Patent Abstract:
A stabilizing belt for use by a person in need of assisted mobility or in recreation, the stabilizing belt comprising a base, a belt to secure the base to a wearer, and a pair of handles attached to the base. The base may be uniquely contoured to provide support and comfort for the wearer. A harnessing system may be provided for added security and stability. The harnessing system is versatile so as to go over the shoulders or under the legs, as necessary. The belt may further comprise handle supports for reinforcement, a pad for comfort, a cover for durability, and a pocket for versatility.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/144,401, filed Dec. 30, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part, application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/540,502, filed Jul. 2, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/854,823, filed Aug. 11, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,211,043, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/769,518, filed Apr. 28, 2010, which applications are incorporated in their entirety here by this reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a support belt or stabilizing belt. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    There are various modes of transportation in which two or more people may ride in tandem. For example, riding motorcycles, watercraft vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), snowmobiles, horseback riding, bicycles, or skiing are circumstances in which two or more people may be riding in tandem. In such situations, the back rider may hold onto the front rider in various uncomfortable and restricting ways to stabilize or balance himself or herself. In addition, current stabilizing belts are too cumbersome and, therefore, lack the versatility to be used across different activity, lack proper lumbar support, and are uncomfortable as the belt digs into the wearer&#39;s body. 
         [0004]    Other circumstances may require the ability to stabilize the wearer of the belt, such as medical assistance and therapy. These belts also tend to be cumbersome and lack lumbar support. In addition, it is inconvenient, uncomfortable, and problematic to have an individual already in a weakened state to be forced to where a belt or vest so as to be assisted in movement. 
         [0005]    For the foregoing reasons there is a need for an unproved stabilizing belt that is versatile enough to be used across various activities, provide adequate lumbar support, is comfortable to wear, and easy to use for those requiring assistance for movement. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present invention is directed to a stabilizing belt that can be used for a variety of activities, provides adequate lumbar support, is comfortable to wear, and easy to use for those requiring assistance, such as medical assistance. One aspect of the present ration is to provide a stabilizing belt designed to provide adequate lumbar support yet provide flexibility for movement. 
         [0007]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a stabilizing belt in which the fastening mechanism does not dig into the wearer and cause discomfort. 
         [0008]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a stabilizumg belt that can be used across various activities as opposed to a single activity. 
         [0009]    Another aspect of the present invention is to improve the functionality of a stabilizing belt. 
         [0010]    Another aspect is to provide assistance to those having difficulty with movements, such as a patient, without requiring the patient to don any additional equipment or device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the interior side of the cover; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  assembled; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  shows a plan view of the exterior side of an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  shows a plan view of the interior side of an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  shows the present invention in use for assisted mobility; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  shows a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  shows the embodiment in  FIG. 9  worn in a first configuration; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  shows the embodiment in  FIG. 9  worn in a second configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0023]    With reference to the figures, the present invention is directed towards a stabilizing belt  100  for use, for example, by a pair of riders riding a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or watercraft, in tandem; or for assisted movement. The stabilizing belt  100  worn by the front rider provides a means for the back rider to stabilize himself or herself during the ride. In other uses, such as for medical assistance, the stabilizing belt  100  may be worn by the patient or the caregiver. In situations in which it is difficult for the patient to don the stabilizing belt  100  the caregiver can don the belt  100  providing the patient with multiple grasping points to find the best leverage. 
         [0024]    The stabilizing belt  100  comprises a pad  102 , a belt  104  to wrap around the pad  102  and secure the pad  102  to a wearer, and at least one handle  106  attached to the pad  102 . The pad  102  provides support and comfort for the wearer. The belt  104  allows the pad  102  to be attached to the wearer. The handle  106  provides the means for the back rider, patient, or caregiver to stabilize himself or herself against the wearer or assist the wearer. 
         [0025]    The pad  102  comprises an interior side  108  that abuts the wearer, and an exterior side  110  opposite the interior side  108 , the interior and exterior sides  108 ,  110  defining a first edge  112 , a second edge  114  opposite the first edge  112 , a top edge  116  adjacent to the first and second edges  112 ,  114 , and a bottom edge  118  opposite the top edge  116  and adjacent to the first and second edges  112 ,  114 . The designation of the top and bottom edges  116 ,  118  has been made only for the sake of clarity and ease of discussion. Either edge can serve as the top or bottom depending on how the wearer wears the stabilizing belt. 
