Abstract: The disclosure provides a brace for supporting a spine of a patient. The brace includes an anterior panel, a posterior panel, lateral panels bridging between the anterior panel and the posterior panel, and an adjustable belt tightenable around the anterior panel, the brace selectively configurable to include either lateral panels attachable to the posterior, a posterior thoracic extension attachable to the posterior panel or a dorsal lumbar extension attachable to the posterior panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular exoskeleton structure that provides force assistance to a user, comprising a base module (1) comprising a lumbar belt (11) capable of surrounding the lower trunk of the user, two hip modules capable of being attached to two respective thighs of the user, and a backpack support module (14) for an exoskeleton structure, comprising: a hoop (141) designed to be anchored to the hip modules, at the hips of a user, a support rod (142) designed to extend along the back of the user and capable of being engaged in a pouch of a backpack to suspend the backpack to the backpack support module (14), wherein the rod (142) comprises a first rod element (1421) connected to the hoop (141), a second rod element (1422) capable of sliding with respect to the first rod element (1421) so as to vary a length of the rod (142), and a damper for cushioning the movement of the second rod element (1421) with respect to the first rod element (1422) caused by the walking of the user.

Abstract: Case for containing an item and method of manufacture comprising: a first panel having a perimeter edge and at least one hinge for folding the first panel. A second panel having a perimeter edge and at least one hinge for folding the second panel. A side panel. A first fastener configured to attach the side panel to the perimeter edge of the first panel. A second fastener configured to attach the side panel to the perimeter edge of the second panel. Method of manufacture of a layered material comprising the steps of: placing a substrate between a first and a second layer of self-reinforced polypropylene (srPP). Bonding the layers of srPP and substrate by: stitching, or riveting through the first layer of srPP, the substrate and the second layer of srPP; or gluing the first layer of srPP, the substrate and the second layer of srPP together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems, methods, and apparatus for supporting a firearm from a person can be provided. For example, in one embodiment, a sling system for an object, such as a firearm or weapon, can be provided. The sling system can include a sling operable to mount an object to a portion of a person's body, wherein the sling comprises at least one adjustment loop. The sling system can also include an adjuster mounted to a portion of the at least one adjustment loop. Furthermore, the sling system can include a quick tab adjuster operable to change the size of the at least one adjustment loop, wherein the length of the sling can be changed when the sling is mounted to a portion of a person's body.

Abstract: A removably attachable reflective covering has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end and lower end may be removably attached to the upper end and lower end of a backpack or other item, respectively. The removably attachable reflective covering having a device attachment site to carry a light or GPS tracking device. The upper end has a void that can be inverted and receive the lower end and closed to completely enclose the lower end, allowing the removably attachable reflective covering to be conveniently stored.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a bag that includes intersecting securing elements coupled to the exterior. A positioning strap may be inserted under a first securing element, a second securing element, or both.

Abstract: A backpack has an air flow guide panel connected to the rear side of a rear storage pocket of the backpack such that an air flow channel is defined between opposing surfaces of the air flow guide panel and the rear storage pocket. The air flow guide panel and the pocket are shaped and arranged to define an inlet opening and an outlet opening in fluid communication with the air flow channel. The inlet opening is located adjacent the bottom of the pocket and the outlet opening is spaced apart along the height of the pocket from the inlet opening toward the top of the pocket. A blower is supported on the backpack for blowing air through the air flow channel along a flow path extending from the inlet opening through the outlet opening.

Abstract: Backpacks with adjustably spaced ventilation systems are disclosed and, more specifically, backpacks whose ventilation systems make minimal contact with the wearer and may be easily disengaged when not desired.

Abstract: The invention provides a backpack comprising: a shell having: a back wall; a bottom wall; a left side wall; a right side wall; and a front wall, the front wall having a height less than a height of the back wall, wherein an opening is defined between upper edges of the back wall, the side walls and the front wall; a cover having a periphery engaging the upper edges and covering the opening in a closed position; a pair of lower arms and a pair of upper arms, each arm having a proximal end pivotally mounted to one of: the right side wall; and the left side wall and a distal end pivotally mounted to one of: a right portion and a left portion of the cover respectively; and wherein a pair of four bar linkages are defined by the lower arms, the upper arms, the right and left side walls of the shell, and the right and left portions of the cover.

Abstract: A backpack includes a main bag and a long gun scabbard. The long gun scabbard includes an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve, the upper sleeve having a top opening accessible by a user, the lower sleeve being defined at least in part by a folding flap associated with the main bag. The lower sleeve has a front wall which is coextensive with a front wall of the upper sleeve, and a rear wall which is coextensive with a rear wall of the upper sleeve. The backpack can also include a handgun pocket with at least one access slit arranged in the main bag. Each access slit has at least one magnetic closure for keeping the access slit in a normally closed position.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, load-bearing systems can have one or more serpentine tensioners. According to another aspect, load-bearing systems can have one or more repositionable load-bearing members. Load-bearing systems having serpentine tensioners and load-bearing systems having repositionable load-bearing members are not mutually exclusive of each other. Accordingly, some disclosed load-bearing systems have a serpentine tensioner in combination with a repositionable load-bearing member. To facilitate disclosure of such principles, wearable packs incorporating one or more aspects of innovative load-bearing systems are described.

