CHEST HARNESS WITH HANDS-FREE MOUNTING SYSTEM

Abstract

A chest harness mounting system for a bino or chest harness is provided. The chest harness mounting system includes a rigid frame body having a receivable portion and an integrated receiving member coupled to the rigid frame body and configured to receive and secure desired equipment, such as a bow. A system having a chest harness and chest harness mounting system is also provided. The system includes a chest harness body, a rigid frame body, an attachable plate coupled to the rigid frame body, and at least one securing strap attached to the chest harness body. A bino or chest harness apparatus having an integrated rotational bearing and plurality of straps is also provided.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: chest harness mounting system that includes: a rigid frame body that includes a first wall having a first surface and a second surface; a receivable opening in the first surface of the first wall; and an integrated receiving support coupled to the first wall and the receivable opening.

2. The device of claim 1, comprising a magnet support opening in the second surface of the first wall and is aligned with the receivable opening.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the receivable opening extends from the first surface to the second surface through the first wall.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the integrated receiving support includes: an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including two beveled lip portions and a concaved recess between the two beveled lip portions, the lower portion including an insertable tab extension, and two hook tab mechanisms arranged on opposite sides of the insertable tab extension.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the structure having the rigid frame body is a hollow-rectangular shaped structure with a bottom surface.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the second surface of the first wall includes a recessed portion.

7. The device of claim 6, further comprising a coupling mechanism inserted into the recessed portion of the second surface.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a first magnet.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first magnet is configured to be coupled to a second magnet, the second magnet is on a two-piece clamp attached to a bow, wherein the bow via the first and second magnets is secured to the chest harness mounting system.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the rigid frame body includes a second wall opposite the first wall, a third wall opposite a fourth wall, the third wall transverse to the first and second walls.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the receivable opening in the first wall includes two slot protrusions configured to engage with the two hook tab mechanisms and couple the integrated receiving member to the rigid frame body.

12. A system, comprising: a harness body having an internal surface and an external surface; a rigid base structure in the harness body including a first magnet; an attachable plate externally to the external surface of the harness body and detachably coupled to the rigid base structure; and at least one securing strap with a first end coupled to the harness body.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one securing strap includes at least one fastener.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one fastener is a fastening clip having a male end and a female end, wherein the male and female ends include a rotational bearing.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the fastening clip is freely rotatable when the male and female ends are coupled together.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the harness body includes a reconfigurable opening having a grip fastener.

17. The system of claim 13, further comprising a two-piece clamp assembly having a second magnet, wherein the two-piece clamp assembly is attached to a bow and secures the bow to the harness body.

18. An apparatus, comprising: a chest harness including a flexible material, the chest harness having: a top portion having a reconfigurable opening; a bottom portion opposite the top portion, the bottom portion including a rigid frame body within the opening, the rigid frame body having a first wall and a second wall; a hole in the flexible material, the hole in the bottom portion; a receivable portion in the rigid frame body, wherein the receivable portion of the rigid frame body is externally accessible through the hole; and a support coupled to the receivable portion of the rigid frame body through the hole.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first surface includes a coupling mechanism that secures the support to the rigid frame body.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of straps coupled to the apparatus, each strap including at least one swivel fastening clip.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Individuals that are outdoor enthusiasts, such as hunters, require numerous pieces of equipment for hunting, such as binoculars, range finders, deer callers, rifle(s), ammunition, bows and arrows. The inconvenience of using only one hand while simultaneously trying to hold a bow or other equipment, especially during high-adrenaline scenarios, makes it incredibly difficult and increasingly dangerous. A chest harness mounting system attached to a binocular (bino), or chest harness creates an advantageous mounting system that enables an individual engaging in outdoor activities to reap the benefits of hands-free convenience. The chest harness mounting system, chest harness, and system provides a convenient solution to the problem explained above and other similar scenarios.

[0024] The present disclosure is directed to a quiet, easy-release support system that can be coupled to a chest harness of a user. For example, a bow hunter can quickly, easily, and quietly couple or support their bow on their chest harness through the systems described herein. In one example, a magnet is coupled to the bow and another magnet is position within a rigid portion of the chest harness. This allows for quiet attachment and removal of the bow in hunting environments, where silence is the goal.

[0025] A chest harness mounting system described herein is a two-piece system comprising a rigid frame body 100 and an integrated receiving member 131 formed in a bino or chest harness 200. The chest harness mounting system may be comprised of two pieces, but in some embodiments may be comprised of one piece. The example shown in the figures and described herein show an example of a chest harness mounting system that has the two-piece system.

