Extendable strap system for space computing head-mounted devices or other wearable devices

Abstract

An extendable strap system for a wearable device such as a spatial computing headset is provided, the strap system having a flexible and form-fitting form factor that enables a user to securely secure such a wearable device in place. Additionally, in the context of a spatial computing headset having an optical assembly supported by opposing temples, the extendable strap system provides protection against overextension of the temples or extreme deflection that may otherwise be caused by undesirable temple torsional loads.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with a filing date of December 11, 2020, PCT international application number PCT / US2020 / 064541, Chinese national phase application number 202080085454.7, and invention name “Extendable strap system for spatial computing head-mounted devices or other wearable devices”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to systems for securing a spatial computing headset or other wearable device to a user. Background Art

[0003] Spatial computing headsets, including virtual reality and augmented reality headsets, have proven to be invaluable for many applications spanning fields such as scientific visualization, medical and military training, engineering design and prototyping, remote operation and telepresence, and personal entertainment systems. In a spatial computing headset, a virtual or augmented scene is displayed to a user via an optical assembly that can be positioned and secured to the user's head and located in front of the user's eyes. There are many different systems and techniques for securing such an optical assembly to the user's head, including various headband structures with fit adjustment mechanisms. However, these systems and techniques may have various drawbacks. For example, known fit adjustment mechanisms may be overly complex, bulky, lack precision, and / or include a limited range of motion. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments described herein provide extendable strap systems for wearable devices such as spatial computing headsets that have a flexible and form-fitting form factor that enables a user to securely secure such wearable devices in place. Additionally, in the context of a spatial computing headset having an optical assembly supported by opposing temples, the extendable strap system provides protection against overextension of the temples or extreme deflections (e.g., one temple twisting upward and one temple twisting downward) that may otherwise be caused by undesirable temple torsional loads.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an extendable strap system for assisting in securing a wearable device to a user can be summarized as including a pair of sheath assemblies; and an inner strap assembly that is movably coupled to and spans between the sheath assemblies, the inner strap assembly including a pair of biasing mechanisms that are coupled to the sheath assemblies to bias the sheath assemblies toward each other. The extendable strap system can be moved between a retracted configuration in which the sheath assemblies are juxtaposed (e.g., relatively close together) and an extended configuration in which the sheath assemblies are separated (e.g., relatively farther apart).

[0006] Each biasing mechanism may include a fixed end and a floating end opposite the fixed end, the fixed end being fixed to a corresponding one of the sheath assemblies. Each biasing mechanism may include an elongated compression spring and a flexible filament extending through the elongated compression spring, the flexible filament including a spring stop located at the floating end of the biasing mechanism. The inner strap assembly may also include a band-like housing surrounding the elongated compression spring of the biasing mechanism.

[0007] The ribbon housing may be slidably received in the sheath assembly to slidably extend from the sheath assembly when the system moves from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. The ribbon housing may include a respective compression spring channel for each elongated compression spring to assist in preventing the elongated compression spring from buckling when the system moves from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. A central portion of the ribbon housing may be exposed when the system moves from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. The ribbon housing may be configured to be withdrawn from the sheath assembly while compressing each of the elongated compression springs when the system moves from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

[0008] A braking device may be provided between at least one of the sheath assemblies and the belt-like housing of the inner belt assembly to prevent movement of the belt-like housing relative to the sheath assembly. Similarly, a locking device may be provided between at least one of the sheath assemblies and the belt-like housing of the inner belt assembly to prevent movement of the belt-like housing relative to the sheath assembly.

[0009] Each sheath assembly may include a flexible ribbon-like form factor. Each sheath assembly may include a plurality of cage elements that collectively define a cage structure that at least partially surrounds respective ends of the ribbon-like outer shell of the inner strap assembly when the system is in the retracted configuration. The plurality of cage elements may be spaced apart along the length of the sheath assembly to enable the sheath assembly to bend and assume different curvature profiles. Each sheath assembly may include an internal guide structure, and the internal guide structure and the plurality of cage elements may collectively define a belt receiving channel for accommodating the ribbon-like outer shell of the inner strap assembly. Each sheath assembly may include an inner pad and an outer cover for engaging the user's body. The inner pad and the outer cover may collectively define an outer shell for accommodating the internal guide structure and the plurality of cage elements.

