WEARABLE SYSTEMS AND APPARATUSES FOR LOADING, STORING AND TRANSPORTING COILED OBJECTS

Description

FIELD

This invention relates generally to systems and apparatuses for holding objects and more particularly to wearable systems and apparatuses for loading, storing, and transporting coiled objects.

BACKGROUND

Objects such as ropes, cords, strings, and hoses have a variety of different applications. For example, such objects are used in rock climbing, hiking, fishing, camping, hammocking, ranching, hunting, or gardening. In some instances, these objects are to be used to secure persons, other objects, or animals. These objects often include flexible material. These objects are often transported to different locations as part of their use.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for holding coiled objects is disclosed. A system also performs the functions of the apparatus.

One example of the present disclosure includes an apparatus. The apparatus includes a holder extending in a first direction. The holder includes a shaft, a first extension portion, and a second extension portion. The shaft extends in the first direction and has a first perimeter. The first extension portion is on the first end of the shaft and extends in a second direction at an angle with respect to the first direction. The first extension portion has a second perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The second extension portion is on a second end of the shaft opposite to the first end of the shaft. The second extension portion has a third perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The holder is configured to receive a coiled object between the first extension portion and the second extension portion. The apparatus also includes a pivot. The holder is rotatably coupled to the pivot.

One example of the present disclosure includes a system. The system includes a holder extending in a first direction. The holder includes a shaft, a first extension portion, and a second extension portion. The shaft extends in the first direction and has a first perimeter. The first extension portion is on the first end of the shaft and extends in a second direction at an angle with respect to the first direction. The first extension portion has a second perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The second extension portion is on a second end of the shaft opposite to the first end of the shaft. The second extension portion has a third perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The holder is configured to receive a coiled object between the first extension portion and the second extension portion. The system also includes a pivot. The holder is rotatably coupled to the pivot. The system includes a plate fixedly coupled to the pivot and a wearable strap coupled to the plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific examples that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical examples of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a side view illustrating one example of an apparatus with a collapsed handle according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a side view illustrating one example of an apparatus with an extended handle according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a bottom perspective view further illustrating one example of an apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a system, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective, dis-assembled view of an example of a system, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a side view illustrating a system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a front view further illustrating an example of a system according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4C is a front view illustrating an example of a system being worn, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Objects such as ropes, cords, and strings, are typically long and may be used for activities that require them to be transported. For example, ropes are often used to secure climbers and hikers to anchor points. Such ropes are often transported not only to the location of the trailhead or first pitch but also to various locations along a particular route. When ropes of considerable quantity and/or length are transported, they can easily become intertwined and tangled. Untangling and unwinding these ropes can be difficult to do without damaging them and can consume a considerable amount of time. Furthermore, knots and kinks in the ropes can compromise their integrity. This poses a safety risk to those that may be relying on the ropes to support their weight, for example. However, transporting rope in a contact manner can be beneficial. For example, hikers and rock climbers often travel with only a backpack.

Examples of the present disclosure include wearable apparatuses and systems for holding and transporting coiled objects such as rope. These examples may decrease the physical space taken up by these objects while they are in transport. They may also facilitate quick, minimal effort loading and unloading of the objects to ensure that minimal time is lost between traveling from one point to the next and putting the object to use. Examples of the present disclosure accomplish these objectives while keeping the coiled object free of knots or kinks.

Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example. Thus, appearances of the H phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example, but mean “one or more but not all examples” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless N expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of examples of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one example of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one example,” “in an example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example, but mean “one or more but not all examples” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the examples may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the examples may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular example. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples that may not be present in all examples.

These features and advantages of the examples will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of examples as set forth hereinafter. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method, and/or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware example, an entirely software example (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an example combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having program code embodied thereon.

