Abstract:
An adjustable harness is implemented by interweaving a cord throughout a woven portion of the harness to form a loop portion, an intermediate portion and an end portion. A length of the loop portion is selected by adjusting a length of the end portion. Once an appropriate length of the loop portion is selected, a locking mechanism attached to the intermediate portion ensures that the length of the loop portion remains fixed. A breakaway buckle may be attached to the adjustable harness and a carabiner may be attached to the breakaway buckle. In operation, a loop portion of the adjustable harness may be cinched down onto an accessory, such as a water bottle, and locked into place. A carabiner may then be attached to a user and the breakaway buckle may be used by the user to conveniently remove the accessory for use and then returned for storage.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to harnesses, and more particularly to adjustable harnesses. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Woven straps and lanyards made of cord-type materials (e.g., parachute cord) abbreviated as “paracord,” are extremely popular and pervasive in today&#39;s society. While originally associated with airborne applications (e.g., military airborne units) for use with parachutes, paracord has now found application in almost any situation where light, yet strong cordage may be needed. 
         [0003]    Paracord may be used, for example, to implement a harness that may be used to secure equipment to persons so as to avoid losing small or important items. Once these harnesses (e.g., lanyards) are attached to the person, for example, any equipment that may be attached to the person via such a harness may be maintained in close proximity to the person no matter where that person may be at any particular time. 
         [0004]    One common example of a harness that may be used to secure equipment to a person includes a strap that may be worn around the neck of a person. Such a strap may maintain a position of equipment (e.g., binoculars) to within a convenient distance of the person, such that whenever use of the equipment is required, all that need be done by the person is to locate the end of the harness to which the equipment is attached. 
         [0005]    In some instances, however, simply locating the end of the harness to which the equipment is attached may be impeded (e.g., by exterior clothing). For example, a particular outdoor activity may require the application and subsequent removal of a garment (e.g., jacket) during cold and warm periods, respectively, of the outdoor activity. During the warm periods, access to the equipment that is strapped to the user may be unimpeded. During cold periods, however, the garment may be applied over the top of the equipment, such that access to the equipment may only be achieved by first removing a portion of the garment so as to gain access to the equipment that may be covered beneath the garment. 
         [0006]    During such activities, a shorter harness may be used to maintain access to the equipment when no external garment is used. However, a longer harness may be necessary when an external garment is used so that the equipment may be secured to hang below the garment to remain conveniently accessible to the person even when the external garment is in use. Such uses, however, requires the use of multiple harnesses, each sized for the particular application - a shorter harness to maintain convenient access to equipment during a first usage scenario and a longer harness to maintain access to the equipment during a second usage scenario. 
         [0007]    Efforts continue, therefore, to develop a single harness that may be used throughout multiple usage scenarios to preclude the use of multiple harnesses. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    To overcome limitations in the prior art, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, various embodiments of the present invention disclose methods and apparatus for adjustable harnesses that may be used to secure equipment to persons throughout a number of usage scenarios. Such adjustable harnesses may, for example, be implemented as a woven strap that may be made of parachute cord (abbreviated as “paracord”) constructed from nylon or other cord materials, such as cotton, silk etc. 
         [0009]    The harnesses may be adjustable along one or more dimensions (e.g., length) and one or more ends of the adjustable harnesses may be attached to equipment, such as binoculars, rifles, shotguns, cameras and range finders to name only a few. Other accessories, such as water bottles and snack containers, may also be tethered to the person via the adjustable harnesses. 
         [0010]    In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a harness comprises a weave portion and a cord interwoven throughout the weave portion to form a first loop portion, an intermediate portion and an end portion. A length of the first loop portion is configured to be adjustable by adjustment of a length of the end portion. A locking mechanism is coupled to the intermediate portion to fix the length of the first loop portion once adjusted. The locking mechanism is configured to cinch onto the weave portion to maintain the length of the first loop portion. 
