Adjustable cushioning system for shoulder strap

Embodiments are disclosed that relate to a removable and adjustable cushioning system for a shoulder strap. In one example, a base pad comprising cushioning material is contoured to conform to a person's shoulder. A plurality of fastener receivers are coupled to the base pad, and a fastener is removably coupled to at least one of the fastener receivers. The fastener is configured to engage the shoulder strap to removably secure the base pad to the shoulder strap.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Backpacks and other personal load-carrying equipment may utilize two shoulder straps for balancing and supporting a load across a person's shoulders. Some backpacks, such as those designed to carry heavier loads, may include features that reduce the load carried by the shoulders by transferring a portion of the load to the wearer's hips. Such features may include a hip belt that secures a lower portion of the backpack to the wearer's hips.

Even with hip belts or other similar features, shoulder discomfort may be experienced by a person carrying a load in a backpack. In some cases, backpack straps may also contribute to discomfort to the clavicle, muscles or other soft tissue in the area of the shoulders or upper chest. Particularly with heavier loads and on longer trips, a backpack shoulder strap may also impede circulation to and/or lymphatic return from a person's arms and hands, which may result in uncomfortable hand swelling.

When a person wearing a backpack experiences shoulder discomfort, the person may alter his or her natural walking or hiking posture to a less efficient or less comfortable posture in response to the discomfort. In some cases, a person may grab the shoulder straps and pull them away from the person's chest to temporarily relieve or redistribute the load on the person's shoulders. If the person is using hiking poles, the person may stop using the poles and allow them to dangle from straps around the person's wrists while the person pulls at the shoulder straps. These movements may lead to a less efficient and/or less stable walking or hiking posture.

To address hand swelling, a person may raise his or her arms overhead to encourage fluid drainage from the person's hands. This posture is also less-than-desirable for walking and hiking, and does not allow for the use of hiking poles. When experiencing shoulder discomfort, the person may also attempt to move the shoulder strap on the person's shoulder to an adjusted position. However, the strap will often shift back into its original, uncomfortable position on the shoulder as the person continues walking or hiking.

The inventor herein has recognized the above issues, as well as various solutions to address them. In one example, the above issues may be at least partly addressed by a removable and adjustable cushioning system for a shoulder strap. The removable and adjustable cushioning system may comprise a base pad that includes cushioning material and is contoured to conform to a person's shoulder. A plurality of fastener receivers are coupled to the base pad and a fastener is removably coupled to at least one of the fastener receivers. The fastener is configured to engage the shoulder strap and to removably secure the base pad to the shoulder strap.

The embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-4and6-9are approximately to scale. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the present disclosure may have proportions differing from those illustrated inFIGS. 1-4and6-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4illustrate a non-limiting example embodiment of a removable and adjustable cushioning system10for a shoulder strap12.FIG. 1shows a user14wearing a backpack16that includes a shoulder strap12with the cushioning system10between the shoulder strap and the user's shoulder18. In one example, the shoulder strap12may include a fabric shell made of natural or synthetic fiber, with the shell containing a layer of fiber filling to provide a measure of cushioning. It will be appreciated that the backpack16may include a second shoulder strap (not shown) that extends over the other shoulder of the user14. A second removable and adjustable cushioning system (not shown) may also be provided between the second shoulder strap and the user's other shoulder. It will also be appreciated that at least a portion of the load carried by the backpack16will be transferred through the shoulder strap12and cushioning system10to the shoulder18of the user14. For ease of description, the cushioning system10will be described in relation to the shoulder strap12and user's shoulder18shown inFIG. 1.

With reference now also toFIGS. 2-4, the cushioning system10includes a base pad20that comprises cushioning material for supporting the shoulder strap12on the user's shoulder18. The base pad20may include any suitable cushioning or shock-absorbing material including, but not limited to, fibrous padding, foam, gelatinous compounds, etc. As best seen inFIGS. 2 and 4, the base pad20may have a generally rounded rectangular footprint defined by a base pad shoulder side22and opposing base pad neck side24, and by a base pad rear side26opposing base pad chest side28.

