Chest harness for carrying objects

Abstract

An article including a) a central chest portion; b) a harness portion, wherein the harness portion includes: a left shoulder strap, a right shoulder strap, a left chest strap, a right chest strap, and a back portion; c) a first portion of a sliding connector attached to a first side of the central chest portion; and d) a second portion of the sliding connector attached to a first portion (350) of the harness portion, wherein the second portion of the sliding connector is removably attached to the first portion of the sliding connector.

Description

CHEST HARNESS FOR CARRYING OBJECTSFIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a chest harness. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a chest harness for carrying devices, such as binoculars and other optic devices, that can be easily donned and doffed by a user.BACKGROUND

[0002] Hunters who hunt from a position on a tree stand typically wear a safety tether that fastens to the hunter’s torso and extends from the wearer’s upper back to a securing location on the tree or tree stand. Accessories to be worn by hunters in this position should be capable of being donned and doffed without interfering with the safety tether.SUMMARY

[0003] In some embodiments, an article includes a) a central chest portion; b) a harness portion, wherein the harness portion includes: a left shoulder strap, a right shoulder strap, a left chest strap, a right chest strap, and a back portion; c) a first portion (410) of a sliding connector (400) attached to a first side (202) of the central chest portion; and d) a second portion (430) of the sliding connector (400) attached to a first portion (350) of the harness portion, wherein the second portion of the sliding connector is removably attached to the first portion of the sliding connector.

[0004] In some embodiments, the central chest portion includes at least one of a carrying bag, a hook and loop fastener system, a MOLLE attachment point, a clip, a snap, a button, a magnet, a zipper, a buckle, or combinations thereof.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first portion of the harness is an intersection component of the left shoulder strap and the left chest strap or wherein the first portion of the harness is an intersection component of the right shoulder strap and the right chest strap.

[0006] In some embodiments, the article includes a second sliding connector. In some embodiments, a first portion of the second sliding connector is attached to a second side of the central chest portion and the second portion of the second sliding connector is attached to a second portion of the harness, and the second portion of the second sliding connector is removably attached to the first portion of the second sliding connector. In some embodiments, the second portion of the harness is a second intersection of the left shoulder strap and the left chest strap, orthe first portion of the harness is a second intersection of the right shoulder strap and the right chest strap, and is opposite to the first intersection.

[0007] In some embodiments, a rear portion of the right shoulder strap, a rear portion of the left shoulder strap, a rear portion of the right chest strap, and a rear portion of the left chest strap are attached to the back portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the chest portion includes the carrying bag, and the carrying bag is sized to carry binoculars.

[0009] In some embodiments, the left shoulder strap, the right shoulder strap, the left chest strap, and / or the left chest strap has an adjustable length.

[0010] In some embodiments, the central chest portion is configured to be (1) engaged with the first portion of the harness via engagement of the first portion of the sliding connector and the second portion of the sliding connector; and (2) disengaged from the first portion of the harness via disengagement of the second portion of the sliding connector from the first portion of the sliding connector.

[0011] In some embodiments, wherein the central chest portion is configured to be (1) engaged with the second portion of the harness via engagement of the first portion of the second sliding connector and the second portion of the second sliding connector; and (2) disengaged from the second portion of the harness via disengagement of the second portion of the second sliding connector from the first portion of the second sliding connector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the back portion is sized and shaped to accommodate a safety tether when the article is worn by a wearer in a manner such that the back portion is positioned over the back of the wearer. In some embodiments, the back portion includes a top end and a U-shaped cutout at the top end to accommodate the safety tether.

[0013] In some embodiments, the article is configured to be donned and doffed by a wearer without any portion of the article passing over a head of the wearer.

[0014] In some embodiments, the central chest portion comprises a carrying bag, and the carrying bag includes a lid operable to cover or expose an interior compartment of the carrying bag. In some embodiments, the cover is configured to be secured in a plurality of different closed positions to thereby adjust a size of the interior compartment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure and that illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this Specification can be practiced.

[0016] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an article.

[0017] Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sliding connector that forms a portion of the article shown in Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 3A shows a first stage of a process for disconnecting the sliding connector shown in Figure 2.

[0019] Figure 3B shows a second stage of a process for disconnecting the sliding connector shown in Figure 2.

