Shoulder transfer weight support

Abstract

A wearable weight support that transfers the weight of heavy garments that rely on shoulder support, off of the shoulders to the hips of the user. The device provides additional posterior radiation protection to the wearer as the back support can be made from radio-opaque materials. The device also provides lumbar support and results in less body heat containment through natural venting. The device is easily adjustable to any body type and allows the wearer to move more freely in their work environment. The invention can be used to transfer the weight of a backpack or other systems which rely on shoulder support to function.

Claims

1. A fixed-angle device configured to transfer weight to the pelvis of a wearer comprising: shoulder extensions that comprise rigid bars extending above the wearer's shoulders, a hip belt and a back support connected at one end to the shoulder extensions and at an opposing end to the hip belt; wherein the back support includes a hinge that allows the back support to bend ventrally relative to its longitudinal axis and wherein the hinge comprises an upper leaf, a lower leaf, and a pin; and wherein each leaf features a bore and said bores are positioned to align when the upper leaf and a ventral surface of the lower leaf are in contact with each other.

2. The fixed-angle device of claim 1 wherein binding barrels are used to attach the back support to the shoulder extensions and the hip belt.

3. The fixed-angle device of claim 2 wherein the back support contains radio-opaque materials.

4. A fixed-angle device configured to transfer weight to the pelvis of a wearer comprising: shoulder extensions that comprise rigid bars extending above the wearer's shoulders, a hip belt and a back support connected at one end to the shoulder extensions and at an opposing end to the hip belt; wherein the back support comprises: an upper back plate featuring drilled holes; a lower back plate featuring drilled holes; an attachment bar comprising a rigid bar featuring a plurality of drilled holes at each of two opposing ends; and wherein the upper back plate is attached to one end of the attachment bar using attachment means inserted into the drilled holes on the back plate and one end of the attachment bar and the opposing end of the attachment bar is attached to the lower back plate using attachment means inserted into the drilled holes on the lower back plate and the opposing end of the attachment bar.

5. A fixed-angle device configured to transfer weight to the pelvis of a wearer comprising: shoulder extensions that comprise rigid bars extending above the wearer's shoulders, a hip belt and a back support connected at one end to the shoulder extensions and at an opposing end to the hip belt; wherein the back support comprises: an upper back plate featuring drilled holes; a lower back plate featuring drilled holes; a first and a second attachment bar comprising rigid bars featuring a plurality of drilled holes at each of two opposing ends; and wherein the first attachment bar is attached to the upper back plate at one end and the hinge at the other end and the second attachment bar is attached to the lower back plate at one end and the hinge at the other end.

6. The fixed-angle device of claim 5 wherein the hinge comprises an upper leaf, a lower leaf, and a pin; and wherein each leaf features a bore and said bores are positioned to align when a ventral surface of the upper leaf and a ventral surface of the lower leaf are in contact with each other thereby preventing the leaves from rotating around the pin towards their dorsal surfaces.

7. The fixed-angle device of claim 6 further comprising a locking pin sized and shaped to be inserted into the bores when they are aligned thereby engaging the upper leaf and the lower leaf such that they cannot rotate in either direction.

8. The fixed-angle device of claim 7 wherein binding barrels are used to attach the upper and lower back plates to their respective attachment bars and to attach the hip belt to the lower back plate.

9. The fixed angle-device of claim 8 wherein the shoulder supports feature pins that extend away from a surface of the shoulder extensions.

10. The fixed-angle device of claim 8 wherein the back support contains radio-opaque materials.

11. The fixed-angle device of claim 5 wherein the hinge comprises an upper leaf, a lower leaf, a pin and a knuckle; wherein each leaf features a bore and said bores are positioned to align when a ventral surface of the upper leaf and a ventral surface of the lower leaf are in contact with each other thereby preventing the leaves from rotating around the pin towards their dorsal surfaces.

12. The fixed-angle device of claim 11 wherein the back support contains radio-opaque materials.

13. A fixed-angle device configured to transfer weight to the pelvis of its wearer comprising: shoulder extensions that comprise rigid bars extending above the wearer's shoulders; a hip belt; a back support connected at one end to the shoulder extensions and at an opposing end to the hip belt; a hinge that allows the back support to bend relative to its longitudinal axis; wherein said hinge comprises an upper leaf, a lower leaf, a pin and a knuckle; wherein each leaf features a bore and said bores are positioned to align when a ventral surface of the upper leaf and a ventral surface of the lower leaf are in contact with each other; and a locking pin sized and shaped to be inserted into the bores when they are aligned thereby engaging the upper leaf and the lower leaf such that they cannot rotate in either direction.

