Blackrapid strap info

carguy

Senior Member
My systems are older and do not have those, but from what I've seen they are one size. I'm sure the Black Rapid support team would be glad to validate :)
 

bikeit

Senior Member
So after waiting a few day Blackrapid finally got back to me, informing me that they no longer do parts for the Sport strap they only carry parts for the Sport breath strap, so anyone know where i could get the Lockstar part im looking for?
 

carguy

Senior Member
So after waiting a few day Blackrapid finally got back to me, informing me that they no longer do parts for the Sport strap they only carry parts for the Sport breath strap, so anyone know where i could get the Lockstar part im looking for?
Do you have a picture of the part you are looking for?
It appears they still have this LockStar piece available: BlackRapid | LockStar Breathe
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
By bully legal threats you mean enforcing patent infringement laws? LOL

There have been many embodiment's of the sliding sling strap for cameras since 2004. Many smaller companies also produced sling straps. In 2007, Blackrapid applied for a patent on the sling strap. The patent was granted in November 2011. Blackrapid immediately moved to eliminate competitive products that used the sling concept for cameras. A letter notifying infringement of a patent and threatening legal action was sent from the president of Blackrapid to the manufactures of sliding sling straps and to camera dealers who sold competitive product. One manufacturer immediately stopped production of their strap; others modified their design to avoid an expensive patent infringement law suit here in the United States. Hence, one can still buy the Carry Speed in Canada and overseas. If Blackrapid had such strong patent for all sling straps, why weren't these cases pursued overseas? This is not the first large company in the US that has rode roughshod over smaller competitors using questionable patents, and they won't be the last. Personally, I refuse to reward such action by any company with my business. Enough said on this subject.
 

bikeit

Senior Member
20170524_211158.jpg
 

spb_stan

Senior Member
I got one of the first B-R slings in 2008 or 2009, don't remember but at the time it seemed to be unique, never saw another similar one before seeing the Black Rapid. I still use it every day, and it still does just what I need it to do. I just looked at their web page and did not see any I was familiar with, I guess the old original with the phone/film holder is not made anymore. It is really handy to store spare batteries and cards, and back when phones were just phones and tiny, that is where I kept mine, right on the strap.
If they did not invent it, they sure were the first to perfect it and deserve a patent on the concept but I have not read the patent document so just guessing what it covers. Obviously others copied essential elements and dozens of imitation straps popped up by 2010. Some were cheap copies, others added a few features but all used important elements of the original. I am sure when served, the other companies knew they had no prior use of the concept before they saw a Black Rapid sling strap. If they had, they could have challenged to patent. Their attorneys likely told them they had no defense and changing their design or stopping infringing was a lot more secure and lower cost solution.
I would be likely to side with Black Rapid is protecting their patent asset, as a patent holder myself.
Their product did what I needed, at a fair price and it has held up well. when I needed more camera fasteners, and my local store did not have them.A letter asking where I could find one, back can a padded envelope with a new one for free. My admiration for their products just increased by their customer service.
The other companies did have the option to invent their own solution or license the existing infringing IP.
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
I would be likely to side with Black Rapid is protecting their patent asset, as a patent holder myself.

As a patent holder, they are obligated to protect their patent or risk having it invalidated. There is room for various designs that don't infringe on one's intellectual property, to suit different needs/requirements/price points. I probably have almost as many straps as I do camera bags. :)
 
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