As used herein, a list with a conjunction of “and/or” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, a list of A, B and/or C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one or more of” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, one or more of A, B and C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one of” includes one and only one of any single item in the list. For example, “one of A, B and C” includes only A, only B or only C and excludes combinations of A, B and C. As used herein, “a member selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C,” includes one and only one of A, B, or C, and excludes combinations of A, B, and C.” As used herein, “a member selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C and combinations thereof” includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C.

One example of the present disclosure includes an apparatus. The apparatus includes a holder extending in a first direction. The holder includes a shaft, a first extension portion, and a second extension portion. The shaft extends in the first direction and has a first perimeter. The first extension portion is on the first end of the shaft and extends in a second direction at an angle with respect to the first direction. The first extension portion has a second perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The second extension portion is on a second end of the shaft opposite to the first end of the shaft. The second extension portion has a third perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The holder is configured to receive a coiled object between the first extension portion and the second extension portion. The apparatus also includes a pivot. The holder is rotatably coupled to the pivot.

In some examples, the pivot extends substantially parallel to the first direction.

In some examples, each of the first extension portion and the shaft further include a hollow portion, and the pivot extends through a central axis of the holder and of the hollow portion.

In some examples, the angle is substantially perpendicular.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a collapsible handle coupled to the holder. The collapsible handle, when extended, is positioned to protrude through the first end of the shaft and operable to rotate the holder about the pivot. In some examples, the shaft includes a hollow portion. In some examples, the collapsible handle is positioned between the hollow portion and an edge of the first extension portion.

In some examples, the second perimeter is equal to the third perimeter. In some examples, the ratio of the first perimeter to the second perimeter is not less than 1 to 1.05 and not greater than 1 to 1.5.

In some examples, each of the first perimeter, second perimeter, and third perimeter include at least one curved portion. Each of the shaft, first extension portion, and second extension portion have a length in the first direction and a dimension in another direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction that is greater than the length in the first direction.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a textile material covering the first end and a first side of the first extension portion. In some examples, the shaft further includes a hollow portion. In some examples, the textile material includes a means of opening to access the hollow portion.

In some examples, the apparatus further includes a number of straps. Each strap of the number of straps includes a first end fixedly coupled to at least one of the first extension portion and the second extenasion portion and a second end opposite to the first end and removably coupled to at least one of the first extension portion and the second extension portion. Each strap of the number of straps has a length greater than or equal to a length of the shaft.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a plate fixedly coupled to the pivot at the second end of the shaft. In some examples, the plate includes an aperture configured to receive a wearable strap.

In some examples, the holder is configured to rotate about the pivot in a first radial direction to coil the coiled object around the shaft and rotate about the pivot in a second radial direction opposite to the first radial direction to uncoil an the coiled object from around the shaft.

In some examples, in a virtual plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the rotation of the holder, the first extension portion extends laterally beyond the shaft around a totality of the first perimeter.

One example of the present disclosure includes a system. The system includes a holder extending in a first direction. The holder includes a shaft, a first extension portion, and a second extension portion. The shaft extends in the first direction and has a first perimeter. The first extension portion is on the first end of the shaft and extends in a second direction at an angle with respect to the first direction. The first extension portion has a second perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The second extension portion is on a second end of the shaft opposite to the first end of the shaft. The second extension portion has a third perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The holder is configured to receive a coiled object between the first extension portion and the second extension portion. The system also includes a pivot. The holder is rotatably coupled to the pivot. The system includes a plate fixedly coupled to the pivot and a wearable strap coupled to the plate.

In some examples, the wearable strap is a portion of a wearable harness. In some examples, the wearable strap is a wearable strap of a backpack. In some examples, the system includes a textile material covering the first end of the holder and a first side of the first extension portion. In some examples, the shaft includes a hollow portion, and the textile material includes a means of opening to access the hollow portion. In some examples, the system includes a handle coupled to the holder, and the handle protrudes through the textile material. In some examples the handle is operable to rotate the holder about the pivot. In some examples, the handle is further operable to rotate the holder about the pivot and with respect to the plate while the wearable strap is worn by a user.