[0010] The sheath assembly and the inner strap assembly may together define a flexible, extendable band-like structure that conforms to the contours of the user's body. The extendable strap system may be incorporated into a spatial computing headset or other wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch). For example, according to an example embodiment, a spatial computing headset may be summarized as including: an optical assembly; a pair of temples that are movably coupled to the optical assembly; and an extendable strap system that assists in securing the spatial computing headset to the user's head, the extendable strap system spanning between the rear ends of the temples. The extendable strap system may include a pair of sheath assemblies; and an inner strap assembly that is movably coupled to the sheath assemblies and spans between the sheath assemblies, the inner strap assembly including a pair of biasing mechanisms that are coupled to the sheath assemblies to bias the sheath assemblies together. The extendable strap system may be movable between a retracted configuration in which the sheath assemblies are juxtaposed (e.g., relatively close together) and an extended configuration in which the sheath assemblies are separated (e.g., relatively further apart).

[0011] The extendable strap system may be configured to assist in biasing the temples toward each other. The extendable strap system may be flexible and biased toward the retracted configuration to fit the user's head and provide uniform retention. The extendable strap system may be configured to prevent overextension and severe deflection of the temples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a spatial computing head mounted device including an extendable strap system in a retracted configuration according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of a spatial computing headset with the extendable strap system in an extended configuration.

[0014] Figure 3 is an isometric view of an extendable strap system in a retracted configuration, shown with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The headset is separated from the rest of the spatial computing headset.

[0015] Figure 4 is an isometric view of an extendable drawstring system with an inner pad of the extendable drawstring system removed to reveal the components underneath.

[0016] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an inner strap assembly of an extendable strap system, shown separated from the rest of the system with a portion of its strap housing cut away to reveal the underlying components.

[0017] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the inner strap assembly of the extendable strap system with the interior of the strap housing removed to reveal the components underneath.

[0018] Figure 7 is an isometric view of an internal guide structure of an extendable strap system that assists in guiding the inner strap assembly as the system moves between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration.

[0019] Figure 8 is an isometric view of a portion of an extendable strap system showing a variation of a braking device.

[0020] Fig. 9 is an isometric view of a portion of an extendable strap system showing a variation of a locking device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments can be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with a spatial computing headset and a fit adjustment system for securing the spatial computing headset to a user are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0022] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and the claims that follow, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted in an open and inclusive sense meaning "including, but not limited to."

[0023] References throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0024] Figures 1 to 7 An example embodiment of an extendable strap system 100 for assisting in securing a wearable device to a user is shown. In particular, and with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an extendable strap system 100 is used to secure a spatial computing headset 10 to a user's head. The spatial computing headset 10 includes an optical assembly 12 supported by a pair of temples 14, 16. Known structures and devices associated with the spatial computing headset (e.g., optical components and internal electronic circuits) are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The example wearable device shown is non-limiting, and embodiments may be employed in other suitable (eg, wearable) device arrangements.

[0025] It is noted that the temples 14, 16 of the example head-mounted device 10 are movably coupled to the optical assembly 12 at joints 18, 20. Such joints 18, 20 may include hinge mechanisms or other movable joints (not visible) to enable the temples 14, 16 to move relative to the optical assembly 12 in one or more directions and within a limited range of motion. For example, the example head-mounted device 10 includes hinges at the joints 18, 20 and associated stops to enable the temples 14 to move from Figure 1 The retracted configuration R shown extends outward (i.e., away from the sagittal plane of the user) by approximately 20 degrees to Figure 2 The hinge may include one or more biasing members (e.g., torsion springs) that push the temples 14, 16 back into position. Figure 1 The retracted configuration R is shown in cooperation with the extendable strap system described herein. In other cases, the hinge may lack such a biasing member.

