WO2018198133A1

WO2018198133A1 - Non-metallic dynamic weight distribution system

Info

Publication number: WO2018198133A1
Application number: PCT/IN2018/050245
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manish Khandelwal
Original assignee: Mku Limited
Priority date: 2017-04-24
Filing date: 2018-04-23
Publication date: 2018-11-01

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to a non-metallic dynamic weight distribution system (102) for a wearable object (100) to be worn by a wearer. The weight distribution system (102) comprises a first housing (104) attachable at a back portion of the wearable object (100), a second housing (106) attachable to a belt (116) to be worn by the wearer, a load bearing rod (108) and a movable rod (110) disposed inside the load bearing rod (108). The movable rod (110) is to adjust the length of the load bearing rod (108) inside the first housing (104).

Description

NON-METALLIC DYNAMIC WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter described herein, in general, relates to weight distribution systems, and in particular relates to non-metallic dynamic weight distribution systems for wearable objects, such as jackets and bags.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Weight distribution systems are often implemented in combat jackets and in bags carrying heavy items. Combat jackets, also referred to as ballistic or bulletproof jackets, generally carry a variety of items, such as armors and defense equipment, which make the jackets heavy. The weight distribution system bears the load of the jacket or the bag, so that the person wearing it does not feel the weight of the jacket or the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] The features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description, and accompanying figures. The use of the same reference number in different figures indicates similar or identical features and components.

[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a jacket with a dynamic weight distribution system, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a rear view of the dynamic weight distribution system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view of region A of the dynamic weight distribution system shown in Fig. 2, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a rear view of the dynamic weight distribution system of Fig. 1 with a first cover plate, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter. [0008] Fig. 5 illustrates a rear view of the dynamic weight distribution system of Fig. 1 with a second cover plate, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0009] Fig. 6 illustrates a left side view of the dynamic weight distribution system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0010] Fig. 7 illustrates a bottom side view of the dynamic weight distribution system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0011] Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a second housing of the dynamic weight distribution system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0012] Fig. 9 illustrates inserts for the second housing of the dynamic weight distribution system of Fig. 1, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Combat jackets or heavy bags when worn by a person may cause fatigue in the person due to their weight. For managing the weight of such jackets and bags, a weight distribution mechanism like a weight distribution system is employed in the jackets and the bags. The weight distribution system employed in jackets and bags is a dynamic weight distribution system. The dynamic weight distribution system can be operated for adjustments between different positions depending on the dimensions of the torso portion of the wearer and also depending on whether the wearer is sitting, standing, walking, running, or climbing.

[0014] Conventional weight distribution systems used in jackets and bags have complicated and complex configurations which are costly and prone to failures. Conventional weight distribution systems also include parts or components made of metal. The use of metal parts or components is of concern since they corrode easily and can trigger false alarms when passed through any metal detector.

[0015] To this end, the present subject matter describes a weight distribution system for a wearable object to be worn by a wearer. [0016] In an implementation of the present subject matter, the weight distribution system includes a first housing attachable at a back portion of the wearable object, and a second housing attachable to a belt to be worn by the wearer. Further, the weight distribution system includes a load bearing rod having two ends. One end of the load bearing rod is housed in the first housing and another end of the load bearing rod is housed in the second housing. Furthermore, the weight distribution system includes a movable rod disposed inside the load bearing rod. The movable rod is to adjust the length of the load bearing rod inside the first housing. In one example, the weight distribution system may be non-metallic.

[0017] In an implementation of the present subject matter, the weight distribution system includes a base plate attachable to the belt. The second housing is coupled to the base plate. In one example, the second housing is coupled to the base plate by a flexible joint for moving and rotating the second housing with respect to the base plate.

[0018] In another implementation of the present subject matter, the base plate includes a socket and the second housing includes a ball element. The ball element of the second housing is fitted into the socket of the base plate to form a ball-socket joint for moving and rotating the second housing with respect to the base plate.

[0019] In an implementation of the present subject matter, the load bearing rod includes a first channel and the movable rod is disposed in the first channel of the load bearing rod. Further, the movable rod includes two ends. One end of the movable rod includes a release mechanism to lock the load bearing rod in the first housing or to release the load bearing rod from the first housing. Another end of the movable rod includes a grip holder to operate the release mechanism for adjusting the length of the load bearing rod inside the first housing. In one example, the release mechanism is a wedge-shaped release mechanism. The release mechanism includes two prongs that are formed flexible to move towards each other or away from each other.