14. The fixed-angle device of claim 13 the back support comprises: an upper back plate featuring drilled holes; a lower back plate featuring drilled holes; a first and a second attachment bar comprising rigid bars featuring a plurality of drilled holes at each of two opposing ends; and wherein the first attachment bar is attached to the upper back plate at one end and the hinge at the other end and the second attachment bar is attached to the lower back plate at one end and the hinge at the other end.

15. The fixed angle-device of claim 14 wherein the shoulder supports feature pins that extend away from a surface of the shoulder extensions.

16. The fixed-angle device of claim 15 wherein the back support contains radio-opaque materials.

17. The fixed-angle device of claim 13 wherein the back support contains radio-opaque materials.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

(1) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded or open configuration;

(2) FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a folded or closed configuration;

(3) FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded or open configuration;

(4) FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded or open configuration;

(5) FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded or open configuration; and

(6) FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded or open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) Referring now to the invention in more detail, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the device, generally 10, in an unfolded or open state. The device or frame includes two shoulder extensions 11 that are elongated, rigid bars that are shaped such that, when attached to the device 10, they are positioned to extend up and over a wearer's shoulders. In preferred embodiments and the anticipated best mode of the device 10, the shoulder extensions 11 feature pins 12 protruding from an upper surface of the shoulder extensions 11, away for the wearer. As previously discussed, these pins can be used to support other equipment, including a face shield. In addition, the shoulder extensions 11 are attached to a back support, generally 13. The back support 13 is generally made of one or more back plates. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the back support consists of an upper back plate 14, a lower back plate 15, an upper attachment bar 16, a lower attachment bar 17 and a hinge 18. The upper back plate 14 and shoulder extensions 11 feature drilled holes 30 in their surfaces. The drilled holes 30 are the same size and contain the same threading, if any. These holes 30 are used to attach the shoulder extensions 11 to the upper back plate 14. Note, there are a series of holes 30 in both parts of the device. As a result, the wearer can change the height of the shoulder extensions 11. If desired, the upper back plate 14 can have a second set of drilled holes 30 and as such, the shoulder extensions 11 positions could be adjusted in other directionsnamely laterally with respect to their original position on the upper back plate 14.

(8) FIG. 1 also shows the upper attachment bar 16 and the lower attachment bar 17. These bars are rigid bars, preferably made of Aluminum or another metal, that serve to separate the various back support 13 components from each other, i.e. to space them out enough that the device 10 can be attached to the wearer's waist area while the shoulder extensions 11. The attachment bars feature drilled holes 30 similar to or the same as the drilled holes 30 in the upper back plate 14 and the shoulder extensions 11. These drilled holes 30 are used to attach the upper back plate 14 the upper attachment bar 16. The upper attachment bar 16 also features drilled holes 30 or other conventional attachment means that attach the upper attachment bar 16 to the hinge 18 located beneath it.

(9) Similarly, the lower attachment bar 17 is structurally similar or the same as the upper attachment bar 16. It is a rigid bar featuring drilled holes 30 that are complementary to drilled holes 30 on the hinge 18 and the lower back plate 15. Similarly, the hip belt 26 is attached to the lower back plate 15.

(10) The hinge 18 is best illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device 10 in a folded or closed configuration. The hinge 18 consists of two leavesan upper leaf 19 and a lower leaf 20as well as at least one bore 22 in each leaf and a pin 25. FIG. 2 shows the lower leaf 20 in detail. The lower leaf 20 attaches to the lower attachment bar 17 as discussed above. In addition, the lower leaf 20 has a ventral surface 23, i.e. a surface that would face towards the wearer's body when the device 10 is worn. The ventral surface 23 features a shelf 24 or indention that faces ventrally. In addition, the lower leaf 20 features a bore 22 that passes completely through the lower leaf 20. Similarly, the upper leaf 19 is attached to the upper attachment bar 16 and features a complementary bore 22 through it. As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the pin 25 can be inserted through the bores 22 in the upper leaf 19 and lower leaf 20 and in doing so, the pin 25 prevents the two leaves 19, 20 from moving with respect to one another or the rest of the device 10. As a result, the pin locks the device into an upright, open or unfolded position. Similarly, when the pin is removed from the bores 22, the leaves 19, 20 are allowed to move relative to each other and the device 10 and the upper portion of the device 10, consisting of the shoulder extensions 11, upper back plate 14 and upper attachment bar 16 can be folded down to the point where it contacts the lower portion of the device 10, consisting of the lower attachment bar 17 the lower back plate 15 and the hip belt 26.