As best seen inFIG. 3, the base pad20may have a convex curvature between the base pad shoulder side22and the base pad neck side24, such that the base pad curves in a lateral direction generally from the user's shoulder18toward the user's neck27when mounted on the user's shoulder18. Such lateral direction is generally indicated by the Y arrow in the X-Y axis shown inFIG. 2. The base pad20may also have a convex curvature from the base pad rear side26to the base pad chest side28, such that the base pad curves in a longitudinal direction generally from the user's back30toward the user's chest32when mounted on the user's shoulder18. Such longitudinal direction is generally indicated by the X arrow in the X-Y axis shown inFIG. 2.

With this configuration, the base pad20may be contoured to generally conform to the shoulder of a typical person, such as the shoulder18of the user14illustrated inFIG. 1. In this manner, a portion of the load carried in the backpack16may be distributed over the area of the base pad20, which in turn distributes the load over a wider area of the user's shoulder18than with a typical shoulder strap. Such wider load distribution combined with the cushioning material of the base pad20may result in less localized pressure points and a more comfortable experience for the user. Further, and as described in more detail below, the position of the shoulder strap12on the base pad20may be conveniently adjusted and secured to provide a customized position and fit for an individual user. It will also be appreciated that other configurations, shapes and variations of the base pad20may be utilized within the scope of the present disclosure.

The removable and adjustable cushioning system10further includes a first positioning shell34that is removably coupled to the base pad20. The first positioning shell34includes a first positioning shell neck side36and a first positioning shell shoulder side38that is substantially opposite to the first positioning shell neck side. The first positioning shell34may also include a positioning shell back side40and a positioning shell chest side42.

The first positioning shell34may be removably coupled to the base pad20via the base shell46and flexible retention clips44. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the flexible retention clips44may be located along a periphery45of a base shell46that is affixed to the base pad20. When installed, the first positioning shell34may be secured to the base shell46by each of the flexible retention clips44extending over a peripheral portion of the first positioning shell to retain the first positioning shell on the base shell. The first positioning shell34may also be conveniently removed from the base shell46by bending the retention clips44away from the peripheral portion of the positioning shell. It will be appreciated that any other type of suitable fastener that may removably couple the first positioning shell34to the base pad20via the base shell46may also be used.

As best seen inFIGS. 3 and 4, the base shell46may have a contour that substantially matches the contour of the base pad20, such that the base shell lies substantially flat along an upper surface48of the base pad20. With reference toFIG. 4, the base shell46may have an overall shape that substantially matches the shape of the base pad20while being slightly smaller than the base pad. In this manner, an outer peripheral portion47of the base pad20may extend beyond the periphery45of the base shell46. The base shell46may comprise plastic, metal, composite, or other suitable material. The base shell46may be affixed to the base pad20by adhesive, mechanical fastener or any other suitable method.

In other examples, the flexible clips44may be affixed directly to an upper surface of the base pad20. In these examples, a base shell may not be used. It will also be appreciated that any other type of suitable fastener that may removably couple the first positioning shell34to the base pad20may also be used.

The first positioning shell34may have a contour and overall shape that substantially matches the contour and overall shape of the base shell46, such that when the first positioning shell is coupled to the base shell46, the first positioning shell34generally follows the contour and curvature of the base shell46and base pad20. Like the base shell46, the first positioning shell34may be formed from plastic, metal, composite, or other any suitable material. The first positioning shell34may include a positioning shell neck notch50that is formed in the first positioning shell neck side36. Similarly, the base shell46may include a base shell neck notch52that is formed in a base shell neck side54. The base pad20may also include a base pad neck notch56that is formed in the base pad neck side24. As best seen inFIGS. 2 and 4, the base pad neck notch56may be located substantially adjacent to the first positioning shell neck notch50and the base shell neck notch52. Advantageously, and with reference also toFIG. 1, when the cushioning system10is positioned on a user's shoulder18, the base pad neck notch56, base shell neck notch52and positioning shell neck notch50create additional clearance adjacent to the neck27of the user14to provide freedom of movement and to avoid chafing or rubbing against the user's neck.

The first positioning shell34includes a plurality of fastener receivers that may receive one or more removable fasteners. As explained in more detail below, the fasteners may be configured to engage the shoulder strap12to removably secure the base pad20to the shoulder strap. Additionally, the fastener receivers are distributed about the first positioning shell34to enable a user to customize the placement and fit of a shoulder strap12on the cushioning system10.

