CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/900,106 filed on November 5, 2013, which are herein incorporated by reference

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a waist belt for load bearing applications.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Load bearing waist belts are used for many applications, from tactical to commercial or civilian activities. However, most are not anatomically designed, considering the human form as a simple trunk shape, and/or are either too rigid or too flexible. Current tactical belts are used to support various accessories; however they are not design to support heavy loads. As for rucksack belts, their function is to prevent down sliding from a top load as opposed to from pulling up a bottom load.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a waist belt for load bearing applications that Is anatomically designed and combines both pliable about the body, for comfort, and rigid in all other axis, to provide load bearing capacity.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a waist belt for load bearing applications, comprising:

a downward facing conically shaped sacral plane fitter segment having a first and second ends, said sacral plane fitter segment being configured so as to rest on the sacral region of the lower back of a wearer of said waist belt; a first sub-iliac crest segment issuing from said first end of said sacral plane fitter segment and a second sub-iliac crest segment issuing from said second end of said sacral plane fitter segment said first and second sub" iliac crest segments being configured so as to rest on the sub-iliac regions of the pelvic bone of said wearer; and

a first abdominal relief cut segment Issuing from said first sub-iliac crest segment and a second abdominal relief cut segment issuing from said second sub-iliac crest segment, said first and second abdominal relief cut segments being configured so as to curl under the abdomen of said wearer; wherein in use said waist belt encircles said wearer about the lower waist and lodges under the iliac crest thereby locking in the vertical axis said.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides a waist belt composed of a multilayered material, comprising:

an Inner layer containing foamed polymer padding;

a middle layer containing a synthetic fibers laminate aligned In a direction of stress, thickening at the perimeter of said segments, so as to lengthen the curve radius, said Inner layer providing flexibility around the body of said wearer and stiffness in the vertical axis; and

an outer layer containing an air permeable blend of synthetic fibers designed to shed humidity away from said wearer;

wherein said inner, middle and outer layers form a matrix.

[0007] The present disclosure further provides a waist belt combining both of the above features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] Embodiments of the disclosure will be described by way of examples only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0009] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of waist belt for load bearing applications in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the waist belt of FIG. 1 ;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a portion of the waist belt of FIG. 1 ; and

[0012] FIGS, 4A and 4B are perspective views showing the layers composing the waist belt of FIG. 1.

[0013] Similar references used in different Figures denote similar components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Generally stated, the non-limitative illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a waist belt for load bearing applications that is ergonomic, lightweight and highly stable for tactical as well as, but not limited to, duty and/or any other commercial or civilian activities, the waist belt comprising but not exclusively, opposing conical geometries with anatomical cut outs. This belt design is specially geared to handle military, law enforcement and or other rugged work including but not limited to civilian and commercial applications all the while providing superior support and comfort. It has load bearing characteristics via its special construction and materials as well as from its anatomical design. Comfort is especially pertinent to any endeavor where large leg movements are expected such as military and law enforcement work and or other civilian and commercial activities (for example getting In and out of large vehicles). The waist belt design is specifically constructed to be pliable about the body but rigid in all other axis thereby becoming a non-stretch, non-deformable, highly stable load bearing device. It has special conical features and relief shapes that further enable it to anchor Itself to the wearer and ensure comfort combined with high stability. Very precise anatomical design features ensure that stability and comfort are maximized and by using optimized materials the lightest structure make for the lightest realization.

[0015] One main characteristic of the waist belt design Is that it does not consider the human form as a simple trunk shape. Other belts on the market assume, for simplicity's sake and lowered costs of production, that human shapes are simple cylinders. Belts are either lumbar, sacral or iliac peripheral cinchers. The waist belt is a blend of geometries, materials and construction method that embraces the human form not only in full consideration of anatomical features but also in consideration of the human form during movement, Added to these considerations of anatomy and human movement Is the functional consideration of load bearing. The design of the waist belt takes into account load bearing, for example pistol holster, law enforcement gear, mobility aiding devices and communication units.