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view illustrating one example of an apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, in some examples, the apparatus 100 includes a holder 102 and a pivot 116 to which the holder 102 is rotatably coupled. In some examples, the holder 102 includes a shaft 104, a first extension portion 106, and a second extension portion 110.

In some examples, the holder 102 extends in a first direction X. In some examples, the holder 102 is substantially cylindrically shaped. However, examples of the present disclosure are not so limited. In some examples, the holder 102 has at least some portions that are rounded. In other examples, the holder 102 is substantially rectangular.

In some examples, the holder 102 includes a shaft 104 extending in the first direction X. In some examples, a cross-section in the YZ plane of the shaft 104 is, for example, a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the shaft 104 has a first perimeter of not less than 10 centimeters and not greater than 100 centimeters. In some examples, the shaft 104 is made of at least one of the following materials: a metallic material, stainless steel, foam, plastic, wood, silicon, rubber, and/or any combination thereof.

In some examples, the holder 102 includes first extension portion 106 positioned on a first end 108 of the shaft 104 and a second extension portion 110 positioned on a second end 108 of the shaft 104. In some examples, these extension portions 106 and 110 extend radially outward from the outer perimeter of the shaft 104. In some examples, the first extension portion extends 106 in a second direction at an angle with respect to the first direction X. In some examples, the first extension portion 106 and/or the second extension portion 110 extend in a second direction Y that is perpendicular to a first direction X. However, examples of the present disclosure are not so limited. In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, the extension portions 106 and 110 also extend in a third direction Z that is also perpendicular to the first direction X in addition to extending in the second direction Y. In some examples, one or both of the extension portions 106 and 110 extend laterally beyond the shaft 104 around an entirety of the shaft 104's outer perimeter in the YZ virtual plane.

In some examples, the holder 102 is configured to receive a coiled object between the first extension portion 106 and the second extension portion 110 (for example, the rope 114 shown in FIG. 4A). In some examples, the perimeter of one or both of the extension portions 106 and 110 exceeds the perimeter of the shaft 104. In some examples, the increased perimeter of the extension portion(s) 106 and/or 110 helps to keep an object in place when it is coiled around the shaft 104. In some examples, a larger perimeter is beneficial in retaining a rope coiled multiple times around the shaft 104. In some examples, the perimeter of the first extension portion 106 is equal to or similar to the circumference of the second extension portion 110. In some examples, a ratio of an outer perimeter of the shaft 104 to an outer perimeter of the first extension portion 106 and/or second extension portion 110 is between 1 to 1.05 and 1 to 1.5.

In some examples, the shaft 104, first extension portion 106, and/or second extension portion 110 have a length in the first direction X that is less than a dimension in another direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the shaft 104 has a length l1 in the first direction X that is less than its height hi in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. In some examples, the shaft 104 has a length l1 that is not less than 10 centimeters and not greater than 70 centimeters. In some examples, the shaft 104 has a height hi that is greater than length l1, not less than 10 centimeters, and not greater than 70 centimeters. In some examples, the first extension portion 106 has a height in the second direction Y that is greater than its dimension in the first direction X and than the height hi of the shaft 104.

While FIG. 1A illustrates a first extension portion 106 with an oval shape, examples of the present disclosure are not so limited. In some examples, although not illustrated herein, the first extension portion 106 and/or second extension portion 110 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. In some examples, a cross-section in the YZ plane of the first extension portion 106 and/or second extension portion 110 includes at least one of the following: a circular shape, an ellipse, an oval, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, a square, and/or any combination thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, in some examples, the first extension portion 106 has a thickness t1 near a top edge of the shaft 104 that is greater than a thickness t2 at another side of the shaft 104. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1A, in some examples the first extension portion 106 and/or the second extension portion 110 includes one or more lips or grooves around the perimeter to aid in retaining the coiled object.