With reference toFIG. 4, the fastener receivers may include a first row60of receiving slots62. The first row60of receiving slots62extends in a lateral direction with respect to the first positioning shell34, and generally between the first positioning shell shoulder side38and the first positioning shell neck side36. Each of the receiving slots62extends in a longitudinal direction with respect to the first positioning shell34. A position adjustment slot64intersects each of the receiving slots62and also extends in a lateral direction with respect to the first positioning shell34, and generally between the first positioning shell shoulder side38and the first positioning shell neck side36. Advantageously, and as explained in more detail below, the position adjustment slot64may allow a user to conveniently adjust the positioning of a shoulder strap12on the cushioning system10.

With reference now also toFIG. 3, in this example the fastener may comprise a threaded post66that includes a proximal end68that is positioned between a lower surface69of the first positioning shell34and the base shell46when installed. The threaded post66also includes a pointed distal end70that is configured to extend upwardly through one of the receiving slots62and/or through the position adjustment slot64, and to protrude through the shoulder strap12when installed. The proximal end68of the threaded post66may be generally circular in shape and may have a diameter that is greater than a lateral width of each of the receiving slots62. In this manner, when the post66extends through a receiving slot62, the proximal end68abuts the lower surface69of the first positioning shell34and retains the post within the receiving slot62. Additionally, and as best seen inFIG. 4, the post66may also include a raised square portion72adjacent to the proximal end68. The raised square portion72may be configured to extend into a receiving slot62and to constrain the post66from substantial rotation within the slot. Additionally, the raised square portion72may be configured to allow the post to move longitudinally within a receiving slot62and laterally through the position adjustment slot64.

A threaded cap73may be removably received by the distal end70and threaded portion of the post66to removably secure the shoulder strap12to the first positioning shell34and base pad20. Additionally, and as explained in more detail below, the position adjustment slot64enables the threaded post66to be moved from a first receiving slot, for example62a, to a second receiving slot, for example62bwhile the threaded cap73remains in engagement with the post. Advantageously, in this manner the user14may conveniently adjust and/or reposition the cushioning system10on the user's shoulder18with the cap73remaining in engagement with the threaded post66.

The first positioning shell34may also include one or more additional rows of receiving slots for receiving an additional fastening member that may removably secure the first positioning shell34and the base pad20to the shoulder strap12. With reference toFIGS. 2 and 4, in one example the first positioning shell34may include a second row74of receiving slots76that is spaced in a longitudinal direction from the first row60of receiving slots62. The first positioning shell34may also include a third row78of receiving slots80positioned between the first row60and the second row74. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, a retaining strap82may be configured to extend under the first positioning shell34, upwardly through receiving slots76aand76bin the second row74, and over an upper surface84of the shoulder strap12to removably secure the first positioning shell34and the base pad20to the shoulder strap.

The retaining strap82includes a first end85and a second end86that may be removably affixed to one another. In the example shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the retaining strap82includes hook and loop fastener strips attached to opposing surfaces of the first end85and second end86of the strap to allow one end to be removably affixed to the other. It will be appreciated that any other suitable removable fastener may be used in place of the hook and loop fasteners and/or the retaining strap82including, but not limited to, elastomeric cords, cinch cords, buckles, clips, etc. In this manner, with the retaining strap82spaced in a longitudinal direction from the post66and first row60of receiving slots62, the cushioning system10may provide two longitudinally spaced locations for securing the shoulder strap12to the first positioning shell34and base pad20. Advantageously, these two spaced apart securing locations maintain the shoulder strap12in a desired position through a range of potential motions and/or movements of the user's shoulder18, varying postures of the user14, etc. Additionally, and as described in more detail below, the adjustability of the positions of the post66and retaining strap82enable the user14to conveniently customize the position and fit of the cushioning system10on the user's shoulder18.

With reference now toFIG. 5A, an example embodiment of a method500for positioning two shoulder straps on two removable and adjustable cushioning systems is provided. In one example, the method500may be performed using the features and components of the example embodiment of the cushioning system10described above and shown inFIGS. 1-4. For ease of description, the method500will be described with respect to user14, and will generally discuss positioning one of the two shoulder straps on one of the two cushioning systems10.

At504the method500may include loading the backpack16. In one example, the backpack may be loaded to reflect a typical weight and load distribution used by the user14. At508, for each of the two cushioning systems10, the method500may include coupling the first positioning shell34(without the retaining strap82or threaded post66) to the base pad20using the retaining clips44. At512the method500may include mounting the backpack16on the back30of the user14with both shoulder straps supporting the backpack on the user's shoulders. At516the method500may include sliding one cushioning system10under one of the shoulder straps, such as shoulder strap12, and the other cushioning system under the other shoulder strap to position the cushioning systems between the shoulder straps and the user's shoulders. At520the method500may then include positioning each shoulder strap on the corresponding cushioning system10in a comfortable position for the user14.

