Adjustable Shoulder Supported Carrying Strap Assembly

Abstract

An adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly for use with a load, such as a laptop bag, that enables the load to be carried over the shoulder. The assembly comprises a shoulder pad configured to snugly engage the point of the shoulder. The pad is defined by a central aperture that snugly encircles the point of the shoulder. The central aperture also works to reduce stress on the point of the shoulder, whereby the greatest stress from the weight of the load occurs in more muscular lower regions of the shoulder covered by the shoulder pad. The pad also comprises an engagement surface engaging the shoulder, and an outer surface facing away from the shoulder. At least one adjustable strap defined by a load end and a shoulder end attaches to the shoulder pad, and may include a length adjusting mechanism for adjusting the length of the strap.

Claims

1. An adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly, the assembly comprising: a shoulder pad sized and dimensioned to snugly engage the shoulder, the shoulder pad defined by a central aperture, the shoulder pad further defined by an engagement surface sized and dimensioned to engage against the shoulder, the shoulder pad further defined by an outer surface facing away from the shoulder, the shoulder pad further defined by a peripheral edge; a pad member integrated into the shoulder pad; a grip member disposed on the engagement surface of the shoulder pad, the grip member helping to concentrically join the shoulder pad to the terminus of the shoulder; and at least one adjustable strap defined by a load end and a shoulder end, the shoulder end fixedly attached to the peripheral edge of the shoulder pad; and a length adjusting mechanism disposed at the load end, or the fixed end, or both, the length adjusting mechanism reconfiguring the length of the adjustable strap, whereby the shoulder pad has a larger surface area than the adjustable strap so as to spread the weight of a load over a larger area on the shoulder, whereby the central aperture in the shoulder pad helps reduce stress on the point of the shoulder.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the central aperture of the shoulder pad concentrically encircles a shoulder terminus.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the shoulder pad forms at least one fastening hole at the peripheral edge.

4. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising a fastening mechanism releasably attaching the adjustable strap to the shoulder pad.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the fastening mechanism joins the shoulder end of the adjustable strap to the at least one fastening hole.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the shoulder pad comprises a generally octagonal shape.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the shoulder pad is resilient.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pad member is a foam.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the grip member is textured.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one adjustable strap is fabricated from at least one of the following: nylon, polymers, rubber, cotton, and a nonwoven cloth.

11. An adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly, the assembly comprising: a shoulder pad sized and dimensioned to snugly engage the shoulder, the shoulder pad defined by a central aperture that concentrically encircles a shoulder terminus, the shoulder pad further defined by an engagement surface sized and dimensioned to engage against the shoulder, the shoulder pad further defined by an outer surface facing away from the shoulder, the shoulder pad further defined by a peripheral edge, the shoulder pad further defined by at least one fastening hole at the peripheral edge; a pad member integrated into the shoulder pad; a grip member disposed on the engagement surface of the shoulder pad, the grip member helping to concentrically join the shoulder pad to the terminus of the shoulder; at least one adjustable strap defined by a load end and a shoulder end, the shoulder end fixedly attached to the peripheral edge of the shoulder pad; a length adjusting mechanism disposed at the load end, or the fixed end, or both, the length adjusting mechanism reconfiguring the length of the adjustable strap, whereby the shoulder pad has a larger surface area than the adjustable strap so as to spread the weight of a load over a larger area on the shoulder, whereby the central aperture in the shoulder pad helps reduce stress on the point of the shoulder; and a fastening mechanism releasably attaching the adjustable strap to the shoulder pad, the fastening mechanism joining the shoulder end of the adjustable strap to the at least one fastening hole.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the shoulder pad comprises a generally octagonal shape.

13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the shoulder pad is resilient.

14. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the pad member is a foam.

15. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the grip member is textured.

16. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one adjustable strap is fabricated from at least one of the following: nylon, polymers, rubber, cotton, and a nonwoven cloth.