[0020] In an implementation of the present subject matter, the first housing includes a second channel and an opening. The second channel is extending from the opening to a closed end of the first housing, and the load bearing rod is passed through the opening into the second channel for housing the load bearing rod in the first housing. Further, each prong of the two prongs includes a plurality of notches facing the second channel. In a further implementation of the present subject matter, the second channel of the first housing includes a plurality of grooves. To lock the load bearing rod in the first housing, each notch of the plurality of notches of the prongs rest in a respective groove of the plurality of grooves.

[0021] In an implementation of the present subject matter, the load bearing rod incudes a first set of notches and a second set of notches. The first set of notches includes two wedge-shaped notches, each wedge-shaped notch of the two wedge- shaped notches is disposed on a side of the respective prong facing the second channel. The second set of notches is positioned close to a junction of the prongs. The first set of notches and the second set of notches are to move the prongs toward each other.

[0022] The weight distribution system of the present subject matter can be used for wearable objects, such as jackets and bags.

[0023] The weight distribution system of the present subject matter is simple in configuration, and easy to operate for adjustments between different positions. Further, all the components and parts of the weight distribution systems of the present subject matter are made of non-metallic material, such as plastic, carbon composite, etc. and therefore the weight distribution system is lightweight. The non-metallic weight distribution system avoids triggering of false alarms when passed through any metal detector.

[0024] With the configuration and arrangement of the weight distribution system, the load of the wearable object is mainly borne by the load bearing rod and is distributed at a waist region of the wearer around which the belt is to be tied. As a result, substantially no load of the wearable object is experienced at the shoulders of the wearer which helps in minimizing the fatigue which may otherwise be caused by the weight of the wearable object. Further, the movement of the second housing with respect to the base plate provide flexibility and comfort to the wearer during sitting, standing, walking and climbing positions. [0025] The manner in which the non-metallic dynamic weight distribution system of the present subject matter shall be implemented has been explained in detail with respect to Fig. 1 to Fig. 9. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter.

[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates a wearable object 100 with a dynamic weight distribution system 102, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter. The wearable object 100 is a jacket. The jacket may be a combat jacket, such as a ballistic jacket or a bulletproof jacket. The dynamic weight distribution system 102, simply referred to as the weight distribution system, as shown includes a first housing 104, a second housing 106, a load bearing rod 108, a movable rod 110, and a base plate 112. The first housing 104, also referred to as a top housing of the weight distribution system 102, is attached at a back portion 130 of the wearable object 100. The first housing 104, as shown, includes a plurality of openings 114 through which the first housing 104 may be stitched at the back portion 130 of the wearable object 100. The first housing 104 houses the load bearing rod 108 from one end (as depicted more clearly in Fig. 2).

[0027] The second housing 106, also referred to as a bottom housing of the weight distribution system 102, is attached to a belt 116. The belt 116 is to be worn by a wearer (not shown), at his / her waist region, while wearing the wearable object 100. The belt 116 at its ends 118-1 and 118-2 has coupling elements 120-1 and 120- 2. The coupling elements 120-1 and 120-2 may be a male-female type connector or a plug-socket type connector though which the ends 118-1 and 118-2 of the belt 116 can be tied together by the wearer. The second housing 106 houses the load bearing rod 108 from another end (as depicted in Fig. 6).

[0028] The second housing 106 is coupled to the base plate 112. In an example, the second housing 106 is coupled to the base plate 112 through a flexible joint, such as a ball-socket joint (shown more clearly in Figs. 6 and 7), such that the second housing 106 can move and rotate with respect to the base plate 112. The rotation and movement of the second housing 106 with respect to the base plate 112 is further described later through Figs. 6 and 7. The base plate 112, as shown, includes a plurality of openings 122 through which the base plate 112 may be stitched on one side of the belt 116.

[0029] In the assembled state of the weight distribution system 102, as shown, the load bearing rod 108, through its bottom end, rests inside the second housing 106. The second housing 106 has an opening at one side to receive the load bearing rod 108. The load bearing rod 108, through its top end (marked as 202 in Fig. 2), is housed inside the first housing 104. The first housing 104 has an opening at one side to receive the load bearing rod 108.