In some examples, the apparatus 100 includes a pivot 116 to which the holder 102 is rotatably coupled. In some examples, the pivot 116 extends substantially parallel to the first direction X. In some examples, the pivot 116 extends through a central axis 118 of the holder 102. Thus, in some examples, the holder 102 is configured to rotate about the central axis 118 while the pivot 116 remains stationary. In some examples, the pivot 116 is positioned above, below, and/or to the side of the central axis 118.

Although FIG. 1A illustrates an example in which the holder 102 rotates around a pivot 116 and the pivot 116 extends at least partially into the shaft 104, examples of the present disclosure are not so limited. For example, in some examples, the pivot 116 is a bearing around which the holder 102 rotates. In some examples, the pivot 116 is positioned at the second end 112. In some examples, the pivot 116 is of a size and shape such that it does not extend into the shaft 104 and the shaft 104 is completely or substantially hollow, as shown in FIG. 3.

In some examples, the pivot 116 is coupled to a plate 120. In some examples, the pivot 116 is fixed with respect to the plate 120. In some examples, an end of the pivot 116 is welded, soldered, and/or brazed to the plate 120. In some examples, the pivot 116 is coupled to the plate 120 at the second end 112 of the shaft 104.

In some examples, the plate 120 is removably coupled to the pivot 116. Thus, in such examples, the holder 102, if coupled to the pivot, is configured to be attached and detached from different types of plates 120. In some examples, the releasable coupling of the plate 120 allows the apparatus 100 to be adaptable for different applications. For example, one plate 120 is shaped to be positioned against a user's back. Although not pictured, in some examples, the plate 120 is shaped to be positioned against a user's chest. In some examples, the pivot 116 is removably coupled to the plate, the holder 102 is configured to be used with different types of plates 120, depending on how the user would prefer to wear the apparatus 100. In other examples, the shaft 104 is removably coupled to the pivot 116.

In some examples, the plate 120 is welded onto the second extension 110. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1A, in some examples, the plate 120 is removably attached to a front of a wearable harness, such as a backpack. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the first end 108 of the shaft 104 is attachable to a back of a wearable harness, such as a backpack. In some examples, the plate 120 is shaped in any manner sufficient for comfortable wearing. Additionally, although referred to as a “plate” herein, in some examples, the plate 120 includes any number of flexible and/or rigid materials.

In some examples, the plate 120 is removably attached to a wearable harness, as will be described herein. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 1A, the plate 120 a number of slots 130 configured to receive one or more straps of a wearable harness and/or backpack, as will be described herein.

In some examples, the holder 102 is configured to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when a force (e.g., torque) is applied. In some examples, the plate 120 and/or the holder 102 is attached to a motor, and the motor is configured to power rotation of the holder 102 to coil or uncoil an object from around the shaft 104. In other examples, the user applies an initial force to the holder 102, and the momentum from the initial force allows the holder 102 to rotate on its own until the object 114 is completely wound and/or unwound from around the shaft 104. In some examples, rotating of the holder 102 in a first radial direction r1 coils an object 114 held against the shaft 104 around the shaft 104. In some examples, rotating the holder 102 in a second radial direction opposite to the first radial direction r1 uncoils the same object 114 from around the shaft 104. In some examples, the motor is battery-powered. In some examples, the coiled rope 114 is contained between the first extension portion 106 and the second extension portion 110.

In some examples, the apparatus 100 is configured to load an object such as a rope onto the holder 102 through rotation of the holder 102 about the central axis 118. In some examples, a first end of a coiled object is fastened to or held against the shaft 104. In some examples, the holder 102 is configured to then be rotated (e.g., by cranking the handle 124 or applying force to the first extension portion 106) such that the object is coiled around the shaft 104.

In some examples, the handle 124 is configured to aid the application of this force. FIG. 1B is a side view illustrating one example of the apparatus 100 with an extended handle 124 according to the present disclosure. In some examples, the handle 124 is coupled to the holder 102. In some examples, the handle 124 is collapsible, retractable, and/or extendable. In some examples, the handle 124 is positioned to protrude through the first end 108 of the shaft 104 when the handle 124 is extended, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. In some examples, the holder 102 includes a space configured to receive the handle 124 in its retracted state. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the holder 102, in some examples, includes an opening 134 that receives the handle 124. In some examples, the handle 124 is configured to lock into place within the holder 102 when retracted.