         [0026]    Also, for the sake of clarity and ease of discussion the distance from the first edge  112  to the second edge  114  will be referred to as the length and the distance from the top edge  116  to the bottom edge  118  will be referred to as the width. These designations apply to the other features of the present invention, such as the cover, strap, the mesh, and the like. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the pad  102  may have a simple geometric shape. For example, the pad  102  may be rectangular, trapezoidal, oval, circular and the like. In some embodiments, the top and bottom edges  116 ,  118  of the pad  102  are uniquely contoured to provide better support, comfort, and versatility. Therefore, the width of portions of the pad  102  may vary along the length of the pad  102  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , in the some embodiments, the pad  102  comprises a lumbar support area  120  and bilateral side support areas  122 ,  124  that extend away from the lumbar support area  120  and terminate at the first and second edges  112 ,  114 , respectively. The side supports  122 ,  124  may extend away from the lumbar support  120  in a uniform fashion, thereby forming a rectangular configuration. In some embodiments, the side supports  122 ,  124  may taper as they extend away from the lumbar support  120 , thereby forming a triangular, trapezoidal, or oval configuration. In some embodiments, the width of the side support  122 ,  124  may expand rather than taper away from the lumbar support  120 . 
         [0029]    The lumbar support  120  occupies the middle portion of the pad  102 . To enhance support given to the lumbar region of the wearer while minimizing weight of the stabilizing belt or discomfort to the wearer, the lumbar support  120  may be wider than the side supports  122 ,  124 . In some embodiments, the lumbar support area  120  may be a single enlarged area extending from one side to the other side of the lumbar region of the wearer. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, to further add flexibility without compromising the support, the top and bottom edges  116 ,  118  within the lumbar support area  120  may converge toward each other at a central area  126 . The central area  126  is the area that would be positioned along the spine of the wearer. Thus, the width of the central area  126  is less than the width of the lumbar support area  120 . In such an embodiment, the lumbar support area  120  can be described as having two distinguishable or separate lumbar support areas  120 , one for the left side and one for the right side of the wearer. 
         [0031]    Due to the difference in width between the lumbar support areas  120  and the central area  126 , the wearer is able to move and twist his or her body more freely as the central region  126  facilitates the twisting movement of the lumbar support areas  120  out of their natural plane. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the pad  102  may be generally rectangular in shape with the top and bottom edges  116 ,  118  tapering towards each other at the central area  126  of the pad  102 . Therefore, the width at the central area  126  may be generally smaller than the widths at the first and second edges  112 ,  114 . In addition or alternatively, the width at the central area  126  of the pad  102  may be generally smaller than the width of the pad at regions of the lumbar support area  120  laterally adjacent to the central region as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . 
         [0033]    The pad  102  is generally flat and made of a cushion type material. Suitable materials for the pad  102  include foam, rubber, and variations thereof. In some embodiments, the interior side of the lumbar support area  120  may comprise a bulge. In other words, the surface of the interior side  108  on the lumbar support area  120  may be convex to match the curvature of the lumbar region of the spine of the wearer. This provides added support to the wearer. 
         [0034]    To secure the pad  102  to the wearer, a belt  104  is provided to wrap around the pad  102  and the wearer. Preferably, since the belt  104  must withstand the pulling of the handles  106  by a second rider, a caregiver, a patient, and the like, the belt  104  should be made from a strong, generally inelastic material. For example, the belt  104  may be made of nylon, leather, canvas, or other sturdy fabrics, or materials that can be made sturdy. In some embodiments, additional belts  104   a  may be used to reinforce security and sturdiness. 
         [0035]    The belt  104  further comprises a means for securing  128  the pad  102  to the wearer. The securing means  128  may be hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buttons, buckles, and the like. The belt  104  further comprises an adjustment strap  130  so that the belt  104  can be tightened or loosened before or after fastening. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the belt  104  is fastened to the pad  102 , preferably on the exterior side  110 . In other embodiments, the belt  104  remains detached from the pad  102  relying on the frictional forces generated from tightening the belt  104  around the pad  102  for securement. 