[0020] Figure 4A shows a first stage of donning the article shown in Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 4B shows a second stage of donning the article shown in Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 4C shows a third stage of donning the article shown in Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 4D shows a fourth stage of donning the article shown in Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 4E shows a fifth stage of donning the article shown in Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 4F shows a sixth stage of donning the article shown in Figure 1.

[0026] Like reference numbers represent the same or similar parts throughout.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hunters typically use optical devices, such as binoculars, when looking for game. When such optical devices are not in use, they are typically kept in carrying bags or other containers in order to protect them from damage. Such carrying bags are typically wearable on a person’s body in order to be able to be kept close at hand. The exemplary embodiments relate to an article (e.g., a carrying bag) that can be easily donned and doffed by a wearer for safety and ease of use.

[0028] Figures 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of an article 100. In some embodiments, the article 100 includes a central chest portion 200 and a harness portion 300. In some embodiments, the article 100 is configured such that, when worn by a user as described herein, thecentral chest portion 200 is positioned over a chest of the wearer. Tn some embodiments, the central chest portion 200 has a first side 202 (e.g., a left side) and a second side 204 (e.g., a right side) opposite the first side 202. In some embodiments, the central chest portion 200 has a bottom 206 and a top 208 opposite the bottom 206. In some embodiments, each of the bottom 206 and the top 208 extends from the first side 202 to the second side 204.

[0029] In some embodiments, the central chest portion 200 is configured to contain or retain an item such that the wearer has easy access to the item. In some embodiments, such as shown in Figure 1, the central chest portion 200 includes a carrying compartment 210 (e.g., the central chest portion includes a carrying bag including an interior compartment). In some embodiments, the carrying compartment 210 is sized to contain one or more items, for example, an optic device, such as binoculars. In other embodiments, the central chest portion 200 can include one or more of a gun holster, a knife carrier, a fishing tackle box, a drink container, a food container, a GPS device carrier, an electronics device carrier, an ammunition holder, a small dog carrier, a camera holder (e.g., a compartment to contain a camera or a mount for a wearable camera such as a “body camera”), or a combination thereof.

[0030] In some embodiments, the central chest portion 200 includes a lid 212 operable to selectively expose or cover (e.g., open or close) the carrying compartment 210. As used herein, the lid 212 can be a cover that serves to fully close the interior of the carrying compartment 210 (e.g., as shown in Figure 1), or can be a device that allows the carrying compartment 210 to be closed without fully covering the interior compartment, for example, a zipper, a snap, or a magnet that allows a first portion of the carrying compartment 210 to contact a second portion of the carrying compartment 210 (e.g., allows a top front of the carrying compartment 210 to contact a top rear of the carrying compartment 210). In some embodiments, the central chest portion includes a closure 214 that is operable to retain the lid 212 in the closed position. In some embodiments, the closure 214 is operable to be closed in more than one position so as to define different sizes of internal area within the carrying compartment 210. In some embodiments, the lid 212 is configured to remain in the opened position when opened. In some embodiments, the lid 212 includes an internal stiffener that is configured to retain the lid 212 in the opened position. In some embodiments, the lid 212 includes magnetic elements that are configured to retain the lid 212 in the opened position. In some embodiments, the central chest portion 200 includes one or more external pockets 216. In some embodiments, the central chest portion 200 includes aMOLLE attachment point 218. In some embodiments, the central chest portion 200 comprises at least one of a carrying bag as described above, a hook and loop fastener system, a MOLLE attachment point, a clip, a snap, a button, a magnet, a zipper, a buckle, or any combination thereof.

[0031] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, as discussed above, in some embodiments, the article 100 includes a harness portion 300. In some embodiments, the harness portion 300 includes a left shoulder strap 310 and a right shoulder strap 320 that are configured to extend over the respective left and right shoulders of the wearer when the article 100 is worn by the wearer. In some embodiments, the harness portion 300 includes a left chest strap 330 and a right chest strap 340 that are configured to extend around the respective left and right sides of the wearer’s chest when the article 100 is worn by the wearer. In some embodiments, at least one of the left shoulder strap 310, the right shoulder strap 320, the left chest strap 330, or the right chest strap 340 has an adjustable length. This disclosure uses the term “strap” to refer to the left shoulder strap 310, the right shoulder strap 320, the left chest strap 330, and the right chest strap 340. In some embodiments, the left shoulder strap 310, the right shoulder strap 320, the left chest strap 330, and the right chest strap 340 include (e.g., are made from) webbing, but the term “strap” should not be understood to be limited to straps made from webbing and the like; rather, this term should be understood to encompass any structure that connects the various elements of the article 100 in the manner described herein (for example, including, but not limited to, an article in the form of a vest in which the “straps” include panels of cloth, an article in which the “straps” are formed from a cord material, etc.).

