Personal equipment suspension system with active lumbar support

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application claims priority pursuant to Title 35 USC §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/430,246 filed Jan. 6, 2011, Application 61/467,534 filed Mar. 25, 2011, and Application 61/488,893 filed May 23, 2011, the specifications and drawings of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

0002This disclosure relates to personal equipment suspension systems for manual load bearing. More particularly, it relates to personal equipment suspension systems with active support to the lumbar region of the user.

0003Personal equipment suspension systems for personal load bearing take many forms. Generally, they surround the user's body and transfer load to the user's torso at the hip area. They find application in a wide variety of disciplines including construction, medical-EMS, military, law enforcement, sports, and outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, climbing, gardening and the like.

0004Lumbar suspension system embodiments can be utilized for specific “lumbar” support, as is typically provided for warehouse, dock or construction workers and load lifting occupations or athletic activities. Current lumbar belt supports are constructed from elastic bands and may include a latching belt. These current products support the body by applying the belt tightly around the user and greatly increasing the hoop stress or hydrostatic pressure in the abdomen as to offset the necessary support for the lumbar region of the body.

0005Personal support belts for use in load lifting environments or tool belts used in home improvement and construction are used to carry tools or other equipment for construction, landscape, telecommunications, or home improvement activities. Typically such belts consist of a belt of leather or woven fabric made from Nylon, or other polymer, and include attachment points for personal equipment or gear, or pouches to hold items such as a hammer, nails, or other job specific items.

0006The belt surrounds the waist of a user. In the most advanced form, such belts may also include a shoulder harness that helps support the load of the fully weighted belt and gear. The belt and shoulder harness do not offer the user any improved comfort or ergonomically designed lumbar support. Biomechanical research has shown the “S-Curve” or lumbar curvature known as lordosis is a natural position of the body when standing. This position acts to support the body and efficiently transfer loads through the body into the lower extremities. Under normal use of current belts, this natural position disappears as the loading causes the hips to rotate and produce additional strain on the lumbar muscular region. This strain increases user fatigue and discomfort.

0007Personal equipment suspension systems are employed in trekking, hiking, and other outdoor adventure activities for carrying of loads such as clothing and supply backpacks, or outdoor equipment including tents, cooking equipment or even watercraft.

0008Various arrangements exist for load distribution, reduction of impact or pressure points and protection of the user from discomfort or injury. Significant in this regard is the protection of the spine, and the lumbar area. It is considered desirable to provide support for, or distribution from, a carried load, to the user's torso, at or near the lumbar area, that is, immediately above the user's waist at the back of the spine. Known arrangements for providing such capability are inflatable or liquid filled, with the attendant frailties of bladder type devices.

0009In carrying unusually bulky or heavy loads such as camping or climbing equipment, tents, cooking equipment, and even canoes or similar watercraft, distribution and balance of the carried load are important attributes of a personal transport system. Often, such equipment delivers the carried load through spaced vertical spines or structural tubes connected to an associated support belt. Traversing rough terrain with such equipment sometimes results in unbalance or other difficulties. Moreover, undue fatigue and/or strain is often associated with the task.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

0010The active lumbar support system embodiments of the present disclosure significantly improve comfort, support, and ergonomics when integrated into a personal equipment suspension system. The suspension system resiliently supports the lumbar region while allowing the body to maintain the desired lordosis.

0011The arrangements of this disclosure allow users to attach the improved suspension system to the waist/hip/torso area of the body, and secure the system belt within a tolerable level of “tightness.” The improved suspension system provides immediate support and comfort in the lumbar area of the body. A suspension membrane gives active load dampening while maintaining lumbar region support. The membrane of molded elastomeric material prevents material creep over a wide range of loading conditions and for an indefinite amount of time. The molded membrane suspension can be designed to include improved airflow similar to a open mesh form which reduces thermal build up and discomfort for the user as well.

0012The disclosed arrangement improves the support and comfort over current lumbar supports, by providing an ergonomic specific shape, a non-creep elastomeric membrane, and improved air flow and comfort. As the user applies the necessary belt tightening force, the elastomeric suspension membrane acts to counter the applied tightening force which provides immediate support force to the desired area of the lumbar. The suspension system membrane provides a “preloaded” force which allows for maximum support with minimal belt tightening.