[0030] The load bearing rod 108 has a first channel (not visible in Fig. 1) in which the movable rod 110 is placed. The movable rod 110 at its one end has a grip holder 124 and at its the other end has a release mechanism (not visible in Fig. 1) configured to lock the load bearing rod 108 in the first housing 104 or release the load bearing rod 108 from the first housing 104. The movable rod 110 and the release mechanism of the movable rod 110 are such that the wearer of the jacket 100 can pull the movable rod 110 through the grip holder 124 to operate the release mechanism for adjusting the length of the load bearing rod 108 inside the first housing 104. For example, when the wearer is sitting, the movable rod 110 may be pulled to release the load bearing rod 108 and, while in the released position, the load bearing rod 108 may be manually pushed more inside the first housing 104 to meet the dimensions of the torso of the wearer in the sitting position. Similarly, when the wearer is walking, running, or climbing, the movable rod 110 may be pulled to release the load bearing rod 108 and, while in the released position, the load bearing rod 108 may be manually pulled more outside the first housing 104 to meet the dimensions of the torso of the wearer in the walking position, the running position, or the climbing position. The configuration and operation of the weight distribution system 102, particularly the movement of the load bearing rod 108 and the movable rod 110 are further described in detailed through description of Figs. 2 and 3.

[0031] With the configuration and arrangement of the weight distribution system 102, the load of the jacket 100 is mainly borne by the load bearing rod 108 and is distributed at the waist region of the wearer around which the belt 116 is tied. As a result, substantially no load of the jacket 100 is experienced at the shoulders of the wearer which helps in minimizing the fatigue which may otherwise be caused by the weight of the jacket 100.

[0032] Further, for removing the jacket 100, the wearer has to unfasten the jacket and the belt 116 and let the load bearing rod 108 move out from the second housing 106. Since the second housing 106 is flexibly movable about the base plate 112, the wearer can control the direction in which the jacket 100 gets dropped. For example, upon unfastening the jacket and the belt 116, the wearer can push away the jacket 100 towards his right side. With this push, the second housing 106 would rotate clockwise about an axis 132 so that the load bearing rod 108 would get removed from the second housing 106 and the jackets dropped on the right side. A similar procedure can be followed for dropping the jacket 100 to the left side of the wearer.

[0033] Fig. 2 illustrates a rear view of the dynamic weight distribution system 102 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view of region A of the dynamic weight distribution system 102 shown in Fig. 2. As shown, the load bearing rod 108 is housed in the first housing 104 through its one end 202 and includes the first channel 206. The first housing 104 has an opening 204 and a second channel 208 running from the opening 204 to a closed end of the first housing 104. The load bearing rod 108 is passed through the opening 204 into the second channel 208 for housing the load bearing rod 108 in the first housing 104.

[0034] Further, as mentioned earlier and as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the load bearing rod 108 has the first channel 206 in which the movable rod 110 is placed. The movable rod 110 at its one end has a grip holder 124 and at its the other end has a wedge-shaped release mechanism 210. The release mechanism 210 includes two prongs 212-1 and 212-2 that are flexible to move towards each other or away from each other. Each of the prongs, collectively and individually referred to as 212, has a plurality of notches 214 on the outside thereof.

[0035] As shown, each prong 212 has three notches 214. In an example implementation, the prongs may have more than or less than three notches. Further, the second channel 208 in the first housing 104, on its side walls running along the length of the first housing 104, has a plurality of grooves 216. In the natural position of the release mechanism 210 of the movable rod 110, the notches 214 on the prongs 212 rest in the grooves 216, as depicted in Fig. 3. This configuration locks the load bearing rod 108 in the first housing 104.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 3, the movable rod 110 with the release mechanism

210 and the grip holder 124 has a single piece configuration. Further, the load bearing rod 108 includes rod holders 218-1 and 218-2 to grip and hold the movable rod 110 tightly in the first channel 206 of the load bearing rod 108. Further, the load bearing rod 108 includes two sets of notches 220 and 222. A first set of notches 220 include two wedge-shaped notches, one on either side of the prongs 212. The wedge-shaped notches 220 run along the outer surface of the prongs 212. A second set of notches 222 are positioned such that they are substantially close to the junction of the prongs 212. The wedge-shaped notches 220 and the second set of notches 222 facilitate movement of the prongs 212 towards each other when the movable rod 110 is pulled through the grip holder 124. Thus, as the movable rod 110 is pulled, the prongs 212 move towards each other. As a result, the notches 214 of the prongs 212 get released from the grooves 216. Release of the notches 214 from the grooves 216 allow the load bearing rod 108 to release and become freely movable within the first housing 104. Further, as shown, the load bearing rod 108 has a guiding element 224 positioned to provide guidance to the prongs 212 when the prongs are moved.