[0026] Continue to refer Figure 1 and Figure 2 The extendable strap system 100 of the illustrated embodiment is coupled to the rear ends of the temples 14, 16 and spans between the rear ends. The extendable strap system 100 includes a pair of sheath components 102a, 102b and an inner strap component 110 (in Figure 2 ), the inner strap assembly 110 is movably coupled to and spans between the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b. As will be described in more detail elsewhere herein, the inner strap assembly 110 includes a pair of biasing mechanisms 116a, 116b ( Figure 6 ), these biasing mechanisms are coupled to the sheath components 102a, 102b, and are used to make the sheath components 102a, 102b face Figure 1 The extendable strap system 100 can be configured in a retracted configuration R in which the sheath components 102a, 102b are juxtaposed (e.g., relatively close together) and in a retracted configuration R in which the sheath components 102a, 102b are separated (e.g., relatively farther apart). Figure 2 Move between the extended configurations E shown.

[0027] Conveniently, during operation, the user can unfold the temples 14, 16 of the spatial computing head-mounted device 10 into Figure 2 The configuration shown, whereby movement of the temples 14, 16 causes the cover assemblies 102a, 102b to separate and the inner strap assembly 110 to be withdrawn from the cover assemblies 102a, 102b under the force of the biasing mechanisms 116a, 116b. The user can then position the headgear 10 for use with the optical assembly 12 positioned in front of the user's eyes and the temples 14, 16 extending past the user's temples, and then allow the temples 14, 16 to move toward the Figure 1 The retracted configuration shown retracts until the cover assemblies 102a, 102b (and / or the temples 14, 16) contact the user's head and apply a retaining force to the head to assist in securing the headgear 10 in place. In this manner, the extendable strap system 100 is configured to at least partially assist in moving / biasing the temples 14, 16 toward each other. In some cases, the extendable strap system 100 can provide the only means for moving / biasing the temples 14, 16 toward each other.

[0028] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment, the extendable strap system 100 is flexible and conforms to the user's head to provide a generally uniform retention force, thereby improving product stability, fit, and / or comfort. Advantageously, the extendable strap system 100 is also configured to resist overextension and extreme deflection of the temples 14, 16 by providing substantial resistance and / or hard stops to the undesired movement of the temples 14, 16. For example, when the temples 14, 16 are worn, the temples 14, 16 are worn. Figure 1 As shown by arrows marked F1 and F2 in FIG. 1 , when one temple 14 is twisted upward and one temple 16 is twisted downward, the extendable strap system 100 can reduce and / or offset the torsional load that would otherwise be transmitted to the optical assembly 12 via the joints 18 and 20. This is advantageous because the extendable strap system 100 can thus assist in preventing damage to vulnerable components of the optical assembly 12 that could otherwise be caused by the torsional loads described above.

[0029] Now refer to Figures 3 to 7 Further details of the extendable strap system 100 are described, wherein: Figure 3 The extendable strap system 100 is shown in a retracted configuration and separated from the rest of the spatial computing headset 10; Figure 4 The extendable strap system 100 is shown with the inner pads 104a, 104b of the jacket assemblies 102a, 102b of the extendable strap system 100 removed to expose the underlying components, including the inner strap assembly 110; Figure 5The inner strap assembly 110 is shown separated from the remainder of the extendable strap system 100, and the outer portion 113 of the belt-like housing 112 of the inner strap assembly is cut away to expose the underlying components; Figure 6 The inner belt assembly 110 is shown with the interior 114 of the belt-like housing 112 removed to expose the underlying components; Figure 7 Internal guide structures 105a, 105b of the extendable strap system 100 are shown, which assist in guiding the inner strap assembly 110 as the system 100 moves between the retracted configuration R and the extended configuration E.

