Shoulder sling with means for anchoring equipment

Briefly the invention provides a shoulder sling supporting equipment from a slider that is in slidable communication with the length of the shoulder sling, the sling also having a reversibly engagable anchoring mechanism to limit the movement of the equipment during periods of active movement by a user. Also provided is a method for using the invented equipment sling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a shoulder sling for carrying equipment, and more specifically, this invention relates to a camera sling with means to reduce the swinging of a camera during periods of activity.

2. Background of the Invention

Many devices exist for attaching a camera to a user, with slings and harnesses being the most popular currently at the time of this application. State of the art camera slings and harnesses feature camera sliders. These sliders attach slidably to the harness or sling at one end and to a camera at the other. This configuration allows the camera to hang securely and hands-free from a harness or sling while not in use and enables a user to grab the hanging camera and slide it up to a shooting position with no lag time.

The invention of these camera harnesses and slings with camera sliders improved on the convenience of previous carrying devices by providing hands-free carrying of cameras without requiring a user to detach a camera from the carrying device before shooting. With the freedom of movement of the camera sliders offered by these state of the art slings and harnesses also came a disadvantage. As the camera sliders allow easy movement along the length of a camera sling and harness, the cameras tend to swing and bounce during periods of high activity of a user, representing danger to the attached cameras and accessories. This is especially true for photographers who are walking or hiking uneven terrain in pursuit of a subject or otherwise following the movements of an active subject.

Thus, a need exists in the art for a system for reversibly anchoring cameras attached to a camera sling or harness to reduce camera movement while not in use. Ideally, the apparatus would reduce the movement of a hanging camera while not in use but allow for quick release to a shooting position.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for reversibly limiting the movement of a camera hanging from a camera sling to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for quickly and reversibly limiting the movement of a camera hanging from a camera sling on camera sliders. A feature of the invention is an anchoring means featured on or near the waste of a user. An advantage of the apparatus is that its proximity to an inactive camera hanging from a camera sling allows for rapid attachment and detachment of the anchoring means to the camera.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for limiting the movement of a camera hanging on a camera slider from a camera harness without need for complicated or awkward camera positioning. A feature of the invention is that the anchoring means can quickly and easily be attached to a hanging camera with minimal movement of the camera. An advantage of the invention is that this rapid attachment allows a user to begin active movements following a subject without wasting time awkwardly positioning a camera into a stable position. Similarly, an advantage of the invention is rapid detachment of the anchoring means from a hanging camera. A feature of the invention is that one hand movement can release the anchoring means and release the camera to a free-shooting configuration.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a robust and durable anchoring means for a camera suspended on a camera slider. A feature of the invention is the use of durable and tough materials in the construction of the anchoring means. An advantage of the invention is that the anchoring means strongly resists movement by an anchored camera.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide multiple anchoring means to a camera suspended on a camera slider. A feature of the invention is a strap that can be used either as a stabilizing strap for a camera sling by encircling the arm of a user and attaching to the sling or an anchoring means by attaching to a hanging camera. An advantage of the invention is that the user can configure the invented camera sling to be in a stable, photo-shooting configuration or quickly convert to an active movement, camera anchoring configuration.

A further advantage of the invention is that the camera does not have to be manipulated into a specific or complicated position to utilize the anchoring means. Yet another advantage of the invention is that the anchoring means can be integrally integrated into the belt of a user or in an alternative embodiment can be reversibly detachable to the belt or belt loop of a user.

Briefly, the invention provides An equipment sling with anchor point comprising: a first strap configured to overlay a shoulder of a user and extend downwardly across a front and back of said user toward a hip of the user opposite the overlaid shoulder; a secondary strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is in slidable communication with the first strap along a first length of the first strap, and wherein the second end comprises means for reversibly fixing the secondary strap to said equipment; and an anchoring mechanism reversibly attached to the second end of the secondary strap such that the first end of the secondary strap is in slidable communication along a second length of the first strap, wherein the second length is shorter than the first length.

