Strap and strap accessory having cushioning granules

Abstract

A strap for securement to a load carrier extends from the carrier and is adapted for contact with a wearer. The strap comprises cushioning material to enhance comfort of the wearer, the cushioning material including granules. A strap accessory having granules is also disclosed.

1 . A combination of a load carrier and a strap extending from the carrier for securing the carrier on a wearer, the strap comprising cushioning material to enhance comfort of the wearer, and the cushioning material including granules. 
     
     
         2 . The combination of  claim 1  further comprising a second shoulder strap, each strap extending from both upper and lower portions of the load carrier. 
     
     
         3 . The combination of  claim 2  wherein the load carrier and shoulder straps define a backpack and the shoulder straps form a shoulder harness adapted to extend over shoulders of the wearer. 
     
     
         4 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the strap is only one strap. 
     
     
         5 . The combination of  claim 1  further comprising a foam material disposed over the granules so that the granules are disposed closer to the wearer than the foam material. 
     
     
         6 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the granules are disposed only in portions of the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         7 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the granules are resilient. 
     
     
         8 . The combination of  claim 7  wherein the granules are thermoplastic rubber, styrene beads or buckwheat husks. 
     
     
         9 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the strap includes outer fabric containing the granules, the granules being secured in place in the strap by sewn elements, sonic welding or thermal bonding. 
     
     
         10 . A strap for securement to a load carrier, the strap adapted to extend from the carrier and shaped for contact with a wearer, the strap comprising cushioning material to enhance comfort of the wearer, the cushioning material including granules. 
     
     
         11 . The strap of  claim 10  further comprising a foam material disposed over the granules so that the granules are disposed closer to the wearer than the foam material. 
     
     
         12 . The strap of  claim 10  wherein the granules are resilient. 
     
     
         13 . The strap of  claim 12  wherein the granules are thermoplastic rubber, styrene beads or buckwheat husks. 
     
     
         14 . The strap of  claim 13  wherein the granules are secured in place in the strap by sewn elements, sonic welding or thermal bonding. 
     
     
         15 . The strap of  claim 10  in combination with a load carrier, the strap and load carrier together forming one of a waistpack, a backpack, a purse, a briefcase and a tote bag. 
     
     
         16 . A strap accessory for attachment to a strap of a load carrier, the accessory comprising a fastener for fastening the accessory to the strap, and cushioning material including granules. 
     
     
         17 . The strap accessory of  claim 16  including a transparent outer layer so that the granules are visible. 
     
     
         18 . The strap accessory of  claim 16  in combination with a strap.