Abstract: A belt arrangement for carrying a hand-held working tool has a back plate for positioning on the back of the operator using the working tool. The back plate has an upper end and a lower end. Shoulder straps are connected to the upper end of the back plate. The shoulder straps have forward ends. A lateral strap is connected to the back plate and loops forwardly. The lateral strap has a forward end. A support plate for supporting the working tool is positioned opposite the lateral strap. The support plate has a support strap having a first end connected to the lateral strap. A hip belt is connected to the lower end of the back plate and has a first portion looping forwardly from the back plate and connected to the first end of the support strap. The forward end of the lateral strap, the forward ends of the shoulder straps, and a free end of the first portion of the hip belt are positioned separate from one another. A connecting strap for each one of the forward ends of the shoulder straps is provided.

Abstract: A portage system for supporting light watercraft such as a canoe or kayak includes a frame having opposed first and second upright arms, a plurality of cross-struts interconnecting the arms, a pair of shoulder straps secured to a cross strut and a hip belt secured adjacent bottom ends of the upright members to removably secure the frame to a user. First and second thwart cradles are adjustably secured to top ends of the first and second upright arms so that a center thwart of the watercraft may engage the first and second thwart cradles to support the watercraft at varying heights above the user.

Abstract: A belt assembly is pivotally connected to a load support structure of a load carrying system and includes a rear panel and a pair of lateral panels. The lateral panels are pivotally coupled to the rear panel. When the belt assembly is worn, the rear panel covers a user's lumbar region and the lateral panels wrap around the user's hips. The belt assembly includes a removable pad which is preferably connected to the rear and lateral panels by a hook and loop fastener system. A strap secures the belt assembly around the user's hips. The pivotal connections between the panels of the belt assembly and between the belt assembly and the load support system enable the belt assembly to afford a user considerable freedom of movement when worn.

Abstract: The wiring harness assembly of the present invention is an electrical and structural network which serves as a distribution system for the command/control signals and power of a comprehensive warfare system. The warfare system, which in worn by an individual soldier, contains multiple subsystems. The wiring harness assembly includes four distinct segments which allow each subsystem to communicate with a central microprocessor and with each other. The wiring harness assembly includes the Torso Segment which is partially embedded within the frame of an equipment carrier borne by the individual soldier. The embedded portion of the wiring harness assembly is protected from any harsh environment that may be encountered by the soldier. Other segments include the Integrated Helmet Assembly Subsystem Segment, the Weapon Subsystem Segment, and the Sensor Subsystem Segment which provide the electrical network for a variety of equipment options available to the soldier.

Abstract: A system for carrying articles on one's back consists of a load carrier (1) integral with a back part of a carrying harness including a waist strap (3) and shoulder straps fastened to the bottom (9) and to the top of the back part. The system also includes a U-shaped rigid frame fastened to the back part. Preferably, the free ends of the U-shaped frame are retained in a rear face of the waist strap. A pair of spacers having an inverted V-shape interconnect the waist strap and the bottom of the back part and define a ventilation space for the sweat of the wearer. Preferably, the system is designed for an ergonomic backpack.

Abstract: An improved universal adjustable modular load backpack for carrying heavy loads to be used in conjunction with a multi-functional, soldier-centered, computer enhanced warfare system includes storage modules releasably mounted on a flexible pack frame extending the wearer's level of comfort and range of motion. The storage modules provide for a versatile pack load configuration and may be quickly withdrawn from the pack frame by the wearer without removing the pack frame. The pack frame is also provided with an integrated adjustment mechanism for selectively increasing or decreasing the length of the shoulder support straps and rib-cage straps of the backpack, and the distance between the waist belt and the pack frame so as to adapt to the wearer's torso and waist without having to remove the backpack from the wearer's back.

Abstract: A backpack frame is molded integrally from composite fiber and resin material to provide a light yet strong frame. The frame includes top and bottom members and a pair of side members. A pair of vertical ribs extend between the top and bottom members, and a plurality of horizontal members extend between the side members. The frame has torsional flexibility about a longitudinal axis which is generally parallel to the side members. Each of the ribs has a generally kidney-shaped cross section which is provided by a groove in the rib. A sack is slidably attached to the frame by elongated beaded attaching members which are sewn to the sack. Each bead is slidably inserted into a key-hole shaped channel in one of the side members. A suspension system includes shoulder straps, a waist belt, and a back pad. Each part of the suspension is formed from closed cell foam which is compression molded to form air-circulating grooves. One or both sides of the foam has a flame laminated skin.