[0037] Fig. 4 illustrates a rear view of the dynamic weight distribution system 102 of Fig. 1 with a first cover plate 402. The first cover plate 402 covers the release mechanism 210 to prevent dispositioning of the prongs 212.

[0038] Fig. 5 illustrates a rear view of the dynamic weight distribution system 102 of Fig. 1 with a second cover plate 502. The second cover plate 502 covers the second channel 208 in the first housing 104 to prevent dispositioning of the movable rod 110 and the load bearing rod 108 within the first housing 104.

[0039] Fig. 6 illustrates a left side view of the dynamic weight distribution system 102 of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 illustrates a bottom side view of the dynamic weight distribution system 102 of Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the second housing 106 is coupled to the base plate 112 through a flexible joint so that the second housing 106 can move and rotate with respect to the base plate 112. In another example, the second housing 106 is coupled to the base plate 112 through a ball- socket joint 602. The base plate 112 includes a socket. The second housing 106 includes a ball element (shown in Fig. 8) which fits into the socket in the base plate 112 for form the ball-socket joint 602. With the ball-socket joint 602, the second housing 106 can move and rotate with respect to the base plate 112.

[0040] The second housing 106 can move to align along any of the axes 604 and 606, as depicted in Fig. 6. The second housing 106 can also move to align along any of the axes 702 and 704, as depicted in Fig. 7. These movements of the second housing 106 with respect to the base plate 112 provide flexibility and comfort to the wearer during sitting, standing, walking and climbing positions. For example, when the wearer bends forward or slouches the second housing 106 may move to align along the axis 604. Similarly, when the wearer bends backwards or sits upright the second housing 106 may move to align along the axis 606. Further, when the wearer turns toward right or left, the second housing 106 may move to align along the axes 702 or 704.

[0041] Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the second housing 106 of the dynamic weight distribution system 102 of Fig. 1. As shown, the second housing 106 has a ball element 802 that forms the ball-socket joint 602 with the base plate 112. Base of the second housing 106 includes a hole 804 which helps in draining out any fluids, for example rain water, from the second housing 106. The second housing 106 also has a W-shaped profile on its outer surface 806 for providing structural strength to the second housing 106.

[0042] In the assembled state of the weight distribution system 102, the load bearing rod 108 rests inside and at the base of the second housing 106. The empty region in the second housing 106 where the load bearing rod 108 is received has a larger area such that there is an extra room for some movement of the load bearing rod 108 within the second housing 106.

[0043] Fig. 9 illustrates inserts 902, 904, 906 for the second housing 106 of the dynamic weight distribution system 102 of Fig. 1. The inserts 902, 904, 906 have a shape of the inner shape profile of the second housing 106. Depending on the dimensions of the torso of the wearer, one or more inserts 902, 904 906 can be placed inside the second housing 106 to raise a base level of the second housing 106 such that the load bearing rod 108 rests at the base of the second housing 106.

[0044] Further, each of the inserts 902, 904, 906 has a hole that aligns with the hole 804 of the second housing 106 when the insert is placed in the second housing 106. The hole in the insert 902 is referenced as 908 in Fig. 9. Holes in the inserts 904 and 906 are not visible in Fig. 9.

[0045] In an example implementation, the dynamic weight distribution system 102 can be implemented on a bag. The bag can be a school bag, a trekking bag, or any other bag that is carried on shoulders by the wearer. The first housing 104 may be stitched on the bag. The second housing 106 is attached to a belt which is to be worn by a wearer at the waist region, while wearing the bag. The belt at its ends may have coupling elements, such as a male-female type connector or a plug- socket type connector though which the ends of the belt can be tied together by the wearer.

[0046] The construction, configuration, and principle of working of the weight distribution system 102 for the bag are similar to those as described with reference to the wearable object 100. With the configuration and arrangement of the weight distribution system 102 the load of the bag is mainly borne by the load bearing rod 108 and is distributed at the waist region of the wearer around which the belt is tied. As a result, substantially no load of the bag is experienced at the shoulders of the wearer which helps in minimizing the fatigue, which may otherwise be caused by the weight of the bag.

