WO2007058552A1

WO2007058552A1 - Carry harness

Info

Publication number: WO2007058552A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2006/000305
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Winter
Original assignee: Curve International Limited
Priority date: 2005-11-21
Filing date: 2006-11-20
Publication date: 2007-05-24

Abstract

A carry harness comprising a harness of adjustable straps (Fig.2(2)) (Fig.3(6)) configured to a central linkage device (Fig.3(5)) fitted to the users upper body, with side attachment device (Fig.4(8)) providing connection for the carriage of longitudinal loads which are housed in bags (Fig.4(10)), slings or similar, the carriage of such supported at the users side. The carried load is directly supported via the side attachment device (Fig.4(8)), directly or indirectly connected to a central linkage device (Fig.3(5)) on the users chest, working as common junction to a collection of load bearing harness straps, distributing the carried load between both shoulders and the upper chest area. By adjusting these straps (Fig.3(4)), the user controls load distribution between different areas of the upper body, thus optimizing comfort while providing easy access, attachment and detachment of the longitudinal loads of which are carried.

Description

CARRY HARNESS

We CURVE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED a New Zealand Company of 59 Alverston Street, Waterview, Auckland, New Zealand

do hereby declare this invention to be described in the following statement:

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a harness system that distributes a side-oriented load evenly across both shoulders, and in particular but not exclusively, to a carry harness ideally suited to the carrying of longitudinal loads that cannot be carried effectively on the back, such as surfboards, skis, snowboards, kayaks and other longitudinal items.

BACKGROUND ART

Water sports enthusiasts, such as surfers, generally transport their surfboards (or "boards" in abbreviated form) in a variety of bags (commonly known as "boardbags") to both protect the boards from damage during transit, and make carrying easier. Boards are generally carried on one side of the body by passing a strap connected to two points in the middle of the boardbag, over either one or the other shoulder. For light, single boards, that are carried for only a short length of time, this is not particularly difficult.

However, for larger or heavier boards, boards which are carried for a long length of time, or when multiple boards are being carried at one time, a single shoulder strap can result in the carrying of boards becoming difficult, uncomfortable or laborious.

There are several devices in the prior art for carrying boards, including skateboards, skis, snowboards and in particular surfboards. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,000 shows a combination beach chair and surfboard carrier. Other devices utilize straps or slings in similar arrangement.

While the devices may provide the user some assistance when transporting an object such as a surfboard, the devices themselves are often unwieldy, requiring the user to either attach a strap or sling to the sport boards, often with a plurality of connecting buckles, or to carry the sport boards vertically on ones back, which can be cumbersome and even dangerous for the user when used in combination with longitudinal loads. These earlier devices typically do not enable any longitudinal load, including sport boards, to be carried from the users side at the same time as distributing the weight evenly over both shoulders. What's more there exists the need for a comfortable, easy to use, and easy to attach carry harness providing this function.

OBJECTIVE OF INVENTION

The objective of the invention is to provide a carrying device, in particular a carry harness, allowing a person to carry longitudinal loads in a more convenient and comfortable fashion.

The longitudinal load may consist of sport boards carried at the users side, with the objective of counter blalancing the weight of any side bearing load, and the distribution of that weight in an even and controlled manner via both shoulders and both the left and right of the chest area. This objective is achieved whilst at all times enabling the user to easily attach or detach the longitudinal load from the harness in an easy and convenient manner.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention a harness consisting of load bearing straps is fitted to the users chest area. Strap length may be adjusted via adjustable buckles which determine the length of each strap, and thus as the strap is made longer or shorter, so this effects the harness configuration. While bearing a load, a strap in a loosened position creates a lesser tension, while conversely a strap in a tightened position provides a greater tension. In combination with each other, a series of straps which may include two shoulder straps and a side strap, create a range of different tensions and forces which allows the user to control the direction of such forces and weight to different areas of the users chest and shoulder regions. According to a second aspect of the present invention a linking device may be introduced to the series of straps in order to provide a central location which works to provide a common junction for each individual harness strap. This linking device may be described as a chest plate, being a component which provides properties like that of a junction shared between each load bearing strap. With the introduction of a loaded weight, the chest plate works to disperse this load via the series of connected straps. The chest plate may have a semi- flexible or rigid construction. It may be constructed from layers of textile fabric, which may include a suitable insert made from metal, plastic or some other such suitably rigid material, and may also include cushioning material and an external layer of breathable material. It may be constructed from rigid materials such as metal or plastic. The chest plate will locate itself in a suitable position on the users chest according to the combination of forces determined by adjustments made to each harness strap feeding into it, and so the chest plate may rest in a level position when in use, or may rest on an angle tilted to one side or the other.