[0016] The waist belt has many functional features, one of which is its thinness, which easily provides for rucksack and backpack compatibility. Conventional tactical belts are heavily padded and not ergonomlcally designed and thus interfere with added work equipment (backpacks, rucksacks, mobility aids, lineman tools, climbing, rappelling, rescue gear, fire protection gear and others). The thinness of the profile of the waist belt stems from ergonomic imperatives,

[0017] The waist belt is first of all designed for tactical use to provide this market segment with the necessary comfort and stability but is also well suited for any and all human deambulation requirements, especially but not limited to law enforcement, safety and rescue, fireflghtlng, climbing and rappelling.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the waist belt for load bearing applications 10 comprises three sections A, B and C cooperating to provide stability and comfort to the wearer, namely the sacral plane fitter section A (segment 21 ), the sub-iliac crest section B (segment s 22a, 22b) and the abdominal relief cut section C (segment s 23a, 23b), Each section A, B and C thus constitutes one of three 'lock contact' points with the wearer. The waist belt 10 triangulates its position within the micro recesses and planar surfaces of the lower back and abdomen of the wearer,

[0019] Segment 21 of the sacral plane fitter section A is conlcally shaped for anatomic reasons and sits atop the sacral region of the lower back of the wearer. Its downward facing conical shape assures a closely linked fit between the wearer and the waist belt 10.

[0020] Segments 22a, 22b of the sub-iliac crest section B and segments 23a, 23b of the abdominal relief cut section C project directly from the sacral downward facing cone of segment 21 of the sacral plane fitter section A to encircle the wearer about the lower waist and lodge under the iliac crest thereby locking in the vertical axis the waist belt 10. Stability during rotation is ensured via the downward facing conical shape encircled by an opposed upward facing cone generated by the wearer and the iliac crest upon which rest segments 22a, 22b of the sub-iliac crest section B. To further ensure stability, segments 23a, 23b of the abdominal relief cut section C allow the front of the waist belt 10 to curl under the abdomen of the wearer and is not impeded (therefore affected, moved, or disturbed thereof) by large amplitude upper leg movements {crouching, sitting or kicking). The waist belt 10 ends, i.e. segments 23a, 23b, may overlap for best comfort and stability and be provided with securing means 24.

[0021] Human dimensions data are used to generate the dimensional information needed to generate the waist belt 10 design so that the 'fit' effect is immediate with all wearers. For example, for the sacral plane fitter section A, there is a 150% augmentation from a small form (e.g. size no. 30) to a large one (e.g. size no, 44), For the sub-iliac crest section B, 10% is the gap between the small and large forms.

Layered Construction

[0022] The design of the waist belt 10 alms to be of utmost comfort and stability all the while maintaining tool support functionality. Comfort in this respect means not only form-fitting but also the lightest possible construction and thinnest of materials to create the most Invisible' lightweight belt. For the needs of the tactical and law enforcement community, tool carrying functionality is not to be compromised and design of the waist belt 10 makes this possible via Its physical construction.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B _T the construction of the waist belt 10 is composed of three layers 12, 14 and 16. The wearer side layer, inner layer 12, is a shape conforming elastomeric pad designed for lightweight and resilience. It is backed onto the structural layer, middle layer 14, which is a multi-laminated fiber- aligned nylon material that provides conforming contouring In the horizontal axis of the wearer (ability to curl easily about the wearer's body) yet remain rigid and undeformable in the vertical axis (and therefore support tools and shape). The third layer is the casing layer, outer layer 16, which is a cladding designed to contain, secure and provide the final layer of comfort to the wearer and is a blend of multi polymer fibers.

[0024] The waist belt 10 as a whole, behaves coherently In that all sections and/or parts are cut, shaped and assembled to create an anatomic form that fits the wearer. The waist belt 10 does not deform in order to be comfortable (and thus change shape) but rather possesses and maintains the right shape to anchor itself to the body of the wearer as seamlessly as possible. This is due to the waist belt's 10 ability to rest itself into and onto anatomic nooks and crannies (sacral plane, sub Iliac crest, abdominal curve) and combined with its lightweight design makes it so that wearers hardly notice its presence when moving, i.e. the waist belt 10 is not limiting.

