Self-Adjusting Suspender Garment System

PRIORITY

[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/743,888, filed on Jan. 10, 2025, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002]The present invention relates generally to garments, and more particularly, to a suspender or harness having a self or auto adjusting strap system that automatically maintains a consistent tension on or length of the straps of the suspender or harness.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Suspenders are garments that have been designed to hold up trousers or pants using two straps that go over a user's shoulders. Their history dates back to at least the 18th century, when they were considered an essential part of a man's wardrobe. Early suspenders were generally made of ribbon or cloth material that were attached to a user's trousers or pants by buttonholes.

[0004]Throughout history suspenders have taken various forms, including being attached with leather loops to trousers. Other suspender designs used elastic materials, which were intended to improve comfort and functionality. Over time, suspenders evolved to be adjustable, allowing a user to adjust the tension of the two straps.

[0005]Today, suspenders come in a wide range of styles, materials, and colors, allowing for personal expression and versatility in fashion and utilitarian functionality. They can be found in both high-end and fast-fashion retailers, worn for both formal events and casual occasions. They are also worn by individuals in the trades, including but not limited to carpentry, concrete, construction, and the like. Their ability to straddle the line between practical use and stylish accessory has allowed them to endure through centuries of changing fashion trends.

[0006]However, suspenders and harnesses have and continue to be plagued by several shortcomings that have, until the present invention, failed to be resolved. One of the most notable issues with suspenders and harnesses is their discomfort, particularly when worn for extended periods. Suspenders and harnesses rely on shoulder straps to hold up trousers or equipment, which can create strain on the shoulders, especially if the trousers or equipment are heavy or if the suspenders are not adjusted properly. This can lead to discomfort or even pain in the upper body, making them less appealing for everyday wear compared to belts, which distribute weight more evenly around the waist.

[0007]Suspenders are intended to be used with trousers or pants that are designed to be worn with them, typically featuring buttons or clips for attachment. This limits their compatibility with many modern pants, which are designed with belt loops rather than suspender buttons. Although clip-on suspenders offer an alternative, they can be less secure and may damage the fabric of trousers over time. As a result, the inconvenience of finding or altering pants to accommodate suspenders can deter some people from wearing them regularly. Additionally, for users that repeatedly bend over during their day's activities, suspenders have a tendency to pull or cause their trousers or pants to ride up into the user's groin. Additionally, the constant stretching and relaxing of the straps of the suspenders caused by the user's repeated bending causes the suspenders to lose tension. The user is then required to constantly adjust the suspenders or harness to ensure they fit correctly and are comfortable.

[0008]In conclusion, suspenders have a long and varied history, evolving from a practical garment to a versatile fashion accessory. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to balance both function and fashion. However, their shortcomings necessitated the development of the self-adjusting suspender or harness of the present application.

[0009]The above is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, or describe each embodiment, aspect, implementation, feature, or advantage of the invention. The detailed technology and preferred embodiments for the subject invention are described in the following paragraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people skilled in this field to well appreciate the features of the claimed invention. It is understood that the features mentioned hereinbefore and those to be commented on hereinafter may be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]The present invention relates to garments and particularly to suspenders or harnesses comprising at least one shoulder strap having at least one first front strap portion and at least one second front strap portion that are positionable over the shoulders of a user when being worn. The at least one shoulder strap is made from any number of materials including but not limited to elastic webbing, leather, or fabric blends, allowing flexibility and comfort. The shoulder strap can also vary in width and thickness depending upon the desired characteristics.

[0011]Ends of the first strap portion and the second strap portion may include one or more fasteners that can be removably coupled or attached to a user's pants, trousers, belt, or the like. The fasteners may comprise buttons, loops, clips, and the like. In one example embodiment, the fasteners are interchangeable to allow a user to select fasteners for the particular type of pants, trousers, or belts being worn. Custom fasteners can also be manufactured to allow the suspenders or harness of the present invention to be used with various tool belts, tool pouches, and other harness and belt accessories.

[0012]The suspenders of the present invention also include at least one back strap comprising a generally elongate piece of material positionable proximate to a user's back. The back strap comprises at least one first back strap portion and at least one second back strap portion. The fasteners described above may also be used to secure the first back strap portion and the second back strap portion to the pants, trousers, belt, or harness of the user.

