing the dart lines together or binding them with adhesive or affixing the dart lines through other means, the second layer bows to create a lengthwise curvature. In one embodiment, the horizontal dart construction assembly of a second layer, when coupled to a strap portion, pushes a first end or second end of a respective strap portion toward the inner side of the strap portion by constructive compression. By constructively compressing a first end or second end of a respective strap portion toward the inner side of a strap portion, a lengthwise curvature of the strap portion is formed in one embodiment.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first end or second end of a respective strap portion couples to a belt fastener. When the belt fastener on a first and second end join, the strap portions create a loop to the waist strap. In one embodiment, the belt fastener is a buckle. In another embodiment, the belt fastener is a lace system for tying together the first and second ends of the respective two strap portions. In one embodiment, each strap portion extends from an anchor point and terminates at a respective first and second end.

[0042] In one embodiment, a lengthwise curvature of a strap portion is defined as the curvature of the strap portion measured from the strap anchor point to a respective first or second end. In one embodiment, the lengthwise curvature is such that a strap portion extends outward from the strap anchor point and curves such that the strap anchor point is a tangent point as the strap portion curves away. In one embodiment, a strap portion extends away from the strap anchor point and as it extends it curves away from a tangent line intersecting the tangent point. In one embodiment, the strap portion curves away from the tangent line and begins to curve a first or second end of a strap portion back toward the direction of the strap anchor point, though the first or second end is geometrically offset from the strap anchor point due to the strap portion curving away from the tangent line.

[0043] In one embodiment, the central padded region comprises a foam layer with a series of vertical recessions, such that each recession enhances breathability against contact of a wearer. In one embodiment, a vertical recession traverses the entire cross section of the foam layer to the central padded region to be a complete cutout in the central padded region. In other

embodiments, a vertical recession begins at the inner side of the central padded region but does not fully traverse the thickness of the central padded region.

[0044] In another embodiment, the waist strap includes an attaching portion. In one embodiment, the attaching portion is a strap anchor point from which strap portions extend. In another embodiment, the attaching portion couples to an external structure. In one embodiment, the attaching portion couples to a cargo enclosure, such as a backpack. The attaching portion enables coupling heavy loads to the waist strap such that a wearer of the waist strap can carry the load with the weight distributed efficiently to the skeletal structure of the wearer through the compound curvature structure of the waist strap contouring to the wearer's body. Other attachments to the attaching portion may be smaller attachable devices such as water bottles or first aid kits or tools. The attaching portion in one embodiment is where the load intended to be carried by the waist strap wearer is coupled for distribution of the weight of the load to the waist strap.

[0045] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a particular embodiment of a waist strap 100. In one embodiment, waist strap 100 has a first strap portion 110 and a second strap portion 112. In one embodiment, each of strap portion 110 and 112 has an inner side 107 and outer side 108. In one embodiment, each of strap portion 110 and 112 has a lengthwise curvature 101. In one embodiment, each inner side 107 of each strap portion has a concave crosswise curvature 102. In another embodiment, each outer side 108 of each strap portion has a convex crosswise curvature 106. In one embodiment, crosswise curvature 102 has a radius of curvature less than that of crosswise curvature 106. In other embodiments, crosswise curvature 102 has a radius of curvature greater than that of crosswise curvature 106, and in still other embodiments crosswise curvature 102 has the same radius of curvature as that of crosswise curvature 106. In still other embodiments, along the length of either strap portion 110 and 112, the crosswise curvature 102 and crosswise curvature 106 are variable along the length of either strap portion 110 and 112. According to these embodiments, crosswise curvature 102 may be greater or less than crosswise curvature 106 at any given point along the length of strap portion 110 or 112. Waist strap 100, in one embodiment also has strap anchor point 103. According to the embodiment, strap anchor point 103 may be an attaching portion for coupling to an external load, such as a cargo enclosure like a backpack.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a waist strap 100. Waist strap 100 has a strap anchor point 103. In one embodiment, strap portion 110 and strap portion 112 couple to strap anchor point 103. In one embodiment, strap anchor point 103 is a tangent point for lengthwise curvature 101 of either strap portion 110 or strap portion 112. The tangent point intersects with tangent line 220. Each of strap portions 110 and 112 extends away from strap anchor point 103 and curves away from tangent line 220 to form lengthwise curvature 101. In one embodiment, strap portion 110 extends away from anchor point 103 to terminate at first end 204. In another embodiment, strap portion 112 extends away from anchor point 103 to terminate at second end 205. In one embodiment, lengthwise curvature 101 is defined as the curvature of strap portion 110 or 112 away from tangent line 220 and toward the respective first end 204 or second end 205.