Abstract: A drip syringe backpack frame is provided which includes an inverted T-shaped backpack plate adapted for releasable coupling to a user by means of a waist belt and a pair of shoulder straps. The inverted T-shaped backpack plate includes a pair of anchor sleeves disposed in longitudinally spaced relationship for securing an extendable drip syringe suspension rod thereto. The extendable suspension rod is formed by a longitudinally extended tubular outer tube in which is telescopically received an inner rod. The distal end of the inner rod is adapted for supporting a drip syringe solution container.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable wheeled game cart can be compacted, as by folding, and attached to a shoulder harness so that it can be carried by a person on his or her back as if a backpack frame. This allows for easy transport of the compacted cart, and any gear attached to it, to a hunting site. In the preferred embodiment, the cart has a lever length in the form of an elongated frame for lifting and supporting game, and a pair of wheels to provide a rolling fulcrum, the frame being hinged in generally the middle. By removing the shoulder harness and unfolding the frame, the pack frame transforms into a cart. A person may then transport game and/or rescue victims from remote areas.

Abstract: A combination canoe carrier and camp chair. The carrier supports an inverted canoe on a person's back and is also capable of being converted to a folding camp chair. The chair includes two rectangular frames pivotally connected intermediate their ends. Webbing is secured to the frame to provide seat and back portions and the frames are interconnected by straps to provide a chair configuration. In the canoe carrier mode a web interconnects upper ends of the frames to support the thwart of the inverted canoe. Suitable shoulder straps and a hip belt are also attached to the carrier.

Abstract: A baby carrier apparatus includes a shoulder harness assembly which includes a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap, each of which has a front portion and a back portion. The front and back portions of the first and second shoulder straps are attached to a circumferential binder. Rings are attached to the first and second shoulder straps. A seat assembly has a baby-bottom-receiving portion and a baby-back-receiving portion. The baby-bottom-receiving portion includes front restraint-strap receiving loops, and the baby-back-receiving portion includes back restraint-strap receiving loops. A weight-support strap assembly is attached to a bottom portion of the baby-bottom-receiving portion of the seat assembly. The weight-support strap assembly includes an adjustable length portion. The weight-support strap assembly includes end connectors for selectively connecting to tings either attached to the first shoulder strap or attached to the second shoulder strap.

Abstract: A backpack carrier device for directing the weight of the burden carried toward the center of gravity of the wearer, which will permit carrying heavier than normal burdens much more comfortably with less energy expended. The design of this carrier is helixical with inherent shock absorption and flexibility, plus an adjustable shock absorbing mechanism. It also permits greater maneuverability of the wearer and eliminates compression forces on the shoulders since there are no shoulder straps. The carrier is adjustable to fit differing torso sizes and can be disassembled into component parts. It will permit the carrying of a variety of backpacks according to the needs of the wearer, eg. day pack, child carrier, military pack, fireman's pack, etc.

Abstract: A pack includes a bag and a belt attached to the bag for releasably securing the pack around the torso of a person. The belt has a first flexible belt portion extending from the bag at one side of the torso of the person and terminating at a free end, and a second flexible belt portion extending from the bag at the other side of the torso of the person and terminating at a free end. A connecting device on each flexible belt portion releasably connects the belt portions to secure the belt around the torso of the person. The connecting device on the first belt portion is movable longitudinally along the length of the first belt portion for shortening and lengthening the first belt portion when tightening the belt about the person's torso. The pack further has a rigid loop affixed to the pack adjacent to the first belt portion.

Abstract: A backpack hip-brace assembly is disclosed, which individual hip-brace is interchangeable and operable upon either backpack frame side; is slidably positionable along the frame; and is laterally displaceable with respect to a wearer's body so as to pivot the backpack for redistribution of the load.