[0013]The at least one shoulder strap and the at least one back strap are operatively coupled together by a buckle that is configured to permit the suspenders to self-adjust a tension of the front strap portions and the back strap portions when a user bends at the waist in any direction. In one example embodiment of the present invention, the buckle comprises a first frame portion and second frame portion at least partially separated by a bar or cross member. Other buckle configurations are also possible.

[0014]In an example embodiment, the at least one shoulder strap is attached to the first frame portion of the buckle and the at least one back strap adjustably extends through the second frame portion of the buckle. In this configuration, the at least one shoulder strap and first frame portion of the buckle create a fixed point by which the at least one back strap is able to freely slide through the second frame portion of the buckle. The adjustability or movement of the at least one back strap through the second frame portion of the buckle prevents over tensioning of, or the development of slack in, the first and second back straps. In one example embodiment, the at least one shoulder strap is stitched together around the first frame portion of the buckle.

[0015]In another example embodiment, the at least one shoulder strap is coupled to or rests upon a shoulder support that is configured to distribute any weight being carried by the shoulder strap. The shoulder support may comprise a compressive or foam material having one or more ventilation holes or slots. In this configuration, a portion of the buckle can be attached to a portion of the shoulder support. The at least one shoulder strap may be attached directly to a portion of the buckle or to a portion of the shoulder support. The shoulder support may comprise one or more loops that extend around the first front strap portion and the second front strap portion.

[0016]In yet another example embodiment, the first frame portion and the second frame portion of the buckle are rotatably coupled together. The first frame portion and the second frame portion each comprise a tab adjacent to its opening. The tabs can be mated or coupled together in a number of configurations, including but not limited to post and seat, and hook and loop fasteners. In another example embodiment, at least one of the tabs includes a magnet member that is rotatably coupled to it. The other tab may comprise another magnet member or be composed of a magnetically attractive material. In this configuration, the first and second frame portions of the buckle are able to rotate or pivot with respect to one another. The portions of the buckle may be permanently coupled or fixed together.

[0017]It is also contemplated herein that the force of the magnet members can also be selected to permit, or enable it to have, a predetermined break-away force. In this way, when a force greater than the predetermined break-away force is applied either the shoulder strap or the back strap, the two straps will separate. This break-away configuration provides an added safety feature to the suspenders. If a user's suspenders are ever accidentally caught or snagged by any type of machinery, they can automatically separate from the user, thereby preventing the user from being pulled into the machinery and injured.

[0018]Unlike traditional suspenders which are aligned in either an “X” or “Y” shape or configuration at the back of the user, the present invention has a stacked or opposing U-shape, V-shape, or similar configuration. This unique shape or configuration prevents the tension or slack of one strap portion from extending to the other strap portions. The unique configuration of the buckle and straps of the present invention prevents each of the straps from forcing movement of the straps from their intended positions (e.g., movement toward the user's neck).

[0019]Other features and advantages of the self-adjusting suspenders will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims of the present application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the Accompanying Drawings:

[0020]FIG. 1 illustrates a front plan view of the self-adjusting suspender of the present invention.

[0021]FIGS. 2A and 2B are front views of the self-adjusting suspenders.

[0022]FIGS. 3A-3C are front views of the self-adjusting suspenders.

[0023]FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of buckles of the self-adjusting suspenders.

[0024]FIG. 4C is a front plan view of a tension control or buckle assembly of the self-adjusting suspenders.

[0025]FIG. 4D is a side view of the tension control or buckle assembly of FIG. 4C.

[0026]FIG. 5 is a rear view of the self-adjusting suspenders.

[0027]FIG. 6A is a front view of a tension control or buckle assembly having a dual buckle connection safety system.

[0028]FIG. 6B is a rear view of the tension control or buckle assembly of FIG. 6A illustrating the dual buckle connection safety system.

[0029]FIG. 7A is a rear view of the self-adjusting suspenders with a tension control or buckle assembly of FIG. 7A illustrating the dual buckle connection safety system.

[0030]FIG. 7B is a front view the self-adjusting suspenders with a tension control or buckle assembly having a dual buckle connection safety system.

[0031]FIG. 8A is a front view a modular pouch mated with a portion of self-adjusting suspenders.

[0032]FIG. 8B is a front view a modular pouch unmated with a portion of self-adjusting suspenders.

[0033]While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular example embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034]In the detailed description that follows, the invention of the present invention will be described using terminology that is being provided for reference only. The terminology used is not intended to be limiting. The terminology includes but is not limited to “up” or “down”, which may refer to a direction in the drawings. Terminology such as “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “end”, “horizontal”, and “vertical” are used generally to describe the orientation of parts of the ladder carrier. These and the other terminology used in this application, including their alternatives, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art of the invention and is not to be limited.

