Convertible Shoulder Strap Construction for Bags

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cinch sacks with traditional rope or string shoulder straps are prone to detachment and breakage, limiting the user to only one option for wearing the bag over both shoulders.

Innovation Solution

A two-way convertible shoulder strap construction that allows adjustment and versatility, using various materials and hardware like metal or plastic fasteners, enabling the strap to be worn over one shoulder with the strap winding around the chest or both shoulders, with options to adjust for different body sizes and preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional rope or string shoulder straps are used, then the bag can be carried, but the shoulder straps are prone to detachment and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoulder strap durabilityVSAvoidshoulder strap strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional rope or string shoulder straps with webbing material that is significantly more durable and resistant to detachment and breakage. The webbing strap is designed as a long-lasting component that eliminates the reliability issues of disposable-like traditional straps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses webbing material, which is a composite structure typically made of woven synthetic fibers, to create shoulder straps that combine strength, flexibility, and durability. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction between reliability and strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed shoulder strap construction is used, then the bag can be carried over both shoulders, but the user has only one option for wearing the bag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearing optionsVSAvoidstrap construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the shoulder strap into separate, adjustable segments with independent attachment points. The strap can be configured in multiple ways by adjusting and repositioning these segments, enabling both single-shoulder and dual-shoulder carrying options without requiring complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shoulder strap is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can be worn over one shoulder or both shoulders, and can be adjusted to accommodate different body sizes and preferences. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional non-adjustable shoulder straps are used, then the construction is simple, but the straps cannot be adjusted to fit most body sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable elements into the shoulder strap construction, allowing the strap length and configuration to be dynamically changed to fit different body sizes. The adjustment mechanism uses simple, user-friendly components that maintain ease of use while providing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8746523B1Two way convertible shoulder strap construction

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 WOOLLEY STEPHANIE J

AI summary

A Two way, convertible shoulder strap construction worn over one shoulder were the strap winds around the user's chest or as an alternative to wear the shoulder strap over both shoulders. The Two way, convertible shoulder strap construction is affixed to a main body or an outer shell used to transport objects or materials, but not limited to, a tote, backpack, book bag, knapsack, back sack, rucksack, cinch sack, satchel, haversack, luggage, purse or any like item.