[0032] In some embodiments, the harness portion 300 includes a left side portion 350 and a right side portion 360. In some embodiments, the left shoulder strap 310 and the left chest strap 330 are joined to one another at the left side portion 350, e.g., the left side portion 350 is defined by an intersection of the left shoulder strap 310 and the left chest strap 330. In some embodiments, the right shoulder strap 320 and the right chest strap 340 are joined to one another at the right side portion 360, e.g., the right side portion 360 is defined by an intersection of the right shoulder strap 320 and the right chest strap 340. In some embodiments, at least one of the left side portion 350 and / or the right side portion 360 includes a MOLLE attachment point. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the left side portion 350 includes a MOLLE attachment point 352. In some embodiments, at least one of the left side portion 350 and / or the right side portion 360includes a pouch. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the right side portion 360 includes a pouch 362.

[0033] In some embodiments, the harness portion 300 includes a back portion 370. In some embodiments, the back portion 370 includes a back panel 371. In some embodiments, the back panel 371 includes a left side 372, a right side 374 opposite the left side 372, a top end 376, and a bottom end 378 (see Figure 4F) opposite the top end 376. In some embodiments, a rear portion of the left shoulder strap 310 joins the back panel 371 proximate to the left side 372 and the top end 376. In some embodiments, a rear portion the right shoulder strap 320 joins the back panel 371 proximate to the right side 374 and the top end 376. In some embodiments, a rear portion of the left chest strap 330 joins the back panel 371 proximate to the left side 372 and the bottom end 378. In some embodiments, a rear portion of the right chest strap 340 joins the back panel 371 proximate to the right side 374 and the bottom end 378. In other embodiments, the back portion 370 does not include a separate back panel 371, and the back portion 370 is defined by an intersection between the left shoulder strap 310, the right shoulder strap 320, the left chest strap 330, and the right chest strap 340 (e.g., by joining directly to one another) at a location over a back of a wearer when the article 100 is worn by the wearer as described herein.

[0034] In some embodiments, the top end 376 of the back portion 370 is shaped such that, when the article 100 is worn by a wearer, the back portion 370 does not obstruct a safety tether that is also worn by the wearer. For example, in some embodiments, the top end 376 of the back panel 371 includes a U-shaped cutout to accommodate the safety tether. In some embodiments, the back portion 370 is breathable. For example, in some embodiments, the back portion 370 includes a back panel 371 that includes vents 380 for breathability. The vents 380 can comprise, for example, cutouts in the back panel 371 where no material is present, or portions of the back panel 371 that are made from a material having a relatively higher breathability compared to the surrounding material.

[0035] In some embodiments, the article 100 includes a first sliding connector 400 and, optionally, a second connector. In some embodiments, the second connector is a second sliding connector 450 that is similar to the first sliding connector 400. In other embodiments, the second connector includes another releasable connector known in the art, such as a hook and loop fastener system, a clip, a snap, a button, a magnet, a zipper, a buckle, or combinations thereof. The elements andoperation of the first sliding connector 400 and the second sliding connector 450 will be described herein specifically with reference to the first sliding connector 400; the second sliding connector 450 includes substantially the same elements and operates in a substantially the same manner. Figure 2 shows the first sliding connector 400. In some embodiments, the first sliding connector 400 includes a first portion 410 and a second portion 430. In some embodiments, the first portion 410 is configured to slidably and removably receive the second portion 430. In some embodiments, the first portion 410 of the first sliding connector 400 is attached to the first side 202 of the central chest portion 200 (see Figures 3A and 3B). In some embodiments, the second portion 430 of the first sliding connector 400 is attached to the left side portion 350 of the harness portion 300 (see Figures 3A and 3B). Thereby, in some embodiments, the left shoulder strap 310 and the left chest strap 330 are both joined to the second portion 430 (i.e., via the left side portion 350). Similarly, the right shoulder strap 320 and the right chest strap 340 are both joined to the corresponding portion of the second sliding connector 450 (i.e., via the right side portion 360).