         [0037]    To improve the sturdiness and securement of the handles  106  to the pad  102 , the handles  106  may be attached to handle supports  132 . Handle supports  132  may be hard, thin sturdy pieces of plastic, metal, wood, composite material, or the like that is fastened to the pad  102  and the belt  104 . In some embodiments, the handle supports  132  may have rounded and beveled edges. The force from pulling, twisting, and tugging of the handles  106  during use gets dispersed throughout the entire handle support  132  thereby minimizing damage to the pad  102 . Otherwise, without the handle support  132 , the force would be localized at the point of connection to the pad  102 , which could easily damage the pad  102 . 
         [0038]    In the preferred embodiment, the handle supports  132  are irreversibly fastened to the pad with fasteners, such as by rivets  134 . As such, through-holes  136  may be provided on the handle supports  132  through which a rivet  134  may be inserted to fasten the handle support  132  to the pad  102 . Additional through-holes  136  may also be provided to fasten the handles  106  to the handle support  132 . 
         [0039]    Other fastening means may also be used, such as stitching, adhesives, nuts and bolts, and the like. Irreversible fastening refers to fasteners that cannot be removed without noticeably damaging the fastener or the material to which the fastener is fastened. Reversible fasteners may also be used if it provides secure attachment without adding discomfort to the wearer. 
         [0040]    Although the handle supports  132  may be attached anywhere on the pad  102 , the preferred position is to attach the handle supports  132  to the lumbar support area  120  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4 , multiple handles  106   a - 106   d,  and multiple handle supports  132   a - 132   d  may be used. The handles  102   a - 102   d  and handle supports  132   a - 432   d  can be positioned in a number of different strategic locations so as to maximize the function of the belt. 
         [0041]    To facilitate the securement of the belt  104  to the pad  102 , each handle support  132  may comprise a pair of elongated slits  138  through which the belt  104  can be interlaced as shown in  FIG. 1  (the lower belt  104   a ). The slits  138  may be positioned at the opposite lateral edges of the handle support  132 . In such an embodiment, the belt  104  may be attached to the pad  102  via the handle support  132  rather than being directly attached to the pad  102 . Since the belt  104  is not directly fastened to the pad  102 , this also allows the belt  104  to be adjusted to the left or to the right by adjusting the belt  104  through the slit  138 . In embodiments utilizing multiple belts  104 , multiple pair of slits  138  can be provided on the handle support.  132  accordingly. Alternatively, each belt.  104  can have a separate handle support  132 . In some embodiments, to allow the handle support  132  to be used in a vertical manner or at an oblique angle, opposing slits  132   a,    132   b  on the same handle support  132  may be offset as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, the stabilizing belt  100  may further comprise a cover  140  to conceal and protect the underlying components of the stabilizing belt  100 . The cover  140  is similar in shape as the pad  102 ; therefore, the cover  140  comprises an exterior side  142  and an interior side  144  opposite the exterior side  142 , the exterior and interior sides defining a first edge  212 , a second edge  214  opposite the first edge  212 , a top edge  216  adjacent to the first and second edges  212 ,  214 , a bottom edge  218  adjacent to the first and second edges  212 ,  214  and opposite the top edge  216 , and a central region  127  centrally located in between the first and second edges  212 ,  214 , wherein the top and bottom edges  216 ,  218  define a width of the cover  140 , wherein the width of the cover at the central region  127  is smaller than the width of the cover at a region laterally adjacent to the central region  127 . Therefore, the cover has the same or similar contours as the pad  102 . 
         [0043]    The interior side  144  of the cover  140  may be overlaid on top of the handle support  132 , at least a portion of the belt  104 , and the pad  102 . In the preferred embodiment, the cover  140  has substantially the same shape as the pad  102  so as to fully cover the pad  102  while minimizing any excess material. In some embodiments, the cover  140  may completely cover or envelop the pad  102 . In other embodiments, the cover  140  only covers the exterior side  110  of the pad  102 . 