Abstract: An air tank bracket comprises a pair of resilient, C-shaped clips projecting from an elongate, vertically mounted backplate. A footplate for supporting the neck of an air tank extends from the bottom end of the back plate. A horizontally extending cross bar is secured proximate the upper end of the backplate. An arm, preferably of resilient material, is mounted for pivoting movement at each end of the cross bar. Friction pads or the like are provided to maintain the arms in a raised position once they have been lifted. The free end of each arm includes a slit for receiving one of the shoulder straps of the air tank. When the arms are lifted, the shoulder straps are held in a ready-to-wear position.

Abstract: A belt structure, particularly for carrying diving equipment, comprises a closure strap (2) having at least one free portion (7a; 7b) on a surface of which are secured at least two first securement elements (13), typically in the form of loops. A second securement element (14) is carried by a wing of a substantially rigid dorsal carrying element (1), so as to modify the effective length of the free portion according to the different sizes of the users.

Abstract: A standard bent aluminum tube and nylon webbed lawn chair (1) is retrofitted with a pair of padded shoulder straps (15), a padded shoulder support (16), a fold down cargo platform (11) and a padded waist belt (19) so that when the chair is folded up into its storage position it will function as a backpack. The cargo platform (11) is pivotally attached to the bottom cross piece (2) which connects the back pair of leg uprights (4). The shoulder straps (15) are attached side by side in spaced apart relation across the upper and lower shoulder strap cross pieces (16 and 17), using detent pins or bolts (23). Upper shoulder strap cross piece (16) is fixed across the pair of aluminum tubes (5) which form the sides of the back of the folding lawn chair (1). Likewise, lower shoulder strap cross piece (17) is fixed across the pair of aluminum tubes (4) which form the back legs of the folding lawn chair (1 ).

Abstract: A carrier for convenient support of a child on an adult in either the facing-in or facing-away position includes a waist belt with abdominal support portion, a saddle seat that mounts to the abdominal support portion in either position, an over-the-shoulder harness that attaches at spaced locations on the front of the abdominal support portion, then crisscrosses the back and comes over the shoulder to two narrower vest support straps which clip to portions of the seat. A pocket vest slideably mounts on the vest support straps and a retaining strap laces through the abdominal support portion and the height adjustment loops on the pocket vest.

Abstract: A load support including a central body mounting assembly and a shoulder mounting assembly associated with the central body mounting assembly, the shoulder mounting assembly including first and second shoulder engagement elements which are arranged to be supported by first and second shoulders of a user, the first and second shoulder engagment elements being interconnected such that orientation of a first shoulder of the user higher than his second shoulder produces a corresponding orientation of the first and second shoulder engagement elements, thus maintaining a desired load distribution between the two shoulders independent of the relative orientation thereof.

Abstract: A backpack system having upper and lower modules that are connected by a three-axes ball joint assembly. This joint assembly permits free movement of the hips relative to the shoulders in all directions while transmitting the load to the hips.The backpack system can easily be separated into upper and lower modules which can be worn independently of each other.

Abstract: An improved strap assembly is provided for use with a backpack for allowing the independent adjustment of the stabilizing straps and shoulder pads of a backpack. The strap assembly includes a pair of shoulder pads anchored at one end to the backpack and at the opposite end to a pair of first adjustment buckles. A shoulder pad adjustment strap is also threaded through the first buckle and is anchored at the lower end of the backpack. A second pair of adjustment buckles are attached at the upper end of the backpack and have a pair of stabilizing straps threaded therethrough. The stabilizing straps slide freely through cross straps upon the shoulder pads and also slide freely through a widened opening within the first adjustment buckles. Each stabilizing strap is anchored at the lower end of the backpack adjacent the anchorage of the shoulder pad adjustment strap to the backpack.

Abstract: An improved backpack frame is provided with an upper section adapted to be selectively and adjustably pivoted about a lower section allowing the weight of the upper section to counterbalance the weight of the lower section so that the center of gravity of the pack load is substantially over the hip line of the bearer. Positioning of the weight load over the hip line provides the backpack frame bearer with a less tiring and more comfortable means of bearing heavy loads. The upper section pivots about an axis just above and parallel with the shoulders of the bearer and contains a clearance for the head to allow forward positioning. The amount of pivoting is controlled by the backpack frame bearer in accordance with the terrain and conditions being traversed, and a pivot hinge and slide mechanism allow easy underway adjustment. The lower backpack section is fitted to the body from the shoulders to the waist by a harness.