0013The personal equipment suspension system with active lumbar support of the present disclosure addresses the foregoing aspects of personal load carrying and provides unique, desirable and viable solutions. The present disclosure is directed to a personal equipment suspension system that is lightweight, ergonomic and physically comfortable. It represents a suitable personal equipment suspension solution useful in a variety of markets and disciplines including home improvement, juvenile products, construction, hunting, fishing, law enforcement, medical, exercise, sporting, and military applications; and other “waist/hip” equipment harness applications. It provides active lumbar support to the user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a personal equipment suspension system illustrative of the features of the present disclosure.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a fragmentary top view, partially in section, of the active lumbar support mechanism of the personal equipment suspension system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a fragmentary side view, partially in section, of the active lumbar support mechanism of the personal equipment suspension system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view of a slightly modified form of a portion of the active lumbar support mechanism of the personal equipment suspension system of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a front perspective view of a personal equipment suspension system with active lumbar support illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a rear perspective view of the personal equipment suspension system with active lumbar support illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a modified form of personal equipment suspension systems with active lumbar support illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view of a personal body armor support mechanism illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrating the lattice membrane of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a personal equipment suspension system, generally designated <b>100</b>, illustrative of the features of the present disclosure. System <b>100</b> is a specific illustrative embodiment of a personal equipment suspension system providing the features and advantages of active lumbar support contemplated by the disclosure. It, and the illustrations of various other or modified embodiments contained herein are only illustrative and not limiting. Numerous variations and configurations suitable to specific uses or applications are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure.

0024The illustrated personal equipment suspension system <b>100</b> includes a waist encircling belt <b>101</b> having a relatively wide main web <b>104</b>, for example, of heaving duty nylon fabric internally padded with ergonomic foam, gel, or similar soft material for comfort against the user's body at key load bearing areas such as the hips or lower back. As illustrated, the main web <b>104</b> may optionally include additional pads, such as gel pads <b>105</b> removably attached at the hip contact areas on either side of the belt <b>101</b>.

0025The exterior of web <b>104</b> is provided with a series of spaced, vertically disposed loops <b>106</b>. The main web <b>104</b> is integrated with an attachment strap <b>108</b> that passes through the loops <b>106</b> to form an integral belt assembly. Made of nylon webbing, it includes a center buckle element <b>110</b> and latch element <b>112</b> which are releasably connectable about the wearer. The strap <b>108</b> and buckle and latch elements are configured to permit adjustment of the strap <b>108</b> surrounding the user to cinch up the belt <b>101</b> about the user to a tightness suitable for the particular usage involved and also maintain the buckle element <b>110</b> and latch element <b>112</b> centrally positioned in front of the user for easy manipulation. It is contemplated that a suitable buckle and latch arrangement is available from ITW Nexus, Des Plaines, Ill.

0026Belt <b>101</b> may include any number of equipment receiving attachments. Illustrated here are a pocket <b>114</b> to receive, for example, a tool or a communication device, and a ring <b>116</b> to receive any form of accessory attachment.

0027Centrally positioned internally of the waist encircling belt <b>101</b> of personal equipment suspension system <b>100</b> is active lumbar support mechanism <b>300</b>. This mechanism is intended to actively urge against, and support the wearer's lumbar region. It is also arranged to deliver a portion of any load received by the system <b>100</b> over the lumbar region of the user's back, at the lower spine. It is determined that such placement of the load burden is ergonomically beneficial and reduces the negative impact of load carrying. The result is less fatigue and reduced propensity for injury to the wearer.

0028Notably, it is contemplated that the system <b>100</b>, as configured with the active lumbar support mechanism <b>300</b>, would find beneficial application in, for example, athletic endeavors such as free weight lifting or other strenuous load lifting activity where lumbar support is deemed beneficial or desirable.