Once each shoulder strap is located in a comfortable position on the adjacent cushioning system10, for each cushioning system the method500includes at524noting the position of the shoulder strap with respect to the receiving slots in the positioning shell34. In one example, on each side of the shoulder strap12the nearest partially or fully unobstructed receiving slot76in the second row74of receiving slots may be noted. At528the method500may include removing the two shoulder straps, backpack16and two cushioning systems10from the user's shoulders.

At532, for each cushioning system10the method500may include separating the first positioning shell34from the base pad20and base shell46. At536the method500may include threading the retaining strap82through the two receiving slots76noted above, such that the first end85and second end86of the retaining strap extend upwardly through the receiving slots as illustrated inFIG. 4. With the retaining strap82threaded, at540the method500may include recoupling the first positioning shell34to the base pad20using the retaining clips44.

At544the method500may include remounting the backpack16on the back30of the user14with both shoulder straps supporting the backpack on the user's shoulders. At546the method500may include sliding each cushioning system10including the threaded retaining strap82under each shoulder strap to position the cushioning system between the shoulder strap and the user's shoulder18. At548the method500may then include positioning the shoulder strap12on the cushioning system10in a comfortable position for the user14. At552, for each of the cushioning systems10, the method500may include wrapping the first end85and second end86of the retaining strap82over the upper surface84of the shoulder strap12and affixing the first end to the second end to secure the base pad20to the shoulder strap.

In one example, if the first end85and second end86are not positioned properly to wrap over and secure the shoulder strap in a comfortable position, the backpack, shoulder straps and cushioning systems may be removed from the user's shoulders, the positioning plate34separated from the base pad20, and the retaining strap82may be rethreaded through one or more different receiving slots76that better position the retaining strap to secure the shoulder strap in a comfortable position for the user14.

With reference now toFIG. 5B, at556and with the retaining straps remaining affixed around the shoulder straps, the method500may include removing the shoulder straps and attached cushioning systems10from the user's shoulders. At560, for each cushioning system the method500may include separating the first positioning shell34from the base pad20. At564the method500may include extending a threaded post66through a receiving slot62in the first row60of receiving slots, with the selected receiving slot62located beneath the shoulder strap12. At564the method500also includes extending the post66through the shoulder strap12, such that the distal end70of the post extends above the shoulder strap. At568the method500may include threading the cap73onto the post66to secure the shoulder strap12to the first positioning shell34.

At572the method500may include recoupling the first positioning shell34to the base pad20. At576the method may include remounting the backpack16with the shoulder straps and the attached cushioning systems10on the user's shoulders. At580the method500may include releasing the retaining straps82from securing the shoulder straps12such that only the posts66and caps73retain the shoulder straps to the base pads20. At584the method500may include repositioning the shoulder straps on the cushioning system in a more comfortable position, if necessary. In one example, at586such repositioning may include moving the post66from a current receiving slot, such as receiving slot62a, to a different receiving slot, such as receiving slot62b, via the position adjustment slot64. Advantageously, in this manner the shoulder strap12may be conveniently repositioned to a more comfortable position while the first positioning shell34remains coupled to the base pad20, and the post66and cap73remain engaged with the shoulder strap.

At588, once the shoulder strap12is in a comfortable position, the method500may include tightening the cap73on the post66by an additional amount to further secure the shoulder strap between the cap and the first positioning shell34, and thereby further secure the shoulder strap to the base pad20. At590, for each of the cushioning systems10the method500may include wrapping the first end85and second end86of the retaining strap82over the top surface of the shoulder strap12and affixing the first end to the second end to secure the base pad20to the shoulder strap.

With reference now toFIGS. 6-9, descriptions of removable and adjustable cushioning systems according to other example embodiments of the present disclosure will now be provided. As described in more detail below, each of these embodiments may utilize a positioning shell that may be removably coupled to a base pad, such as base pad20, in a manner similar to the example embodiment described above and shown inFIGS. 1-4. In one example, each of the positioning shells may be removably coupled to the base pad20and base shell46by flexible retention clips, such as the retention clips44described above. Thus, it will be appreciated that the positioning shells and associated fasteners and fastener receivers described below and shown inFIGS. 6-9may be utilized with the base pad20, base shell46and flexible retention clips44as described above and shown inFIGS. 2-4. Accordingly, for ease of description, the positioning shells shown inFIGS. 6-9are described below in relation to the base pad20, base shell46and flexible retention clips44.