         [0011]    In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, a harness system comprises a harness that includes a weave portion and a cord interwoven throughout the weave portion to form a first loop portion, an intermediate portion and an end portion. A length of the first loop portion is configured to be adjustable by adjustment of a length of the end portion. A locking mechanism is coupled to the intermediate portion to fix the length of the first loop portion once adjusted. The locking mechanism is cinched onto the weave portion to maintain the length of the first loop portion. The harness system further includes an accessory coupled to the first loop portion. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a harness during a first phase of assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a harness during a second phase of assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a portion of an adjustable harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates an adjustable harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a system using an adjustable harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 6A-6N  illustrate detailed assembly steps for a harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate detailed assembly steps for a harness in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates a harness in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 9A-9L  illustrate detailed assembly steps for a harness in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0022]      FIGS. 10A-10C  illustrate detailed assembly steps for a harness in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Generally, the various embodiments of the present invention are applied to adjustable harnesses with locking mechanisms that may be used to tether equipment and/or accessories to a user. One or both ends of the harness may be used to tether equipment (e.g., binoculars, range finders, rifles) and/or accessories (e.g., water bottles, snack containers) to the user. 
         [0024]    A dimension of the harness (e.g., length) may be adjusted to make the equipment and/or accessory more accessible to the user depending upon a particular use scenario. For example, a water bottle may be attached to a user&#39;s backpack, belt loop, quiver or any other desired object and a dimension (e.g., length) of the harness may be adjusted so as to be optimum for any type of user (e.g., the harness length may be increased for taller users and the harness length may be decreased for shorter users) so as to make the water bottle more accessible to the user via such an adjustable harness. 
         [0025]    Whether the equipment or other accessory is strapped to the user via one or both ends of the harness, a dimension (e.g., length) may be adjusted (e.g., lengthened or shortened) to match the needs of the person. The adjusted dimension may then be prevented from changing by using a locking mechanism. For example, both ends of a neck harness may be used to strap a pair of binoculars to a user and each end may be adjusted to shorter or longer lengths depending upon whether the person has direct access to the binoculars (e.g., when the harness is not worn underneath an outer garment) or indirect access to the binoculars (e.g., when the harness is worn underneath an outer garment). For an indirect access scenario, for example, a length of the harness may be increased to allow the binoculars to extend below the outer garment so that the user may have direct access to the binoculars despite the existence of the outer garment. 
         [0026]    To make the harness adjustable, a first length of cord may be interwoven into a weave of a strap, such that the first length of cord may form a closed loop at a first end of the strap and a free end of the first length of cord may ultimately emerge from the weave at a distance (e.g., a few inches) from the first end of the strap. The loop and the free end may then work in conjunction with one another to allow the loop to achieve an adjustable length with respect to the first end of the strap while a locking mechanism is disengaged. Once engaged, however, the locking mechanism may prevent a length of the loop from being changed. 
         [0027]    In a first embodiment, a second end of the strap may receive a latching mechanism (e.g., carabiner or other latching mechanism) that may not allow a dimension adjustment. In such an instance, a first end of the harness may exhibit an adjustable dimension (e.g., a first loop having an adjustable length) and a second end of the harness may not exhibit an adjustable dimension (e.g., a second loop diametrically opposed to the first loop). The first loop may, for example, function as a latching mechanism (e.g., the first loop may be shortened around the neck of a water bottle) and the second loop may be tethered to a user via the latching mechanism attached to the second loop. 
         [0028]    In a second embodiment, a second length of cord may be interwoven into a weave of the strap, such that the second length of cord forms a closed loop at a second end of the strap and a free end of the second length of cord may ultimately emerge from the weave at a distance (e.g., a few inches) from a second end of the strap. The second loop and the second free end may then work in conjunction with one another to allow the second loop to achieve an adjustable length with respect to the second end of the strap. In such an embodiment, the harness may exhibit an adjustable dimension (e.g., a length of a loop portion) at both ends of the harness. 
         [0029]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , first and second ends of a base cord are exemplified in a first phase of assembly of a harness, in which first end  102  of base cord  110  may be attached (e.g., via thread) to extension cord  106  and a second end  104  of base cord  110  may be attached (e.g., via thread) to extension cord  108  as shown. Any length of base cord  110  may be used depending upon the length of harness desired. In addition, any length of extension cords  106  and  108  may be used depending upon the magnitude of adjustment desired. For example, longer lengths of extension cords  106  and  108  may be used if a greater magnitude of length adjustment is desired. 
         [0030]    Extension cord  106  may exhibit an intermediate portion  112  and an end portion  116 . Similarly, extension cord  108  may exhibit an intermediate portion  114  and an end portion  118 . As described in more detail below, intermediate portions  112  and  114  may be encapsulated by a weave, such that each intermediate portion forms a loop at either end of the weave. Additionally, end portions  116  and  118  may emerge from the weave at a distance (e.g., a few inches) from their respective loop portions. 