In some examples, the handle 124 is positioned at a bottom end of the first end 108 of the shaft 104. In some examples, the handle 124 is positioned between the hollow portion 134 and an outer perimeter of the first extension portion 106. However, in some examples, the handle 124 is positioned anywhere on the apparatus 100 such that it is accessible by a user wanting to wind and/or unwind an object coiled around the shaft 104.

The present disclosure includes methods of use including a user gripping the handle 124, applying force to the handle 124, and cranking the apparatus 100 via the handle 124 such that the holder 102 rotates about a central axis 118, thereby winding or unwinding a coiled object. In some examples, the handle 124, when fully extended, is of any suitable length to accomplish this winding and/or unwinding. In some examples, the handle 124 has a length of not less than three centimeters and not greater than forty centimeters, when fully extended.

In some examples, the design of the apparatus 100 will allow a coiled object of a particular shape, weight, or combination thereof to uncoil itself from the shaft 104 with minimal effort on the part of the user. Examples of the present disclosure include methods of use in which the user performs an initial pull on the coiled object. In some examples, the initial pull creates enough momentum for the holder 102 to continue to rotate until the object has been completely uncoiled from the shaft 104. In some examples, the same is true for coiling the object onto the shaft 104.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, in some examples, the apparatus 100 includes one or more hollow portions 134. In some examples, each hollow portion 134 extends from a first end 108 of the holder 102 to the second end 112. In some examples, these hollow portions 134 are configured to receive objects for storage. In some examples, they also serve to make the apparatus 100 more lightweight. As shown in FIG. 3, in some examples, the holder 102 includes a single hollow portion 134.

FIG. 1C is a bottom view further illustrating the collapsed or retracted handle 124 examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, in some examples, the handle 124 extends in the first direction X when extended or not collapsed. In some examples, the shaft 104 includes an opening configured to receive the handle 124 when it is in the collapsed or retracted state.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a system 200, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. In some examples, the system 200 includes an apparatus 100 according to the examples of FIGS. 1A-C. In some examples, the apparatus 100 includes a holder 102 and a pivot 116 to which the holder 102 is rotatably coupled. In some examples, the system 200 also includes the plate 120 coupled to the pivot 116.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in some examples, the system 200 is configured to be worn by a user 132. As such, in some examples, the system 200 also includes one or more wearable straps 122. In some examples, the wearable straps 122 are coupled to the plate 120. In other examples, the straps 122 are coupled to another part of the apparatus 100, such as the holder 102 and/or the pivot 116. In some examples, the straps 122 are configured to allow the user 132 to slip their arms through the straps 122 to wear the system 200 on their back.

In some examples, the holder 102 is configured to rotate with respect to the pivot 116 while the system 200 is being worn by the user 132. As such, examples of the present disclosure allow for coiling/uncoiling a coiled object 114 from around the shaft 104 while the user 132 is wearing the straps 122. In some examples, the user 132 and/or another user not wearing the straps 122 applies an initial rotational force to the holder 102 (e.g., via the handle 124) while the system 200 is being worn by the user 132. In some examples, momentum generated by the motion resulting from the initial rotational force causes the holder 102 to continue to rotate about the pivot 116 and with respect to the plate 120, at least until the coiled object 114 is substantially uncoiled from and/or coiled around the shaft 104. As such, examples of the present disclosure allow for loading and unloading of coiled objects onto and/or off of the holder 102 with minimal user effort and without the need for the user 132 to remove the system 200 from themselves.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a disassembled system 300, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. In some examples, the system 300 includes a holder 302 and a plate 320. In some examples, the holder 302 and the plate 320 are analogous to the holder 102 and the plate 120 of the apparatus 100 described in connection with FIGS. 1A-2. In some examples, the system 300 is an example of the system 200 shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, in some examples, the holder 302 includes a single hollow portion 334. Although the pivot 116 is not shown in FIG. 3, in some examples, the holder 302 includes an opening 336 that is configured to receive the pivot 116. In some examples, when the opening 336 receives the pivot 116, the pivot 116 protrudes into the hollow portion 334.