[0035]Turning to the drawings provided in FIGS. 1-8B, a self-adjusting suspender or harness is indicated generally at 10 for being worn by a user to connect to and support a user's pants, belt, or tool belt. Suspenders or harnesses 10 of the present invention include at least one shoulder strap 12 that is worn over the shoulders of a user. In one example embodiment, shoulder strap 12 comprise one or more pieces of strap material (e.g., polyester, nylon, and the like). For example, shoulder strap 12 may comprise a single piece of strap material that extends from a front waist of a user to a rear waist of a user.

[0036]In another example embodiment, shoulder strap 12 may comprise one or more front strap portions 13a and one or more rear or back strap portions 13b. The front strap portion 13a is positioned generally along a front of a user and may extend around a back of a user's neck. The back strap portion 13b is positioned generally along a user's back extending from a user's rear waist toward the user's shoulders. The back strap portion 13b may be coupled to a portion of the front strap portion 13a.

[0037]The front strap portion 13a of shoulder strap 12 may have other configurations, including but not limited to having at least one first front strap or member 16a and at least one second front strap or member 16b, both extending generally from a user's waist to or past the user's shoulders. The first front strap 16a and the second front strap 16b may be coupled together behind a user's neck or extend downwardly over the user's shoulders and connect with or attach to rear strap portions 13b. The rear strap portion 13b may also be manufactured from more than one length of strap material similar to the front strap portion 13a.

[0038]It is also contemplated herein that the first front strap 16a and the second front strap 16b have a length wherein they extend over a user's shoulders and are stitched or attached to a back or the back strap portion 13b, which hangs or extends down toward a user's waist. The connection point between the front strap portion 13a and the back strap portion 13b may be fixed or adjustable depending upon various factors, including but not limited to a height or size of a user, the needs of the user, and the configuration of the suspenders 10 desired by a user. As will be discussed below, a length of shoulder strap 12 or any portions thereof, may be adjusted by one or more buckles or adjustors coupled to the shoulder strap 12.

[0039]The front strap portion 13a and the back strap portion 13b of the suspenders or harness 10 also include one or more fasteners attached to them to connect to the waist of a user's pants or to a tool belt, which may separate from or a part of the suspender or harness 10. In one example embodiment, the front strap portions 13a include fasteners 18a and 18b coupled or attached to ends 20a and 20b of the first front strap 16a and the second front strap 16b. Fasteners 18a and 18b may include a quick release feature that enables a user to quickly fasten and unfasten suspenders or harness 10 to a user's pants, trousers, belt, or the like. Front fasteners 18a and 18b may also comprise buttons, loops, clips, and the like. In one example embodiment, front fasteners 18a and 18b are interchangeable to allow a user to select different fasteners for a particular type of pant, trouser, or belt being worn. Custom fasteners can also be manufactured to allow the suspenders or harness 10 to be used with various tool belts, tool pouches, and other harness and belt accessories.

[0040]As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first front strap 16a or the second front strap 16b can be configured into a loop 22a or 22b having an adjustment buckle (24a and 24b respectively). The length of first front strap 16a and second front strap 16b can be adjusted by moving adjustment buckles 24a and 24b or feeding the first front strap 16a and the second front strap 16b through the buckles 24a and 24b. Front fasteners 18a and 18b may be attached or coupled to a fastener loop member, 26a and 26b respectively that are configured to slide or freely move with respect to or along a length of the loops 20a and 20b.

[0041]As briefly mentioned above, the back strap portion 13b of shoulder strap 12 may include a first back strap 17a and a second back strap 17b that may be distinct sections of material coupled together, or they may comprise a single continuous piece of material. While shoulder strap 12 is described as having a one or more segments or sections, more or less segments or sections are also contemplated herein.

[0042]Shoulder strap 12 generally comprises one or more types of materials including, but not limited to, elastic webbing, leather, cotton fabric, or a blend or mixture of material types. Shoulder strap 12 and any portions thereof can vary in width and thickness depending upon the desired characteristics.