17. An adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly, the assembly consisting of: an octagonal shaped shoulder pad sized and dimensioned to snugly engage the shoulder, the shoulder pad defined by a central aperture that concentrically encircles a shoulder terminus, the shoulder pad further defined by an engagement surface sized and dimensioned to engage against the shoulder, the shoulder pad further defined by an outer surface facing away from the shoulder, the shoulder pad further defined by a peripheral edge, the shoulder pad further defined by at least one fastening hole at the peripheral edge; a pad member integrated into the shoulder pad; a grip member disposed on the engagement surface of the shoulder pad, the grip member helping to concentrically join the shoulder pad to the terminus of the shoulder; at least one adjustable strap defined by a load end and a shoulder end, the shoulder end fixedly attached to the peripheral edge of the shoulder pad; a length adjusting mechanism disposed at the load end, or the fixed end, or both, the length adjusting mechanism reconfiguring the length of the adjustable strap, whereby the shoulder pad has a larger surface area than the adjustable strap so as to spread the weight of a load over a larger area on the shoulder, whereby the central aperture in the shoulder pad helps reduce stress on the point of the shoulder; and a fastening mechanism releasably attaching the adjustable strap to the shoulder pad, the fastening mechanism joining the shoulder end of the adjustable strap to the at least one fastening hole.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the shoulder pad is resilient.

19. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the pad member is a foam.

20. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the at least one adjustable strap is fabricated from at least one of the following: nylon, polymers, rubber, cotton, and a nonwoven cloth.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly shown in FIG. 1 carrying a load while worn on the shoulder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly shown in FIG. 1 carrying a laptop bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly shown in FIG. 1 carrying a laptop bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly worn on the shoulders while carrying a laptop bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly worn on the shoulders while carrying a laptop bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a left side perspective view of the adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly worn on the shoulders while carrying a laptop bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a right side perspective view of the adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly worn on the shoulders while carrying a laptop bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly having a circular strap that goes around the shoulder socket, and a circular, domed shoulder pad attaching from each end of the strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates an elevated side view of the adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly shown in FIG. 9, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly shown in FIG. 9, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0031] An adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1-8. The adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly 100, hereafter assembly 100 provides an adjustable carrying strap 118 and shoulder pad 102 for use in combination with any type of load 200, such as a laptop bag, that enables the load 200 to be comfortably carried over the shoulder 202. The assembly 100 is operable with the load 200, so as to facilitate hands-free carrying of the load 200. In some embodiments, the load 200 may include, without limitation, a laptop bag, a sports bag, a hand bag, and the like. In this manner; the load 200 can be comfortably carried by the user on their shoulder 202, thereby freeing their hands.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will recognize that laptop bags can be heavy, and a simply shoulder strap can cut into the wearer's shoulder, causing discomfort. Also, the material of the typical strap does not grip very well to typical textile material of a top or coat of the user on which the strap engages. This can lead to the strap continually slipping off the shoulder, which causes annoyance to the user.

[0033] As referenced in FIG. 1, the assembly 100 comprises a shoulder pad 102 having a central aperture 104 that is used in combination with adjustable straps 118 for comfortably carrying the load 200 over a shoulder 202. This works to spread the weight of the load 200 over a larger area on the shoulder 202. This minimizes the stress imposed upon the user's body, particularly when the contents of a bag are heavy. The overriding objective of the present invention is to reduce stress on the shoulder 202, and specifically on the terminus 204 of the shoulder 202.

[0034] As FIG. 2 illustrates, the assembly 100 comprises a shoulder pad 102 that is sized and dimensioned to snugly engage the shoulder 202. In one embodiment the shoulder pad 102 has an octagonal shape and is generally resilient so as to wrap around the contours of the shoulder 202 and clothes. The shoulder pad 102 is unique in that it forms a central aperture 104 that encircles the terminus 204 of the shoulder. This relationship is illustrated in FIGS. 5-8. The terminus 204 of the shoulder is the most pointed part of the shoulder 202 that forms an apex for the more muscular lower portions of the shoulder back and lower neck regions. This may include the clavicle region of the shoulder 202.

[0035] Looking now at FIG. 3, the central aperture 104 that forms in the shoulder pad 102, when worn on the shoulder, positions around the terminus 204 of the shoulder 202, such that stress is reduced on the terminus 204 of the shoulder. This reduction of stress is possible by leaving uncovered the terminus 204 of the shoulder, which for purposes of the present invention includes, at least the clavicle region of the shoulder. The shoulder pad 102 does however, cover the lower region 206 of the shoulder, back, and lower neck regions, including the muscles and tendons.