[0030] refer to Figure 3 , the illustrated embodiment of the extendable strap system 100 includes opposing cover assemblies 102a, 102b (collectively referred to as 102), which, in the retracted configuration R of the extendable strap system 100, abut each other at a seam location 106 to form a substantially continuous band or belt-like form factor, and an inner strap assembly 110 is hidden in the cover assemblies 102a, 102b. Each cover assembly 102a, 102b includes an inner pad 104a, 104b for engaging the user's head (or other body part) and an outer cover 103a, 103b. The outer cover 103a, 103b and the inner pad 104a, 104b together define an outer shell of the internal components of the cover assemblies 102a, 102b. The cover assemblies 102a, 102b also include a cover for securing the extendable strap system 100 to the user's head (or other body part). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The mounting arrangement 108 (e.g., threaded inserts) for the temples 14, 16 of the spatial computing head-mounted device 10 (or other wearable device).

[0031] refer to Figure 4 , a plurality of cage elements 109a, 109b are disposed beneath the inner pad 104a, 104b of each jacket assembly. The cage elements 109a, 109b collectively define a cage structure that at least partially surrounds respective ends of the band housing 112 of the inner strap assembly 110 when the system 100 is in the retracted configuration R, and assists in guiding the band housing 112 as the system 100 moves between the retracted configuration R and the extended configuration E. It is noted that for each jacket assembly 102a, 102b, the plurality of cage elements 109a, 109b are spaced apart along the length of the jacket assembly 102a, 102b to enable the jacket assembly 102a, 102b to flex and assume different curvature profiles while providing structural integrity to the extendable strap system 100.

[0032] Each sheath assembly 102a, 102b of the exemplary embodiment also includes an internal guide structure 105a, 105b that is Figure 7102a, 102b. The inner guide structure 105a, 105b and the plurality of cage elements 109a, 109b of each jacket assembly 102a, 102b collectively define a corresponding band receiving channel for receiving one of the opposite ends of the band housing 112 of the inner strap assembly 110. The inner guide structure 105a, 105b and the plurality of cage elements 109a, 109b may be rigid components that experience little deformation during operation. It can be said that the inner guide structure 105a, 105b and the plurality of cage elements 109a, 109b of each jacket assembly 102a, 102b provide a rigid skeleton structure for the jacket assembly 102a, 102b.

[0033] Each sheath assembly 102a, 102b of the exemplary embodiment further includes an end cap 107a, 107b including a hole through which the respective end of the belt-like housing 112 passes. When the extendable strap system 100 is in the retracted configuration R, the end caps 107a, 107b can abut against each other and can provide a stop for establishing the retracted configuration R.

[0034] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The inner belt assembly 110 includes the above-mentioned pair of biasing mechanisms 116a, 116b and the belt-shaped housing 112. Each biasing mechanism 116a, 116b includes a fixed end 122a, 122b and a floating end 124a, 124b opposite to the fixed end 122a, 122b. Figure 4 As shown, each fixed end 122a, 122b protrudes from a corresponding end of the strip housing 112 and is fixedly fixed to a corresponding one of the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b. To this end, each fixed end 122a, 122b can be equipped with a fastening element to fix the fixed end 122a, 122b of the biasing mechanism 116a, 116b to the sheath assembly 102a, 102b. For example, the fixed end 122a, 122b of the exemplary embodiment includes a fastening anchor having an inner cavity, the inner cavity being sized to engage a corresponding protrusion of the internal guide structure 105a, 105b of the sheath assembly 102a, 102b to which it is fixed. The fastening anchor further includes a hole to receive a threaded fastener to hold the fastening anchor in place. Rather, the floating end 124a, 124b of each biasing mechanism 116a, 116b is contained within the belt-like housing 112 and is free to move relative to the belt-like housing 112 as the system 100 transitions between the retracted configuration R and the extended configuration E.