         [0031]    Turning to  FIG. 2 , a base cord and a first extension cord are exemplified in a second phase of assembly, in which a first end of a base cord (e.g., end  104  of  FIG. 1 ) and an intermediate portion of an extension cord (e.g., intermediate portion  114  of  FIG. 1 ) may be encapsulated by weave  202  to form a loop  204  in extension cord  206  and an end portion  208  of extension cord  206 . End portion  208  of extension cord  206  may emerge from weave  202  at a distance  210  from loop  204 , where distance  210  may be any distance. It should be noted, that a dimension (e.g., length) of loop  204  may be adjusted by appropriate movement of end portion  208 . For example, a length of loop  204  may be increased by decreasing a length of end portion  208 . Conversely, for example, a length of loop  204  may be decreased by increasing a length of end portion  208 . 
         [0032]    An additional assembly step is exemplified in  FIG. 2  in which a locking mechanism (e.g., bead  212 ) may be threaded onto end portion  208 . As discussed in more detail below, locking mechanism  212  functions to lock both loop  204  and end portion  208  in place to prevent variation in the dimensions of loop  204  and end portion  208  once locked in place. 
         [0033]    Turning to  FIG. 3 , a final assembly of a portion of harness  300  is exemplified, in which an end portion (e.g., end portion  208  of  FIG. 2 ) of an extension cord (e.g., extension cord  206  of  FIG. 2 ) is threaded back into the weave (e.g., weave  202  of  FIG. 2 ) to emerge from weave  302  at a distance between a locking mechanism (e.g., bead  304 ) and a first end of weave  302  to form end portion  306 . It should be noted that a second end of harness  300  (not shown) may or may not be formed with the same locking loop mechanism exemplified in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0034]    In operation, a length of end portion  306  may be adjusted in either direction  310  to effectively adjust a length of loop  312 . For example, a length of end portion  306  may be decreased by first pulling intermediate portion  314  through weave  302  to decrease the length of end portion  306  and increase the length of intermediate portion  314 . Next, the increased length of intermediate portion  314  may be decreased by pulling portion  316  in direction  308  through weave  302  to increase a length of loop  312 . Conversely, a length of loop  312  may be decreased by first pulling intermediate portion  314  through weave  302  to decrease the length of loop  312  and increase the length of intermediate portion  314 . Next, the increased length of intermediate portion  314  may be decreased by pulling end portion  306  in direction  310  through weave  302  to increase a length of end portion  306 . 
         [0035]    It can be seen, therefore, that adjustment of the length of loop  312  works in conjunction with a length of end portion  306 . In addition, the length of loop  312  may be locked into position by tightening intermediate portion  314  onto the corresponding locking mechanism (e.g., bead  304 ). Intermediate portion  314  may be tightened by shortening intermediate portion  314  either by lengthening the length of end portion  306  or by lengthening the length of loop portion  312 . In order to prevent end portion  306  from being pulled completely through weave  302 , a stop mechanism (e.g., diamond knot  318 ) may be utilized. Additionally, a sliding mechanism (e.g., ranger knot  320 ) may be similarly utilized to prevent loop portion  312  from being pulled completely into weave  302 . 
         [0036]    Turning to  FIG. 4 , adjustable portion  402  of a harness (e.g., harness  300  of  FIG. 3 ) may be attached to a breakaway portion (e.g., breakaway buckle  404 ). A non-adjustable harness  406  may be similarly attached to breakaway buckle  404 , whereby portion  408  may be attached to a user (e.g., looped around a belt loop of the user via carabiner or other latching mechanism) and adjustable loop portion  410  may be cinched around a piece of equipment or accessory by decreasing a length of adjustable loop  410  as discussed above, for example, in relation to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0037]    Turning to  FIG. 5 , system  500  is exemplified in which adjustable harness  502  may be utilized to secure an object (e.g., water bottle  504 ) to a user. In operation, a dimension (e.g., length) of adjustable loop  506  may be decreased by increasing a dimension (e.g., length) of end portion  508  in order to cinch adjustable loop  506  onto a neck portion of water bottle  504 . Once adjustable loop  506  is cinched onto a neck portion of water bottle  504 , intermediate portion  510  may be cinched down onto weave  514  and a locking mechanism (e.g., bead  512 ) by pulling end portion  508  through weave  514 . A locking mechanism (e.g., carabiner  516 ) may then be attached to a user (e.g., via user&#39;s belt, quiver, backpack, purse, etc.) via the locking mechanism. It should be noted that locking mechanism  516  may be attached to weave  514  via a breakaway portion (e.g., breakaway buckle  404  of  FIG. 4 ). In alternate embodiments, locking mechanism  516  may be attached to weave  514  by second loop  518  that may be diametrically opposed to adjustable loop  506 . 