0029Active lumbar support mechanism <b>300</b> includes lumbar distribution plate <b>310</b>. Lumbar distribution plate <b>310</b>, seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, may take any shape to conform with assured contact with the user's back over a wide area of the lumbar region. It is here illustrated as generally oblong, with a complex curved perimeter having a generally rigid perimeter rim or frame <b>311</b>. It defines a body contact surface for contact with the user when the personal equipment suspension system is worn. It is contemplated that the plate <b>310</b> be a molded polymeric member with a formed lattice of resilient webs <b>314</b> defining interposed apertures <b>316</b>. The lattice is in tension and on deformation applies a restoring force against the user's lumbar region. The lattice configuration also provides for weight reduction and ventilation.

0030It is contemplated that load distribution plate <b>310</b> may advantageously be formed using high-tech synthetic crystalline elastomeric material developed and marketed by ITW Dahti, Rockford, Mich. A suitable material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,758 issued Oct. 28, 2008, entitled “Load Bearing Surface” assigned to Illinois Tool Works, Inc. The entire specification and drawings of this patent are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.

0031Plate <b>310</b> is an elastomeric structure which forms a highly compliant membrane that offers superior comfort. The membrane is processed to provide orientation of the crystalline structure to create a compliant, robust, lively and resilient spring that will not creep or sag under all operating conditions by ITW-Nexus, Des Plaines, Ill. and ITW-Shanghai, China. It is cost effective, light weight and adaptable to thin profiles.

0032Lumbar distribution plate <b>310</b> of active lumbar support mechanism <b>300</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> is supported on the interior of wide main web <b>104</b> of belt <b>101</b> by swivel joint mechanism <b>320</b> through biasing arm assembly <b>330</b>. Swivel joint mechanism <b>320</b> seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, includes a mounting bracket <b>322</b> secured to a main web <b>104</b> of belt <b>101</b> with fasteners <b>323</b>. Bracket <b>322</b> defines a spherical socket receptacle <b>324</b>, the open mouth <b>325</b> of which is slightly smaller than the maximum spherical diameter of the receptacle. Swivel joint mechanism <b>320</b> includes a complementary ball <b>326</b> associated with biasing arm assembly <b>330</b>. It is engaged within receptacle <b>324</b>. These components may be made of rigid plastic such as Acetal and “snap” together to form the swivel joint mechanism.

0033Biasing arm assembly <b>330</b> includes base <b>334</b> and a plurality of resilient bows <b>336</b> that extend between base <b>334</b> and lumbar distribution plate <b>310</b>. Ball <b>326</b> is mounted on biasing arm assembly <b>330</b> at base <b>334</b>.

0034Bows <b>336</b> are resilient flexible members and are stressed by compressive deformation on securement of the personal equipment suspension system <b>100</b> about the user's waist. The amount of compression of bows <b>336</b> is controlled by manual adjustment of the length of the attachment strap <b>108</b> relative to the buckle <b>110</b> and latch <b>112</b>. This compression of the bows <b>336</b> and resultant restoring force created imparts a force to the lumbar distribution plate <b>310</b> that urges the plate <b>310</b> against the wearer's back at the lumbar region. The articulated connection of the lumbar distribution plate <b>310</b> and belt <b>101</b> through swivel joint mechanism <b>320</b> insures uniform application of these forces against the user to maximize comfort and lumbar area protection.

0035As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the personal equipment suspension system <b>100</b> is equipped with a shoulder harness <b>450</b> which includes spaced shoulder straps <b>452</b> that releasably connect to main web <b>104</b> in spaced relation to buckle <b>110</b> and latch <b>112</b>.

0036Straps <b>452</b> are spaced for comfortable contact support on the user's shoulders. They terminate in buckles and latches at connections <b>454</b> for easy connection and disconnection to main web <b>104</b>. Clips <b>456</b> permit length adjustment to assure a snug fit against the wearer's shoulders. Such buckles, latches, and adjustment clips are commercially available from ITW Nexus, Des Plaines, Ill.

0037Another possible configuration for load distribution plate <b>310</b> of a molded component of material with a rigid perimeter rim or frame and resilient lattice web is seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. There a generally oval shaped load distribution plate <b>410</b> is illustrated. Again it is contemplated that the plate <b>410</b> include a perimeter rim or frame <b>411</b>. The illustrated plate is formed of the Dahti material, which is a semi-rigid, synthetic elastomeric crystalline material. It includes resilient lattice webs <b>414</b> defining formed apertures <b>416</b>.