[0035] Continue to refer Figure 5 and Figure 6Each biasing mechanism 116a, 116b also includes an elongated compression spring 118a, 118b (e.g., a metal compression spring) and a flexible filament 120a, 102b (e.g., a metal cable) extending through the elongated compression spring 118a, 118b. Each flexible filament 120a, 102b includes a spring stop at a floating end 124a, 124b that abuts or is otherwise adjacent to one end of the corresponding compression spring 118a, 118b, such as Figure 5 As shown in the enlarged detail view. The other end of each compression spring 118a, 118b is equipped with or adjacent to a corresponding loop, which can be placed along the length of the flexible filament 120a, 102b when the strip housing 112 is withdrawn from the sheath assembly 102a, 102b when the system 100 is converted between the retracted configuration R and the extended configuration E. More specifically, when the sheath assembly 102a, 102b is moved toward the extended configuration E, the strip housing 112 is withdrawn from the sheath assembly 102a, 102b and simultaneously compresses each of the compression springs 118a, 118b by pulling the loop toward the floating end 124a, 124b. Conversely, when the sheath assembly 102a, 102b is allowed to move back to the retracted configuration R, the strip housing 112 retracts into the sheath assembly 102a, 102b and releases the compression of the springs 118a, 118b. As shown Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the biasing mechanisms 116a, 116b can be arranged in a parallel relationship and the orientation of each biasing mechanism 116a, 116b can be opposite to each other. In addition, each biasing mechanism 116a, 116b can extend over at least a majority of the length of the extendable strap system 100, or extend over almost the entire length of the extendable strap system 100 (e.g., greater than 80%, 90% or 95% of the entire length).

[0036] Continue to refer Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the band-shaped housing 112 includes a corresponding compression spring channel 115a, 115b for each elongated compression spring 118a, 118b to assist in preventing the elongated compression springs 118a, 118b from buckling when the system 100 moves from the retracted configuration R to the extended configuration E. The compression spring channels 115a, 115b may be formed, for example, in the interior 114 of the housing 112, such as Figure 5, and is covered by the exterior 113 of the housing 112. Conversely, the compression spring channels 115a, 115b may be formed on the exterior 113 of the housing 112 and covered by the interior 114 of the housing 112. In either case, it may be considered that the compression spring channels 115a, 115b are formed together by opposing portions of the housing 112. Further, in other cases, the band housing 112 of the inner strap assembly 110 may be integrally formed as a one-piece structure in which the compression spring channels 115a, 115b are disposed. The band housing 112 may be semi-rigid to provide a flexible component that also provides some structural rigidity to prevent buckling of the compression springs 118a, 118b during operation. The band housing 112 may include, for example, a flexible silicone material.

[0037] According to the illustrated embodiment, the inner strap assembly 110 can be slidably received in the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b to be slidably extended from the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b when the extendable strap system 100 moves from the retracted configuration R to the extended configuration E. The biasing mechanism 116a, 116b included in the inner strap assembly 110 is fixedly coupled to the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b at one end and is arranged to urge the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b together toward the retracted configuration R. In addition, when the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b are moved toward the extended configuration E, such as by the user unfolding the temples 14, 16 of the headgear 10, the band housing 112 of the inner strap assembly 110 is withdrawn from the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b, while compressing each of the elongated compression springs 118a, 118b. When the temples 14, 16 are released by the user, the energy stored in the compression springs 118a, 118b is then used to move the cover assemblies 102a, 102b together toward the retracted configuration R. The extendable strap system 100 then conforms to the contours of the user's head and secures the headgear 10 in place to maintain proper registration / alignment of the wearable device.

[0038] Reference now Figure 8In some cases, the extendable strap system 100 may also include a braking device between at least one of the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b and the belt housing 112 of the inner strap assembly 110 to prevent movement of the belt housing 112 relative to the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b. For example, the braking device may include an engagement member 130, in this case a portion of the inner cushion 104a, which is positioned to almost contact the belt housing 112 and then is urged into contact with the belt housing 112 when the user-facing cushion 104a is compressed via engagement with the user. In this manner, when the extendable strap system 100 is placed on the head and the user's head compresses the inner cushion 104a, the engagement member 130 of the cushion 104a acting as a braking device then contacts the moving belt housing 112, providing an increased braking force if the user manually presses the extendable strap system 100 to provide a more snug fit. This will allow the user to achieve a higher retention force than can be provided by the compression springs 118a, 118b alone. When the user removes the retractable strap system 100, the braking force will be removed and the retractable strap system 100 will be allowed to naturally return to the initial non-braking state, i.e. Figure 1 Retraction configuration R shown.

