Load suspension system

Abstract

A load suspension system is disclosed, for suspending a load from a human body. The system includes a number of straps, certain of which will include elastic elements to provide a desired shock protection to the system. The elasticity of such elements may be limited by means of one or more range limiters. Padded sections are included at predetermined locations to provide greater comfort to a user, and attachment points are also included for connecting to a load, such as a tool belt, one or more tools, or apparel. Padded sections may include a gel component for greater comfort, and the various straps may also include accessory attachment points for reversibly connecting desired accessories to the system. A method of manufacturing a load suspension system is also disclosed.

1 . A load suspension system, comprising:
 a first front strap and a second front strap, each comprising (a) a first stretch element and a second stretch element, and (b) a pad section operatively connected between the first stretch element and the second stretch element;   a central section operatively connecting an upper end of the first front strap to an upper end of the second front strap; and   at least one rear strap operatively connected to the central section.   
   
   
       2 . The load suspension system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one range limiter operatively connected at predetermined locations above and below at least one of the first and second stretch elements. 
   
   
       3 . The load suspension system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one range limiter has a predetermined length substantially equal to a maximal stretch length of the at least one of the first and second stretch elements. 
   
   
       4 . The load suspension system of  claim 3 , wherein a first end of the at least one range limiter is operatively connected at an interface between the at least one stretch element and an adjoining component of the load suspension system. 
   
   
       5 . The load suspension system of  claim 2 , wherein at least one end of the at least one range limiter comprises a selected component of hook and loop tape. 
   
   
       6 . The load suspension system of  claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcing element operatively connecting two ends of the pad section. 
   
   
       7 . The load suspension system of  claim 6 , wherein the reinforcing element is at least partially disposed within the pad section. 
   
   
       8 . The load suspension system of  claim 1 , further comprising a gel component disposed in at least one selected from (a) each pad section, and (b) the central section. 
   
   
       9 . The load suspension system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one accessory retention component operatively connected to at least one selected from the first front strap, the second front strap, and the at least one rear strap. 
   
   
       10 . The load suspension system of  claim 1 , wherein each stretch element comprises a central elastic element and a peripheral elastic element. 
   
   
       11 . The load suspension system of  claim 10 , wherein the central elastic element and the peripheral elastic element differ in at least one characteristic selected from (a) material composition and (b) elasticity. 
   
   
       12 . The load suspension system of  claim 10 , wherein the peripheral elastic element comprises a binding component operatively connecting a plurality of subcomponents of the load suspension system, and beginning and terminating substantially along opposite sides of the central elastic element. 
   
   
       13 . The load suspension system of  claim 10 , wherein the binding component is operatively connected to a central element such that the central element will have a non-planar configuration along a surface thereof. 
   
   
       14 . The load suspension system of  claim 1 , wherein an upper section of each front strap has an inward curvature and a lower section of each front strap has an outward curvature. 
   
   
       15 . The load suspension system of  claim 1 , further comprising a reversible connector operatively connected to a lower end of at least one selected from the first front strap, the second front strap, and the at least one rear strap. 
   
   
       16 . The load suspension system of  claim 1 , further comprising an adjuster operatively connected to at least one selected from the first front strap, the second front strap, and the at least one rear strap. 
   
   
       17 . A method of manufacturing a load suspension system, comprising the steps of:
 providing a first strap and a second strap;   operatively connecting the first strap and the second strap to a central section;   incorporating a pad section and a pair of stretch elements into one selected from the first strap and the second strap, such that the stretch elements are disposed on opposite sides of the pad section.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein incorporating the pad section comprises at least partially encasing a resilient foam in a fabric, and operatively connecting two ends of the fabric to components of the selected strap. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising operatively connecting a range limiter to a first location, above one of the stretch elements, and a second location below the one of the stretch elements. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising operatively connecting a reversible connector to a lower end of each of the first strap and the second strap.