0038Distribution plate <b>410</b> includes a connection ball <b>426</b>. It may be supported upon belt <b>101</b> by a swivel joint mechanism such as swivel joint mechanism <b>320</b> or any other suitable means. It is, of course, positioned for resilient contact with the user's back at the lumbar region and is shaped accordingly.

0039As illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 3</figref>, personal equipment suspension system <b>100</b> is connected to a carried load through articulated flexible load suspension mechanism <b>419</b>. It has a load support bracket <b>402</b> secured to the rear midpoint of the personal equipment suspension system <b>100</b> at the spine area by a swivel joint mechanism <b>412</b>. Load support bracket <b>402</b> includes transverse bar <b>404</b> with spaced eyelets <b>405</b> and a central vertical beam <b>406</b> extending between transverse bar <b>404</b> and swivel joint mechanism <b>412</b>. Eyelets <b>405</b> receive and connect to straps <b>452</b> of shoulder harness <b>450</b>. Load to be carried is applied to load support bracket <b>402</b> through any convenient connection such as, for example, attachment straps <b>403</b>.

0040Transverse bar <b>404</b> is arranged to be secured to any load to be carried. It would include any necessary attachment mechanism for receiving a load, for example, in the form of a backpack, equipment pack such as a leaf blower or lawn trimmer, or support bracket extending upward to an applied load such as a carried watercraft.

0041Vertical beam <b>406</b> includes segments <b>407</b> and <b>409</b> slidably engaged at slide joint <b>458</b> to permit adjustment of its overall length. Slide joint <b>458</b> permits vertical positioning of transverse beam <b>404</b> by the user to accommodate personal preference or variation in user height.

0042Best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, swivel joint mechanism <b>412</b> includes a bracket <b>413</b> mounted to the exterior surface of main web <b>104</b> of personal equipment suspension system <b>100</b> centrally at the midpoint, outward of mounting bracket <b>322</b> associated with active lumbar support mechanism <b>300</b>. Bracket <b>413</b> defines a spherical, ball receiving receptacle or socket <b>415</b> facing upwardly. It includes an open mouth <b>417</b> slightly smaller than the maximum spherical diameter of the ball receiving receptacle.

0043Lower segment <b>409</b> of vertical beam <b>406</b> terminates at its lower end in a ball <b>418</b> sized to be received in spherical receptacle <b>415</b> to form an articulated connection. The ball <b>418</b> and socket <b>415</b> are made of plastic material such as Acetal and “snap” together.

0044Load received by horizontal transverse bar <b>404</b> is delivered to the personal equipment suspension system <b>100</b> through the swivel joint mechanism <b>412</b>. The load is thereby transferred to the personal equipment suspension system <b>100</b> by the articulated flexible load suspension mechanism <b>419</b> which ensures that it remains balanced and accommodates lateral, sideways, or forward and backward movements of the user.

0045The load applied to transverse bar <b>404</b> is shared with shoulder harness <b>450</b>. The adjustment clips <b>456</b> can be used to adjust the length of the shoulder straps <b>450</b> and consequently the amount of load carried respectively by the shoulder harness and the articulated flexible load suspension mechanism <b>419</b>.

0046Personal equipment suspension system <b>100</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> as including load suspension mechanism <b>419</b> having articulated flexible connection <b>412</b> for balanced load carrying. As already explained, waist encircling belt <b>101</b> with active lumbar support mechanism <b>300</b> is useful alone, without load suspension mechanism <b>419</b>, in instances where active lumbar support alone provides a desirable benefit.

0047It is also contemplated that belt <b>101</b> could be used for load carrying with only shoulder harness elements similar to those associated with the articulated flexible load suspension mechanism <b>419</b>. In such instance, for example, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, belt <b>101</b> may be provided with a “D” ring <b>455</b> secured to main web <b>104</b> by a clip <b>457</b>. A connection strap <b>459</b> extends vertically upward from “D” ring <b>455</b> and attaches to a transverse bar, such as transverse bar <b>404</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, equipped with shoulder straps, such as shoulder straps <b>452</b>. In this arrangement, vertical beam <b>406</b> would not be employed.