[0043]The first back strap 17a and the second back strap 17b of the rear strap portion 13 may also form one or more rear loops 32a and 32b, respectively to permit a user to adjust their lengths. The first back strap 17a and the second back strap 17b also include ends 34a and 34b, respectively, that extend or hang down toward a rear of a user's waist. Ends 34a and 34b include rear fasteners 36a and 36b that are configured to permit a user to quickly fasten and unfasten the suspensers or harness 10 to a user's pants, belt, or tool belt. Similar to the first front strap 16a and the second front strap 16b, the rear fasteners 36a and 36b may comprise also comprise quick-release features, buttons, snaps, and the like.

[0044]Similar to shoulder strap 12, the first back strap 17a or second back strap 17b may include one or more adjustment buckles 40. The length of first back strap 17a or second back strap 17b can be adjusted by moving adjustment buckles 40. Rear fasteners 36a and 36b may include a fastener loop member, 42a and 42b respectively that coupled to and freely movable along loop 32a or 32b, permitting it to slide or freely move with along a length of first back strap 17a or second back strap 17b. Fastener 38b may also be adjustably coupled to or fixed to end 34b. While FIG. 1 illustrates a single buckle 40, more than one buckle 40 may be coupled to the first back strap 17a or the second back strap 17b.

[0045]Self-adjustment (e.g., lengthening, shortening, or tensioning) of the suspenders or harnesses 10 is accomplished, at least in part, by a tension control or buckle assembly 50 that is positioned between and interconnecting the front strap portion 13a and the back or rear strap portion 13b of the shoulder strap 12. Tension control or buckle assembly 50 is configured to permit the suspenders or harnesses 10 to self-adjust the first front strap 16a, the second front strap 16b, the first back strap 17a, or the second back strap 17b when a user bends at the waist in any direction (e.g., frontwards, backwards, or to the side).

[0046]Turning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, tension control or buckle assembly 50 includes a first frame portion 52a and second frame portion 52b that are at least partially separated by a bar or cross member 54. Shoulder strap 12 is attached to or extends through first frame portion 52a of buckle 50, and back strap 17a extends through second frame portion 52b of the buckle 50. Front strap portion 13a and back strap portion 13b are separated by bar or cross member 54. In this configuration, front strap portion 13a is attached to first frame portion 52a of the buckle 50 creating a fixed point by which the back strap portion 13b is able to freely slide back and forth through second frame portion 52b of the buckle 50. The adjustability or movement of back strap portion 13b through second frame portion 52b of buckle 50 prevents over tensioning of, or the development of slack in, first back strap 17a and second back strap 17b. In one example embodiment, shoulder strap 12 is stitched together around first frame portion 52a of buckle 50.

[0047]In one example embodiment, shoulder strap 12 is coupled to or rests upon a shoulder support 60 that is configured to distribute any weight being carried by shoulder strap 12. Shoulder support 60 may comprise a compressive or foam material having one or more ventilation holes or slots 62. In this configuration, a portion of the tension control or buckle assembly 50 can be attached to a portion of shoulder support 60. Shoulder support 60 can include one or more buckle attachment members 70 attached or sewn onto a first or outer surface 68 of shoulder support 60. In one configuration, buckle attachment member 70 extends over and secures a portion of tension control or buckle assembly 50 to a portion of shoulder support 60.

[0048]As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, tension control or buckle assembly 50 may include a third frame portion 52c that is spaced apart from first frame portion 52a. First front strap 16a is attached to first frame portion 52a and second front or shoulder strap 16b is attached to third frame portion 52c. Anchor member 70 can be coupled to or extend over cross bar 54. Ends 72a and 72b of anchor member 70 are secured or attached to a portion of shoulder support 60. Ends 72a and 72b of anchor member 70 may be attached to shoulder support 60 by various attachment mechanisms including but not limited to stitching, snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. In one embodiment, anchor member 70 comprises a generally elongate material having a middle section unattached to shoulder support 60. Tension control or buckle assembly 50 may be fixed to or configured to move or travel along a length of anchor member 70 to provide an added adjustment function.

[0049]In one embodiment, first front strap 16a and second front strap 16b of shoulder strap 12 are attached directly to a portion of tension control or buckle assembly 50 and a portion of shoulder support 60. In another embodiment, first front strap 16a and second front strap 16b of shoulder strap 12 each have an attached portion 73a and 73b, respectfully, that are attached to a portion of shoulder support 60. Different configurations are also possible depending upon the needs of a user. For example, in one embodiment, tension control or buckle assembly 50 includes a fourth frame portion that is used to connect a user to a support line or tether when doing high or elevated work.

