Shoulder strap for supporting back loads, device for carrying back loads, and in particular buoyancy compensator, or the like

Abstract

A shoulder strap for devices adapted to carry loads, particularly on the back of a user, has a side widening toward the sternal area of the user and an arched shape, the dimensions and shapes being designed so that in worn condition the side widening can rest on the thorax area, below the cervicothoracic imaginary line and above the breast, while the section extending downward beyond the side widening overlaps the side area of the thorax, the breast being positioned in the area next to a concave side edge that bypasses the breast. A buoyancy compensator for diving comprising equipped may be equipped with one or more shoulder straps as described.

Claims

1. A shoulder strap having a strip-shaped element, comprising: a part configured to overlap at least one portion of a shoulder area and one portion of a front side of a torso, wherein said part has an arched profile with a first concave edge, which is curved in a single direction of curvature defined by at least one first center and at least one first radius of curvature, and further has an opposite convex side which includes, in an intermediate area between two opposite ends of said strip-shaped element, a side widening transverse with respect to a longitudinal extent of said strip-shaped element, the side widening being connected to each of said two opposite ends of said strip-shaped element with a first and a second section of second concave edge curved in a direction of curvature opposite to the direction of curvature of the first concave edge, the second curved edge has at least one second center of curvature and at least one second radius of curvature, and wherein dimensions of the side widening, a shape of the first and the second concave sections connecting the side widening to the opposite ends of the strip-shaped element, and a position of the side widening with reference to the opposite ends of the strip-shaped element are all selected so that the side widening is configured to rest on a thorax area below a cervicothoracic imaginary line and above a breast, and wherein a first section between said widening and a first one of the two opposite ends overlaps both a part above the cervicothoracic imaginary line and at least part of a shoulder, and a second section of the strip-shaped element between the side widening and a second one of the two opposite ends overlaps a side area of the thorax, the breast being positioned in an area next to the second concave edge connecting the side widening to a corresponding one of the two opposite ends, the side widening being provided at a side of the strip-shaped element facing a sternal area or a mid-sagittal plane of a user's body.

2. The shoulder strap according to claim 1, wherein the side widening has a third curved edge with a direction of curvature corresponding to the single direction of curvature of the first concave edge and with at least one radius of curvature or with more radii of curvature that are shorter than a radius or radii of curvature of the first concave edge.

3. The shoulder strap according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the two opposite ends of the strip-shaped element is provided with removable-attachment extremities, which are directly attached to the at least one of the two opposite ends or to strip-shaped extensions of the at least one of the two opposite ends.

4. The shoulder strap according to claim 1, further comprising at least one removable-attachment element provided at the side widening or on the side widening, directly attached to the side widening or attached at an end of a strip-shaped extension.

5. A carrying device comprising: a combination of at least one shoulder strap, at least one supporting structure, and at least one load, wherein the at least one shoulder strap includes a strip-shaped element comprising: a part configured to overlap at least one portion of a shoulder area and one portion of a front side of a torso, wherein said part has an arched profile with a first concave edge, which is curved in a single direction of curvature defined by at least one first center and at least one first radius of curvature, and further has an opposite convex side which includes, in an intermediate area between two opposite ends of the strip-shaped element, a side widening transverse with respect to a longitudinal extent of the strip-shaped element, the side widening being connected to each of said two opposite ends of the strip-shaped element with a first and a second section of second concave edge curved in a direction of curvature opposite to the direction of curvature of the first concave edge, the second curved edge has at least one second center of curvature and at least one second radius of curvature, and wherein dimensions of the side widening, a shape of the first and the second concave sections connecting the side widening to the opposite ends of the strip-shaped element, and a position of the side widening with reference to the opposite ends of the strip-shaped element are all selected so that the side widening is configured to rest on a thorax area below a cervicothoracic imaginary line and above a breast, and wherein a first section between said widening and a first one of the two opposite ends overlaps both a part above the cervicothoracic imaginary line and at least part of a shoulder, and a second section of the strip-shaped element between the side widening and a second one of the two opposite ends overlaps a side area of the thorax, the breast being positioned in an area next to the second concave edge connecting the side widening to a corresponding one of the two opposite ends, the side widening being provided at a side of the strip-shaped element facing a sternal area or a mid-sagittal plane of a user's body, and wherein the opposite ends of the strip-shaped element are attached at points distant from each other of the supporting structure.