Abstract: A backpack support device which utilizes interconnected front and back crossing straps and a separate waist strap, the straps providing for a more even distribution of the backpack load. The support device comprises a shaped member and a padded member affixed to the surface of the shaped member in contact with the wearer's back. The shaped member of the support device, shaped to the curvature of a wearer's back, and the interconnection points of the crossing straps and the waist belt over the femur joint enable the load from the backpack to be more evenly distributed along the entire back of the wearer.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a backpack for holding and carrying a skateboard. The skateboard backpack of the invention includes a flexible frame for receiving and holding a skateboard and a harness connected to the frame for securing the rigid frame to the back of the user.

Abstract: A backpack comprises a front panel adapted to lie against the back of a wearer of the pack, a vertical guide rail fixed to the front panel generally centrally thereon, and a pair of cushions flanking the rail, secured to the panel, and projecting forward therefrom past the rail. An upper slide displaceable vertically along the rail is provided with a latch for arresting it at any of a plurality of locations therealong and shoulder straps adapted to engage over the shoulder of the wearer of the pack have upper ends secured to the upper slide. A lower slide displaceable vertically along the rail is also provided with a latch for arresting it at any of a plurality of locations therealong and a belt adapted to engage around the torso of the wearer of the pack is secured to the lower slide.

Abstract: A backpack having one or more belt structures that can be quickly adjusted to fit persons of different physical size (fat or thin). Each belt structure includes a flexible belt element wound a multiple number of turns around a rotary reel located within a small housing disposed on the frontal side area of the person wearing the backpack. A spiral clock spring within the housing exerts a force on the reel tending to pull the belt element into the housing, such that the belt structure adapts to an individual person's torso measurements. The backpack would enjoy primary usage by firefighters who may need to fasten the backpack in place very quickly in order to move into a fire zone where equipment attached to the backpack is useful or essential.

Abstract: Camera support device, worn on the body, provided with a supporting framework and equilibrated movable arms. The support framework has a rigid shell, composed of two half-shells (4,5), which rest on the stomach region and lumbar region of the user (2). Pivoting attachment device (14,15) are disposed symmetrically at each side, on the ends of two half-frames (18,19), and are joined in such a way that they remain constantly parallel. Both half-frames (18,19) are provided with a hinged part (21), rigidly attached to the camera (3). Equilibrium springs (26) between the half-frames (18,19) and the shell (4,5) balance the weight of the camera (3).

Abstract: The device comprises three parts, the first part being constituted by a rigid frame of rectangular shape with means for support and flexible elements to be attached to the body of the operator and a rigid element adapted to support the second part. The second part comprises three structures of which: (1) the first structure consists essentially of a longitudinal rigid element (11) connected at one end to the rigid support element (10) of the first part by coupling means which permit freedom of rotation according to a vertical axis; (2) the second structure consists of a rigid elongated box (12) connected to the other end of said first element (11) by coupling means with freedom of rotation around a vertical axis; and (3) the third structure consists of a lever (13) which has its fulcrum in the second structure by means of coupling means with freedom of rotation around a horizontal axis.

Abstract: An infant carrier includes a harness and a pouch removably secured to the harness. The harness and the pouch are of materials suitable for use in an aqueous environment. The removability of the pouch renders the invention adaptable for interchanging pouches in accordance with the size of the infant to be carried as is desirable, and for replacing harnesses and/or pouches for other reasons as the need may arise from time to time.

Abstract: An exoskeletal carriage for articles to be carried by a person. It includes a belt for supporting the carriage. A front and rear blade-like columnar member is attached to the belt. The columnar members include a channel shape along at least a part of their vertical dimension to give columnar support with minimal bending. Articles to be carried can be attached to the columnar members.

Abstract: A backpack having a front panel normally riding on the back of the wearer according to this invention has a front panel which is vertically elongated and which is formed of an at least semirigid shell having a shape generally complementary to that of the back of the wearer and constucted to be relatively bendable longitudinally and relatively stiff transversely. Thus the panel can bend forward and back, that is about a horizontal axis, but cannot flex about a vertical axis. This is achieved by forming the shell with transverse rigidifying formations so it is longitudinally relatively bendable and transversely relatively stiff. These formations according to this invention are ridges or grooves.