         [0044]    In embodiments with a cover  140 , the belt  104  and/or strap  154  may be attached to the cover  140  rather than the pad  102 . In some embodiments, the belt  104  and/or strap  154  may be attached to both the pad  102  and the cover  140 . Therefore, the belt  104  may be attached to the pad  102 , the cover  140 , or both, and the strap  154  may be attached to the pad  102 , the cover  140 , or both, or any combination thereof can be used. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the cover  140  comprises a slit  146 . On the interior side  144  of the cover  140  adjacent to the slit  146  may be a pouch  148 . For example, if the slit  146  is a horizontal slit, a pouch  148  may be positioned just below the slit  146  so that the slit  146  and pouch  148  can function as a pocket. A user can insert various items through the slit  146  into the pouch  148 . 
         [0046]    The cover  140  may be made from any durable material, such as rubber, nylon, leather, canvas and other fabric material. In some embodiments, the cover  140  may be water proof or water resistant to keep the pad  102  dry for water sport activities. 
         [0047]    The handles  106  may be attached through the exterior surface  142  of the cover  140  to the handle supports  132 . Handle supports  132  may be made from hard, sturdy material such as metal, plastic, wood, and the like. The end portions  150   a,    150   b  of the handles  106  can be riveted through the cover  140  onto the handle support  132  for secure attachment. In addition, the end portions  150   a,    150   b  may be double stitched to the cover  140 . The grip portion  152  of the handle  106  may be covered with foam or rubber to provide a comfortable grip. 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, the handles  106  may be reversibly fastened to the handle supports  132 . Utilizing reversible fasteners provides a means for adjusting the orientation or placement of the handles. By way of example only, the two handle supports  132  may be arranged parallel to each other a specified distance apart. Each handle  106  may be secured parallel to one handle support  132 , thereby having a vertical orientation when the stabilizing belt  100  is worn. This allows the rear user to grasp the handles with his palms facing toward each other. To rearrange the orientation of the handles  106 , the user can remove the fastener and re-fasten the handles  106  in a horizontal orientation, perpendicular to the handle supports  132  by fastening one of the end portions  150   a  of the first handle  106  to one end  132   a  of the first handle support  132  and the second end  150   b  of the first handle  106  to the same end  132   a  of the second handle support  132 . The second handle  106   a  can be similarly fastened to the opposite end  132   b  of both handle supports  132 . This allows the user to utilize a palm up or palm down grip. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the handles  106 ,  106   a  and handle supports  132  may be configured to provide a means for adjusting the placement or orientation of the handle without having to disassemble the stabilizing belt. For example, the handle support  132  may be frame-shaped or be a single rectangular or square plate having slits and/or a plurality of holes. The ends  150   a,    150   b  of the handles  106  may have retractable pins that can be retracted by the push of a button on the handles  106 ,  106   a.  In the retracted configuration, the handles may be free to slide along the slits and positioned at different holes. Release of the button allows the pins to engage the holes so as to be locked in place. This allows the user to change the distance between the handles  106 ,  106   a  or change the orientation and placement of the handles  106 ,  106   a.  In such an embodiment, the cover would also comprise slits or openings to allow the handles  106 ,  106   a  to move to a different position. Reversible fasteners that can be used in this embodiment include, but are not limited to nuts and bolts, magnets suction cups, clips, spring loaded pins, bayonet-style connectors, mounts, and the like. In these embodiments, care should be taken so that the handles  106  do not slip out from the handle support  132  during use. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, the stabilizing belt  100  may comprise a plurality of handles  106   a - 106   e  arranged in various configurations so as to provide the option of a variety of different grip positions without having to make any adjustments as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  9 . In addition, having a plurality of handles  106   a - 106   e  allows the user to change his or her grip instantly at any time. Handles  106   a - 106   e  may be arranged in a variety of positions, such as vertically, horizontally, at any oblique angle therebetween, and any combination thereof. Reference to the orientation of the handles is with respect to the wearer standing upright and the stabilizing belt being worn as intended. Each handle  106   a - 106   e  may have associated with it a handle support  132 . 