[0050]Suspenders or harnesses 10 are also manufactured with one or more attachment or organization members 80 that are attached to shoulder strap 12, front strap portion 13a, back strap portion 13b, or shoulder support 60. Attachment members 80 include, but are not limited to, tool loops 82a, shoulder strap sleeves 82b, chest straps 82c, tool straps 82d, and pen stylus sleeve 82e. Attachment members 80 may be oriented in various configurations with respect to the shoulder straps 12 or the suspenders or harness 10. In one embodiment of the invention, attachment or organization members 80 comprise MOLLE or PALS attachment systems that may be separate from or part of shoulder straps 12. As particularly illustrated in FIG. 1, attachment members 80 is configured or made by placing spaced apart stitched portions or sections along a length of the first front strap 16a and the second front strap or member 16b.

[0051]In another example embodiment, suspenders or harnesses 10 include a pivot or rotating tension control or buckle assembly 90 interconnecting front strap portion 13a and back strap portion 13b of shoulder strap 12. Rotating tension control or buckle assembly 90 includes a first frame portion 92a rotatably or pivotally coupled to a second frame portion 92b. First frame portion 92a includes an opening 94a configured to receive and permit free movement of back strap portion 13b. Second frame portion 92b includes one or more openings 94b and 94c that are sized and shaped to receive shoulder strap 12. In one embodiment, first front strap 16a and second front strap 16b are attached or coupled to cross members 98a and 98b, respectively of frame portion 92b.

[0052]First frame portion 92a includes a tab portion 96a that is positioned over and adjacent to a tab portion 96b of second frame portion 92b. Tab portions 96a and 96b are rotatably or pivotally coupled together. Tab portions 96a and 96b can be coupled together by a post and seat mechanism or a hook and loop mechanism. In another embodiment, at least one of tab portions 96a or 96b includes a magnet member 100 housed therein. Magnetic member 100 can be rotatably coupled to the tab portion. Another magnet member or magnetically attractive member or material may be disposed in or coupled to the other tab portion. In this configuration, first frame portion 92a and second frame portion 92b of tension control or buckle assembly 90 are able to rotate or pivot with respect to one another. In another embodiment, one of tab portions 96a and 96b includes a post extending away from it that is mated with one or more bearings that housed in the other tab portion. The post and bearing configuration permit rotational movement of first frame portion 92a and second frame portion 92b of tension control or buckle assembly 90.

[0053]The force of magnet member 100 can also be selected to permit or enable it to have a predetermined break-away force. When a force greater than the predetermined break-away force is applied to either front strap portion 13a or the back strap portion 13b of shoulder strap 12, the components of tension control or buckle assembly 90 will separate. The break-away configuration provides an added safety feature to suspenders and harnesses 10. If a user's suspenders or harness is ever accidentally caught or snagged by any type of machinery, it can automatically separate from the user potentially reducing or preventing an injury.

[0054]Unlike traditional suspenders which are aligned in either an “X” or “Y” shape or configuration at the back of the user, the present invention has straps arranged in a stacked or an opposing U-shape or configuration. This unique shape or configuration of the shoulder strap 12, and buckle assemblies 50 or 90, permit self-lengthening and self-shortening of first back strap 17a and second back strap 17b as the user moves and bends in any direction. The self-lengthening and self-shortening also prevents the tension or slack of front strap portion 13a or back strap portion 13b of shoulder strap 12 from changing, which may cause slack or an over tensioning of suspenders or harness 10.

[0055]The unique configuration of buckle assemblies 50, 90, front strap portion 13a and back strap portion 13b of shoulder strap 12, also prevents movement of suspenders or harnesses 10 from their intended positions (i.e., over the shoulders and positioned away from a user's neck).

[0056]In another example embodiment, suspenders or harnesses 10 include two front self-lengthening and self-shortening buckles 24a and 24b that may be similar to buckle assemblies 50 and 90. Front buckles 24a and 24b are generally attached or coupled to the respective first front strap 16a and second front strap 16b. Each front buckle 24a and 24b includes a coupling strap or loop 22a and 22b, respectively that is adjustably moveable through one or more openings 25a and 25b in the front buckles 24a and 25b. Each of the coupling straps or loops 22a and 22b includes opposed ends with fasteners 18a and 18b that are removably attachable to a user's pants, belt, or tool belt. In this configuration, all straps of suspenders or harnesses 10 are adjustable (e.g., lengthening and shortening). The present invention creates an improved suspender or harness 10 having straps that self-adjust to ensure the proper amount of tension and length is applied to all of its straps.

