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[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/468,559, which was filed on May 7, 2003.
[0002] The present invention relates to supporting mechanisms for items to be carried by an individual, and more specifically to an adjustable strap assembly that can be releasably connected to the item in order to enable the item to be moved and be more comfortably positioned on the wearer.
[0003] In order to enable an individual to carry a number of items without utilizing the hands or arms of the individual, a number of different types of supports have been developed that are worn on the body of the individual. A large number of these supports are designed as or including a belt that is secured about the waist of the individual. For example, in order to enable a worker to carry a number of tools and other items, tool belts have been developed which are worn about the waist of the individual and provide attachment points for a number of different tools as well as pouches for retaining a number of different items, such as nails and screws. These belts also have some type of adjustment mechanism, such as a buckle, that enables the length of the belt to be varied to accommodate the particular individual and hold the belt in the desired spot on the individual.
[0004] However, due to the overall weight of the items secured to or positioned on the tool belt, often times the belt does not remain in the position where the individual initially secured it to the individual's body. The shifting of the tool belt on the individual usually results in the belt being positioned in an uncomfortable location on the individual, and/or at a location which prevents the individual from moving in a relatively unhindered manner. This impairs the efficiency of the individual by forcing the individual to constantly readjust the position of the belt on the individual.
[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to develop an assembly or mechanism which can releasably and securely retain an item, such as a belt, worn by an individual in a desired location on the individual. Further, the assembly should be able to adjust the position of the belt on the individual such that if and when the belt shifts to an undesirable position, the individual can then utilize the assembly to quickly and easily move the belt to a more desirable position.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a support strap assembly for an item worn around the waist of an individual that is used to support a number of objects, where the assembly is releasably securable to the item.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a support strap assembly that is capable of quickly and easily adjusting the position of the item to which the assembly is secured on an individual wearing both the assembly and the item.
[0008] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a support strap assembly that has a relatively simple construction formed of a number of straps interconnected with one another and releasably engageable with the item.
[0009] The present invention is a support strap assembly comprised of a number of straps interconnected to one another and releasably connectable to an item worn by an individual around the waist of the individual and used to support or hold various objects on the individual, such as a belt, in order to adjustably support the item on the individual. The assembly includes a pair of central straps, formed in a manner similar to a pair of suspenders, that each include releasable attaching means at opposite ends. The attaching means are engageable with the item in order to secure the central straps to the item and allow for any adjustments in the length of the central straps to consequently result in movement of the item on the individual.
[0010] The support strap assembly also includes a pair of auxiliary straps each secured to one of the central straps at one end. The auxiliary straps are formed similarly to the central straps and each include a releasable attaching means disposed at the end of the auxiliary strap opposite the central strap that is engageable with the item. Generally opposite the attaching means, each auxiliary strap includes a buckle or other adjustment mechanism that enables the length of the auxiliary strap to be adjusted by adjusting the length of the portion of the auxiliary strap which extends from the buckle. By adjusting the length of the auxiliary straps, the position of the item on the individual can be moved by raising or lowering the item with respect to the individual in a manner other than simply adjusting the length of the central straps.
[0011] Further, the assembly includes a pair of sternum straps that are engaged at one end with each of the central straps and are releasably engageable opposite the central straps with one another. The sternum straps are engageable with one another to prevent the central straps, and the assembly in general, from shifting or sliding outwardly with regard to the body of the individual, depending upon the positioning of the assembly and the item on the individual.
[0012] Various other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the drawing figures.
[0013] The drawings illustrate the best mode currently contemplated of practicing the present invention.
[0014] In the drawings:
[0015]
[0016]
[0017]
[0018] With reference now to the drawing figures in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the disclosure, a strap assembly constructed according to the present invention is disclosed generally at
[0019] The connecting member
[0020] Each central strap
[0021] Looking now at
[0022] The strap assembly
[0023] The assembly
[0024] The second section
[0025] In use, initially the individual
[0026] When the individual
[0027] Various alternatives are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.