         [0038]    Turning to  FIGS. 6A-6N , detailed illustrations are shown to exemplify the steps for assembly of a harness in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that the assembly steps exemplified by  FIGS. 6A-6N  may be performed using any number of methods. For example, a person using their hands, fingers and assorted tools may implement the assembly steps exemplified in  FIGS. 6A-6N . Alternatively, for example, an automated assembly machine (e.g., robot) may be used to implement the assembly steps exemplified in  FIGS. 6A-6N . 
         [0039]    As exemplified in step  1  of  FIG. 6A , two lengths of a cord-like material (e.g., paracord lengths  602  and  604 ) may be cut to any length (e.g., approximately 15 inches each) and may be aligned such that each cord  602  and  604  may exhibit portions that may point in direction  608 , where each portion may exhibit any length  606  (e.g., approximately  5 - 6  inches). Securing both cords  602  and  604  at position  610 , a portion of cord  602  above position  610  may be looped across the front of both cords  602  and  604 . 
         [0040]    In step  2  as exemplified in  FIG. 6B , a portion of cord  604  may be taken behind both cords  602  and  604  at a position proximate to position  610 . Next, that portion of cord  604  may then be threaded through loop  612  from back to front. A portion of cord  602  may then be taken in front of both cords  602  and  604  at a position proximate to position  610  and then threaded through loop  614  from front to back. 
         [0041]    In step  3  as exemplified in  FIG. 6C , a portion of cord  604  may be taken in front of both cords  602  and  604  and then threaded through loop  614  from front to back in direction  616 . In step  4  as exemplified in  FIG. 6D , a portion of cord  602  may be taken behind both cords  602  and  604  and then threaded through loop  612  from back to front in direction  618 . In step  5  as exemplified in  FIG. 6E , the upper ends of cords  602  and  604  may be pulled in directions  622  and  624 , respectively, to close loops  612  and  614  (not shown in  FIG. 6E ). 
         [0042]    Next, portion  620  of cord  604  may be pulled in direction  626  (as exemplified in step  6  of  FIG. 6F ) to form loop  628 . Once loop  628  is formed, upper ends of cords  602  and  604  may be pulled in directions  630  and  632 , respectively, to tighten the harness assembly. Loop  628  may, for example, allow an optional fastening mechanism (e.g., a carabiner or similar latching mechanism) to be attached to the harness assembly. 
         [0043]    In step  7  as exemplified in  FIG. 6G , a harness feature (e.g., a cinch) may be created in the harness assembly. A portion of cord  602  may form a top cinch cord  634  by laying that portion of cord  602  over the top of the harness assembly forming cinch loop  638 . Similarly, a portion of cord  602  may form back cinch cord  636 . A portion of cord  604  (e.g., portion  640 ) may be guided to lay across the top of top cinch cord  634  in direction  642 . A portion of cord  602  (e.g., cord  644 ) is then placed over cord  640 . 
         [0044]    In step  8  as exemplified in  FIG. 6H , cord  644  may be guided behind the harness assembly through loop  646  in direction  648 . Additionally, cord  640  may be guided through loop  650  in direction  652 . 
         [0045]    In step  9  as exemplified in  FIG. 61 , the weave of cords  644  and  640  (e.g., the weave discussed above in relation to step  8  of  FIG. 6H ) may be repeated a number (e.g., 3) of times such that top cinch cord  634  may be looped by cord  640  a number (e.g., 3) times and cord  644  may loop behind top cinch cord  634  a number (e.g., 3) times. For each repetition of the weave, cords  644  and  640  may be kept taut such that top cinch cord  634  may be held securely within the harness assembly. 
         [0046]    In step  10  as exemplified in  FIG. 6J , top cinch cord  634  may be threaded through a cinch mechanism (e.g., bead  654 ) as shown forming a portion (e.g., cinch cord  656 ) of top cinch cord  634  extending past bead  654 . Alternately, for example, bead  654  may be removed and a cinch mechanism (e.g., a square knot tied onto top cinch cord  634 ) in place of bead  654  may be used instead. 