0048Another example of a personal equipment suspension system that provides the advantages of active lumbar support as contemplated herein is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref>. A personal equipment suspension system with active lumbar support is shown. As illustrated, the system includes a user belt or harness, generally <b>501</b>, a load suspension mechanism in the form of connection pocket <b>519</b>, and an active lumbar support mechanism <b>500</b>. Pocket <b>519</b> is adapted to receive a rigid vertical load receiving member which receives the weight of the load within a pouch or similar load receiving container.

0049Belt <b>501</b> includes connection buckle components <b>510</b> and <b>512</b> at opposite ends to surround the user's waist for load distribution to the hip area. The load receiving member <b>519</b> is connected to belt <b>501</b> midway between its ends. When, for example, an assembly embodying the belt <b>501</b> is worn by a user, the load suspension mechanism <b>519</b> is generally aligned with the user's spine.

0050As shown, active lumbar support mechanism <b>500</b> of the present disclosure is interposed between the load suspension mechanism <b>519</b> and the user's back. It provides a comfortable and ergonomically advantageous partial distribution of the carried load directly to the user's back. It includes a rigid frame <b>511</b> connected to the exterior surface of the belt <b>501</b> by straps <b>532</b> best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. Frame <b>511</b> may be generally arc shaped to complement the shape of a user's body. It includes horizontal bar <b>555</b> with yokes <b>556</b> at opposite ends defining attachment terminals <b>557</b>.

0051A flexible membrane <b>560</b> is stretched between the attachment terminals <b>557</b> of frame member <b>511</b> and placed in tension between the yokes <b>556</b>. It includes webs <b>514</b> defining voids or apertures <b>516</b>. In this embodiment, the membrane includes elastomeric connector pads <b>562</b> at the ends of webs <b>514</b> connected to attachment terminals <b>557</b> of frame member <b>511</b>. It is arranged such that in use, the membrane <b>560</b> contacts the user's lumbar region.

0052On connection of the buckle components <b>510</b> and <b>512</b>, the membrane <b>560</b> is stretched against the lumbar region of the user placing it under additional tension between attachment terminals <b>557</b> forcing it against the user's back. Thus, a portion of the load is delivered to the user directly to the lumbar area through rigid frame <b>511</b> and stretched membrane <b>560</b>. The membrane <b>560</b> acts as tensile-member spring against that load and supports the user, dampens load and transfers the load into the frame, belt, and pack.

0053The frame member <b>511</b> for the membrane <b>560</b> can be manufactured from various materials: aluminum tube with molded elements (as depicted in the attached drawings), a plastic rigid frame, metal bars, or other rigid, or semi-rigid support structure.

0054The material contemplated for membrane <b>560</b> is based on the previously described synthetic crystalline material developed by ITW Dahti, Rockford, Mich., and processed by ITW-Nexus, Des Plaines, Ill. As stated, it is an elastomeric structure which forms a highly compliant membrane that offers superior comfort. The member has been designed and processed to allow for orientation of the crystalline structure to create a compliant, robust, lively and resilient spring that will not creep or sag under all operating conditions, to include high and low temperature conditions.

0055It must be understood that while the belt assembly is illustrated as an element of a load carrying device such as a backpack or the like, the belt <b>501</b> with active lumbar support is useful alone as a lumber support belt for users engaged in heavy lifting occupations or athletic activities.

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> represent a slightly modified form of load suspension system for personal equipment load suspension utilizing the principles of this disclosure. Here a backpack assembly is provided with an expanded form of flexible suspension arrangement that includes active lumbar support. The backpack assembly includes a surrounding belt <b>601</b>, and a pouch <b>607</b> supported on load suspension mechanism <b>619</b> in the form of a load receiving member connected to belt <b>601</b>. Belt <b>601</b> includes buckle components <b>610</b> and <b>612</b> at opposite ends to surround the user's waist.

0057The flexible suspension arrangement with active lumbar support mechanism is generally designated <b>600</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>.

0058The flexible suspension arrangement includes a rigid frame <b>611</b> with a plurality of rigid horizontal cross bars <b>655</b> spaced vertically along the load suspension mechanism <b>619</b> from the belt <b>601</b> to near the area of a user's shoulder blades. Each cross bar <b>655</b> is contoured to meet the user's shape. The horizontal cross bars <b>655</b> include attachment terminals <b>657</b> at each end.