6. The carrying device according to claim 5, wherein an attachment of at least one end of the strip-shaped element is made in a removable manner.

7. The carrying device according to claim 5, further comprising an attaching member configured to attach the strip-shaped element and allowing an adjustment of a distance of at least one of the two opposite ends of the strip-shaped element from a point of attachment to the supporting structure of the load.

8. The carrying device according to claim 5, further comprising a combination of a supporting structure with two shoulder straps, each including the strip-shaped element, and wherein each strip-shaped element is configured symmetrically with respect to a mid-sagittal plane of the user's body wearing the carrying device.

9. The carrying device according to claim 8, wherein the supporting structure comprises a back support element adapted to lean against a back of a user wearing the carrying device and connected to an end of the at least one shoulder strap, and having an upper end at an upper point of the supporting structure and a lower end at a lower point of the supporting structure.

10. The carrying device according to claim 9, wherein a connection of each strip-shaped element is made either directly with a corresponding lower point of the supporting structure or with an extension optionally of adjustable length.

11. The carrying device according to claim 9, wherein there are two strip-shaped elements, and wherein lower ends of the two strip-shaped elements forming the shoulder straps are connected to a ventral section of an end of a ventral strap or belt provided on a corresponding side, ends of the ventral strap or belt being provided with attachment members that are removable and adjust a length of the ventral strap or belt.

12. The carrying device according to claim 11, wherein the ventral strap or belt is either a continuous element extending also over an entire extent of the supporting structure, or the ventral strap or belt has two segments branching off sideways from a side edge of the supporting structure.

13. The carrying device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one load comprises at least one respirable-gas cylinder, the supporting structure being a backrest element comprising at least one fixing device adapted to removably fix the at least one respirable-gas cylinder to the backrest element.

14. The carrying device according to claim 13, further comprising a flotation element attached to the supporting structure and having, along at least part of its extent, one or more sealed chambers alternatively inflatable and deflatable and a control system that controls inflation and deflation.

15. The carrying device according to claim 14, wherein the flotation element is configured as a jacket element shaped as a bodice or waistcoat.

16. The carrying device according to claim 15, wherein the jacket element is attached to the supporting structure, the at least one shoulder straps, and/or the belt or ventral strap.

17. The carrying device according to claim 14, wherein the flotation element comprises a waistcoat-shaped garment and is configured as a wearable harness to which a back portion the load supporting structure is attached, and wherein each of the two shoulder straps is made either as an integral extension or as an extension permanently attached thereto, at least to an upper side of a back portion of the waistcoat-shaped garment.

18. The carrying device according to claim 17, wherein an end of each shoulder strap on a front or pectoral side of the torso is made in one piece with a corresponding ventral part of the waistcoat-shaped garment, or is permanently attached to the corresponding ventral part or is removable therefrom, adjusting members to adjust a length of the shoulder straps being optionally provided.