         [0051]    In another example, the stabilizing belt  100  may comprise four handles  106  arranged in a square or rectangular orientation. For example, a pair of horizontally oriented handles may be positioned at opposite ends of the vertically oriented handles  106 . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, to facilitate securement of the pad  102  to the wearer, a strap  154  may extend out from each of the first and second edges  112 ,  114  of the pad  102 . Preferably, the strap  154  may be an elastic material or partially elastic material comprising a fastening means  155  so that the pad  102  and strap  154  can be wrapped around the wearer&#39;s body and fastened in the front, rear, or sides. For example, the strap  154  may comprise a fastening means  155 , such as hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buttons, buckles and the like. In some embodiments, the strap  154  may be a two piece strap, with the first piece  154   a  extending from the first edge  112  and the second piece  154   b  extending from the second edge  114 . In some embodiments, the first and second pieces  154   a,    154   b  may be attached to their respective edges  112 ,  114 . In some embodiments, the strap  154  may be one continuous piece that overlaps the entire pad  102 . The one piece strap may be fastened to the pad  102 . The strap  154  allows the pad  102  to remain in place while the belt  104  securely fastens the pad  102  to the wearer. 
         [0053]    The strap  154  also serves as an interface between the belt  104  and the wearer. This prevents the belt.  104  from uncomfortably digging into the wearer&#39;s skin when the belt  104  is tightened around the wearer. To accommodate this function, the width of the strap  154  may be greater than the width of the belt  104 . In embodiments comprising multiple belts  104  the width of the elastic strap  154  may be greater than the combined width of all of the belts and the spaces therebetween. 
         [0054]    In embodiments having a two piece strap, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the first strap piece  154   a  may be elastic and the second strap piece  154   b  may be made of an inelastic fabric. The inelastic fabric material provides additional comfort and protection from the belt  104 . The first strap piece  154   a  and the second strap piece  154   b  may have fastening means  155  to fasten the first strap piece  154   a  to the second strap piece  154   b.  For example, the first and second strap pieces may comprise hook-and-loop fasteners to fasten to each other. In some embodiments, the fastening means  155  of the second strap piece  154   b  may be overlaid on top of the second strap piece  154   b.    
         [0055]    In some embodiments, the second strap piece  154   b  may comprise a series of lumbar supports  160  secured to the second strap piece  154   b.  These lumbar supports  160  may be elongated strips of a relatively rigid material, such as plastic, wood, metal, and the like. In this embodiment, the pad  102  is worn on the front and the second strap piece  154   b  wraps around the back at the lumbar region and fastens to the first strap piece  154   a.  When the stabilizing belt  100  is pulled by the handles  106 , the second strap piece  154   b  does not fold or collapse, but rather, remains firm, thereby providing more comfort and support to the wearer. 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, the stabilizing belt  100  further comprises a breathable fabric  156  attached to the interior side  108  of the pad  102 . For example, the breathable fabric  156  may be mesh or some other type of lining to provide comfort when the stabilizing belt  100  is worn by the wearer, particularly when worn without clothes. 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4 , in addition to or in lieu of the breathable fabric  156 , the stabilizing belt  100  may further comprise a rubberized material  158  as the final layer below the pad  102 . 
         [0058]    Having disclosed the various features of the present invention, many different variations can be designed by the various combinations of features without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0059]    For example, in some embodiments, the pad  102  may be omitted. Although this may decrease comfort, it may also allow for a lower manufacturing cost. In such an embodiment, the cover  140  would essentially function like the pad  102 . Therefore, any belt  104 , strap  154 , handle  106 , and handle support.  132  that would have been attached to the pad  102  could be attached to the cover  140 . Even in embodiments with the pad  102 , any belt  104 , strap  154 , handle  106 , and handle support  132  could be attached to the cover  140 , or any combination of attachments to the cover  140  and pad  102 . 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, to further improve the supporting capability of the stabilizing belt  100 , any of the embodiments discussed previously may further comprise a harness system. By way of example only,  FIG. 9  shows one of the embodiments with the harness system. The harness system comprises a plurality of fastening mechanisms and a pair of harness straps. The plurality of fastening mechanisms are strategically positioned on the stabilizing belt  100  so that the harness system can be used to wrap over a wearer&#39;s shoulder in a first configuration as shown in  FIG. 10 , or wrap under a wearers legs in a second configuration as shown in  FIG. 11 . Preferably, the harness system is attached to the pad  102  and/or the cover  140  of the stabilizing belt  100 . For ease of description, the pad  102  and/or cover  140  will be referred to generically as the base  300 . Thus, the base  300  may be the pad  102 , the cover  140 , or the combination of the pad  102  and cover  140 . As such, when the harness system is described as being attached to the base  300 , this means the harness system can be attached to the pad  102 , the cover,  140 , or both. Similarly, when referring to the side edges  312 ,  314 , the top edge  316 , or the bottom edge  318  of the base  300 , this is meant to refer to the side edges  112 ,  114 , top edge  116 , or bottom edge  118 , respectively, of the pad  102 , or the side edges  212 ,  214 , top edge  216 , or bottom edge  218 , respectively, of the cover  140 , or both. 
