Abstract: A backpack is provided with at least one cushioning bladder, the lower part of which extends across and beneath the bottom of the backpack, and an upper part extending part-way upwardly along the forward panel that generally conforms to the shape of the curvature of the thoracic region of the spine. The bladder may be filled with padding material such as a gel, foam, rubber, or fluid. The backpack has a content section, and a bladder section, and wherein the bladder section accommodates at least one bladder. The backpack may be provided with a pumping mechanism to fill the bladder with fluid, such as, air. The backpack may be provided with one or more internal or external pocket.

Abstract: A backpack for relieving stress, weight and pressure from a user's back comprises: a carrying pack for storing items, with top, forward panel to face the user's back with an upper and lower portion, sides, and, bottom; adjustable shoulder straps connected to the carrying pack, for placement of the straps over a user's shoulders and positioning the backpack behind the user's back; a pleated pouch pocket covering the lower portion of the forward panel and extending beneath the bottom of the carrying pack and having a forward surface facing the user's back; an inflatable bladder enclosed within the pouch pocket having a lower part extending across and beneath the bottom of the pack and an upper part extending part-way upwardly along the forward panel; a board enclosed and secured within the pouch pocket for preventing, expansion of the bladder into the carrying pack and puncturing of the bladder; valve means for the bladder accessible through the pouch pocket for permitting inflating and deflating the bladder; a

Abstract: A backpack provided with a cushioning bladder, the lower part of which extends across and beneath the bottom of the pack and an upper part extending part-way upwardly along the forward panel that generally conforms to the shape of the curvature of the thoracic region of the spine. The bladder may be filled with padding material such as a gel, foam, rubber or fluid.

Abstract: A backpack is provided with a cushioning, inflatable bladder, the lower part of which extends across the bottom and an upwardly extending part so as when inflated, it generally conforms to the shape of the curvature of the thoracic region of the spine. The bladder is enclosed within a zippered bag wrapped around it that is joined to the outer surface of the backpack. A pump is provided for inflating the bladder. The pump is hand operated with a bulb-shaped configuration and connected to the bladder by means of a tube. An air valve connected to the tube controls the amount of air flow into the bladder and maintains the bladder in inflated position after air has been pumped in, and also permits deflation of the bladder. The pump and valve may be stored in a side pocket of the backpack provided for that purpose. Optionally, the pump could be battery operated.

Abstract: An article for tightening together the ends of a lace includes a lace end receiving device having a pair of flexible, tubular members joined together lengthwise, each member including a lengthwise retaining passage therein. The end of the lace is received within, looped through and held within the tubular members of the lace end receiving device. By employing two lace end receiving devices, one at each end of the lace, the devices may be tied together, whereby the lace is tightened without the lace itself touching.

Abstract: An article for tightening together the ends of a lace includes a lace end receiving device having a pair of flexible, tubular members joined together lengthwise, each member including a lengthwise retaining passage therein. The end of the lace is received within, looped through and held within the tubular members of the lace end receiving device. By employing two lace end receiving devices, one at each end of the lace, the devices may be tied together, whereby the lace is tightened without the lace itself touching.