         [0047]    In step  11  as exemplified in  FIG. 6K , bead  654  may be threaded along top cinch cord  634  until it becomes in close proximity to the harness assembly as shown. Next, cinch cord  656  of top cinch cord  634  may be laid down over the top of the harness assembly. Next, the weave of cords  644  and  640  (e.g., the weave discussed above in relation to step  8  of  FIG. 6H ) may be repeated a number (e.g., 4) of times. 
         [0048]    In step  12  as exemplified in  FIG. 6L , a total number (e.g., 4) of weaves  658  of cords  640 / 644  may surround cinch cord  656  before cinch cord  656  exits the harness assembly at position  662 . In addition, a total number (e.g., 3) of weaves  660  of cords  640 / 644  may extend below position  662 . It should be noted that the number of weaves  658  and  660  may be adjusted such that a particular harness assembly length may be achieved as desired. 
         [0049]    Once the desired length of harness assembly is achieved, cord  644  of the weave may be terminated. For example, cord  644  may be cut such that a portion (e.g., about ¼″) of cord  644  remains protruding from the harness assembly. Next, the protruding end of cord  644  may be finished (e.g., melted and then pressed to form flat end  664 ) as exemplified in step  13  of  FIG. 6M , such that end  664  may secure itself against the harness assembly. In addition, the remaining portions (e.g., portions  668 ) of the harness assembly may be similarly terminated and finished such that they too may be secured against the harness assembly. 
         [0050]    In step  14  as exemplified in  FIG. 6N , adjustment of a length  670  of cinch loop  638  may be achieved. For example, cinch cord  656  may be pulled in direction  672  to shorten length  670  of cinch loop  638  to a desired length (e.g., about 2 inches) from the bottom of weave  674 . Next, the free end of cinch loop  638  may be pulled in direction  676  to cinch bead  654  against weave  674 , so as to lock the length  670  of cinch loop  638  into place. A length (e.g., 12 inches) of cinch cord  656  may then be selected and then terminated (e.g., by using a single strand diamond knot  678 ). Knot  678  may then be finished (e.g., by a melting and flattening process) such that knot  678  may be permanently attached to cinch cord  656 . 
         [0051]    Turning to  FIGS. 7A-7C , an alternate embodiment is exemplified, whereby a harness assembly may be attached to a breakaway buckle  702 , whereby breakaway buckle may include breakaway portions  704  and  706 . Button  708  may, for example, be pressed to disengage breakaway portion  704  from breakaway portion  706 . 
         [0052]    To begin attachment of a harness assembly to breakaway buckle  702 , cords  712  and  714  may be threaded through hole  710  from front to back leaving a length  716  (e.g., 5-6 inches) of each of cords  712  and  714  hanging down from breakaway buckle  702 . Portion  718  of cord  714  may loop behind cords  712  and  714  and may be threaded through loop  722  formed by cord  712 . Similarly, portion  720  of cord  712  may loop in front of cords  712  and  714  and may be threaded through loop  724  formed by cord  714 . 
         [0053]    The next step, as exemplified in  FIG. 7B , may include looping cord  720  over the top of cords  712  and  714  and then threading cord  720  through loop  726  formed by cord  718 . Similarly, cord  718  may be looped behind cords  712  and  714  and then threading cord  718  through loop  728  formed by cord  720 . Remaining steps (e.g., steps as exemplified in  FIGS. 6G through 6N ) may be repeated to finish the harness assembly with breakaway buckle  702 . 
         [0054]    Turning to  FIG. 8 , an exemplary embodiment is shown in which harness assembly  802  in conjunction with breakaway buckle  804  may be combined with an additional attachment mechanism (e.g., carabiner  806 ) to provide a convenient mechanism to retain an accessory (e.g., bottle  808 ) attached to a user. 
         [0055]    As a first step, cinch loop  810  may be loosened (e.g., lengthened) by creating slack in cinch cord  814  that may be threaded through a locking mechanism (e.g., bead  812 ). Next, a length of cinch loop  810  may be increased by decreasing a length of adjustment cord  816  such that a portion of bottle  808  (e.g., bottle neck  818 ) may be engaged by cinch loop  810 . Once engaged, slack in cinch cord  814  may be removed by adjustment of a free end of cinch loop  810  and lengthening of adjustment cord  816  such that bead  812  snugs up against harness assembly  802  to lock loop  810  in place around bottle neck  818 . Accordingly, carabiner  806  may be engaged onto a user (e.g., a belt loop of the user) such that water bottle  808  is maintained within reach of the user. In addition, break away buckle  804  may be used to conveniently disconnect water bottle  808  from the user to, for example, make water bottle  808  available for refill. 