19. A buoyancy compensator or stabilizer comprising: a watertight envelope or bag provided with a connecting system adapted to connect to a user's body; an inflating system adapted to inflate the watertight envelope or bag and to be actuated by control and supplied with gas from a gas cylinder; a discharging system adapted to discharge the gas and comprising one or more control-operated outlet valves and optionally one or more automatic gas-release valves; and a frame adapted to secure one or more air cylinders containing air or other mixture of respirable gases, further comprising a carrying device that includes: a combination of at least one shoulder strap, at least one supporting structure, and at least one load, wherein the at least one shoulder strap includes a strip-shaped element comprising: a part configured to overlap at least one portion of a shoulder area and one portion of a front side of a torso, wherein said part has an arched profile with a first concave edge, which is curved in a single direction of curvature defined by at least one first center and at least one first radius of curvature, and further has an opposite convex side which includes, in an intermediate area between two opposite ends of the strip-shaped element, a side widening transverse with respect to a longitudinal extent of the strip-shaped element, the side widening being connected to each of said two opposite ends of the strip-shaped element with a first and a second section of second concave edge curved in a direction of curvature opposite to the direction of curvature of the first concave edge, the second curved edge has at least one second center of curvature and at least one second radius of curvature, and wherein dimensions of the side widening, a shape of the first and the second concave sections connecting the side widening to the opposite ends of the strip-shaped element, and a position of the side widening with reference to the opposite ends of the strip-shaped element are all selected so that the side widening is configured to rest on a thorax area below a cervicothoracic imaginary line and above a breast, and wherein a first section between said widening and a first one of the two opposite ends overlaps both a part above the cervicothoracic imaginary line and at least part of a shoulder, and a second section of the strip-shaped element between the side widening and a second one of the two opposite ends overlaps a side area of the thorax, the breast being positioned in an area next to the second concave edge connecting the side widening to a corresponding one of the two opposite ends, the side widening being provided at a side of the strip-shaped element facing a sternal area or a mid-sagittal plane of the user's body, and wherein the opposite ends of the strip-shaped element are attached at points distant from each other of the supporting structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The invention will be described below with reference to non-limiting examples, provided in the accompanying drawings for illustration purposes only and without limitation. These drawings depict different aspects and embodiments of the invention and, where appropriate, reference numbers illustrating structures, components, materials and/or similar elements in different figures are denoted by similar reference numbers.

[0054] In the accompanying figures:

[0055] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of a user wearing a back carrying device, of backpack or buoyancy compensator (G.A.V.) type wherein the left shoulder strap with reference to the viewer is of the type according to the known art, while the right shoulder strap is made according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 2 shows a view similar to that of FIG. 1, wherein the carrying device comprises two shoulder straps according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 3 shows a top plan view on a right shoulder strap made according to known art and on a right shoulder strap made according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively, the latter being shown on the right of the one made according to known art, with reference to the viewer.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows a plan view on the inner side of an embodiment of a buoyancy compensator (G.A.V.) made according to an embodiment of the present invention and comprising a supporting structure to support at least one respirable-gas cylinder on the user's back.

[0059] FIG. 5 shows a detail pertaining to the area where the upper end of a shoulder strap is attached to the backrest of the jacket according to FIG. 4.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows a detail pertaining to the attachment of the lower end of a shoulder strap to a flap of the belt element connected to the lower end of the backrest according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows a detail of the removable-attachment means to attach the inflatable bodice-shaped bag to the upper attachment means to attach the shoulder strap to the backrest, in the embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows the upper end of a shoulder strap, the connecting members to connect the latter to the corresponding upper end of the backrest and the removable hooking means to hook the inflatable bag according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

[0063] FIG. 9 shows a side view of an embodiment variation of the buoyancy compensator in which the lower ends of the shoulder straps are directly connected by extensions to a point in the lower area of the backrest, on the corresponding side thereof.

[0064] FIG. 10 shows a view of the attachment of the upper end of a shoulder strap to the backrest in the embodiment variation according to FIG. 9.

[0065] FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of the detail of the removable-attachment means to attach the inflatable bag to the attachment means to attach the top end of the shoulder strap to the backrest.

[0066] FIG. 12 schematically shows the definitions of the sectional planes of the human body and the regions of the thoracic segment of torso.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0067] Although the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, two exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail below.

[0068] It must be understood, however, that there is no intention of limiting the invention to the illustrated specific embodiments, but, conversely, the invention intends to cover all modifications, alternative and equivalent constructions that fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0069] The use of for example, etc. or denotes non-limiting and not-exclusive alternatives, unless differently specified.