0059A flexible membrane <b>660</b> is stretched between each attachment terminal <b>657</b> of horizontal cross bars <b>655</b> to form flexible support surface intended to rest upon the user's back from the waist upward toward the shoulder blade area. The membrane includes a lattice of webs <b>614</b> defining apertures <b>616</b>. Ends of the webs <b>614</b> include elastomeric connection pads <b>662</b> connected to attachment terminals <b>657</b>.

0060As load is applied to the load suspension mechanism <b>619</b>, the membrane <b>660</b> acts as a tensile-member spring against that load and supports the user, dampens load and transfers the load into the frame, belt, and pack. The enlarged membrane <b>660</b> provides additional comfort through enhanced load distribution over the user's back. Membrane <b>660</b> is made of the previously described synthetic crystalline elastomeric material.

0061The personal equipment suspension system with active lumbar support of the present disclosure has myriad uses and applications. It may be utilized, as an example, to support a body armor vest which is normally carried upon the user's shoulders.

0062Body armor is an essential tool for individuals engaged in dangerous activity, such as military and law enforcement. Typically, such armor is configured as a vest with the load of the article borne by the user's shoulders.

0063It is a significant advantage to the user, in terms of increased comfort and decreased fatigue, if at least some of the weight of the vest is transferred to the hips and/or lumbar area. It is particularly advantageous if such transfer occurs through incorporation of a resilient membrane interposed between the load and the user's body.

0064With the suspension system of the present disclosure, load support is at least partially transferred to a surrounding waist belt. With the incorporation of the active lumber support, through use of lattice of resilient material between the load and the user's lumbar region the arrangement improves comfort support and ergonomics and reduces fatigue and discomfort.

0065The structure of the present disclosure may readily be arranged to provide the comfort and load relief advantages previously described in an armor vest application. It comprises an active lumbar support mechanism generally designated <b>700</b> interposed between the load of the body armor vest and the user's body. More particularly, the active lumbar support mechanism <b>700</b> includes a rigid frame member <b>711</b> a membrane or lattice <b>760</b> of resilient material for delivering a portion of the load to the lumbar region.

0066As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> active lumbar support mechanism <b>700</b> includes rigid frame member. Though not shown, frame member <b>711</b> would be connected to a body encircling belt with an appropriate buckle mechanism to releasably secure the frame member <b>711</b> to the user at the user's waist. A horizontal pad <b>730</b>, for contact with the user's lumbar region, is supported on the rigid frame <b>711</b> by resilient lattice or membrane <b>760</b>. In this embodiment, the load suspension mechanism <b>719</b> comprises a pair of spaced vertical stanchions <b>758</b> supported upon frame member <b>711</b>. Load carried by the stanchions <b>758</b> is delivered to the body encircling belt through frame member <b>711</b> of the active lumbar support mechanism <b>700</b>.

0067The active lumbar support mechanism <b>700</b> of the present disclosure may be incorporated within the fabric of the vest. An exemplary vest is a wearable article made of cloth into which is included suitable protective elements intended to provide personal safety against body piercing wounds. Typically, the protective elements, though arranged to be flexible, or soft, represent a significant load for the user because of weight. Such a vest usually includes suitable access pockets along its lower margin which can be opened for insertion of the load suspension mechanism of this embodiment, the stanchions <b>758</b>.

0068In use, the stanchions <b>758</b> are inserted in the pocket of the vest. When a user dons the vest, the membrane pad <b>730</b> on membrane <b>760</b> rests against the user's lumbar region. At least a portion of the load of the vest is transferred through the stanchions <b>758</b>, frame member <b>711</b>, resilient membrane <b>760</b> and pad <b>730</b> to the user's lumbar region. In this manner, the total load of the vest is shared with the user's shoulders and also the hip, waist and lumbar area.

0069Alternatively, the stanchions <b>758</b> may be external to the supported vest. In such an arrangement, it is contemplated that the vest, or stanchions <b>758</b>, would include attachment straps for connection to the vest.