Abstract: An improved back pack and shoulder child carrier apparatus including a solid, lightweight constructed child carrier detachably mounted to a horizontal tubular platform on the top portion of a back pack frame structure for a more uniform distribution of the child's weight throughout the upper and lower back of the adult. The majority of the weight being forced toward the upper back due to an improved seat structure having a frontwardly provided saddle bow and a saddle bow collar cutout, the saddle bow also provides added support about the crotch of the child being carried. The minority of the child's weight is then uniformly distributed downwardly to the adult's lower back by the side frame members which extend rearwardly then downwardly towards the lower back of the adult wearer.

Abstract: A frame pack is disclosed that is useful as a body mountable structure for retaining and/or transporting various articles which facilitates both a less restricted range of motion in the hips and shoulders of a user due to the load distribution thereon while maintaining and/or enhancing stability of the pack during use. The pack includes a storage portion mounted on a framework, and a shoulder harness that is attachable to various locations along a vertical member of the framework. The pack includes a load distributing waist harness assembly that has a padded waist belt mounted on a substantially rigid member and a plurality of appendages meeting at a central portion pivotably mounted to a lower, central portion of the frame, with the appendages and the frame having portions for receiving motion restraining members to variably limit pivotal motion.

Abstract: A unitary back-pack air supply to supply air to a pneumatic hand tool. The back-pack includes a substantially flat, rectilinear frame defining an air supply chamber and substantially flat vertical front and rear planes. Shoulder and waist straps are connected with the frame to extend over the shoulders and about the waist of a wearer and to support the frame at the wearer's back. A heat and sound insulating and vibration dampening back engaging panel is carried by the frame at the front plane thereof. A mounting plate is positioned rearward of the rear plane of the frame and is connected thereto by shock mounting devices. An engine driven air compressor unit is mounted on the plate to project rearwardly therefrom. An air supply line connects the unit with the chamber of the frame. An elongate flexible air delivery line connects with and extends between the frame and a pneumatic tool engaged in one hand of the wearer.

Abstract: A cutter bar assembly is suspended from an overhead arm carried by an operator mounted back pack structure. A flexible coupling carries the cutter bar assembly in a manner causing the assembly to assume a position inclined from the vertical for the trimming of Christmas trees. An engine and transmission are mounted on the cutter bar assembly with motion being imparted to the cutter blades by angular connector plates. A handlebar is attached to the cutter bar assembly in a manner offsetting the latter to one side of the operator for minimal operator contact with the vegetation being trimmed. A modified form includes an engine on the back pack with a flexible drive line to a transmission in place on the cutter bar assembly. Engine controls are in place on a drive shaft coupling.

Abstract: This device holds an optical aid such as a pair of binoculars at a user's eyes, without the support of the user's arms and hands. The user applies only small upward or downward pilot force to a point on the device well below the optical aid. To change or maintain the vertical position of the optical aid the user need not even raise the hands above the chest. The device is mechanically articulated so that, guided only by the pilot force which is simply upward or downward, the optical aid can track and follow the user's head and eyes in both position and angle as the user shifts his view up and down between the horizon and the zenith. The device is attached to or worn by the user, while springs or counterbalancing support the weight from the user's torso, to free the user's arms and hands.

Abstract: A carrier of the backpack type is disclosed, for use by firefighters in transporting a smoke ejector to a location within the building where it is to be used in removing smoke from the building interior. A back plate may be quickly strapped to the firefighter's back, and includes a first pair of clamp elements affixed to the back plate. Second and third pairs of movable clamp elements are carried by a pair of transversely spaced bars mounted on the back plate for slidable and rotatable movement. The second and third pairs are spaced longitudinally of the bars, so that either movable pair of clamp elements can be used in cooperation with the fixed clamps, to engage the frame of a smoke ejector. The bars are under spring bias tending to urge the selected pair of movable clamp elements toward the fixed pair, for quickly and securely gripping the smoke ejector frame.