Also provided is a method for limiting movement of equipment suspended from a sling comprising: providing a shoulder sling having a primary strap configured to overlay a shoulder of a user and extend downwardly across a front and back of said user toward a hip of the user opposite the overlaid shoulder and equipment suspended from said primary strap by a secondary strap, wherein the secondary strap is in slidable communication with the primary strap; providing an anchoring mechanism that reversibly limits a range of movement of the secondary strap along the primary strap when the anchoring mechanism is reversibly attached to the secondary strap; and reversibly attaching said anchoring mechanism to said secondary strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. As stated herein, “slidable communication” between two components means that one component may slide along the longitudinal axis of the other.

The present invention is a novel apparatus for temporarily limiting the movement of a camera suspended from a harness or sling from camera sliders. The device may feature one or both of two different anchoring means at the same time. When in use, the anchoring means can be quickly deployed to limit the movement of a hanging camera while a user is active and can be quickly released to allow the camera to move freely.

While useful for attachment to a camera as shown and described herein, this use is exemplary and not meant to be limiting. The invented apparatus can be used to support any equipment or device that can be hung from a shoulder sling. Such equipment or devices include: binoculars, handbags, grocery bags, guns, water bottles, pet leashes, and tote bags. This list is exemplary and not meant to be limiting.

Device Detail

An exemplary embodiment of the invented device is shown inFIGS. 1Aand B and designated as numeral10. The device10includes a strap12extending a length between a first end14and a second end16(shown inFIG. 1B). When worn by a user, the first end of the strap14overlays an anterior portion of the user's shoulder or chest and extends diagonally therefrom toward the hip opposite the overlaid shoulder. The strap12then extends diagonally upwardly over the back of the user to its second end16that overlays a posterior portion of the user's shoulder or back. At the first and second ends of the14,16of the strap, the strap is reversibly attached to D-Rings42that are disposed on both sides of a shoulder pad38. The length of the strap12between its first and second ends can be any length and can be customized to fit any user. Preferably, the length of the strap between its first and second ends is preferably between approximately 24 to approximately 48 inches in length and typically approximately 29 to approximately 39 inches.

As shown inFIG. 1A, a camera slider18depends from the strap12. The camera slider18has a first end20and a second end22, the first end20in slidable communication with the length of the strap12and the second end22reversibly coupled to a camera attachment means24. The camera attachment means may comprise any reversibly attachable clips that are robust enough to remain attached to a hanging camera. Exemplary clips include quick-detach or quick-release clips, swivel shackles, snap shackles, and combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, the strap12is a single continuous strap. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 1A-B, the strap12actually comprises two straps that are joined together using apertures17in the straps and the buckle15as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/471,163 filed on Mar. 28, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein, in order to provide the ability to adjust the length of the camera sliders. The buckle15shown inFIGS. 1A-Bis only an exemplary piece of hardware. In alternative embodiments, the buckle15may be any piece of hardware suitable for adjusting the length of a strap such as a belt buckle or Conway buckle. The strap12, may feature belt loops13to manage any extra length of strap.

FIG. 1Cis a detail view of a camera slider18. As shown, the slider18comprises a length of a secondary strap23that extends between the first20and second ends22of the slider18. In this embodiment, the length of strap23is a loop of material that is reversibly received by the slider hardware26at the first end of the slider20and the ring portion28of the camera attachment means24at the second end of the slider22. The slider hardware26receives both the strap portion23of the slider18and the larger strap12of device. When the slider hardware26is in receipt of both the slider strap23and the larger strap l2, this places the slider18in slidable communication with the strap12such that the slider18can slide along the length of the larger strap12of the device10. In an embodiment, the camera sliders are fixed in length. The length of the sliders can be customized to any length for any user. Preferably, the sliders are between approximately 2 and approximately 9 inches in length. Typically, the sliders are between approximately 3 and approximately 3 inches in length.

In an embodiment, the sliders18feature the apertures and buckle device described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/471,163 filed on Mar. 28, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein, in order to provide the ability to adjust the length of the camera sliders18.