[0036] Thus, it is these shoulder lower regions 206 that carry the pressure and stress from the load, rather than the terminus. By covering the lower regions 206 of the shoulder and leaving free the terminus 204 of the shoulder in such a manner, the shoulder pad 102 is also effective in allowing greater freedom of movement for the arm, allowing the shoulder 202 to move through a full 360 in the sagittal plane. Another advantage provided through use of the central aperture 104 is that air is allowed to flow more freely over the shoulder 202.

[0037] As FIG. 4 illustrates, the shoulder pad 102 is further defined by an engagement surface 106 that is sized and dimensioned to engage against the shoulder 202. A grip member 116 is disposed on the engagement surface 106 of the shoulder pad 102. In one possible embodiment, the grip member 116 concentrically attaches the shoulder pad 102 to the shoulder 202. In another embodiment, the grip member 116 may have a textured surface or a rubber panel. Furthermore, the engagement surface 106 may be coated with a gripping material or be finished in a manner to improve grip. The shoulder pad 102 is further defined by an outer surface 108 facing away from the shoulder 202.

[0038] The shoulder pad 102 is further defined by a peripheral edge 110. At least one fastening hole 112a, 112b forms in the peripheral edge 110. The fastening hole 112a, 112b allows a fastening mechanism 126a, 126b to attach at least one adjustable strap 118 thereto, as discussed below. In some embodiments, a pad member 114 integrates into the shoulder pad 102. The pad member 114 may include padding material, such as foam, to further improve comfort to the shoulder 202.

[0039] Turning now to FIG. 5, the assembly 100 may further include at least one adjustable strap 118 that detachably connects the load 200 to the shoulder pad 102, so that the load 200 can be supported on the shoulder 202. The adjustable strap 118 is defined by a load end 120 and a shoulder end 122. Suitable materials for the adjustable strap 118 may include, without limitation, nylon, polymers, rubber, cotton, and a nonwoven cloth.

[0040] The shoulder end 122 of the adjustable strap 118 fixedly attaches to the peripheral edge 110 of the shoulder pad 102. A fastening mechanism 126a, 126b may also be used to releasably attach the adjustable strap 118 to the shoulder pad 102. The fastening mechanism 126a, 126b joins the shoulder end 122 of the adjustable strap 118 to the at least one fastening hole 112a, 112b. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism 126a, 126b comprising a swivel clip. Though any fastening mechanism known in the art may be used to detachably attach the adjustable strap 118 to the shoulder pad 102.

[0041] Turning now to the perspective view of FIG. 6, a length adjusting mechanism 124a, 124b is disposed at the load end 120, or the shoulder end 122, or both, of the adjustable strap 118. The length adjusting mechanism 124a, 124b works to reconfigure the length of the adjustable strap 118. The mechanism of length adjusting mechanism 124a, 124b may include, without limitation, a buckle and teeth, a hook and loop fastener, a series of buttons, or any other strap related length adjusting means known in the art. In one embodiment, the adjustable strap 118 is layered with a gripping material to increase grip so as to help prevent the problem of the adjustable strap 118 slipping off the shoulder 202 of the wearer.

[0042] The overriding objective of the present invention is to reduce stress on the shoulder 202, and specifically on the terminus 204 of the shoulder. These elements are aimed at increasing comfort to the shoulder of the wearer while carrying the load 200. Thus, as FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate, the shoulder pad 102 has a larger surface area than the adjustable strap 118. The spread out shape of the shoulder pad 102 works to spread the weight of the load over a larger area on the shoulder 202. This in turn, minimizes the stress imposed upon the shoulder terminus 204, particularly when the load, including the contents of a bag are heavy.

[0043] In one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 9, an alternative configuration of an adjustable shoulder supported carrying strap assembly 300 wraps snugly around the shoulder socket. The assembly 300 comprises a circular strap 302 that goes around the shoulder socket. A circular, domed shoulder pad 304 attaches at each end of the strap 302 (FIG. 10). The shoulder pad 304 can be padded or unpadded. The shoulder pad 304 may form a rope-like ring that sits around the socket with attached metal rings 306a, 306b on either end to attach the strap 302 that connects to a messenger bag or other load, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0044] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

[0045] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.