[0047] In one embodiment, strap portion 110 extends from anchor point 103 and tangent line 220 such that lengthwise curvature 101 turns first end 204 back in the direction toward strap anchor point 103 even though first end 204 is geometrically offset from strap anchor point 103 by virtue of the extension of strap portion 110 extending away from strap anchor point 103 and tangent line 220.

[0048] In one embodiment, strap portion 112 extends from anchor point 103 and tangent line 220 such that lengthwise curvature 101 turns second end 205 back in the direction toward strap anchor point 103 even though second end 205 is geometrically offset from strap anchor point 103 by virtue of the extension of strap portion 112 extending away from strap anchor point 103 and tangent line 220.

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a particular embodiment of a cross section of a strap portion. In one embodiment, a strap portion has an outer side 330 and inner side 335. In one embodiment, the strap portion cross section has a second layer 320. Second layer 320, in one embodiment is high- density polyethylene (HDPE). In alternative embodiments, second layer 320 is ABS or fiberglass or rigid composite, or in still other embodiments comprises thermoplastics and high- density foams. Second layer 320 is configured as a strong exoskeleton to the strap portion cross section. In one embodiment, the strap portion cross section has a first layer 317. First layer 317 can be polyurethane foam or polyethylene foam or other suitable foam to provide malleable cushioning on the inner side 335 intended for contact with a wearer of the waist strap. In other embodiments, the strap portion cross section has additional layers 345 and 355. Additional layers 345 and 355 can provide additional structural functions, such as shock absorption and dampening between first layer 317 and second layer 320. Additional layers 345 and 355 may be made from the same materials as first layer 317 or second layer 320, or may be made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or ethylenediamine (EDA) or polyvinyl to provide a strength and structural interface between first layer 317 and second layer 320 according to the embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 3 further illustrates a cross section of upper padded region 315 having an upper edge 302, central padded region 310, and lower padded region 325 having lower edge 301. In one embodiment, central padded region 310 meets upper padded region 315 at first intersection 360, and central padded region 310 meets lower padded region 325 at second intersection 365. In one embodiment, a concave radius of curvature 102 is measured by the inner side 335 of first intersection 360 to inner side 335 of second intersection 365. In another embodiment, a convex radius of curvature 106 is measured from upper edge 302 and lower edge 301. In one embodiment, convex radius of curvature 106 is greater than concave radius of curvature 102; in another embodiment, convex radius of curvature 106 is less than concave radius of curvature 102

[0051] FIG. 3 further illustrates thickness 370 of upper padded region 315, thickness 372 of central padded region 310, and thickness 374 of lower padded region 325. In one embodiment, the maximum of thickness 372 is less than the maximum of thickness 370 or 374. In one embodiment, thickness 370 traverses first layer 317; in another embodiment, thickness 372 traverses first layer 317; in another embodiment, thickness 374 traverses first layer 317. In another embodiment, each of thickness 370, 372, and 374 is equal when the waist strap is unloaded. In another embodiment, central padded region 310 is made from more pliable or less dense material than upper padded region 315 or lower padded region 325, such that upon loading the waist strap and worn by a wearer, thickness 372 compresses deeper than thickness 370 and 374, creating a recession of central padded region 310 and concave curvature 102 to contour to the wearer. [0052] In one embodiment, second layer 320 is a shell layer, and second layer 320 is constructed from a rigid material such that it serves as a strong exoskeleton to a strap portion. In one embodiment, inner side 335 comprises a mesh material to improve breathability against contact with a wearer.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of layers comprising a strap portion. Layer 401 is an upper padded region, and layer 402 is a lower padded region. Layer 403 is a central padded region configured to couple to layer 401 and layer 402. Layer 403 may have at least one vertical recession 404 to provide a ventilation means to a wearer of the waist strap. Layer 405 is a shell layer that may be the final layer such that it is the outer side of a waist strap, though in other embodiments, layer 405 is an additional layer to layer 405' that may be one or more layers similarly constructed as layer 405 to provide particular functions to the waist strap. Layer 405 may have a plurality of vertical darts 412. Vertical dart 412 has a first edge 414 and a second edge 416. When assembled, either by sewing or by adhesive or other construction means, first edge 414 aligns with second edge 416 to create a crosswise curvature to layer 405 or 405' as applicable. The resulting construction of layer 405 or 405' after assembling vertical dart 412 provides a preformed crosswise curvature to apply layers 401, 402, and 403 against. One of skill in the art can envision preformed crosswise curvature layer 405 or 405' techniques that do not require vertical dart 412 assembly. For example, injection molding into a prefabricated shape or cold-pressing layer 405 or 405' can create a preformed crosswise curvature to apply layers 401, 402, and 403.

[0054] In another embodiment, layer 406 is a layer on the outer side of a strap portion.