According to a third aspect of the present invention the chest plate presents a connector device, or devices, to each connecting strap. This may take the form of circular, or semi - circular, shaped rod connectors of a load bearing nature, solidly and durably connected to the chest plate, and may be sewn into the chest plate perimeter. There may be 2 such connectors in which case they may be located equally and diametrically opposite each other. These connectors may take the form of D rings and may connect to one or more straps, wherein each strap may be attached in a non-stationary fashion;, such as the strap end being looped over and sewn around the D ring perimeter, and thus permitting each strap to move freely in a side to side sliding motion around the available circumference of each connector, where it is not obstructed by another strap or chest plate perimeter, and thus adjusting to distribute and channel weight forces as supplied by the chest plate via the straps and thus the harness as fitted to the user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an attachment device may connect either directly or indirectly to the chest plate. In the case of a direct attachment, the connection may be a via a strap or straps which in turn connect to the chest plate via a fixed connector, which may or may not be shared with another strap. The chest plate in turn distributes the longitudinal weight load via each connected harness strap, so that the side bearing load supported by the attachment device may be channeled, directly or indirectly, via the chest plate and distributed as determined by the users adjustments, between each connected harness strap. The attachment device may take the form of a hook, which in turn may come in the form of U shaped rod, wherein the open end of the U shape faces an upward direction, and is ready to act as a receptacle for longitudinal loads housed in bags or the like and with a standard carry handle. In this case the carry handle may be looped over the hook and supported by the weight of the load, the load weight being supported either directly or indirectly by the chest plate, and indirectly by the harness straps.

The hook may be located around the hip or waist area on the side of the user, and thus may be attached to an adjustable strap. The nature of the hook attachment to the strap may either be fixed or adjustable. If adjustable, the hook may be free sliding along the strap, and may be threaded on to the strap via an enclosure, which may be fully enclosed, and which may be adjacent to the open hook part, so that the hook is not restricted in a fixed position.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention the carry harness may be easily applied or removed by the user, via the release of a buckle or buckles which in turn releases a strap or straps, and thus enabling the harness to be inserted or removed, which may be via the upper head area.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention the carry harness may incorporate a back panel which may further incorporate a backpack, and which is worn over the users back in a fashion no different to the wearing of a standard backpack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following description will describe the invention in relation to the preferred embodiment of the invention, namely a carry harness. The invention is in no way limited to this preferred embodiment as it is used purely to exemplify the invention only and variations and modifications are readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention.

The preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the carry harness including a rear panel (in this case a backpack) being applied over the users head.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the carry harness applied and the side strap in the process of being connected to the chest plate via the release buckle.

Fig. 3 is a front view showing the carry harness fully applied without a load.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing how the hook enables easy attachment/detachment to a longitudinal load contained in a bag or similar carrying apparatus with a suitable handle.

Fig. 5 is a front view showing the hook and pad in formation.

Fig. 6 is an exploded view showing the hook and components of the cushioned pad.

Fig. 7 is a close up view showing the chest plate and D rings arrangement.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the form shown the chest plate can be adjusted to distribute load between both shoulders, or to make adjustments for larger and smaller sized body sizes, via 3 connected straps (Fig. 2(2)). The straps may be constructed from webbing or other suitable materials and which are sewn around or otherwise attached, to the chest plate via suitable connectors, or D rings.

Preferably, the chest plate (Fig. 3(5)) is wider than it is high, an example of a minimum size being the length and width of a matchbox and an example of a maximum size being the length and width of a standard plastic VHS cover. Most preferably the chest plate has, from the widest points, a height of about 8cm and a length of about 14 cm. The preferable shape of the chest plate is a convex curved top and convex curved bottom, like the opposing top and bottom sides of a circle, with 2 opposed straight angled sides that taper away from each other, and both taper outward from the top edge toward the bottom edge.

The harness straps are a fitted strap frame which may be connected to a chest plate (Fig. 3(5)) via 2 opposing D rings (Fig. 3(7)) and (Fig. 7(17)). Strap ends may be sewn in a secure yet free manner around the D rings, allowing for free movement or rotation of the

RECTIFIED SHEET (Rule 91.1) straps around the available perimeter of the D ring, and providing optimal angles between any attached strap or straps and the chest plate, as dictated by distribution of the weight of the longitudinal load. An upper and lower strap may share a connection to the same D ring where that upper and lower strap may be a shoulder strap and a strap bearing an attachment device, or a shoulder strap and a counter balance side strap. D rings are preferably made of metal, although other suitable materials such as plastics may be used.

Each of the four harness straps in the preferred embodiment are adjustable via an adjustable buckle (Fig. 3(4,6)) preferably made out of rigid plastic or other similar materials, which allow for tightening or loosening of the straps as desired by the user.

