Abstract:
Novel devices and methods are provided to dispense the load of a bag or case across a user&#39;s shoulder when the user attached a strap to the bag or case. The devices and methods provide a segmented tensile assembly to disperse the load of a bag or case uniformly across the user&#39;s body.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/155,787 filed Feb. 26, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The embodiments of the present invention relate generally to bags and cases for holding electronic equipment or other valuables. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to improved straps to assist in carrying bags and cases. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Bags, satchels, purses, softcases, backpacks, side packs, hip packs, fanny packs, messenger bags and bags in general may be used for storing and or transporting electronic equipment or other valuables. Such bags and cases must have handles, straps, or other means to carry them. Often straps are positioned over the shoulder or around the user&#39;s neck. If the straps are not ergonomically well-designed carrying the bag or case by its strap may be uncomfortable for the user. Consumers desire to purchase bags and cases that not only properly store the intended contents, but that are also comfortable to carry. Embodiments of the present invention provide novel straps that adjust to the user&#39;s body structure to make a bag or case more comfortable to carry. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a strap for carrying a bag is provided. The device includes: an elongated member having a first side and a second side, at least two segmented pads, at least two clips for attaching the at least two segmented pads to the elongated member, a first material covering the first side of the elongated member and a top side of the at least two clips; and a second material covering the second side of the elongated member and the at least two segmented pads. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for dispersing the weight of a bag or case being carried is provided. The method includes: providing a segmented foam member; attaching the segmented foam member to a tensile webbing wherein the segmented foam member is attached using clips; attaching a foam sheet to the segmented foam member on the side opposite the clips, and covering the segmented foam member and clips with mesh. 
     Other and further features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following descriptions of the various embodiments. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the following embodiments are provided for illustrative and exemplary purposes only, and that numerous combinations and modification of the elements of the various embodiments of the present invention are possible. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified. 
       For a better understanding of embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a strap in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the strap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the strap of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a clip for use in the strap of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are top views of a contouring mechanism for use in one embodiment of the strap of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 6  is multiple views of a clip in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The embodiments of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Among other things, the present invention may be embodied as systems, or devices. Moreover, the embodiments should not be interpreted as limited to bags or cases, such is merely provided for ease of understanding. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. 
     In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” The term “coupled” implies that the elements may be directly connected together or may be coupled through one or more intervening elements. 
     Further, throughout the specification the term bag may be used, however, this is not intended to be used in a limiting sense and bags include but are not limited to satchels, purses, softcases, backpacks, side packs, hip packs, fanny packs, messenger bags and bags in general for storing and or transporting items. 
     Aspects of embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with an infinite variety of bag or cases. Embodiments of the straps described herein may be included as the original strap on a bag, or as a retrofit or replacement strap for a bag, or as an alternate strap for a bag having a shorter handle, or other strap. 
     Turning to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a strap  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The strap  100  includes a top cover  102  and a bottom cover  104 . The top cover  102  may be constructed out of any textile material that is flexible and has elasticity such that it stretches and deforms and then return to its original size and shape. It may also be constructed from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerization products, or other pliable or malleable substances so long as such is flexible and elastic. Preferably but not necessarily, the top cover  102  has perforations, for example preferably it has a mesh like structure (shown). More preferably the top cover  102  is constructed from a stretch mesh material. The bottom cover  104  may be constructed out of any textile material, that is flexible and has elasticity such that it stretches and deforms and then return to its original size and shape. It may also be constructed from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerization products, or other pliable or malleable substances so long as such is flexible and elastic. The bottom cover  104  and/or the top cover  102  may optionally be constructed from a three dimensional mesh material as depicted. This mesh is not however intended to be a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention. 
     Between the top cover  102  and the bottom cover  104  lies an elongated member  106 . The elongated member  106  may be constructed from any textile material that is flexible and has sufficient strength to support the “dead weight/hang weight” of the bag or case to which the strap is attached. The elongated member may also be constructed from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerization products, however such materials are less preferred. Preferably, the elongated member  106  is constructed of a nylon webbing that may be deformed. More preferably, the elongated member is a tensile webbing. Preferably the elongated member is 10 mm wide. While 10 mm may be the preferred width, this is not intended to be a limitation on the width of the elongated member and various widths are contemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. The width may be greater or less depending on the desired strength of the strap  100  and its intended use. Preferably the width is between 5 mm and 20 mm. The elongated member  106  has a first end  108  and a second end  110 . Attached to the first end  108  and the second end  110  of the elongated member  106  are narrow flat strips of a flexible material  112 ,  114  that are used to create a loop. The flat strips of a flexible material  112 ,  114  may be attached directly to the elongated member. Alternatively, the flat strips of a flexible material  112 ,  114  may be attached through the use of a connecting or coupling device or by coupling it with an alternate textile or material. Preferably the narrow flat strips of a flexible material  112 ,  114  are constructed of nylon webbing. Preferably the nylon webbing is 50 mm wide. While 50 mm may be the preferred width, this is not intended to be a limitation on the width of the flat strips of flexible materials and various widths are contemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. The width may be greater or less depending on the desired strength of the strap  100 . Preferably the width is between 25 mm and 75 mm. The loop is created by feeding the narrow flat strips of flexible material  112 ,  114  through snap hooks or other coupling means members  116 ,  118 . The coupling means  116 ,  118  enable the strap  100  to be connected or coupled to a bag or case. The coupling means  116 ,  118  may be constructed from a variety of materials including but not limited to fiberglass, metallic substances, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerization products. The length of the loops created from the narrow flat strips of flexible material may be adjusted by sliding an adjusting loop  120 ,  122  along the length of the narrow flat strips  120 ,  122 . Although the embodiment is described with loops created from the flat strips of flexible material, other coupling means are contemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention including but not limited to buckles, clips, and metal loops. 