[0047] In an example implementation, all the components of the weight distribution system 102 as described above are made of a non-metallic material, such as plastic, carbon composite, etc.

[0048] Although the disclosed subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention of the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as example implementations for a dynamic weight distribution system, a jacket, and a bag.

Claims

I/We claim:

1. A weight distribution system (102) for a wearable object (100) to be worn by a wearer, the weight distribution system (102) comprising:

a first housing (104) attachable at a back portion of the wearable object

(100);

a second housing (106) attachable to a belt (116) to be worn by the wearer; a load bearing rod (108) having two ends, wherein one end of the load bearing rod (108) is housed in the first housing (104), and wherein another end of the load bearing rod (108) is housed in the second housing (106); and

a movable rod (110) disposed inside the load bearing rod (108), wherein the movable rod (110) is to adjust the length of the load bearing rod (108) inside the first housing (104). 2. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight distribution system (102) is non-metallic.

3. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight distribution system (102) comprises a base plate (112) attachable to the belt (116), and wherein the second housing (106) is coupled to the base plate (112).

4. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second housing (106) is coupled to the base plate (112) by a flexible joint for moving and rotating the second housing (106) with respect to the base plate (112).

5. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base plate (112) comprises a socket and the second housing (106) comprises a ball element, and wherein the ball element of the second housing (106) is fitted into the socket of the base plate (112) to form a ball-socket joint (602).

6. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load bearing rod (108) comprises a first channel (206), wherein the movable rod (110) is disposed in the first channel (206) of the load bearing rod (108), wherein the movable rod (110) comprises two ends, wherein one end of the movable rod (110) comprises a release mechanism (210) to lock the load bearing rod (108) in the first housing (104) or to release the load bearing rod (108) from the first housing (104), and wherein another end of the movable rod (110) comprises a grip holder (124) to operate the release mechanism (210) for adjusting the length of the load bearing rod (108) inside the first housing (104).

7. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the release mechanism (210) comprises two prongs (212), and wherein the two prongs (212) are formed flexible to move towards each other or away from each other. 8. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first housing (104) comprises a second channel (208) and an opening (204), wherein the second channel (208) extends from the opening (204) to a closed end of the first housing (104), wherein the load bearing rod (108) passes through the opening (204) into the second channel (208) for housing the load bearing rod (108) in the first housing (104), and wherein each prong (212) of the two prongs (212) comprises a plurality of notches (214) facing the second channel (208).

9. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second channel (208) of the first housing (104) comprises a plurality of grooves (216), and wherein each notch (214) of the plurality of notches (214) of the prongs (212) rest in a respective groove (216) of the plurality of grooves (216) to lock the load bearing rod (108) in the first housing (104).

10. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the movable rod (110) with the release mechanism (210) and the grip holder (124) comprises a single piece configuration.

11. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the load bearing rod (108) comprises rod holders (218-1, 218-2) to grip and hold the movable rod (110) in the first channel (206) of the load bearing rod (108).

12. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 8,

wherein the load bearing rod (108) comprises a first set of notches (220) and a second set of notches (222);

wherein the first set of notches (220) comprises two wedge-shaped notches, each wedge-shaped notch of the two wedge-shaped notches is disposed on a side of the respective prong (212) facing the second channel (208);

wherein the second set of notches (222) is positioned close to a junction of the prongs (212); and

wherein the first set of notches (220) and the second set of notches (222) are to move the prongs (212) toward each other.

13. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the load bearing rod (108) comprises a guiding element (224) to guide the prongs (212) when moved.

14. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second housing (106) comprises a hole (804) for draining out fluids from the second housing (106). 15. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 14,

wherein the second housing (106) comprises at least one insert (902, 904, 906) having a shape of an inner shape profile of the second housing (106);

wherein the at least one insert (902, 904 906) is placed inside the second housing (106) to raise a base level of the second housing (106); and wherein the at least one insert (902, 904 906) comprises a hole that aligns with the hole (804) of the second housing (106) when the insert (902, 904, 906) is placed in the second housing (106). 16. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second housing (106) comprises an outer surface of a W-shaped profile.

17. The weight distribution system (102) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the release mechanism (210) is a wedge-shaped release mechanism, wherein each groove (216) of the plurality of grooves (216) is wedge-shaped, and wherein each notch (214) of the plurality of notches (214) is wedge-shaped.

18. A wearable object (100) comprising a weight distribution system (102) as claimed in one of the claims 1-17.