         [0061]    As shown in the example of  FIG. 9 , in the preferred embodiment the fastening mechanisms are rings with associated hooks, or buckles. However, other fastening mechanisms can be used, such as snap buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, and the like. These fastening mechanisms can be fixed to the base  300 , for example by stitching, or removably or adjustably attached to the base  300  so that the fastening mechanisms can be moved to different locations on the base  300  or adjusted for comfort and effectiveness, 
         [0062]    In the preferred embodiment, a first upper fastener (shown as ring  200   a ) may be positioned along the top edge  316  of the base  300 . Preferably, the first fastener (e.g. ring  200   a ) is positioned along the centerline C of the base  300 . In some embodiments, two upper fasteners may be bilaterally arranged about the centerline C on the top edge  316 . 
         [0063]    Two side fasteners (e.g. rings  200   b,    200   c ), one each, may be positioned along the first edge  312  and the second edge  314 . Two lower fasteners (e.g. rings  200   d,    200   e ) may be positioned along the bottom edge  318  medial to the two side fasteners. In some embodiments, a single lower fastener nay be used and positioned on the centerline C along the bottom edge  318 . 
         [0064]    A pair of harness straps  170   a,    170   b  are provided that can attach to the upper fastener  200   a,  side fasteners  200   b,    200   c  and lower fasteners  200   d,    200   e.  Each strap  170   a,    170   b  has a first free end  172   a,    172   b  and a second free end  174   a,    174   b  on the opposite side. These straps  170   a,    170   b  can be made adjustable as is known in the art. A padding  176   a,    176   b  may be attached to the straps  170   a,    170   b  in between the first free end  172   a,    172   b  and the second free end  174   a,    174   b  for added comfort. At each end of the harness straps are reciprocal fasteners  178   a,    178   b,    180   a,    180   b  that can attach to the fasteners. In the example shown, the reciprocal fasteners are latched hooks (like a carabiner) or buckles. 
         [0065]    In use, the first end  172   a  of one of the harness straps  170   a  can be attached to a side fastener  200   b.  The second end  174   a  of the harness strap  170   a  can be fastened to the lower fastener  200   d  or the upper fastener  200   a.  This can be done while the wearer is wearing the stabilizing belt  100 . Therefore, while wearing the stabilizing belt  100 , the wearer can attach the first end  172   a  to a side fastener  200   b,  then place the harness strap  170   a  over the shoulder and attach the second end  174   a  to the upper fastener  200   a.  This process can be repeated on the other side, as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0066]    Alternatively, the second end  174   a  of the harness strap  170   a  can be wrapped under the leg and fastened to the lower harness  200   d.  This can be repeated on the opposite side for better lower body support, as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0067]    In some embodiments, to improve the versatility of the harness system, multiple fasteners can be positioned on the stabilizing belt  100 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the stabilizing belt  100  has seven harness fasteners: an upper fastener (e.g. ring  200   a ) located along the centerline C on the top edge  316 ; two bilaterally arranged side fasteners (e.g. rings  200   b,    200   c ), one side fastener (e.g. ring  200   b ) along the first edge  318 , and one side fastener (e.g. ring  200   c ) along the second edge  314 ; two auxiliary fasteners (e.g. buckles  190   a,    190   b ) bilaterally arranged at the bottom corners where the side edge  314  and the bottom edge  318  meet, and where side edge  312 ,  314  and the bottom edge  318  meet; and two bilaterally arranged lower fasteners (e.g. rings  200   d,    200   e ) along the bottom edge  318 . The harness strap  170   a  has a first end  172   a  with a first reciprocal fastener (e.g. buckle  180   a ), and a second end  174   a  with a second reciprocal fastener (e.g. latched hook  178   a ). In this example, the buckle  180   a  is removably attached to a second latched hook  182   a,  wherein the second latched hook  182   a  attaches to the side fastener (ring  200   b ). Detachment of the buckle fastener  180   a  at the first end  172   a  allows the buckle fastener  180   a  to be fastened to the auxiliary fastener  190   a.  Thus, the wearer has multiple options that he or she can choose from to provide the best comfort and support for a given use. 