0070The frame member <b>711</b> of active lumbar support mechanism <b>700</b> includes a horizontal base portion or bar <b>755</b>. The opposite ends of bar <b>755</b> include a series of closely spaced vertical ribs <b>759</b> defining slots at the ends of bar <b>755</b> for connection of membrane <b>760</b>. Spaced stanchions <b>758</b> extend vertically from the outer ends of bar <b>755</b>. The horizontal bar <b>755</b> and stanchions <b>758</b> are curved somewhat to conform to the back of the user of the protective vest.

0071Stanchions <b>758</b> are of sufficient length that free ends <b>770</b> support a cloth vest at the shoulder area. The free ends <b>770</b> receive the vest load and transfer it to the bar <b>755</b> of frame member <b>711</b> and ultimately to the user's lumbar region through membrane <b>760</b> and pad <b>730</b>.

0072The bar <b>755</b> and stanchions <b>758</b> may be integrally molded from a rigid plastic material of suitable strength. They include molded apertures or voids to reduce weight.

0073The resilient membrane <b>760</b> is in tension between the ends of bar <b>755</b> at ribs <b>759</b> aligned with, and spaced from, the horizontal bar <b>755</b>, overlying its interior surface.

0074Best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the membrane <b>760</b> of this embodiment is a molded strap made of a lattice configuration of the previously described synthetic crystalline elastomeric material as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,758. It is processed to provide orientation of the crystalline structure to create a compliant, robust, lively, and resilient spring that will not creep or sag under all operating conditions.

0075Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> the membrane <b>760</b> is an elongate band and includes webs <b>714</b> defining apertures or voids <b>716</b>. It includes two rows of nubs <b>772</b> on an interior facing surface of the membrane <b>760</b> to receive and support horizontal pad <b>730</b>.

0076Webs <b>714</b> include spaced pairs of latching stops <b>774</b> configured to engage closely spaced ribs <b>759</b> at the opposite ends of bar <b>755</b>.

0077The lattice configuration of the membrane and its resilient property permits attachment of the membrane <b>760</b> to ribs <b>759</b>. Once attached, it presents a series of spaced elongate resilient strips in tension between the ends of bar <b>755</b>.

0078The webs <b>714</b> of membrane <b>760</b> include pull rings <b>772</b> extending from one end for grasping the membrane <b>760</b> to resiliently stretch it for installation with latching stops <b>774</b> engaged with ribs at each end of bar <b>755</b> to retain the membrane in a pre-loaded stretched condition. When so stretched, the membrane <b>760</b> is placed in tension for resilient support of frame <b>711</b> of active lumbar support mechanism <b>700</b> upon the user at the lumbar region.

0079As in the earlier embodiments, the material for membrane <b>760</b> is based on the synthetic crystalline material developed by ITW Dahti, Rockford, Mich. It is an elastomeric structure which forms a highly compliant membrane that offers superior comfort. The member has been designed and processed to allow for orientation of the crystalline structure to create a compliant, robust, lively and resilient spring that will not creep or sag under all operating conditions, to include high and low temperature conditions by ITW-Nexus, Des Plaines, Ill.

0080As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, horizontal pad <b>730</b> is connected to membrane <b>760</b>. It is thus resiliently supported upon frame <b>711</b> by membrane <b>760</b>. The face of pad <b>730</b> is arranged for contact with the user's back at the lumbar area.

0081With the suspension system of the present disclosure, load support is at least partially transferred to a surrounding waist belt. More with the incorporation of the active lumbar support through use of a lattice of resilient material between the load and the user's lumbar region the arrangement improves comfort support and ergonomics and reduces fatigue and discomfort.

0082For each system embodiment disclosed, backpack belt, tool belt, lumbar belt; the elastomeric suspension membrane is supported via a rigid or semi-flexible support frame structure. The shape of the support structure can include a “pre-determined” ergonomic lumbar optimized shape form to fit the human body more precisely and comfortably. The elastomeric suspension membrane provides continuous support through complete range of motion of the user. Typical industry standard foam and gel pads provide comfort through a passive support, that compresses upon loading, and increases thermal build up in the region as well as incurring a permanent compression set. The present system is active support suspension that improves comfort, airflow and ergonomics for the user.

0083Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain he best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.