[0070] The use of include means include, but not limited to, unless differently specified.

[0071] Indications such as vertical and horizontal, upper and lower, above and below, right and leftin the absence of different indicationsshould be read with reference to the operating conditions and referring to the normal terminology used in everyday language, where vertical means a direction substantially parallel to that of the gravitational force vector g and horizontal a direction perpendicular thereto.

[0072] Although the exemplary embodiments refer to a buoyancy compensator or stabilizer for underwater use, the invention should not be considered limited to this application, but extended to other types of load transport, such as backpacks, or the like.

[0073] In addition, referring to the application specifically illustrated, embodiment variations are possible which provide combinations of the shoulder straps with any of the existing and various forms of construction of these jackets, in which there are different solutions as regards the construction of the supporting frames of the cylinder(s), the attachment of the latter to a wearable element to which at least inflatable and deflatable watertight bags are coupled, possibly with other elements having the function of housing, holding or attaching various kinds of tools.

[0074] The invention is described with reference to a specific and widespread type of construction of the jacket, but it must be understood as extended, with the proper obvious variations, to all the different forms of construction of jackets to which it is applicable.

[0075] The term jacket is to be considered equivalent to the term waistcoat, unless otherwise specified or if it is not different from the context in which the term is used.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the difference between a shoulder strap according to the state of the art and a shoulder strap according to the present invention is shown.

[0077] The numeral 100 denotes a shoulder strap according to the state of the art (shown on the left in FIG. 3 and FIG. 1, with reference to the figure viewer, but on the other hand provided on the right shoulder with reference to the one who wears the shoulder strap).

[0078] The shoulder strap 100 according to the known art has a stuffed arched area having the form of a strip-shaped element or elongated pad and being made with the two longitudinal side edges 101 on the concave side and on the convex side 102, which have a substantially identical profile and are essentially parallel to each other. The curvature is towards the right side of the user wearing the shoulder strap in order to turn under the armpit.

[0079] A female connector 104 for a corresponding male connector of the type hooking by snap fit is provided at the lower end 103. The male element is not illustrated as it is a known element and is usually used in the field and in any case comprises two fork-like extensions provided with outer side teeth which, once inserted in the female element, engage, from behind, with reference to the direction of removal, two lateral ribs. The fork-like element is inserted by compressing one against the other the two axial appendages forming the fork, while the engagement with the corresponding rib occurs thanks to the fork that elastically spread out once the teeth on the appendages have reached a corresponding side engagement window.

[0080] The opposite end 105 of the shoulder strap 100 also has removable-attachment members to attach to a load supporting structure (not illustrated in the figures), the members being provided at the end (not visible) of a strip-shaped extension 106 which is attached to said end 105.

[0081] The attachment member can be of removable type, female or male, and when it is provided to be removable it may be of the same type as the female part 104 or the corresponding male part of the connector provided on the end 103 of the shoulder strap.

[0082] According to a further characteristic, the strip-shaped extension 106 can be provided with length-adjustment means to adjust the total length of the shoulder strap fitted to a load supporting structure under operating conditions.

[0083] An embodiment variation may provide, alternatively or in combination, length-adjustment means to adjust the length, i.e. the distance of the end of the shoulder strap 100 from the point of attachment not only for the upper end 105 but also for the lower end 104.

[0084] A shoulder strap 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown to the right of the shoulder strap 100 according to the known art.

[0085] The upper end 115 and the lower end 113 have essentially the same attachment members as the shoulder strap 100 according to the known art and are denoted by the numerals 114 and 116, respectively.

[0086] Adjusting means to adjust the distance of the ends 115 and/or 113 from the corresponding point of attachment to a load supporting structure may be provided also in this case.

[0087] In an intermediate position between said two upper and lower ends 115, 113 of the shoulder strap 110, on the side corresponding to the convex side of the shoulder strap according to the known art, the shoulder strap 110 according to the present invention has a side widening 118 that is connected to the ends 113 and 115 with two concave-shaped edges 119 having a direction of curvature opposed to that of the concave side 111.