FIG. 4A is a side view illustrating an example of a system 400, according to the present disclosure. In some examples, the system 400 illustrated in FIG. 4A includes examples of the systems and apparatuses 100, 200, and/or 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-3, with various additions. Although FIGS. 4A-C show a cloth exterior 126 that obscures the holder 102 from view, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the system 400 includes a holder, such as holder 102 or 202.

In some examples, the wearable straps 122 are straps configured to be fitted around a user's shoulder or waist. In some examples, the wearable straps 122 are portions of a wearable harness. In some examples, the wearable harness includes: a backpack, a belt, a rock climbing harness, and/or any combination thereof.

In some examples, the holder 102 is configured to receive a coiled object 114. In some examples, this coiled object 114 includes: rope, string, straps, twine, cords, wire, chains, fishing line, and/or any combination thereof. In some examples, the system 400 includes a set of retaining members 128, such as retaining straps. In some examples, the retaining members 128 are coupled to the second extension portion 110 and removably coupled to the first extension portion 106. In other examples, the retaining members 128 are coupled to the first extension portion 106 and removably coupled to a second end 112 of the holder 102 and vice versa. As such, in some examples, the retaining members 128 are removable from the second end 112 to allow the holder 102 to receive a coiled object 114 and re-attachable or re-couplable to the second end 112 in order to secure the coiled object 114 for storage and/or transport. In some examples, the retaining members 128 include: straps, hook-and-loop fasteners, a button, a snap, a buckle, and/or any combination thereof. In some examples, the retaining members 128 are made of a flexible, stretchable material. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in some examples, the retaining members 128 are attachable to an end of the holder 102 (e.g., the first end 108) and configured to then be wrapped around a portion of the object 114. In some examples, the retaining members 128 are couplable to the first end 108 of the holder 102 and then wrapped around a portion of rope 114. In some examples, the retaining members 128 each have a length that is greater than or equal to the length l1 of the shaft 104.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in some examples the apparatus 100 includes a cloth exterior 126 on the first end 108 of the shaft, the second end 112 of the shaft 104, or both. In some examples, the cloth exterior 126 includes a textile material covering the first end 108 and first extension portion 106. In some examples, the cloth exterior 126 allows for storage and/or transport of items within the hollow portions 134 of the shaft 104 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In some examples, the cloth exterior 126 includes a means 138 of opening the cloth exterior 126 to access the hollow portion 134. Such means 138 include, for example, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, and/or other means to allow a user to access such items. In some examples, the cloth exterior 126 includes, but is not limited to, any of the following materials: canvas, cotton, nylon, leather, reflective material, polyester, PVC fabric, corduroy, or any combination thereof.

In some examples, the handle 124 protrudes through the cloth exterior 126. In other examples, the handle 124 is positioned on a portion of the first extension portion 106 and/or holder 102 that is not covered by the cloth exterior 126.

FIG. 4B is a front view further illustrating the system 400 of FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4C is another front view further illustrating the example of FIG. 4A being worn. As illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C, examples of the present disclosure allow hands-free storage and transportation of coiled objects, such as ropes.

As used herein, the term “rope” includes any object or material that includes a rope, cord, string, or combination thereof. Additionally, although the present disclosure may use the term “rope”, those of skill in the art will appreciate that examples of the present disclosure may be used to load, store, transport, and/or unload any coiled object or flexible material. For example, such objects and materials include, but are not limited to, rope, twine, string, cords, fishing line, wire, hoses, cables, and extension cords.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described examples are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.