(11) FIGS. 3 and 4 show the device 10 from the rear or back of the device, i.e., the portion of the device that would face away from the wearer when the device 10 is in use. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the device 10 in an unfolded stateready for use. These figures show the shoulder extensions 11 featuring pins 12 and drilled holes 30 attached to the upper back plate 14. In addition, FIGS. 3 and 4 show the upper attachment bar 16 attached to and linking the upper back plate 14 to the upper leaf 19 of the hinge 18. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the upper leaf 19 and lower leaf 20 engaged or in contact with each other and locked in place with the pin 25 inserted through the bores 22. The lower attachment bar 17 is attached via drilled holes 30 to the lower back plate 15 at one end and the lower leaf 20 of the hinge 18 at the other end.

(12) FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show the hip belt 26 in more detail. These figures show the means of attaching the hip belt 26 to the lower back plate 15drilled holes 30 in the lower back plate 15 that align with holes 30 in the hip belt 26. The hip belt 26 is a padded belt that is meant to be worn around the wearer's waist are and has a buckle or clasp 27 allowing the wearer to attach the two free ends of the hip belt 26.

(13) Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, the device is used in the following manner. The person desiring to use the device places the device 10 onto their back while leaning forward. The wearer then adjusts the position of the device such that the shoulder extensions are in place above the wearer's shoulders. Generally, the inventors anticipate that most wearer's will position the device 10 such that it is 0.75 to 1 inch above each of their shoulders. As discussed, the height of the shoulder extensions can be adjusted to position the shoulder extensions 11 to the liking of the wearer. Once the device 10 is positioned roughly where the wearer wants it, the wearer wraps the hip belt 26 around their body, usually around the wearer's waist, engages the buckle and tightens the belt around their body. The location of the hip belt 26 in relation to the rest of the device 10 can be adjusted by additional drilled holes in the lower back plate 15 that allow for the wearer to attach the hip belt 26 at different points along the lower back plate 15.

(14) The shape and design of the device 10 are such that the back support is angled away from the body of the wearer so that it does not come into contact with the back or body of the wearer while the wearer is standing straight. The device also functions well when the wearer is bending forward. The effect of taking the weight off of the wearer's shoulders and transferring it to the hips is that the weight of the garment (and device) is not born by the user's shoulders or lower back. In addition, because the garment worn over the device necessarily has holes through which the user's arms and head can protrude, there is opportunity for air to flow into the garment and cool the wearer. As discussed above, there is ample room for air to flow around the wearer's entire torso, including their back as the device is only snug against the wearer's body at the hips.

(15) Preferred embodiment and the anticipated best mode of the invention are constructed as follows. The shoulder extensions are produced from 1.5 inch wide 6061 aluminum bars that are flattened such that they are 3/16 of an inch thick. The aluminum pins or protrusions are constructed from 6061 aluminum round stock and cut to a length of inches and a diameter of 5/16 inches. The pins are attached to the shoulder extensions using any conventional attachment means and can be integrally formed with the shoulder extensions. In preferred embodiments, the pins are attached using one or more stainless steel flathead #6-32 machine screws and are secured using one ore more #6-32 stainless steel lock nuts. The upper and lower back plates are ideally custom vacuum formed kydex plates that are shaped to be comfortable, ergonomic and to create space between the wearer and the garment supported by the device. The accessory bars are aluminum bars and are attached to the slip hinge with 10-24 stainless steel machine screws and nylon lock nuts. The machined aluminum slip hinge is made of 6061 aluminum as well. Stainless steel binding barrels have a inch-20 thread and are inches long. Moreover, the parts of the device can be made or infused with radio-opaque material to improve the level of protection afforded to the wearer, especially when they are wearing a garment that is only mean to cover the front of the wearer. A binding barrel or binding nut is a nut with an internally threaded hole and an extended smooth body with a head or flanged end. There are two main types available. Those also known as dowel nuts have an internally threaded hole that is perpendicular to the nut's length and are often used with bolts in furniture assembly to create joints. They may have a slotted head for adjusting. Those also known as binding nuts have a head or flange on one end and internal threading that can accept a binding post or screw to bolt thin materials, such as sheet metal, to other parts. The head may include a drive style, such as Phillips or slotted.

(16) Reference throughout the specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

(17) Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

(18) It is understood that the above described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment, including the best mode, is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, if any, in conjunction with the foregoing description.

(19) While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.