The chest plate (Fig 3(5)) is preferably made of textile material, or other suitable materials including plastic, metal or rubber, and distributes the weight of the longitudinal load onto both left and right shoulders and left and right upper waist and chest area, via the straps. The chest plate may or may not contain an optional insert of material such as plastic or metal to add a level of rigidity to the structure.

The attachment device may take the form of a hook which is U shaped, with the open part of the U facing in an upward direction (Fig. 5(14)) and (Fig. 6(15)). The hook may be suspended by a fourth optional strap (Fig. 4(11)), which may in turn connect to the chest plate via a D ring (Fig.3(7)) and (Fig. 7(17)), and in such provides a supported connection for which longitudinal loads may be directly attached, bringing the remainder of the harness straps into play (Fig.3(4)). The hook may be attached on the body's side and may be around the proximity of the thigh or waist area (Fig.4(8)). The strap supporting the hook may be located opposite the side strap (Fig.3(6)), enabling the side strap to provide a counter force against the weight of the supported load (Fig.4(10)). The hook may be attached to the strap in a fixed way, or may preferably connect in a non fixed, free sliding way (Fig. 4(8)), to allow for adjustments in its positioning and so that gravity can dictate the optimal positioning when carrying a load.

The hook may feature a triangular enclosed end, allowing the strap to be threaded through the eye of the enclosed end, in a free sliding format, wherein the hooks contacting edge is located at the flat top bar of the enclosed triangle (Fig.4(9)). The upper top flat bar of the triangular enclosure provides a flat surface, wider than the widest point of the strap (Fig.5(13)), which enables the strap to feed through the triangular enclosure in a smooth

RECTIFIED SHEET (Rule 91.1) and non disruptive manner and in a way that preserves the integrity and condition of the strap.

The hook device may be constructed from a suitably strong and durable material including metal, hard plastic or the like in order to bear the weight of the applied load. Preferably the hook is constructed from a plastic coated metal rod with a minimum diameter of 5mm and maximum diameter of 15mm. The minimum weight load may be as small as 2 or 3 kilograms, while the heaviest load may be 60 kilograms or more.

A cushioned pad may be fixed to the rear of the hook, which rides in tandem with the hook, and provides a level of cushioning between the hook and body of the user (Fig.6(16)). Preferably the cushioned hook pad is constructed from a textile material outer fabric, such as waterproof 900D polyester, and may contain a cushioned interior, such as a thin foam. In the case where the hook may be free sliding, the pad may feature a slot through which a strap can feed through, and may be connected to the hook via a small fabric loop.

The carry harness can be easily applied or removed by the user by releasing a releasable buckle (Fig.2(3)), and inserting or removing over the head area (Fig.l(l)).

Once the user has applied the carry harness, longitudinal loads (Fig.4(10) can then be attached via the hook (Fig.4(8), providing a connection to which the carry handle (Fig.4(9)) of bags or similar apparatus containing longitudinal loads may connect, or in some cases whereby the hook may connect directly to the longitudinal load itself.

In the preferable configuration of the carry harness (Fig.2), the user may optimize his or her comfort by adjusting the 2 shoulder straps (Fig.2(2)) or side strap (Fig.3(6)), which may be worn in a tightened position to help counter any load from the hook opposite.

In the form shown the carry harness may include an optional rear panel, or backpack for storage of items (Fig. 1(1)) that is preferably made of textile material, although other suitable materials may be used.

It will be appreciated that the invention broadly consists of the parts, elements and features described in this specification and is deemed to include any equivalents known in the art which, if substituted for the described integers, would not alter the substance of the invention.

RECTIFIED SHEET (Rule 91.1)

Claims

1. A carry harness for carrying one or more longitudinal items, comprising a fitted harness of 2 shoulder straps, which are connected indirectly to a load bearing side attachment device.

2. The carry harness as claimed in 1, wherein a central linkage device provides a common central junction on the chest area, making an indirect link between the shoulder straps and side attachment device.

3. The carry harness as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2, further including a side chest strap, also connected to the central linkage device, and located opposite the side attachment device.

4. The carry harness as claimed in any preceding claim, further including a series of adjustable buckles permitting the length of each and any strap to be adjusted.

5. The carry harness as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the components include 3 or more straps, a central linkage device and a side attachment device for bearing the weight of side carried longitudinal loads.

6. The carry harness as claimed in claim 5, wherein the attachment device is a hook located near the hip or waist region, connected directly or indirectly to a load bearing strap.

7. The carry harness as claimed in claim 6, wherein the hook is connected to a load bearing strap in connection to a central linkage device.

8. The carry harness as claimed in claim 5, further including connector devices through which harness straps are connected to the central linkage device in a free moving way.

9. The carry harness as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connector device is a D ring.

10. A carry harness claimed in any preceding claim wherein a releasable buckle is released to remove the carry harness, and connected to apply the carry harness.