Layer 406 has horizontal darts 422 with third edge 424 and fourth edge 426. When assembled, either by sewing or by adhesive or other construction means, third edge 424 aligns with fourth edge 426 to create a lengthwise curvature to layer 406. The resulting construction of layer 406 provides a preformed lengthwise curvature to apply layers 401, 402, 403, and 405 or 405' against. One of skill in the art can envision preformed lengthwise curvature layer 406 techniques that do not require horizontal dart 422 assembly. For example, injection molding into a prefabricated shape or cold-pressing layer 406 can create a preformed lengthwise curvature. [0055] Belt fastener 430 can be applied to any of layers 405 or 405' as applicable or layer 406. Belt fastener 430 as depicted is a buckle, but in other embodiments can be a lace system or other fastening means envisioned by one of skill in the art.

[0056] While the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments or figures described. For example, in various embodiments described above, a radius of curvature to a convex side of the crosswise curvature is greater than a radius of curvature to a concave side of the crosswise curvature. However, in other

embodiments, a radius of curvature to a convex side of the crosswise curvature is less than a radius of curvature to a concave side of the crosswise curvature. In still other embodiments, the radius of curvature of the convex or concave side of the crosswise curvature is variable, such that along the length of a strap portion a radius of curvature to a convex side of the crosswise curvature may be greater or less than a radius of curvature to a concave side of the crosswise curvature at any given point along the length of a strap portion.

[0057] Reference throughout this document to "one embodiment," "certain embodiments," "an embodiment," or similar term means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner on one or more embodiments without limitation.

[0058] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of various embodiments of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings and/or examples making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

[0059] Embodiments of the disclosure can be described in view of the following clauses: 1. A waist strap, comprising: a strap anchor point; a first strap portion having a first end and a second strap portion having a second end, each strap portion having an inner side and an outer side, wherein each strap portion is coupled to the strap anchor point and comprises: a lengthwise curvature such that the inner side is a concave side of the lengthwise curvature and the outer side is a convex side of the lengthwise curvature; and a crosswise curvature such that the inner side is a concave side of the crosswise curvature and the outer side is a convex side of the crosswise curvature; and a belt fastener coupled to each of the first end and second end.

2. The waist strap according to Clause 1, wherein the inner side of the first strap portion and second strap portion each further comprises: an upper padded region having an upper edge and a lower edge; a central padded region coupled to the upper padded region having an upper edge and a lower edge; and a lower padded region coupled to the central padded region having an upper edge and a lower edge.

3. The waist strap according to Clause 2, wherein the upper edge of the upper padded region is a first endpoint and the lower edge of the lower padded region is a second endpoint of the convex side of the crosswise curvature.

4. The waist strap according to Clause 3, wherein the lower edge of the upper padded region couples to the upper edge of the central padded region at a first intersection line, and the upper edge of the lower padded region couples to the lower edge of the central padded region at a second intersection line.

5. The waist strap according to Clause 4, wherein the first intersection is a first endpoint and the section intersection is a second endpoint of the concave side of the crosswise curvature. 6. The waist strap according to Clause 5, wherein a radius of curvature of the convex side of the crosswise curvature is greater than a radius of curvature of the concave side of the crosswise curvature.

7. The waist strap according to any of Clauses 2-6, wherein each of the upper padded region, central padded region, and lower padded region have an outer surface coinciding with the outer side of the strap portion and an inner surface coinciding with the inner side of the strap portion.

8. The waist strap according to Clause 7, wherein the outer side of the strap portion is a shell layer constructively compressing the upper edge of the upper padded region toward the inner side and constructively compressing the lower edge of the lower padded region toward the inner side.

9. The waist strap according to Clause 7, wherein each of the upper padded region, central padded region, and lower padded region has a maximum thickness defined by the maximum distance between the inner surface and the outer surface.

10. The waist strap according to Clause 9, wherein the maximum thickness of the central padded region is less than the maximum thickness of the upper padded region and lower padded region.

11. The waist strap according to any of Clauses 1-10, wherein the lengthwise curvature is a curvature measured from the strap anchor point to a first or second end or a respective first or second strap portion.

12. The waist strap according to Clause 11, wherein the lengthwise curvature extends the strap portion away from the strap anchor point relative to a tangent line intersecting the strap anchor point.

13. The waist strap according to Clause 12, wherein the lengthwise curvature extends the strap portion away from the tangent line at such a curvature that a first end and second end point in a direction back toward the strap anchor point.

14. The waist strap according to any of Clauses 1-13, wherein a cross section of each strap portion comprises at least a first layer on the inner side and a second layer. 15. The waist strap according to Clause 14, wherein a rigidity of the first layer is less than a rigidity of the second layer.

16. The waist strap according to Clause 15, wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of ventilation openings.