[0088] As evident, the curvature of the concave side 11 has at least one center of curvature and at least one radius of curvature and the same applies to the curvature of the edge of the side widening 118 which has at least one center of curvature and at least one radius of curvature, the radius(es) of curvature of the side widening 118 being smaller than the radius(es) of curvature of the concave edge 111, while this edge and the edge of the side widening 118 have concurrent direction of curvature.

[0089] The concave edge sections 119 having the side widening 118 connected thereto at the ends 113 and 115 can also have at least one center of curvature and at least one radius of curvature.

[0090] According to a further characteristic of the embodiment illustrated, the side widening 118 carries a female connector of type removably snap-fit hooking and denoted by the numeral 120, in which the corresponding male connector 121 of a sternum strap 122 connecting two shoulder straps 110, 110 of a back carrying device as shown in FIG. 2 can be engaged by interlocking.

[0091] Further, the sternum strap 122 can have length adjusting means to adjust its own length, thus adjusting the distance of the male connector 121 from the area where said sternum strap 122 is attached to the side widening 118 of the corresponding shoulder strap 110.

[0092] According to a further possible characteristic, on the side widening 118 of one or both shoulder straps 110, 110 at least one ring, for example of the D type or another type, denoted by the numeral 123, can be attached.

[0093] A further possible characteristic provides that the side widening 118 is provided substantially in the area corresponding to the maximum indentation of the concave edge 111. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this way, not only the side widening 118 of the shoulder straps can be positioned at a precise point of the thorax but also the sections of the shoulder straps themselves that extend from the side widening 118 to the lower end can turn around the thorax area having the corresponding breast.

[0094] This condition is evident from FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0095] In particular, FIG. 1 shows that the shoulder strap 100 according to the known art is positioned above the area of the breast and also the nipple, so that the force generated by the mass of the load, for example a respirable-gas cylinder, is offloaded in the form of compression of the shoulder strap against the breast and the nipple and thus against soft tissues comprising glands and extremely sensitive tactile organs. In the long term, this can cause not only discomfort, but also pain and can also involve a danger of physiological damage.

[0096] On the other hand, the shoulder strap 110 in FIG. 1 and both the shoulder straps 110 and 110 in FIG. 2, which are made according to the embodiment described above and illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 3, have an offloading zone to offload the force acting on the shoulder and on the part where the pectoral muscles are provided, i.e. in the area below the cervicothoracic imaginary line and above the breast.

[0097] As will be clearer from the description of the following exemplary embodiments, the lower extension section of the two shoulder straps leading from the side widening 118 to the lower end 113, bypasses the area of the corresponding breast and then connects to the structure in different ways and with different patterns.

[0098] As even more evident, in the embodiment of the shoulder straps according to the present invention, thanks to the side widening 118, the surface contacting the thorax and thus the distribution surface of the force generated by the load is greater than that of the shoulder straps according to the state of the art (see FIG. 1). As a result, the pressure exerted per unit area is lower and therefore not only these pressures are offloaded onto areas anatomically more suitable to bear the stress, but also the intensity thereof is further reduced.

[0099] FIG. 4 shows a preferred application of the shoulder straps according to the present invention, according to which they are provided in a buoyancy compensator 400, so-called G.A.V, which has a bag 401, alternatively inflatable and deflatable by control, and additionally has a supporting structure for at least one respirable-gas cylinder (not shown in figure).

[0100] FIG. 4 shows the view on the inner side of a fully open and outspread jacket 400.

[0101] In this embodiment, the shoulder straps 110, 110 thanks to extensions 116 are attached, with their upper end 115, to a corresponding upper side point of a backrest 402. The latter can be made either rigid or of semi-rigid or relatively flexible material such as plastic or the like and can be provided with a filling denoted by the numeral 403 on the side contacting the user's back.