[0026] The rigid frame body 100 is composed of a lightweight, durable material, while maintaining a rigid and firm structure. The rigid frame body 100 is shown having a substantially rectangular shape with slight curvatures on corners of the frame, but the rigid frame body 100 may be formed in another similar shape suitable for a bino or chest harness frame. The rigid frame body 100 has dimensions that can be conformed to a variety of harnesses, i.e., bino harness, range finder harness, etc. One example could be in the range from approximately 4 to 6 inches wide, 2.5 inches in height and 3 inches in depth.

[0027] With attention to FIG. 1, the rigid frame body 100 includes a first wall 103, and a second wall 111 opposite the first wall 103. The rigid frame body 100 further includes a third wall 113, and a fourth wall 115 opposite the third wall 113. Both the third and fourth walls 113, 115 are transverse to the first and second walls 103, 111, wherein the plurality of walls form a hollow-rectangular opening 109 in the framed body 100. The rigid frame body 100 comprises an external or first surface 101 and an internal or second surface 117. The internal surface 117 completely encompasses the plurality of walls and comprises a beveled or sloped upper portion around the rigid frame body 100. The sloped upper portion extends in a downward direction toward a lower portion of the rigid frame body 100.

[0028] An opening or receivable portion 105 is formed in the first wall 103. The receivable portion 105 extends through the first wall 103. The receivable portion 103 comprises two slot protrusions 107 that extend through the receivable portion, from the external surface to the internal surface. The two slot protrusions 107 have a rectangular shape but may be formed in alternative shapes to properly engage and lock with external coupling devices.

[0029] With attention to FIG. 2, a rear perspective view illustrates and the internal surface of the rigid frame body 100. Integrally formed in the internal surface of the first wall 103, the rigid frame body 103 comprises a recessed portion 119. The recessed portion 119 is centrally located in the internal surface with an opening only towards the hollow-rectangular opening 109 of the rigid frame body 100. In one example, the recessed portion 119 is designed to receive or accept a first magnet (not shown for simplicity of drawing). In alternative embodiments, the recessed portion 119 may be fitted to receive other coupling mechanisms that can support a hands-free chest harness chest harness mounting system. Once a magnet is inserted into the recessed portion 119, a cover 159 (explained in greater detail below) is clipped into place to protect and cover the magnet.

[0030] The recessed portion 119 is shown having a circular shape, however, it is appreciated that the shape of the recessed portion 119 may encompass alternative shapes or structures dependent on the shape and structure of the magnet used or other coupling mechanism. The recessed portion 119 further includes slots that fit fasteners to properly secure the magnet or coupling mechanism in the internal surface of the rigid frame body 100. In an alternative embodiment, the rigid frame body 100 may have holes drilled into the bottom base to secure the coupling mechanism to the rigid frame body without fear of the bow or equipment suddenly detaching from the rigid frame body.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an integrated receiving member 131 designed to couple with the rigid frame body 100, and specifically the receivable portion 105 of the rigid frame body 100. In some embodiments, the integrated receiving member 131 is detachable or separate from the rigid frame body 100, as the example in the FIG. 3 demonstrates, but may be directly coupled to the rigid frame base 100 using other fasteners, such as screws. The integrated receiving member 131 comprises an upper portion 143 and a lower portion 133. The upper portion 143 includes two prongs that have beveled lip portions 135. The beveled lip portions 135 have contoured shape that, when coupled to the rigid frame body 100, is beveled or slanted in a direction towards the rigid frame body 100. The two prongs have a slight curvature on the outer edges that contribute to the usability of the integrated receiving member 131. For example, the beveled lip portions 135 allow strings of a bow the ability to fit or slide into place without the use of a magnet.

[0032] Between the two prongs comprises a support lip or concave recess 137. Because the two prongs are vertically extended in a direction above the concave recess 137, if a second magnet is used on the bow, the second magnet can slide into the integrated receiving member 131 and attach to the first magnet. The component or equipment the second magnet is attached to can properly and securely rest between the two prongs. The beveled lip portions 135 allow the strings to go in, but further allows and guides the second magnet into the concave recess 137, preventing the second magnet from tipping or breaking off.

[0033] The lower portion 133 of the integrated receiving member 131 includes an insertable lip or tab extension 139. The tab extension 139 protrudes out from the lower portion of the integrated receiving member in a direction of the rigid frame body 100. The tab extension 139 is formed and designed to engage directly into the receivable portion of the rigid frame body 100. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the tab extension 139 has a rectangular shape fitted to operably engage with the receivable portion 105 but may be configured into alternative shapes to fit the overall dimension and configuration of the receivable portion 105 and rigid frame body 100.