         [0068]    For example, the first end  172   a  can be attached to either the side fastener  200   b  or the auxiliary fastener  190   a,  and the second end  174   a  can be fastened to either the upper fastener  200   a,  or the lower fastener  200   d.  The same options are available for the opposite side. So, the first end  172   b  can be attached to either the side fastener  200   c  or the auxiliary fastener  190   b,  and the second end  174   b  can be fastened to either the upper fastener  200   a,  or the lower fastener  200   e.    
         [0069]    In this example, since the first ends  172   a,    172   b  are buckles, but the side fasteners  200   b,    200   c  are rings, intermediate buckles  184   a,    184   b  may be used as adapters to allow the first ends  172   a,    172   b  to connect to their respective side fasteners  200   b,    200   c  with latched rings  182   a,    182   b.  Alternatively, the auxiliary fasteners  190   a,    190   b  may also be rings so that the first end can connect to any of the side fasteners  200   b,    200   c,  auxiliary fasteners  190   a,    190   b,  and lower fasteners  200   d,    200   e  using latched rings. Alternatively, the side fasteners  200   b,    200   c,  auxiliary fasteners  190   a,    190   b,  and lower fasteners  200   d,    200   e  may be buckles so that the first ends  172   a,    172   b  can connect to these fasteners using the buckle system. Any other type of fastening mechanism and any combinations thereof (with or without adapters) can be used so long as the first ends  172   a,    172   b  and the second ends  174   a,    174   b  are capable of attaching and detaching from the fasteners so that the harness straps  170   a,    170   b  can be used as shoulder supports or leg supports. 
         [0070]    In sonic embodiments, a back support may be provided that can be built into the base  300  or made attachable to the base  300 . Therefore, the stabilizing belt  100  can be used with our without the back support. Preferably, the back support is attached to the central region of the base to provide added stiffness as necessary. Therefore, the back support may be any rigid structure, such as a piece of plastic, metal, wood, and the like. The back support may be flat and rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the back support may be contoured to fit better against the lumbar region of the back. 
         [0071]    Due to the unique design of the stabilizing belt  100 , a single belt can be used for various activities. Some stabilizing belts utilize an entire chest harness. Although suitable for watercraft activities, these may be too cumbersome for other activities. The stabilizing belt  100  of the present invention can be used for motorcycle or bicycle riding, watercraft sports, ATV&#39;s, snowmobiles, horseback riding, skiing, hiking, walking, sexual activity, medical assistance, therapy, and more. In addition, the stabilizing belt  100  can be configured to carry animals such as dogs, cats, and other animals. 
         [0072]    When used for medical assistance, the stabilizing belt  100  may be worn either by the patient (or person requiring assisted mobility)  12  or the caregiver  10 . When worn by the caregiver  10 , the patient  12  is able to grasp any of the various handles  106   a - 106   e  that is most comfortable to the patient  12  and provides the best leverage as shown in  FIG. 8 . In the meanwhile, the caregiver  10  still has his hands free to utilize them however he wishes. 
         [0073]    In some uses, the patient can wear the stabilizing belt  100  and allow the caregiver  10  to lift the patient  12  by any of the handles  106   a - 106   e.  In embodiments with a harness system, the fasteners can also be used to help move the patient. For example, the upper fastener  200   a  can be connected to a crane-type lifting machine, so that a machine can lift the patient wearing the stabilizing belt  100 . 
         [0074]    In some uses, both the patient  12  and the caregiver  10  can wear the stabilizing belt  100  maximizing the option of having the caregiver hold on to the patient, the patient hold on to the caregiver, or both. 
         [0075]    The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0