FIG. 1Cshows the slider hardware26as a customized ring designed for this use featuring a pentagonally shaped outer ring32, wherein the interior of the outer ring32is divided into two voids34by a medially positioned rib36. Said medial rib36prevents friction between the slider strap23and the larger strap12of the device when the slider slides along the strap. The pentagonal ring shown here is an exemplary piece of hardware that is suitable for use as the slider hardware26herein and not meant to be limiting. The slider hardware26may be any shape and may have separate voids that respectively receive the larger strap12and the slider strap23. Alternatively, the slider hardware26may only feature one void that receives both the larger strap12and the slider strap23. Further, the slider hardware26can be made from any robust material that can support the weight of a camera25. Suitable materials include metal, plastic, wood, and combinations thereof.

As shown inFIG. 1C, the ring portion28of the camera attachment means24receives the strap portion23of the slider18. The camera attachment means24may be any piece of hardware that can reversibly attach to an accessory clip that is received by the tripod port on a camera25. Suitable accessory clips include any lug and loop accessory clip that screws into the tripod port on a camera25. Exemplary accessory clips are the holdfast accessory clips sold by Holdfast Gear, LLC of Tulsa Okla. When the invented device is in use, a camera25is attached to the camera slider18via the attachment means24. If a user is not using the camera25and supporting it with their hands, the camera25, in a default position, hangs down at a user's side.

Returning toFIGS. 1A-B, the device10features a shoulder pad38that overlays the shoulder of a user while the device is worn. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A-B, the shoulder pad38extends between a first40and second end41. Each end of the shoulder pad38features a D-ring42to which an end of the strap12reversibly attaches. In alternative embodiments, the shoulder pad38is a substrate having two apertures such that the strap12is received by the apertures such that the shoulder pad encircles the portion of the strap overlaying a user's shoulder.

Looking toFIGS. 1A-B, the device10features a stabilizing strap44. Said stabilizing strap comprises a strap extending between a first end46and a second end48, wherein the first and second ends both comprise clips50. The clips50may comprise any reversibly attachable clips. Exemplary clips include quick-detach or quick-release clips, swivel shackles, snap shackles, and combinations thereof. In the configuration shown inFIGS. 1A-B, the stabilization strap44is in its stabilizing configuration wherein the clips50of the stabilization strap44are reversibly attached to both D-rings42on the shoulder pad38. The stabilizing configuration of the stabilization strap features the stabilization strap44extending between the two D-rings42and under the arm of the user such that the stabilization strap and shoulder pad encircle the user's arm. In this configuration, the stabilization strap44minimizes movement of the whole device while in use.

The device10may feature another stabilizing feature52shown inFIG. 1D. This stabilizing feature52is a strap54extending from the belt56of a user to a terminal end58comprising a clip60. Said strap54has a first end62comprising a ring64that, is reversibly attachable to a user's belt56. In an alternative embodiment, the ring64at the first end62of the stabilizing feature is either integrally included in the belt of a user or reversibly attached to the belt loop of a user.

FIG. 1Eis a detail view of the stabilizing feature52shown inFIG. 1D. As shown, the stabilizing feature52comprises a strap54attached at its first end62to a waist attachment clip64and attached at its second end66to a camera attachment means60. The waist attachment clip64is similar to the slider hardware described above in that it features an outer ring82whose interior is divided into two voids84by a medial rib86. One of the voids85receives the stabilizing feature's strap54. A portion of the outer ring82surrounding the void85that receives the strap54has a notch88that allows for the sliding of an object thinner than the width w of the notch to slide into the notch and into the void85. The waist attachment clip64is designed so that the notch88can reversibly receive the fabric of a user's waistband or belt56. The notch can be made to have any width w to accommodate fabrics or leathers of any kind. Typically, the notch is between approximately ⅛ and approximately ½ inch wide.

The notch88extends at an angle θ to the longitudinal axis a of the waist attachment clip64. The notch is designed to be non-parallel to the longitudinal axis a of waist attachment clip64so that once the waist attachment clip64is slid over a user's waistband or belt, the received fabric will not slide directly back out of the notch. Similar to the width of the notch, the angle θ can be customized to be any angle and is preferably between approximately 0 and approximately 90 degrees. Typically, the angle θ is between approximately 20 and approximately 45 degrees.

A salient feature of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1Eis the ability to utilize it with any existing camera sling or harness wherein a supported camera hangs free when not in use. Using the stabilizing feature shown inFIG. 1E, a user can place the feature on their belt and limit the movement of a camera hanging free from any sling or harness. The stabilizing feature ofFIG. 1Eis amenable for use with existing systems without any need to modify those existing systems.