Additionally, the positioning shells shown inFIGS. 6-9include different examples of fastener receivers and fasteners. In this manner, a removable and adjustable cushioning system having interchangeable positioning shells may also be provided. Advantageously, a user may substitute a first positioning shell having a first type of fastener receiver and corresponding fastener for a second positioning shell having a second type of fastener receiver and corresponding fastener. This may allow a user to select a particular positioning shell and fastener/fastener receiver combination that best fits and/or functions with a particular shoulder strap.

Turning now toFIG. 6, another non-limiting example embodiment of a removable and adjustable cushioning system600for a shoulder strap12will now be described. The cushioning system600may include a second positioning shell604that is removably coupled to the base shell46and base pad20by flexible retention clips44.

The second positioning shell604includes multiple rows of fastener receivers in the form of apertures608, such as first row612and fourth row616. Each of the rows of apertures608extends in a lateral direction with respect to the second positioning shell604, and generally between a second positioning shell shoulder side620and a second positioning shell neck side624. In one example, the apertures608may be substantially circular and may have substantially the same diameter. In other examples, the apertures may be substantially square in shape.

A first aperture608alocated in first row612may receive a first threaded post628that includes a proximal end632. The first threaded post628also includes a pointed distal630end that is configured to extend upwardly through the first aperture608aand to protrude through the shoulder strap12when installed. The proximal end632may be generally circular in shape and may have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of each of the apertures608. In this manner, when the first threaded post628extends upwardly through the first aperture608a, the proximal end632abuts a lower surface of the second positioning shell604and retains the post within the aperture. A first threaded cap636may be removably received by the distal end630and threaded portion of the first threaded post628to removably secure the shoulder strap12to the second positioning shell604and base pad20.

As shown inFIG. 6, a second threaded post640may be received by a second aperture608bthat is located in fourth row616and is longitudinally aligned with the first aperture608aunder the shoulder strap12. Like the first threaded post628, the second threaded post640also includes a pointed distal end642that is configured to extend upwardly through the second aperture608band to protrude through the shoulder strap12when installed. A second threaded cap644may be removably received by the distal end and threaded portion of the second threaded post640to further removably secure the shoulder strap12to the second positioning shell604and base pad20.

Using this example embodiment of a removable and adjustable cushioning system600, a user may adjustably position and secure a shoulder strap on the cushioning system using an iterative fitting process that may include one or more of the steps described above and shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B.

With reference now toFIG. 7, another non-limiting example embodiment of a removable and adjustable cushioning system700for a shoulder strap12will now be described. The cushioning system700may include a third positioning shell704that is removably coupled to the base shell46and base pad20by flexible retention clips44.

The third positioning shell704includes multiple rows of fastener receivers in the form of receiving slots708, such as first row712and third row716. Each of the rows of receiving slots708extends in a lateral direction with respect to the third positioning shell704, and generally between a third positioning shell shoulder side720and a third positioning shell neck side724. In one example, each of the receiving slots708may extend in a longitudinal direction along the third positioning shell704. Additionally, the receiving slots708may also be arranged in multiple columns, such as second column728and third column732, that each extends in a longitudinal direction along the third positioning shell704. In this manner, receiving slots708in adjacent columns may be substantially parallel to one another.

A first retaining strap736may be configured to extend under the third positioning shell704, upwardly through receiving slots708aand708bin the first row712, and over an upper surface84of the shoulder strap12to removably secure the shoulder strap12to the third positioning shell704and the base pad20. The first retaining strap736includes a first end and a second end that may be removably affixed to one another in a manner similar to the retaining strap82described above. For example, the first retaining strap736may include hook and loop fastener strips attached to opposing surfaces of the first end and second end of the strap to allow one end to be removably affixed to the other. It will be appreciated that any other suitable removable fastener may be used in place of the hook and loop fasteners and/or the first retaining strap736.