[0039] Reference now Fig. 9 In some cases, the extendable strap system 100 may also include a locking device between at least one of the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b and the belt housing 112 of the inner strap assembly 110 to prevent movement of the belt housing 112 relative to the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b. For example, the locking device may include a button lock 132 located on the back of the sheath assembly 102a, which may be selectively actuated by the user to engage one of a plurality of detents 134 in the belt housing 112 to lock the position of the extendable strap system 100 in a desired intermediate configuration. In this way, the user may adjust the fit of the extendable strap system 100 and then lock the extendable strap system 100 in the desired configuration.

[0040] Although the embodiments disclosed herein are primarily described in the context of a spatial computing headset 10 having an associated extendable strap system 100, it should be understood that the various features and aspects of the extendable strap system 100 may be incorporated into other wearable devices, such as a smartwatch. However, it should also be understood that the embodiments of the extendable strap system 100 disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use with a headset that includes temples to limit undesirable displacement or deformation of such temples.

[0041] In addition, it should be understood that the various features and aspects of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments according to the above detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be interpreted as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be interpreted as including all possible embodiments and the full range of equivalents that these claims are entitled to define.

Claims

1. An extendable strap system for assisting in securing a wearable device to a user, the system comprising: a pair of sheath assemblies; as well as an inner strap assembly movably coupled to and spanning between the sheath assemblies, the inner strap assembly including a pair of biasing mechanisms coupled to the sheath assemblies for biasing the sheath assemblies together toward a retracted configuration, and wherein the extendable strap system is movable between the retracted configuration wherein the sheath components are relatively close together and an extended configuration wherein the sheath components are relatively further apart; wherein each biasing mechanism comprises an elongated compression spring; and Wherein, the elongated compression spring further comprises a band-shaped housing surrounding the elongated compression spring of the biasing mechanism.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Each biasing mechanism includes a fixed end and a floating end opposite the fixed end, the fixed end being fixedly secured to a corresponding one of the sheath assemblies.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: Each biasing mechanism includes a flexible filament extending through the elongated compression spring, the flexible filament including a spring stop located at the floating end of the biasing mechanism.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The belt housing is slidably received in the sheath assembly to slidably extend from the sheath assembly when the system moves from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The belt housing includes a respective compression spring channel for each elongated compression spring to assist in preventing the elongated compression springs from buckling when the system moves from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

6. The system according to claim 3, wherein: When the system moves from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, a central portion of the ribbon housing is exposed.

7. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The ribbon housing is configured to be withdrawn from the sheath assembly while compressing each of the elongated compression springs as the system moves from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

8. The system according to claim 3, wherein: A braking device is provided between at least one of the sheath assemblies and the belt-like housing of the inner belt assembly to prevent movement of the belt-like housing relative to the sheath assembly.

9. The system according to claim 3, wherein: A user operable locking device is provided between at least one of the sheath assemblies and the belt-like housing of the inner strap assembly to prevent movement of the belt-like housing relative to the sheath assembly.

10. The system according to claim 3, wherein: Each jacket assembly includes a flexible ribbon form factor.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: Each boot assembly includes a plurality of cage elements that collectively define a cage structure that at least partially surrounds a respective end of the belt-like housing of the inner strap assembly when the system is in the retracted configuration.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein: For each jacket assembly, a plurality of cage elements are spaced apart along the length of the jacket assembly to enable the jacket assembly to bend and assume different curvature profiles.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein: Each boot assembly includes an inner guide structure, and wherein the inner guide structure and the plurality of cage elements together define a strap receiving channel for receiving the strap housing of the inner strap assembly.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: Each jacket assembly includes an inner cushion and an outer cover for engaging the user's body, and wherein the inner cushion and the outer cover together define an enclosure for housing the internal guide structure and the plurality of cage elements.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein: The cover assembly and the inner strap assembly together define a flexible, extensible belt-like structure that conforms to the contours of the user's body.

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