All straps discussed herein are made from any suitably robust material. Typical materials include leather, canvas, goretex, nylon, cotton, polyester, rubber, and combinations thereof. The shoulder pad described above is made from similar materials.

Anchoring Detail

When in use, the device provides a sling10configured to suspend a camera25secured to a camera slider. The device10allows a camera25to freely slide along the length of its strap12on either end of the shoulder pad shoulder pad38. In this position100as shown inFIG. 1Aa user may hold the camera25and position it. When the user is not holding the camera25, it hangs from the device10by the slider18in a position near a hip of the user. If the user of the device then begins a period of active movement such as walking, running, climbing, or any other activity that would jostle the freely hanging camera25, he or she may use the stabilization strap44of the device to anchor the camera25and limit its movement to reach position120as shown inFIG. 1F.

In order to reach position120from the idle position where the camera25hangs free, a user unclips the clip comprising the first end of the stabilization strap from the D-ring42on the chest side of the shoulder pad of the device. The user then moves the stabilization strap so that it runs down their back and reversibly clips the free clip of the stabilization strap to the ring of the camera attachment means as shown inFIG. 1F. In position120, the stabilization strap is a fixed length and therefore limits the movement of the hanging camera.

Once the position of the camera is limited in position120, the user can then free the camera25to be ready-to-shoot by disengaging the clip50of the stabilization strap from the ring of the camera attachment means, running the stabilization strap under their arm and re-engaging the stabilization strap's free clip to the chest side D-ring42. This places the device back into position100.

Alternatively or in conjunction with the stabilization strap44, the waist mounted anchoring means52can be used to limit the movement of a camera hanging from a camera sling. As shown and discussed above, in position100, the device provides a camera25that is free to slide along the length of the strap on either side of the shoulder pad. Where a user desires to begin active movement, they may attach the belt-mounted stabilizing feature52to the ring portion28of the camera attachment means24to move into the stabilized position130as shown inFIGS. 1B and 1D.

In the stabilized configurations shown inFIGS. 1B, D, and F, the stabilizing strap44or belt-mounted stabilizing feature52limit jostling and movement of the camera while a user actively moves while the camera25hangs during walking, hiking, climbing or other active periods. These stabilizing features prevent damage to the camera25and accessories by limiting large and fast movements. The stabilizing features further prevent the full weight of a camera and a lens from repeatedly striking the user, preventing potential bruises, irritation, and lacerations.

Both stabilization features shown and discussed above prevent movement of a secured camera25(positions120and130) beyond an allowed distance as controlled by the fixed length of either stabilizing feature. Preferably, once the invented device is in a stabilizing configuration (120and130), the camera can only move a maximum of between approximately one and approximately six inches away from an idle hanging position. Typically, the camera is not allowed to move more than approximately three inches when in a stabilized configuration. These figures are exemplary and not meant to be limiting. The movement of the camera in a stabilized position can be customized by lengthening the stabilizing features (either the stabilizing strap or the waist-bound stabilizing feature). For example, a photographer using the invented device with a heavy camera/lens configuration may desire that the camera be allowed to move less than the distances cited above. In such a case, the lengths of either stabilizing feature can be customized to achieve the desired movement of the camera in a stabilized configuration.

A salient feature of the invention is the ability to rapidly engage a stabilization feature to a free-hanging camera when minimized swinging of the camera is desired. For example, using any embodiment of the stabilization feature, only one step is needed to engage a free clip on the end of the stabilization means to the camera attachment means of the camera slider. Such an engagement step can be performed rapidly using one hand. Similarly, the stabilization means can be released from the camera attachment means using one hand and one step to release the clip of the stabilization means from the camera attachment means.

One skilled in the art will also readily recognize that where members are grouped together in a common manner, such as in a Markush group, the present invention encompasses not only the entire group listed as a whole, but each member of the group individually and all possible subgroups of the main group. Accordingly, for all purposes, the present invention encompasses not only the main group, but also the main group absent one or more of the group members. The present invention also envisages the explicit exclusion of one or more of any of the group members in the claimed invention.