[0025] Furthermore, the waist belt 10 specific rigidity, an asymmetrical consideration (flexible around the y axis yet rigid in the y plane), ensures load handling qualities. This is made possible through the waist belt's 10 three section design, i.e. the sacral plane fitter section A, the sub-Iliac crest section B and the abdominal relief cut section C, working in synergy around the wearer above his sacral plane, below his Iliac crest and under his abdomen well above the thigh muscular volume of a compressed leg. This is said to be the triangulating effects of stability on the wearer by the waist belt 10. The waist belt 10 is stable (and comfortable) because of its materials and Its shape, which is anatomically compliant and does not hinder body movements,

[0026] Potential wearers (for example law enforcement, tactical, climbing, search and rescue, firefighting, linemen, and others requiring additional gear, equipment and or Including high amplitude leg and torso movements) indicate that tactical belts are sought for lightness, comfort, durability, load bearing ability, lack of Interference with equipment.

[0027] The waist belt 10 design fills the gap found in the market to cater to all these features in the most cost efficient way and with the most attention paid to ergonomic details.

Sacral Plane Fitter Section

[0028] The sacral plane fitter section A of the waist belt 10 ensures first and foremost a 'fitted' form with the lower back region of the wearer. This fit is generic in that all normal human lower backs expose the natural angle of the sacrum and this is where the waist belt 10 lodges itself with Its downward facing conic shape. The benefit of having a dimensionally undeformable waist belt 10 can only be achieved if the ergonomic aspects are taken Into account. The sacral plane fitter section A therefore exhibits the proper anatomical considerations of size, angle and surface area in a non-deformable structure to properly lay upon the human body in movement and still resist external loads of attached tools.

[0029] Rotational stability is guaranteed principally by the sacral plane fitter section A; in effect, the downward facing conical shape 'straightens' up at the wearer's pelvic hollow and combined with the sub-iliac crest section B the rotational slip forces are reduced to only the skin movement amplitudes normally found on fit humans.

The Sub-Iliac Crest Section

[0030] An important characteristic of the waist belt 10 design is the ability to triangulate stability on the human body. The sub-iliac crest section B acts as the stability component to the sacral plane fitter section A. The two narrow segments 22a, 22b forming the sub-iliac crest section B conform to the body of the wearer but remain rigid in the vertical axis, effectively and comfortably lodging themselves below the iliac crest. This 'hooking' under, typical of iliac belts, is innovative in this design in that it happens at a reversal of the downward conical feature of segment 21 of the sacral plane fitter section A. This is thus the triangulating feature of stability in the vertical and rotational (in part) axes.

[0031] Thus hooking under the iliac crest secures vertically the waist belt 10 and its load. This positioning also ensures that the torso of the wearer is freed from constricting hoop forces that would normally be found on a regular belt that captures the top of the iliac crest. A double effect is thus offered by sub iliac crest capture; the first and foremost Is stability and the other is comfort (no hoop forces on the body of the wearer).

Abdominal Relief Cut Section

[0032] The abdominal relief cut section C is first and foremost a comfort feature, and secondly a stability feature. It is a cut in the waist belt 10 that liberates anatomical human features from constriction. This is the section of the waist belt 10 that is conical and upward facing. It therefore 'underbellies' the wearer and provides comfort.

[0033] The two segments 23a, 23b forming the abdominal relief cut section C can also be labeled upper thigh relief cuts. High leg amplitude movements are not constrained, constricted or otherwise impeded by the width of the waist belt 10 at this position. It is a narrow section that lets the wearer move freely. It provides stability in that since it does not impede high amplitude leg movement, high amplitude leg movement does not affect its position on the wearer and thus stability is enhanced.

[0034] The abdominal relief cut section C flies against the old notion that a comfortable belt is a wide belt. Although very true that to relieve pressure on the human body it is desirable to augment the contact surface area, this lower abdomen area demands that surface area be decreased for improved comfort, as this zone is not loadbearing. The design of the waist belt 10 design carries weight on the sacral plane and hip asperities and not on the abdomen area of the wearer.

Layered Design

[0035] The layered design of the waist belt 10 provides features that ensure stability, comfort and lightweight qualities via Its construction and assembly. First and foremost, the form of the waist belt 10 is anatomically configured to fit the human body, Secondly, the materials used are selected to ensure stability and comfort. The nylon structure is secured to a body compliant polymer in such a way as to shape the waist belt 10 into the enveloping element that It Is. The waist belt 10 cannot be laid flat without creating stresses within it because of Its naturally curled design. Furthermore, to this effect, the securing of this sub assembly into the cladding also encourages this natural curling. The sandwich construction of the layers is aimed to create a curl of anatomically shaped parts.