[0102] The illustrated backrest 402 has a special shape that is widened sideways in the lower part, that is intended to adhere against the kidney area of the back.

[0103] On the other hand, the lower end 113 of the shoulder straps 110, 110 is attached, so as to be able to adjust their distance, to a corresponding end section 405, 405 of a ventral strap or belt element.

[0104] In the embodiment shown, the attachment of the ends 113 of the shoulder straps 110, 110 is provided at an intermediate point between the free end of the corresponding belt section 405, 405 and the edge of the backrest from which this section extends.

[0105] Preferably, said point of attachment is provided adjacent to or near the side edge of the backrest 402 so as to be positioned in the flank area or in the back area immediately adjacent to the flank area.

[0106] The two end sections 405, 405 are equipped with means for the removable and mutual attachment, i.e. one to the other, which are made like a buckle and which also allow the distance between the two ends to be adjusted in order to adjust the tightening condition of the belt.

[0107] Several embodiments of the extremities 405, 405 and of the belt or central strap can be provided.

[0108] An embodiment provides a continuous belt that extends also behind the backrest, without interruptions.

[0109] Alternatively, the two sections 405 and 405 may be separated from each other and each attached to a side end of the backrest 402, which is the structural continuity element connecting the ventral strap or belt.

[0110] The bag part contains the floating chambers, and to the former the members that allow the latter to be inflated and deflated at user's request are connected, the former being denoted by the numeral 401 and having the form of a bodice or waistcoat.

[0111] In the embodiment illustrated, said part 401 is preferably removably attached to the load supporting structure comprising the backrest 402, the shoulder straps 110, 110 and the belt or the ventral strap with the two end sections 405, 405. Advantageously, this part 401 can be replaced in the event of damage or loss of tightness of the chambers.

[0112] FIG. 5 shows a detail of an embodiment of the attachment of the upper extension 116 of the shoulder strap 110 to the corresponding upper side point of the backrest 402 and the adjusting means to adjust the length of the extension 116, i.e. the distance of the upper end 115 of the shoulder strap 110 from the point of attachment to the back strap 402. In figure a tightening strap 407 to tighten a cylinder on the rear side of the jacket 400 is also depicted.

[0113] FIG. 6 shows a detail of an embodiment of a jacket similar to the one according to FIG. 4, the detail pertaining to one of the end sections 405 of the ventral strap or belt and with a view on the front side of the jacket.

[0114] The lower end 113 of the shoulder strap 110 connects by the female connector 114 to a male connector 409 which is attached to the end of a strip-shaped extension 410 connected to the belt section 405. The male connector 409 is attached to the band 410 so that its position along the band can be changed, thanks to a buckle of known type and widely used, for example in backpacks or the like and which allows the end coupling said connector 409 to the band to be slid along the band and to be fixed in the desired position while allowing the tensioning of the band by exerting a tensile force on the free end of the band itself. The band is fixedly connected to the end section of the belt 405.

[0115] The example shows the embodiment in which the two end sections 405, 405 of belt not only are connected to each other by a length-adjustable band denoted by the numeral 411, but are also removably attached to the rear face of the backrest 402 thanks to the use of attaching means of the loop/hook type, such as velcro or the like.

[0116] FIG. 7 shows an openable hooking loop 412 which is provided at the upper end of the inflatable and deflatable bodice-like part 401 at each area where the band that attaches the upper end 115 of the shoulder straps passes, the hooking loop being intended to be hooked to said band section 116 so as to also attach the upper part of said bag 401 to the backrest, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0117] The hook 412 delimits a loop for the engagement of said strip-shaped extension 116 for attaching the upper end of the corresponding shoulder strap 110 and has a closing branch which delimits outward said loop and which can be locked and unlocked by means of an elastic snap-fit hooking at one end with a transverse rib of the two ribs which delimit said loop sideways.

[0118] FIG. 9 shows a side view of a buoyancy compensator, according to a further embodiment variation of the present invention.