A second retaining strap740may be configured to extend under the third positioning shell704, upwardly through receiving slots708cand708din the third row716, and over an upper surface84of the shoulder strap12to removably secure the shoulder strap12to the third positioning shell704and the base pad20. The third receiving slot708cmay be located in the second column728that also includes the first receiving slot708a. The fourth receiving slot708dmay be located in the third column732that also includes the second receiving slot708b.

The second retaining strap740includes a first end and a second end that may be removably affixed to one another in a manner similar to the retaining strap82described above. For example, the second retaining strap740may include hook and loop fastener strips attached to opposing surfaces of the first end and second end of the strap to allow one end to be removably affixed to the other. It will be appreciated that any other suitable removable fastener may be used in place of the hook and loop fasteners and/or the second retaining strap740. In this manner, with the second retaining strap740spaced in a longitudinal direction from the first retaining strap736, the cushioning system700may secure the shoulder strap12to the third positioning shell704and base pad20at two spaced apart locations along the positioning shell.

Using this example embodiment of a removable and adjustable cushioning system700, a user may adjustably position and secure a shoulder strap on the cushioning system using an iterative fitting process that may include one or more of the steps described above and shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B.

With reference now toFIG. 8, another non-limiting example embodiment of a removable and adjustable cushioning system800for a shoulder strap12will now be described. The cushioning system800may include a fourth positioning shell804that is removably coupled to the base shell46and base pad20by flexible retention clips44. The fourth positioning shell804includes multiple rows of fastener receivers in the form of anchor loops808, such as first row812and fifth row816. Each of the rows of anchor loops808extends in a lateral direction with respect to the fourth positioning shell804, and generally between a fourth positioning shell shoulder side820and a fourth positioning shell neck side824. In one example, each of the anchor loops808may extend in a longitudinal direction along the fourth positioning shell804. Additionally, the anchor loops808may also be arranged in multiple columns, such as second column828and third column832, that each extends in a longitudinal direction along the fourth positioning shell804. In this manner, anchor loops808in adjacent columns may be substantially parallel to one another.

A first retaining strap836may be configured to extend through a first anchor loop808a, over an upper surface84of the shoulder strap12, and through a second anchor loop808bto removably secure the shoulder strap to the fourth positioning shell804and the base pad20. In this example, after passing through the first anchor loop808a, a first end840of the first retaining strap836may double back and be removably secured to an opposing surface of the retaining strap by, for example, hook and loop fastener strips attached to a surface of the first end840and the opposing surface. In a similar manner, after passing through the second anchor loop808b, a second end844of the first retaining strap836may double back and be removably secured to an opposing surface of the retaining strap by, for example, hook and loop fastener strips attached to a surface of the second end844and the opposing surface. It will be appreciated that any other suitable removable fastener may be used in place of the hook and loop fasteners and/or the first retaining strap836.

A second retaining strap848may be configured to extend through a third anchor loop808c, over an upper surface84of the shoulder strap12, and through a fourth anchor loop808dto removably secure the shoulder strap to the fourth positioning shell804and the base pad20. The third anchor loop808cmay be located in the second column828that also includes the first anchor loop808a. The fourth anchor loop808dmay be located in the third column832that also includes the second anchor loop808b.

Like the first retaining strap848, a first end852of the second retaining strap836may double back and be removably secured to an opposing surface of the retaining strap by, for example, hook and loop fastener strips attached to a surface of the first end852and the opposing surface. In a similar manner, after passing through the fourth anchor loop808d, a second end856of the second retaining strap848may double back and be removably secured to an opposing surface of the retaining strap by, for example, hook and loop fastener strips.

In this manner, with the second retaining strap848spaced in a longitudinal direction from the first retaining strap836, the cushioning system800may secure the shoulder strap12to the fourth positioning shell804and base pad20at two spaced apart locations along the positioning shell. It will also be appreciated that in other examples, the anchor loops808may be attached to the base shell46or an upper surface of the base pad20, thereby eliminating the fourth positioning shell804.

Using this example embodiment of a removable and adjustable cushioning system800, a user may adjustably position and secure a shoulder strap on the cushioning system using an iterative fitting process that may include one or more of the steps described above and shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B.