[0034] Two fastener or hook tabs 141 are positioned on sides of the tab extension 139. Although shown on opposite sides, the hook tabs 141 may be positioned on the lower or upper portions of the integrated receiving member 131. The hook tabs 141 are hooks having a substantially similar extension length as the tab extension 139 in the direction of the rigid frame body 100, which further allows the detachable mechanism 131 to have a flush or seal-tight connection with the rigid frame body 100. Once the detachable mechanism 131 is engaged or inserted into the receivable portion 105, the hook tabs 141 are hooked and latched by the two slot protrusions 107, securing the integrated receiving member 131 in place.

[0035] FIGS. 4 and 5 demonstrate a two-piece clamp system 151 that attaches the second magnet or coupling mechanism of the bow (or other desired equipment) to the rigid frame body 100.

[0036] The two-piece clamp system 151 is configured to fit any riser of a bow or other similar equipment and can be applied to a variety of different bow components, such as lower or upper portions of the riser, limbs, cams, or grips. The two-piece clamp system 151 may fit a magnet (i.e., the second magnet described above), or may fit another fastener or coupling assembly.

[0037] In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a magnet is attached to a bow (not shown) using the two-piece clamp system 151. The magnet (not shown) can be inserted or attached to an enclosure 143. The enclosure 143 has a hollow-cylindrical shape and can fit a variety of coupling assembly or mechanisms that can support the weight of a bow or other similar equipment. The two-piece clamp system 151 comprises a first frame 149a and a second frame 149b.

[0038] The rod or first frame 149a comprises a plurality of legs or members 145 that extend vertically from the base of the frame 149a. In the base of the frame 149a, a plurality of holes 147 are shown extending into the body of the frame 149a. The holes 147 are arranged on opposite sides of the enclosure 143 and between the legs 145. The holes 147 are configured to fit a screw, rivet, pin, nut, or other similar type of fastener. The holes 147 aid in securing and fixing the clamp system 151 to the bow.

[0039] The cavity or second frame 149b comprises a plurality of holes 153 similar to the plurality of holes 147 in the first frame 149a. The second frame 149b further includes a plurality of rectangular-shape slot openings 155 that are configured to receive the plurality of legs 145 from the first frame 149a. The configuration of the elements in the second frame 149b mimic or mirror the configuration of the first frame 149a. This configuration of the first and second frames 149a, 149b comprise the two-piece clamp system 151. The placement and arrangement of the elements in the two-piece clamp system 151 may be alternatively arranged based on the bow, the orientation of the bow, height of an individual using the chest harness, other relevant factors that may dictate or alter the system as needed.

[0040] FIG. 6 is illustrating a perspective view of the clamp cover 159 previously

[0041] mentioned above. the clamp cover 159 is shown with a circular protrusion 161 that compresses the magnet into the recessed portion 119 of the rigid frame body 100. The clamp cover 159 includes two fastening clips 163, 165 arranged at opposite ends of the clamp cover 159. The clamp cover 159 and fastening clips 163, 165 may be configured as shown, but it can be appreciated that the clamp cover 159 and clips 163, 165 may be designed in a variety of alternative embodiments and configurations, based on the coupling mechanism used or desired by the individual.

[0042] The clamp or seal is configured to hold the magnet in the rigid frame body 200. The inventor envisions a variety of options for securing the magnet, including screws and other fasteners that can vary in shape and size as compared to the clamp in FIG. 6.

[0043] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a fastener or swivel buckle 170 comprising two ends, a male or first end 171a, and a female or second end 171b. The first end 171a comprises extensions that fasten and couple the second end 171b together. The second end 171b has a receivable channel or groove that receives and locks the first end 171a in place. The swivel buckle 170 can release the first end 171a from the second end 171b by compressing two side hook tabs or locking labs together, simultaneously pushing the first end 171a away from the second end 171b until the two ends are separated.

[0044] The swivel buckle 170 is configured wherein both the first and second ends 171a, 171b each comprise a rotational bearing 173, 175. The rotational bearings 173, 175 allow the swivel buckle to rotate individually and while coupled together. At least one swivel buckle is included on at least strap of the chest harness mounting system, which will be discussed below.

[0045] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a front view of a bino or chest harness 200. With attention to FIG. 9, the chest harness 200 is shown having the integrated receiving member 131 located at a base region of the chest harness 200. As noted above, the mounting system and integrated receiving member 131 is advantageously placed on a front surface of the chest harness 200 to help archers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts in the field and on the range. By securely attaching a bow to the chest via the clamp system 151, both hands are allowed to maneuver and position the bow, reach for binoculars or range finders, and focus on the necessary tasks at hand.