[0119] In this embodiment as shown in the figure, the lower end 113 of the shoulder straps is not connected to the corresponding end section 405, 405 of belt, as shown in the example of the preceding figures. Unlike these embodiments, the band 410 attaching the lower end 113 of each shoulder strap 110 extends from a point 500 of the corresponding lower side area of the backrest 401. In particular, in the illustrated figure, this point is provided at a certain distance from the side end of the lower side extension of the backrest to which the end section 405 of the ventral strap or belt is connected. Also in this case, on the band 410 there is the male connector 409 that in the figure is engaged in the female connector 114 attached in turn to the lower end 113 of the corresponding shoulder strap 110 and also in this example the position of the male connector 409 along the band 410 is adjustable, in order to correctly tighten the shoulder strap to the body and therefore the load supporting structure to the body itself.

[0120] FIGS. 10 and 11 show, as FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper point where a strip-shaped extension 116 of the upper end 115 of a shoulder strap 110 is attached to the backrest 402.

[0121] In the example shown, this is achieved by passing the free end of the strip-shaped extension 116 through a loop in a tightening buckle 501 which is attached to the backrest 402 and by locking the free end of the strip-shaped extension 116 into said tightening buckle. This is made in a manner known in the state of the art and to the field technician so as to allow an adjustment of the position on the strip-shaped extension and therefore an adjustment of the distance of the upper end 115 of the shoulder strap 110 with respect to said buckle, i.e. with respect to the upper point of attachment to the backrest 402.

[0122] This configuration is similarly provided also in the embodiment of FIG. 8 referred to the embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0123] In both embodiments, the ends of the shoulder straps can also be attached in another way by using state-of-the-art solutions which are within the scope of the options the person skilled in the art can choose from.

[0124] FIG. 11 shows, as FIGS. 7 and 8, the openable anchoring hook to anchor an upper end on one of the two sides of the inflatable bag 401 to the upper extension 116 of the upper end of a shoulder strap 110.

[0125] According to an embodiment variation of the embodiments related to FIGS. 4 to 11, the shoulder straps according to the present invention can be combined and integrated in a buoyancy compensator or stabilizer, commonly known also by the acronym G.A.V. or BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) or by the English term jacket, wherein a garment element made in a waistcoat-like shape is the part to which it is attached, or which is shaped so as to generate the load supporting structure that supports the load, in this case at least one respirable-gas cylinder. In this example, therefore, the flotation element shaped as a wearable element or waistcoat is not hooked to this load supporting structure but it is the float element itself that takes the function of both float elements and harness that couples the load supporting structure to the user's body.

[0126] In contrast to the previous embodiments, the waistcoat-shaped wearable element comprises one or more inflatable and deflatable floating bags spread over at least one or more areas and, in the back area, it is shaped so as to generate a load supporting structure or else a load supporting structure is attached to said back part of the waistcoat-shaped garment.

[0127] In this variation, the shoulder straps are extensions of the back part of the waistcoat-shaped garment that extend towards the front or pectoral part of the torso and pass over the shoulder on the corresponding side of the back part of the waistcoat-shaped wearable element.

[0128] The shoulder straps can be integral extensions of said back dorsal part of the garment or can be permanently sewn to said back part or else can be removably attached thereto.

[0129] Similarly, the end of each shoulder strap on the front side of the torso may be either connected, as an integral piece, to a ventral part of the waistcoat-shaped garment provided on the same side as the associated shoulder strap, or it may be permanently or removably connected by sewing or the like.

[0130] In all cases, each shoulder strap may comprise a maximum length and a system of adjustable buckles for managing the abundance of the length and that allow the adjustment of the shoulder straps themselves.

[0131] As regards the shape of the shoulder straps as well as other additional characteristics described with reference to the previous examples shown in the figures, even in this embodiment all or part of these characteristics can be provided in any combination or subcombination, obviously when they can be applied.