With reference now toFIG. 9, another non-limiting example embodiment of a removable and adjustable cushioning system900for a shoulder strap12will now be described. The cushioning system900may include a fifth positioning shell904that is removably coupled to the base shell46and base pad20by flexible retention clips44. The fifth positioning shell904may include a fifth positioning shell neck side908and a fifth positioning shell shoulder side912. A first fastening assembly916may be coupled to the fifth positioning shell904to selectively engage the shoulder strap12and removably secure the fifth positioning shell and the base pad20to the shoulder strap. In one example, the first fastening assembly916may include a first arm920that is rotatably coupled to the fifth positioning shell904by a first hinge924. As described in more detail below, the first arm920may rotate about the first hinge924to selectively engage and release the shoulder strap12.

The first arm920may include a plurality of hooks928that are configured to receive a first cross member932of a first bale936. The first bale936may be rotatably coupled to a first lever940at a first connection point944. The first bale936may comprise a loop formed from wire, elastomeric material, or any other suitable material. The first lever may be rotatably coupled to the fifth positioning shell904such that the first lever rotates about a first axis of rotation948that is spaced from the first connection point944of the first bale936. In this manner, as the first lever940rotates from a closed position as shown inFIG. 9to an open position in which a distal end952of the first lever points toward the fifth positioning shell neck side908, the first bale936and first cross member932are translated in a lateral direction toward the fifth positioning shell neck side. Similarly, as the first lever940rotates from an open position to the closed position shown inFIG. 9, the first bale936and first cross member932are translated in a lateral direction away from the fifth positioning shell neck side.

In one example, the shoulder strap12may be positioned beneath first arm920, the first cross member932may be captured by one of the plurality of hooks928, and the first lever940may be in an open position, thereby exerting limited downward pressure on the shoulder strap. In this position, a distal end956of the first arm920may be vertically spaced from the fifth positioning shell904by a first distance, with the shoulder strap12being in a substantially uncompressed state beneath the first arm. As the first lever940is rotated from an open position to a closed position, the first arm920rotates downwardly about the first hinge924to compress and secure the shoulder strap12against the fifth positioning shell904, such that the distal end956of the first arm920is spaced from the fifth positioning shell by a second distance less than the first distance. The first arm920may also include a plurality of downwardly projecting teeth958that may grip the material of the shoulder strap12to prevent the shoulder strap from slipping relative to the first arm.

A second fastening assembly960may be laterally spaced from the first fastening assembly916. The second fastening assembly960may also be coupled to the fifth positioning shell904to selectively engage the shoulder strap12and removably secure the fifth positioning shell and the base pad20to the shoulder strap. In one example, the second fastening assembly960may include a second arm964that is rotatably coupled to the fifth positioning shell904by a second hinge968. The second arm964may include a plurality of hooks972that are configured to receive a second cross member974of a second bale978. The second bale978may be rotatably coupled to a second lever982at a second connection point984. The second lever982may be rotatably coupled to the fifth positioning shell904such that the second lever rotates about a second axis of rotation986that is spaced from the second connection point984of the second bale978. The second arm964may also include a plurality of downwardly projecting teeth (not shown) that may grip the material of the shoulder strap12to prevent the shoulder strap from slipping relative to the second arm.

It will be appreciated that the second fastening assembly960may operate to selectively engage and release the shoulder strap12in a manner similar to the first fastening assembly916discussed above. In this manner, with the second fastening assembly960spaced in a longitudinal direction from the first fastening assembly916, the cushioning system900may secure the shoulder strap12to the fifth positioning shell904and base pad20at two spaced apart locations along the positioning shell. Advantageously, a user may conveniently position and secure a shoulder strap12on the cushioning system900by selectively engaging and releasing the shoulder strap12using the first fastening assembly916and second fastening assembly960. It will also be appreciated that in other examples, the first and second fastening assemblies916,960may be attached to the base shell46or to an upper surface of the base pad20, thereby eliminating the fifth positioning shell904. It will also be appreciated that in other examples, a single fastening assembly similar to the first or second fastening assemblies916,960may be utilized.

The removable and adjustable cushioning systems and methods described above may provide a more comfortable load-carrying experience for a user as compared to using a typical shoulder strap. Distributing a portion of the load over the area of the cushioned base pad20may result in less localized pressure points and a more comfortable experience for the user. A position of the shoulder strap12on the base pad20may also be conveniently adjusted and secured to provide a customized fit for an individual user.

It is to be understood that the configurations and/or approaches described herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The specific routines or methods described herein may represent one or more of any number of strategies for customizing a position of and securing a removable and adjustable cushioning system according to the present disclosure. As such, various steps illustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, in other sequences, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Likewise, the order of the above-described steps may be changed.