[0057]In yet another embodiment of the invention, buckle assemblies 50 and 90 are part of a dual buckle safety system 110 that is designed to provide one or more backup safety mechanisms in the event that the shoulder strap 12, any portion thereof, shoulder support 60, or any other components is comprised, damaged, or breaks. Backup safety system 110 enables suspender or harness 10 to remain attached to shoulder support 60 if any of the straps 12, 13a. 13b, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b break, thereby preventing any articles attached to suspender or harness 10 from falling, including any tools, tool belts or pouches or other containers 113 that are coupled to attachment members 80 or another portion or part of suspender or harness 10.

[0058]As particularly illustrated in FIG. 6A, buckle safety system 110 generally includes a buckle (e.g., 90) having one or more cross members 98a that are configured to support shoulder strap 12. First front strap 16a and second front strap 16b have one or more attached portions or sections 115a and 115b that secure first front strap 16a and second front strap 16b to a portion of shoulder support 60. In this way, if either first front strap 16a or second front strap 16b breaks tools, containers 113, or other secured items are prevented from coming free of suspender or harness 10.

[0059]As illustrated in FIG. 6B, a backup strap 116 is attached (e.g., by stitching or a mechanical fastener known in the art) to shoulder support 60. Backup strap 116 extends about one or more of the cross members (e.g., 98b) of tension control or buckle assembly 90, causing it to be secured to a portion support shoulder support 60. This configuration of tension control or buckle assembly 90 and backup strap 116 define a first point of attachment of tension control or buckle assembly 90 to shoulder support 60. One or more attachment points of tension control or buckle assembly 90 are also possible, including shoulder strap 12 being secured to or about one half of tension control or buckle assembly 90 and stitched to a one or more portions of shoulder support 60 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B for examples). This backup safety system 110 further ensures that tools and other attachments will not fall off suspenders or harness 10 if either shoulder strap 12 or any portion thereof breaks. The backup safety system 110 may also include one or more anchors (e.g., carabiners) attached to a portion of shoulder support 60 or any other portion of suspender or harness 10 that is configured to be removably coupled to a safety rope, tether, or other safety device that is able to prevent a user from falling a distance or coming into contact with dangerous equipment.

[0060]In one example embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, harness and suspenders 10 includes padding or other insulating and shock absorbing material 118 that may be attached to or connected to shoulder support 60. Padding material 118 may extend across the entire surface or a portion of the surface of shoulder support 60. Padding material 118 may also be attached to shoulder support 60 by various attachment mechanisms, including but not limited to snaps, and hook and loop fasteners that are attached to either or both planar surfaces of shoulder support 60. Padding material 118 may also be contained within an outer material or casing 120 of shoulder support 60 that partially or entirely encloses an interior 122 that is configured to hold padding material 118. Padding material 118 or outer casing 120 may have one or more holes or perforations 124 to aid in the movement of air towards or away from a user's body. In use, padding material 118 aids in supporting and distributing the weight of any attachments, tools, or containers 113 attached or coupled to attachment members 80 of harness and suspenders 10.

[0061]As mentioned above, the present invention may also include different attachments such as tools, accessories, and containers 113. These containers 113 are detachably connectable to portions suspenders and harness 10. As particularly illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 8A, attachment or containers 113 may include (e.g., pouches for holding various objects including tools, phones, radios, etc.). Attachment or containers 113 may be attached in any number of configurations and attachment mechanism. For example, in FIG. 8A, attachments or containers 113 may include a strap or similar securing member 128 that is configured to connect or mate with loops or attachment members 80. Containers 113 may also be attached to attachment members 80 by snaps 130 or other securing mechanisms, including but not limited to hooks, hook and loop fasteners, clips, ties, and the like.

[0062]From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the invention. Further, it is contemplated by the Applicant that advantages associated with any particular embodiment of the invention also extends to other embodiments of the invention, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit or have been described as including such advantages. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered limited, except as stated by the appended claims.

[0063]While the above description describes various embodiments of the invention, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be practiced in many ways. While details of the systems and assemblies may vary considerably in their specific implementation or description, they all should be considered to encompass the present invention. Particular terminology used herein should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.

[0064]The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the invention. Some alternative implementations of the invention may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements.

[0065]Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further implementations of the invention.

[0066]Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0067]While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products. Moreover, features or aspects of various example embodiments may be mixed and matched (even if such combination is not explicitly described herein) without departing from the scope of the invention.