[0036] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the first portion 410 includes a mounting region 412 and a channel region 414. In some embodiments, the mounting region 412 is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to provide structural support to enable the first portion 410 to be integrated into the article 100 (e.g., sewn in, secured by adhesive, secured by a weld, etc.). For example, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the mounting region 412 is integrated into (e.g., sewn into) the first side 202 of the central chest portion 200.

[0037] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the channel region 414 includes an exterior shell 416 having an open end 418 and a closed end 420. In some embodiments, the exterior shell 416 and the closed end 420 together define a channel 422. In some embodiments, the channel 422 is configured to receive and engage the second portion 430 as will be described hereinafter. In some embodiments, a notch 424 extends through the exterior shell 416 proximate to the open end 418. In some embodiments, the notch 424 is configured to retain the second portion 430 as will be described hereinafter.

[0038] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the second portion 430 includes a mounting region 432, a closure region 434, a middle portion 436 between the mounting region 432 and the closure region 434, a tab 438 at one end of the closure region 434, and a protrusion 440 extending from the closure region 434 proximate to the tab 438. In some embodiments, themounting region 432 is configured to provide structural support to enable the second portion 430 to be integrated into the article 100 (e.g., sewn in, secured by adhesive, secured by a weld, etc.). For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the mounting region 432 is integrated into (e.g., sewn into) the left side portion 350 of the harness portion 300. In some embodiments, the middle portion 436 does not extend along the entire length of the second portion 430, thereby to allow the tab 438 and a portion of the closure region 434 to be deflected with respect to the mounting region 432. In some embodiments, the tab 438 includes an indicia 442 indicating a direction of deflection of the tab 438.

[0039] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the closure region 434 is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to be slidably received within the channel 422 of the first portion 410. In some embodiments, the closure region 434 is configured to slide into the open end 418 of the exterior shell 416 in the direction indicated by an arrow in Figure 2 until the closure region abuts the closed end 420 of the exterior shell 416, thereby connecting the first portion 410 to the second portion 430 and positioning the first sliding connector 400 in a connected or engaged position.

[0040] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, in some embodiments, when the closure region 434 is positioned within the channel 422 so as to abut the closed end 420, the protrusion 440 is aligned with and positioned within the notch 424. In some embodiments, when the protrusion 440 is positioned within the notch 424, the protrusion 440 prevents the first portion 410 from sliding freely with respect to the second portion 430 (e.g., in a direction opposite the engagement direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 2).

[0041] Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, in some embodiments, to disengage the second portion 430 from the first portion 410, a user presses the tab 438 in a direction that is transverse to the insertion direction of the second portion 430 (e.g., as indicated by the indicia 442, and as indicated by the arrow shown in Figure 3A). In some embodiments, this causes a portion of the closure region 434 to deflect, and causes the protrusion 440 to disengage from the notch 424. In some embodiments, when the protrusion 440 is disengaged from the notch 424, the second portion 430 is able to slide freely with respect to the first portion 410 and can be removed from the first portion 410 by moving the second portion 430 in a direction opposite the engagement direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 2, and in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 3B.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first sliding connector 400 and the second sliding connector 450 can be described as one-hand connectors, e.g., connectors that are adapted to be operated (that is, connected and disconnected) by a wearer using only one hand. For example, in some embodiments such as described herein, when the first portion 410 and the second portion 430 are integrated into the article 100 as described herein and the article 100 is worn by a wearer, the wearer may apply a force to the tab 438 as described above, with no counterforce being required because the remainder of the first sliding connector 400 is held in place due to the positioning of the article 100 on the wearer, and the wearer may then slide the second portion 430 with the same hand to disengage the second portion 430 from the first portion 410, while the wearer’s other hand remains free.