17. The waist strap according to Clause 15, wherein the second layer is a shell layer constructively compressing an upper edge of the first layer toward the inner side of a strap portion and constructively compressing a lower edge of the first layer toward the inner side of a strap portion.

18. The waist strap according to any of Clauses 1-17, wherein the belt fastener is a buckle.

19. The waist strap according to any of Clauses 1-18, wherein the strap anchor point is an attaching portion.

20. The waist strap according to Clause 19, wherein the attaching portion couples to a cargo enclosure.

[0060] As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms "a" and "an" are taken to mean "one," "at least one," or "one or more." Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms used herein shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0061] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" means any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps, or acts is in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

[0062] Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural and singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," and "below" and words of similar import, when used in this disclosure, shall refer to this disclosure as a whole and not to any particular portions of the disclosure.

[0063] The description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples for the disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Such modifications may include, but are not limited to, changes in the dimensions and/or the materials shown in the disclosed embodiments.

[0064] All of the references cited herein are incorporated by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the above references to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure. These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the detailed description.

[0065] Specific elements of any foregoing embodiments can be combined or substituted for elements in other embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described in the context of these embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0066] Therefore, it should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A waist strap, comprising:

a strap anchor point;

a first strap portion having a first end and a second strap portion having a second end, each strap portion having an inner side and an outer side, wherein each strap portion is coupled to the strap anchor point and comprises:

a lengthwise curvature such that the inner side is a concave side of the lengthwise curvature and the outer side is a convex side of the lengthwise curvature; and

a crosswise curvature such that the inner side is a concave side of the crosswise curvature and the outer side is a convex side of the crosswise curvature; and

a belt fastener coupled to each of the first end and second end.

2. The waist strap according to Claim 1, wherein the inner side of the first strap portion and second strap portion each further comprises:

an upper padded region having an upper edge and a lower edge;

a central padded region coupled to the upper padded region having an upper edge and a lower edge; and

a lower padded region coupled to the central padded region having an upper edge and a lower edge.

3. The waist strap according to Claim 2, wherein the upper edge of the upper padded region is a first endpoint and the lower edge of the lower padded region is a second endpoint of the convex side of the crosswise curvature.

4. The waist strap according to Claim 3, wherein the lower edge of the upper padded region couples to the upper edge of the central padded region at a first intersection line, and the upper edge of the lower padded region couples to the lower edge of the central padded region at a second intersection line.

5. The waist strap according to Claim 4, wherein the first intersection is a first endpoint and the section intersection is a second endpoint of the concave side of the crosswise curvature.

6. The waist strap according to Claim 5, wherein a radius of curvature of the convex side of the crosswise curvature is greater than a radius of curvature of the concave side of the crosswise curvature.

7. The waist strap according to Claim 2, wherein each of the upper padded region, central padded region, and lower padded region has an outer surface coinciding with the outer side of the strap portion and an inner surface coinciding with the inner side of the strap portion.

8. The waist strap according to Claim 7, wherein the outer side of the strap portion is a shell layer constructively compressing the upper edge of the upper padded region toward the inner side and constructively compressing the lower edge of the lower padded region toward the inner side.

9. The waist strap according to Claim 7, wherein each of the upper padded region, central padded region, and lower padded region has a maximum thickness defined by the maximum distance between the inner surface and the outer surface.

10. The waist strap according to Claim 9, wherein the maximum thickness of the central padded region is less than the maximum thickness of the upper padded region and lower padded region.

11. The waist strap according to Claim 1, wherein the lengthwise curvature is a curvature measured from the strap anchor point to a first or second end or a respective first or second strap portion.

12. The waist strap according to Claim 11, wherein the lengthwise curvature extends the strap portion away from the strap anchor point relative to a tangent line intersecting the strap anchor point.

13. The waist strap according to Claim 12, wherein the lengthwise curvature extends the strap portion away from the tangent line at such a curvature that a first end and second end point in a direction back toward the strap anchor point.

14. The waist strap according to Claim 1, wherein a cross section of each strap portion comprises at least a first layer on the inner side and a second layer.

15. The waist strap according to Claim 14, wherein a rigidity of the first layer is less than a rigidity of the second layer.

16. The waist strap according to Claim 14, wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of ventilation openings.

17. The waist strap according to Claim 14, wherein the second layer is a shell layer

constructively compressing an upper edge of the first layer toward the inner side of a strap portion and constructively compressing a lower edge of the first layer toward the inner side of a strap portion.

18. The waist strap according to Claim 1, wherein the belt fastener is a buckle.

19. The waist strap according to Claim 1, wherein the strap anchor point is an attaching portion.

20. The waist strap according to Claim 19, wherein the attaching portion couples to a cargo enclosure.