[0046] An opening or hole 231 is provided in a soft outer material of the chest harness. The opening 231 provides access to the rigid frame body 100 that is positioned within the harness. The opening 105 in the front face of the rigid frame body 100, is visible and available through the opening 231 in the material. This allows for the receiving member 131, i.e. the support, such as a support for a magnet on a bow, to be coupled to the frame body. A portion of the material can cover the front face of the rigid frame body to have a soft material between the rigid frame body and the receiving member 131. This allows for quiet magnetic coupling and decoupling from the receiving member and the rigid frame body.

[0047] A rotational bearing 173, 175 is configured to easily rotate at least 180 degrees so that any way the user grabs one of the straps, the user can rotate the strap to the desired position without having to untangle the straps. There may be a first rotational bearing 300 coupled to the straps and located on a posterior side of the user. The first rotational bearing 300 is coupled to a first shoulder strap 302 and a second shoulder strap 304. The first and second shoulder straps 302, 304 have a first end that is coupled to the swivel buckle 170, and a second end that is coupled to the first rotational bearing 300. The first rotational bearing 300 is further coupled to a first side strap 306 and second side strap 308. The first and second side straps 306, 308 have a first end that couples to the swivel buckle 170 and a second end that couples to the rotational bearing 300. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the first rotational bearing 300 is coupled to both the first and second shoulder straps 302, 304, and the first and second side straps 306, 308.

[0048] The rotational bearing 300 turns in a manner that enables the user to grab any swivel buckle 170 and connect the straps to the chest harness 200, without the need to turn the straps or get tangled. Advantageously, the swivel buckles 170 and the rotational bearing 300 may both turn in any way desired. The rotational bearing 300 may be located between the shoulder straps 302, 304 and the side straps 306, 308, but may be located in varying positions based upon sizing of the user, the chest harness, straps, etc. The rotational bearing 300 is shown having a circular shape but may be configured in variety of shapes to accommodate the user.

[0049] With attention to FIG. 10, a chest harness 200 is shown completely assembled with the integrated receiving member 131, a plurality of straps 205, and swivel buckles 170 integrated onto each individual strap 205. The chest harness 200 comprises an upper region 201 and a lower region 209. The upper region 201 comprises a reconfigurable opening 207. The reconfigurable opening 207 can be manipulated to open and close, enabling an individual to reach the internal components stored in the chest harness. The reconfigurable opening 207 is equipped with a fastener or grip clamp 203. The grip clamp 203 allows for minimal noise to be made when opening and closing the chest harness 200. The grip clamp 203 may be configured as shown in FIG. 10 but may be designed in an alternative fashion.

[0050] The material of the chest harness 200 may have a plurality of pockets or pouches for other equipment, and may be composed of a durable, woven fabric. Because of the rigid frame body 100, additional pouches may be added to the chest harness 200 by fastening the additional pouch to the rigid frame body 100, such as a phone, GPS, etc. The plurality of straps 205 are attached to the chest harness 200, and may be composed of similar material, or may be composed of a different material. In one embodiment, the material is a soft, quiet, velvet. The swivel buckles 170 helps couple the straps 205 to the chest harness 200 and helps secure the individual to the chest harness 200. The straps and swivel buckle 205, 170 allow the individual to easily rotate, maneuver, and adjust the straps 205 without having to inconveniently wrestle with the chest harness 200. The chest harness 200 is shown in a conventional sizing that is standard in the bino harness technical field, but it is easily understood that the overall sizing of the chest harness 200 or rigid frame body 100 described herein may encompass and variety of sizes and shapes.

[0051] An alternative embodiment includes a chest harness with a rigid frame body, like that in FIG. 1. However, a magnet is not required and the rigid frame body can include either an integrated or clip on front facing attachment that protrudes from the front face of the rigid frame body. The attachment is configured to allow for support of strings of a bow to be hung. This creates a hands free, quiet way to carry and quickly have access to a bow.

[0052] The benefit of the harnesses of the present disclosure is a system to allow for supporting weight hanging from a front face of the harness. This could be a bow, a fishing pole, a net, and other items that an outdoorsman or woman may want to keep with them. Traditional harnesses are soft sided and cannot sufficiently support a heavier item. By incorporating the rigid internal frame in a harness, the user has significant more opportunity to have their selected tool easily accessible from their chest.

[0053] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

[0054] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.