[0043] Donning and doffing of the article 100 may be understood with reference to Figures 4A- 4F and the following description. The donning and doffing process will be described herein with reference to donning with the right arm first and the left arm second, but this is merely illustrative; substantially the same steps may be performed to don with the left arm first and the right arm second. To don the article 100, a wearer begins by placing the wearer’s right arm between the right shoulder strap 320 and the right chest strap 340 and positioning the central chest portion 200 over the wearer’s chest, while the second sliding connector 450 is already fastened, as shown in Figure 4A Next, while holding the central chest portion 200 in position with the wearer’s right hand, or, in the alternative, with pressure from the wearer’s right shoulder while the right hand is freed, the wearer reaches behind the back to grasp either the left shoulder strap 310 and / or the left chest strap 330, as shown in Figure 4B. The wearer then slides the left arm through the space defined between the left shoulder strap 310, the left chest strap 330, and the back portion 370, as shown in Figure 4C. The wearer continues by pulling the left shoulder strap 310 and the left chest strap 330 into place and positioning the back portion 370 over the wearer’s back, as shown in Figures 4D, 4E, and 4F. The wearer may complete donning by fastening the first portion 410 in the manner described above with reference to Figure 2. The article 100 can be then doffed by disconnecting either the first sliding connector 400 or the second sliding connector 450 and performing the sequence described above in reverse order.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4A-4F, the donning process is completed using a single connection point (i.e., either the first sliding connector 400 or the second sliding connector 450) without passing any portion of the article 100 over the wearer’s head. As a result, the article 100 can bedonned and doffed without interfering with a hood (identified with reference character / / in Figures 4A-4F) of a jacket or other garment worn by the wearer. Similarly, the article 100 can be donned and doffed without interfering with a safety tether (identified with reference character Zin Figures 4C-4F) worn by the wearer, including without needing to remove the safety tether T, such as while the wearer is wearing the safety tether T while in a tree stand. Additionally, because of the one- handed operation of the first sliding connector 400 and the second sliding connector 450, in some embodiments, the wearer is able to don and doff the article 100 using only one hand, while keeping the other hand free to hold an object, maintain the wearer’s balance, or perform other tasks.

[0045] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0046] It is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This Specification and the embodiments described are examples, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An article (100) comprising: a) a central chest portion (200); b) a harness portion (300), wherein the harness portion comprises: a left shoulder strap (310), a right shoulder strap (320), a left chest strap (330), a right chest strap (340), and a back portion (370); c) a first portion (410) of a sliding connector (400) attached to a first side (202) of the central chest portion; and d) a second portion (430) of the sliding connector (400) attached to a first portion (350) of the harness portion, wherein the second portion of the sliding connector is removably attached to the first portion of the sliding connector.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the central chest portion comprises at least one of a carrying bag, a hook and loop fastener system, a MOLLE attachment point, a clip, a snap, a button, a magnet, a zipper, a buckle, or combinations thereof.

3. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion (350) of the harness is an intersection component of the left shoulder strap and the left chest strap or wherein the first portion of the harness is an intersection component of the right shoulder strap and the right chest strap.

4. The article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the article comprises a second sliding connector.

5. The article of claim 4,wherein a first portion of the second sliding connector is attached to a second side of the central chest portion and the second portion of the second sliding connector is attached to a second portion of the harness, and wherein the second portion of the second sliding connector is removably attached to the first portion of the second sliding connector.

6. The article of claim 5, wherein the second portion of the harness is a second intersection of the left shoulder strap and the left chest strap or wherein the first portion of the harness is a second intersection of the right shoulder strap and the right chest strap, and is opposite to the first intersection.

7. The article of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a rear portion of the right shoulder strap, a rear portion of the left shoulder strap, a rear portion of the right chest strap, and a rear portion of the left chest strap are attached to the back portion.

8. The article of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the chest portion comprises the carrying bag, and wherein the carrying bag is sized to carry binoculars.

9. The article of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the left shoulder strap, the right shoulder strap, the left chest strap, and / or the left chest strap has an adjustable length.

10. The article of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the central chest portion is configured to be(1) engaged with the first portion of the harness via engagement of the first portion of the sliding connector and the second portion of the sliding connector; and(2) disengaged from the first portion of the harness via disengagement of the second portion of the sliding connector from the first portion of the sliding connector.

11. The article of any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the central chest portion is configured to be(1) engaged with the second portion of the harness via engagement of the first portion of the second sliding connector and the second portion of the second sliding connector; and(2) disengaged from the second portion of the harness via disengagement of the second portion of the second sliding connector from the first portion of the second sliding connector.

12. The article of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the back portion is sized and shaped to accommodate a safety tether when the article is worn by a wearer in a manner such that the back portion is positioned over the back of the wearer.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein the back portion comprises a top end and a U-shaped cutout at the top end to accommodate the safety tether.

14. The article of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the article is configured to be donned and doffed by a wearer without any portion of the article passing over a head of the wearer.

15. The article of any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the central chest portion comprises a carrying bag, and wherein the carrying bag comprises a lid operable to cover or expose an interior compartment of the carrying bag.

16. The article of claim 15, wherein the cover is configured to be secured in a plurality of different closed positions to thereby adjust a size of the interior compartment.

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