Abstract: A backpack with a frame to carry a load. The frame has a pair of upright rails, one at each side of the hiker. An encircling belt is attached to each of the upright rails, and a pair of shoulder rests fit over each of the shoulders. Front and rear risers connect to the front and rear legs of the shoulder rests. The rear risers rise from the back of the belt, and the front risers connect to the upright rails. Balance rods extend forwardly from the frame and are vertically pivotable. They can lift and lower the shoulder rests. Forward load-attachment devices on the balance rods can carry a forwardly mounted load.

Abstract: A tramper's pack comprising a sac and hip-belt secured to the sac by a load-transmitting connection comprised of a flexible webbing secured between substantially the mid-point of the width of the back of the sac and substantially the mid-point of the length of the hip-belt, the webbing being dimensioned and arranged to permit relative movement between the hip-belt and the sac in at least three directions; twisting, up and down, and in a curved plane parallel to the plane of the wearer's back. A buckle may be attached to each side of the sac and a stabilizer strap may be provided on each side of the hip-belt, each strap being adjustable in length and releasably securable to the buckle on the adjacent side of the sac. The webbing may comprise a first length secured between the hip-belt and one side of a buckle and a second length secured between the sac and the other side of the buckle, and the second length may be adjustable in length.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a portable cutter particularly useful in trimming and shaping standing growing trees of the evergreen type which has a cutting head mounted on one end of a rod, and a pistol grip type control handle on the other end. A second handle is secured on the rod substantially midway between the control handle and cutting head. A back pack having partial waist encircling support means with a belt and a securing buckle is provided with a pair of spaced apart vertical standards secured to said encircling support having a transverse connector therebetween above said waist support. The back pack is retained on the operator by a pair of shoulder strap connector means attached to each end of center of said transverse connector and connectable to said waist support. Back pack extension and guide means is carried by and secured to at least one of the vertical standards.

Abstract: A carrier is adapted to be worn by an adult to secure in place a child seated upon the adult's shoulders while leaving the arms of the adult free. The carrier has a frame with a pair of interconnected upright side members to be laterally spaced behind and projecting upwardly of the shoulders of the adult. A flexible back restraint attached to these frame members defines a retaining web which in use is spaced behind the head of the adult and supports the back and seat of the child. Front restraint means is attached to each of frame members and secures the child against movement out of the carrier in the forwards direction. A lower support includes a belt adapted to be strapped to the body and supported on the hips of the adult. A thrust support interconnects the frame to the belt. The retaining web has a bottom portion from which extend a pair of laterally spaced length-adjustable shoulder straps to extend over the front of the adult's shoulders and be attached to the lower support.

Abstract: A two-part harness for a motion picture or television cameraman has an upper part for engagement of the cameraman's shoulders and upper back, and a lower part engaging the cameraman's hips. The harness is used to support the weight of the camera and associated apparatus positioned in front of the cameraman, but the harness functions to place most of the vertical load on the hips and most of the horizntal load on the shoulders and upper back. The two parts of the harness are connected for vertical adjustment by the cameraman while wearing the harness.

Abstract: A canoe and paddle support to facilitate attachment of paddles to a canoe for storage, auto transport, and particularly portaging of the canoe. The invention has a body preferably made of a resilient material. The body has a lateral slot adapted to removably retain the thwart of a canoe, a longitudinal slot adapted to removably retain a canoe paddle and oriented in approximately perpendicular relation to the lateral slot, so that the paddle is held in an orientation approximately longitudinal with respect to the center line of the canoe, and a carrying surface facing downwardly when the thwart and the paddle are retained in the lateral and longitudinal slots and the canoe is inverted, the carrying surface being adapted to provide a convenient path for transmitting the weight of the canoe to the shoulders of the person transporting the canoe.

Abstract: A backpack and frame apparatus comprising a pair of tubular side bars and lateral cross-members for supporting a backpack and upper terminus of the shoulder harness. A supporting belt adapted to be coupled about the user's waist and hips includes downwardly projecting panels disposed on diametrically opposed sides of the belt and adapted to lie substantially below the waist of the user. A pair of lever arms are pivotally coupled at the lower end of each of the tubular side bars, the two lever arms being coupled to one another to provide for reciprocal movement of the arms about the pivotal coupling to the lower side bars. Each of the lever arms is secured to one of the downwardly projecting panels respectively to provide independence between the pack frame and the movement of the user.