         [0056]    Turning to  FIGS. 9A-9L , detailed illustrations are shown to exemplify the steps for assembly of a harness in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that the assembly steps exemplified by  FIGS. 9A-9L  may be performed using any number of methods. For example, a person using their hands, fingers and assorted tools may implement the assembly steps exemplified in  FIGS. 9A-9L . Alternatively, for example, an automated assembly machine (e.g., robot) may be used to implement the assembly steps exemplified in  FIGS. 9A-9L . 
         [0057]    In the steps exemplified in  FIGS. 9A-9C , a length (e.g., about  40 ″) of cord  904  may be laid down in a serpentine shape and drawn close together at position  902  proximate to the middle portion of the serpentine. In the step exemplified in  FIG. 9D , portion  904  may be wrapped around horizontal portions  908  in direction  910  as shown and the wrap may be continued for a number (e.g., 3-4) times as exemplified in  FIGS. 9E and 9F . 
         [0058]    As exemplified in  FIG. 9F , a locking mechanism (e.g., bead  912 ) may be threaded onto portion  914 . In the step exemplified in  FIG. 9G , portion  916  may be doubled over to form loop  920  having free end  928  and portion  918  may continue to be wrapped around loops  920  and  930  to form wrapped portion  922 . As exemplified in  FIG. 9H , portion  918  may continue to be wrapped around loops  920  and  930  a number of times (e.g., 4), not including free end  928 , to form wrapped portion  924 . As exemplified in  FIG. 91 , portion  918  may continue to be wrapped around loop  930  a number of times (e.g., 3 or 4) to form wrapped portion  926  as shown. 
         [0059]    In the step exemplified in  FIG. 9J , portion  918  is drawn into loop  930  to form loop  932  as shown. It should be noted that wrapped portion  934  should be kept taut. As exemplified in  FIG. 9K , pulling on portion  938  in direction  940  lengthens loop  936 , thereby causing loop  930  to be shortened and eventually tightened onto the end of wrap  934  as shown. 
         [0060]    Loop  932  remains as an auxiliary loop that may be used to attach additional latching mechanisms (e.g., carabiner  942 ) as exemplified in  FIG. 9L . The free end of portion  918  may be finished. For example, portion  918  may be cut such that a portion (e.g., about ¼″) of portion  918  remains protruding from the harness assembly. Next, the protruding end of portion  918  may be finished (e.g., melted and then pressed to form flat end  944 ) as exemplified in  FIG. 9L , such that end  944  may secure itself against the harness assembly. To complete the harness, an end stop (e.g., knot or bead  946 ) may be formed/installed onto the end of portion  928  to, for example, prevent portion  928  from being drawn into wrapped portion  934 . 
         [0061]    In use, loop  948  may be drawn tight around an object (e.g., a neck portion of water bottle  950 ) by pulling portion  928  in direction  952 , which also causes loop  920  to tighten bead  912  up against wrapped portion  934 . As a result, loop  948  is held taut around water bottle  950 . In addition, carabiner  942  may be used to attach the harness and water bottle to a user (e.g., to a belt loop of a user). 
         [0062]    Turning to  FIG. 10A , a front view of harness  1000  is exemplified in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. Harness  1000  may include a body portion (e.g., leather portion  1002 ) having holes  1008  and a cord  1006  threaded through holes  1008  to form loop  1010  as shown. In addition, clip or carabiner  1004  may also be included with harness  1000 . 
         [0063]    Turning to  FIG. 10B , a back view of harness  1000  is exemplified, where cord lock  1012  is shown. The two free ends of portion  1006  may be formed together (e.g., using knot  1014 ). 
         [0064]    In use, as exemplified in  FIGS. 10B and 10C , loop  1010  may be shortened and thereby tightened around an object (e.g., water bottle  1018 ) by pulling on knot  1014  in direction  1016 . Friction produced onto cord  1006  by holes  1008  and cord lock  1012  may cause loop  1010  to remain in its adjusted length until such time that cord lock  1012  is withdrawn to once again allow adjustment of a length of loop  1010 . 
         [0065]    Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended, therefore, that the specification and illustrated embodiments be considered as examples only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.