[0036] To enhance comfort, the assembly of the waist belt 10 is optimized to limit sown edges and overlaps of materials. Pocketing procedures in the cladding steps encase the sub assembly into a naturally curling, flattening resisting system. Such system ensures a snug fit, ergonomic fit, load bearing static belt of utmost lightweight design.

Inner Layer (wearer side layer)

[0037] The waist belt 10 Is designed such as not to rely on heavy, soft and thick generic padding for comfort, it uses a better shape, with a thin padding, l,e. inner layer 12, Judiciously affixed to ensure comfort whether sitting, rowing, walking, running, with or without added loads and/or but not limited to rucksack- backpack carrying activities Including de-ambulating with mobility devices specified.

[0038] The polymer used Is designed for resilience and lightness at a given durometer regardless of the range of temperatures the waist belt 10 is to be used in, for example low density polyethylene (LDPE). It is a foamed polymer with controlled small size closed cells that give it unique behavioral features.

[0039] The manner In which the padding of inner layer 12 is secured to the middle layer 14 assists in forming the waist belt 10 shape into its distinctive curl, further resisting deforming force vectors from diverting the waist belt's 10 comfort and stability features.

[0040] The combination of this material, its method of assembly and securing to the structure and clad with the finishing layers creates a soft, fleshy yet resilient muscular like waist belt 10 designed for comfort yet is stable and robust.

[0041] Compliance to the body shape underneath is key and this Is accomplished uniformly due to the waist belt's 10 composition, geometry and dimensions (i.e. thinness).

Middle Layer (structural layer)

[0042] The middle layer 14 provides structure to the waist belt 10 and is key not only for support but also comfort and contains a special laminate of synthetic fibers aligned so as to provide great flexibility around the wearer's body and great stiffness in the vertical axis to support gear, remain stable on the body and provide the lowest possible weight. This laminate ensures a non-deformable matrix that provides the belt longevity In a set form as sown.

[0043] The folding of this laminate is such that it aligns the fibers in the direction of stress, thickens the perimeter of the structure to lengthen the curve radius of the cladding and thus eliminates sharp edges. This method of assembly with this fabric provides for optimum weight versus stiffness results and ensures a comfortable 'grip' on the wearer's body,

[0044] The folding and sowing also act to stiffen and strengthen the waist belt 10, this is performed along a curvilinear axis that gives the waist belt 10 its distinctive conical shape that captures the human body in the most secure way.

[0045] Doubling of the aligned structure further stiffens where the overall structure it is needed, Stiffening is procured via three methods: 1. doubling the number of fibers at work;

2. increasing the effective depth of the structure, also called cross section thickening; and

3. securing via sowing all the layers with fiber overlaps.

Outer Layer (cladding layer)

[0046] The fabric covering the waist belt 10, I.e. outer layer 16, provides comfort by diffusing the load points from equipment onto the wearer and also distributing the pressure vectors of the internal structure of the waist belt 10 onto the wearer. The fabric of outer layer 16 is a blend of synthetic fibers designed to shed humidity away from the wearer, be easy to sow, be lightweight, resist tears, if torn then resists fraying, has superior air permeability, is flame resistant and resists shrinkage when laundered. It is a weave of fibers that equals or exceeds 75x62 yarns per inch (as per FTMS 191A-5050). Its resistance to tearing is on par with ASTM D 1424 and qualifies ASTM D 5034 for breaking strength. This yields a fiber and weave pattern that properly diffuses, distributes the numerous forces acting Inside and outside of the waist belt 10 and also contributes to the soft edge effect that the waist belt 10 possesses. The soft edge aspect is necessary and other fabrics will not carry the comfort. The composition is of three synthetic fibers put into a matrix also prevents accidental rips from spreading.

[0047] Although the present disclosure has been described with a certain degree of particularity and by way of an illustrative embodiments and examples thereof, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the features of the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but Includes all variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the disclosure as hereinafter claimed.