     Attached to the elongated member are multiple clips  128 ( a . . . n ). The clips  128 ( a . . . n ) are described in greater detail in conjunction with  FIG. 4  herein. Secured to each clip  128 ( a . . . n ) is a shock absorbing pad  124 ( a . . . n ), as depicted the pads are segmented foam pads. The pads  124 ( a . . . n ) may be constructed from any material which provides cushioning, is flexible, deformable and may absorb energy. Preferably the pads  124 ( a . . . n ) are made from ethylene vinyl acetate foam. Preferably the ethylene vinyl acetate foam is 10 mm in thickness. While 10 mm may be the preferred thickness, this is not intended to be a limitation on the thickness of the cushioning material and various thicknesses are contemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. The thickness may be greater or less depending on the desired cushioning. Furthermore, although depicted as having uniform thickness, the pads  124 ( a . . . n ) may have varying thickness, i.e., may be contoured. Although the pads  124 ( a . . . n ) are depicted as octagonal in shape, this shape is not intended to be a limitation on the scope of the embodiments of present invention. It is contemplated that the pads  124 ( a . . . n ) may be of any geometry and size as long as the pads  124 ( a . . . n ) are larger in size than the clips  128 ( a . . . n ) so that no clip  128 ( a . . . n ) extends beyond the surface of the pad  124 ( a . . . n ) on which it rests. The shape of the pad  124 ( a . . . n ) is ergonomically designed to compliment a user&#39;s body. Although the strap  100  is depicted as having seven clips  128 ( a . . . n ) and seven pads  124 ( a . . . n ), this is not intended to be a limitation on the number of clips or pads contemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention and there may be less or more depending on the size of the strap. The pads  124 ( a . . . n ), clips  128 ( a . . . n ) and the elongated member  106  form a segmented tensile assembly  500 ,  FIG. 5 . 
     Between the pads  124 ( a . . . n ) and the bottom cover  104 , is a length of soft cushioning material  126 . Although a preferred embodiment comprises the cushioning material  126 , the cushioning material is optional. The cushioning material  126  is preferably a piece of open cell foam. Preferably the open cell foam is 5 mm thick. While 5 mm may be the preferred thickness, this is not intended to be a limitation on the thickness of the cushioning material and various thicknesses are contemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. The thickness may be greater or less depending on the desired cushioning. The cushioning material  126 , provides further cushioning of the strap  100  when placed around a user&#39;s neck or shoulder. 
       FIG. 2  is a top view  200  of the strap  100  of  FIG. 1 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the top cover  102  and the bottom cover  104  are bound together to create a pocket for holding the segmented tensile assembly  500 . Preferably, the top cover  102  and the bottom cover  104  are bound together with an elastic webbing  202  or other elastic material using a stitch that is secure, for example a zigzag stitch  204 . Alternate materials may be used to bind the top cover  102  and the bottom cover  104  provided such material is flexible and is capable of recovering its shape after it is deformed. Further, while described as stitched, the top cover  102  and bottom cover  104  may be bound by other means, including flexible adhesives, mechanical connections (hooks, snaps, etc) or any other means. The encased segmented tensile assembly  500  (as discussed below) is coupled to the flat strips of a flexible material  112 ,  114  by means of a bartack  206  or other reinforced sticking to a durable material  208  such as leather, vinyl, nylon, or reinforced textile material. Alternatively (not shown), the segmented tensile assembly  500  may be coupled directly to the flat strips of a flexible material  112 ,  114  by means of a mechanical connector such as a snap, buckle, clasp, button, or hook or by using such connectors to attach the segmented tensile assembly  500  to the durable material  206 . 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom view  300  of the strap  100  of  FIG. 1 . As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the top cover  102  and the bottom cover  104  are bound together to create a pocket for holding the segmented tensile assembly. Preferably, the top cover  102  and the bottom cover  104  are bound together with an elastic webbing  202  or other elastic material using a stitch that is secure, for example a zigzag stitch  204  as described in conjunction with  FIG. 2 . The bottom cover  104  may be complimented with a nonslip material  308  such as polyurethane or rubber to prevent the assembly from slipping off the user&#39;s neck, shoulder, etc., while being carried by the user. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a clip  400  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The clip  400  may be constructed from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymerization products, or other moldable, pliable or malleable substances. The clip  400  has a top side  402  and a bottom side  404 . The top side  402  is comprised of two elements  406 ,  412 . Although described as comprised of two elements, it is contemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention that the two elements may be constructed as a single element having two parts. The two pieces  406 ,  412  each have a first end  408 ,  414  and a second end  410 ,  416 . The top side pieces  406 ,  412  may be a tapered shape such that the thickness at the second end  410 ,  416  is thinner than the thickness at the first end  408 ,  414 . Preferably the difference in thickness is substantial. For example the second end  408 ,  414  may be one third or less of the thickness at the second end  410 ,  416 . The second ends  410 ,  416  of the top side pieces connect with the bottom side  404 . The top side of the top side piece  406 ,  412  at the second end  410 ,  416  optionally has grooves  408 ( a . . . n ),  414 ( a . . . n ). Grooves  408 ( a . . . n ) and  414 ( a . . . n ) assist in reinforcing the clip between needle strikes (when the assembly is sewn together.) The joining of the fabric, helps to prevent the cover from slipping. Still further the grooves  408 ( a . . . n ),  414 ( a . . . n ) may assist in preventing a fabric cover from slipping along the clip  400 . Although the clip  400  is depicted generally as rectangular, this geometry is not intended to be a limitation on the shape of the clip  400 . The clip geometry may vary so long as it is configured to hold the elongated member. 
     The second end  408 ,  414  of the top side piece  406 ,  412  has a tab  418 ,  420 . Although depicted as a rectangular shaped tab with rounded corners, the geometry of the tabs as shown is not intended to be a limitation on the scope of the embodiment of the present invention. The tab may be of varying geometry, it may be semi-circular, triangular, square or any other shape, it may also be irregular in shape. Regardless of the shape, the tab must be of such a size, shape and proportion that the elongated member  106  inserted between the top side pieces  416 ,  412  will be remain between and beneath the tabs  418 ,  420 . 
     In one embodiment, the two top side pieces  406 ,  412  are of a constant thickness (not shown). If the top side pieces  406 ,  412  are of a constant thickness, then a support structure is provided so that a ramp like structure is created sloping from a first end down to a second end. In this embodiment, a support structure (not shown) is provided for the elongated member while it lies between the top side pieces. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the clip  400  is 6 cm in length and 1.5 cm in width. At the ends  410  and  416 , preferably the thickness is 0.20 cm. The distance between the tabs  418 ,  420  is preferable 0.39 cm and the thickness of each tab  418 ,  420  is preferably 0.15 cm. If grooves are provided for at the ends  410 ,  416 , preferably each groove length is 0.7 cm and its depth is 0.06 cm. An embodiment depicting such preferred dimensions of a clip  600  is provided in  FIG. 6 . In  FIG. 6 , “A” depicts a top view of the clip  600 , “B” depicts a side view of the clip  600 , and “C” depicts an end view of the clip  600 . Specific cross-section are depicted in D and E. The above dimensions are provided for exemplary purposes only and as such are not intended to be a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention. The dimension dimensions may be larger or smaller. In preferred embodiments such lengths/dimensions are proportionately scaled. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are top views of an internal contouring mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  depicts the segmented tensile assembly  500  in a relaxed state while  FIG. 5B  depicted the segmented tensile assemble  502  in a deformed state, for example when the assembly is adjusting to the user&#39;s body. As shown the segmented assembly may deform in multiple directions. 
     Conventional straps are either straight or have a preformed curve shape. Straight straps do not conform to the wearer&#39;s body. This results in uneven loading of the weight of the bag on the wearer&#39;s body. Preformed curve straps conform to the user&#39;s shoulders well when worn with the pad on the shoulder opposite the bag, i.e., when the strap crosses the wearer&#39;s body diagonally. However, when a preformed curve strap is worn on the same side of the body as the bag, the curved strap tends to tilt so that one edge bears down on the wearer&#39;s shoulder. As a result, the load of the bag is placed along a narrow line, which can create discomfort for a user. The embodiments of the present invention utilize a novel segmented tensile assembly and novel clip to create a self adjusting strap that contours to the shape of the wearer&#39;s body. The strap is able to match the wearer&#39;s body because of its novel segmented foam construction and the tensile webbing around which the segments may move freely. Moreover, the clips which couple the webbing to the segmented foam spread the load over the full width of the foam padding. 
     Although described as a neck or shoulder strap, such uses are not intended to be a limitation on the present invention. The novel strap could also be implemented as a waist strap, back-pack strap, seatbelt, or any other strap or holding configuration. Furthermore, while the embodiments of the present invention are intended for use by humans, alternative configurations of the device are contemplated within the scope of the present invention so that such device could be used by animals 
     As noted previously the forgoing descriptions of the specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments thereof as suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims and their equivalents.