Supportive belt system integrating computers, interfaces, and other devices

#The present invention relates generally to a package/article carrier and more specifically to a belt system to be worn by a person (or similar entity) for supporting a computer system/electronics equipment etc.

#Torso encircling devices and related devices described in existing art which claim to enable a person to use a computer while walking or while engaged in other mobile activities fail to provide either single or integrated solutions for the need for support, comfort, and, most importantly functionality.

#Reference may be made to the following patents of interest: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,226,195; 5,228,609; 5,242,056; 5,285,398; 5,305,181; 5,337,935; 5,351,340; 5,363,863; 5,410,762; 5,416,310; 5,421,499; 5,450,596; 5,514,861; 5,548,843; 5,555,490.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of my supportive belt system with outer belt portion open.

#FIGS. 2 to 2.3 show the physical structure of my supportive belt.

#FIGS. 3 to 3.3 show details of a processor housing for my belt.

#In the following description of my supportive belt system, FIGS. 1-9 show a first supportive belt embodiment, FIGS. 10-10.8 show an alternative supportive belt embodiment, with a preferred embodiment of the front buckle assembly and FIGS. 11, 12 show a preferred embodiment of side pod structure and rear plate and rear pod structure to provide a supportive belt having vertical rigidity, horizontal flexibility, size adjustability, and lumbar muscle stimulation features. These features and others are provided by my supportive belt system which is described hereinafter to illustrate the principles of my invention.

#Detailed Description FIGS. 1-9

#An embodiment base of my belt device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown my belt comprises two concentric belts, an inner belt 101 and an outer belt 102. Belt 101 is shown closed, as when installed on a torso. The outer belt 102 is shown open, for illustrative purposes. Belt 101 starts with two elastic bands on each side with a lumbar pad 103 in between. Pad 103 is of reinforced polyfoam material with a plurality of air holes 122. Pad 103 is sewn to band 105 at a junction site 104. Belt 101 is constructed to facilitate size adjustment by lengthening inner band 105. Band 105 is constructed of sturdy stretchable nylon, both sides. A plate 106, constructed of ABS plastic or similar material, is formed to the shape (front portion) of a torso. Plate 106 material is of sufficient thickness and length to provide adjustability and structural continuity for belt 102. Plate 106 is cut vertically in the middle. Additional torso support is afforded by securing an outer band 109 constructed of sturdy stretchable nylon on the outside of both sides of plate 106. Sewn to the front-end, outer portion of band 105 is a block of loops 107, a portion of hooks and loops fasteners. A block of hooks 108 is secured with contact cement to the inside of plate 106. Band 105 with loops 107 are secured to the inside of adjustment plate 106 with hooks 108. Band 109 is also sewn at junction site 104. Sewn to the front inner portion of band 109 is a block of hooks 110. A block of loops 111 are attached with contact cement to the outer portion of plate 106. A block of loops 112 is sewn to the outside of band 109. Band 105 and band 109 have an outer sleeve 113 constructed of light stretchable nylon. Sleeve 113 is stitched to inner portion of band 105, top and bottom, at a seam 114. Sleeve 113 and band 105 are constructed to allow band 109 to slide back and forth inside. A strip of loops 115 is sewn on the outer portion of sleeve 113, near the end. At attachment site 118 an anchor band 116, of web material is sewn on. A strip of hooks 117 is sewn to the inside of band 116. A plurality of suspender loops 119 (.times.4) of sturdy nylon are sewn to the top seam 114. To join both sections a quick release latch 120, such as an HCD hinge (U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,711), is attached to plate 106 with a suitable bonding agent such as epoxy (referred to as epoxied or epoxying). Band 109 is secured (sewn) at site 104 adjacent to pad 103. Sleeve 113 terminates at 121.