Abstract: Attachment apparatus for mounting a pouch to the straps of a support article, such as a chest rig, harness, backpack or the like. The attachment apparatus includes pair of locking tab and cord loops mounted to a pouch that couple together around the straps of a support article to secure the pouch to the support article. The locking tabs have a main section and a distal end that folds back over the main section and is bar tacked together so that the distal end lays back over the main section to form a “locking end.” The locking tab extends through the tab loop and is interposed between the main section and the overlying distal end.

Abstract: Articles disclosed herein include a bag that provides various improvement mechanisms over existing backpacks. The bag provides a transport mechanism for carrying various items, such as ski boots or snowboard boots, gloves, helmets, hats, goggles, and other snow equipment common to skiing, snowboarding or other outdoor snow sports. The bag can include a pair of side compartments that carry boots in an approximately triangular compartment. Each side compartment includes a boot void compartment positioned above where a boot toe would be, and in front of a boot shin portion, thereby maximizing storage space an increasing organization convenience. Other features include quick-release shoulder straps for quick access to the bag member while still being supported on a shoulder. The bag can include a front compartment and central compartment, with an interior of the front compartment easily viewable.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support for mounting upon the chassis of a backpack has a lumbar support pad and a slider assembly slidably attaching the lumbar support pad to the chassis. The assembly has a locking slider that, together with the support pad, is indexable to at least two different positions along the chassis. A backpack may have such an adjustable lumbar support.

Abstract: The invention provides improved backpack and waist bag carrying systems in which a waist bag rotates through a lower compartment of a backpack to allow the bearer of the backpack to access the contents of the receiver of the waist bag by rotating the waist bag to the front of the bearer's torso. One or more doors are provided in one aspect to secure the receiver of the waist bag in the lower compartment of the backpack but permit the egress of the receiver through the opening covered by the door, which may be tensioned away from the opening by a tensioning element when the free end of the door is released.

Abstract: A sun shielding device to be worn on the back of a user is provided. The sun shielding device includes an elongated panel that is constructed so as to block ultraviolet rays. A front surface of the elongated panel includes an upper pair of straps affixed thereon, wherein the upper pair of straps can be positioned over the user's shoulders to support the elongated panel in a vertical orientation along the user's back. The upper pair of straps includes fasteners thereon for securement to the user's belt or similar article. A lower pair of straps is affixed on the front surface of the elongated panel and includes fasteners thereon for securement to a rear portion of a user's belt. The front surface further includes one or more cushions thereon for providing comfort to the user and for providing space between the user's back and the elongated panel.

Abstract: The adjustment device for a portable element comprises two elementary strands and two adjustment units each comprising a slide path for one of the elementary strands and a fixing system for one of the ends of the other of the elementary strands, the slide path of one of the elementary strands being laterally offset with respect to the fixing system of the other of the elementary strands.

Abstract: A load carrier device for enabling a user to carry a load includes a belt for fastening about a waist of the user and an element of substantial vertical rigidity configured to exert a lifting force on the load when the load is attached to shoulder straps on shoulders of the user. The device further includes an adjustable elastic connection attached to the belt for supporting a lower end of the element of substantial vertical rigidity such that adjusting the adjustable elastic connection changes a distribution of a weight of the load between the shoulders and the waist of the user.

Abstract: An exoskeleton configured to be coupled to a person includes an exoskeleton trunk and leg supports adapted to contact the ground. Hip torque generators extend between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports. A load holding mechanism is rotatably coupled to the exoskeleton trunk, preferably via over-shoulder members configured to support a load in front of the person. In use, hip torque generators create torque between the exoskeleton trunk and respective leg supports in the stance phase, wherein at least one torque generator is configured to create a first torque between the exoskeleton trunk and one of the first and second leg supports in the stance phase opposing a second torque generated on the exoskeleton by a weight of the load. Load bearing sensors may be utilized to determine the torque generated by the load and communicate with a controller to control power to the torque generators.

Abstract: A backpack includes a stabilizing and ventilating side bolsters coupled to a frame. The side bolsters are secured to the frame by being received in sleeves or by straps having clips disposed through slots in the side bolsters. A particular side bolster includes at least one channel to allow air flow away from the back side of the wearer. The side bolster is comprised of high-density foam to stabilize the backpack under load while providing improved ventilation. The side bolsters have a center axis that is spatially separated in a forward direction from a surface of the frame to allow the side bolsters to contour around the back side of the wearer. The side bolsters may be formed for a particular environment, body type, or loads to be carried in the backpack by changing the stiffness, density, material, dimensions or other aspects of the side bolsters.

Abstract: An adjustable load transfer apparatus adapted to transfer a portion of a load between a torso-covering garment and a belt at the user's waist. The apparatus includes a post adapted for insertion into the interior passageway of a female body. The insertable post includes cutouts disposed in spaced-apart, stacked relation along a lateral edge. The thickness dimension of the insertable post is such that the insertable post can pass beneath a locking tooth in the female body when the locking tooth is in a raised position. The cutouts are sized and positioned to receive the locking tooth when the locking tooth is lowered. The apparatus is adapted to releasably engage webbing loops disposed at the surface of the torso-covering garment and/or the belt structure.

Abstract: A load-bearing belt for use with a hiking backpack or the like, particularly for female users, is provided. The load-bearing belt includes a back portion and two side portions. The two side portions extend downward from the back portion.

Abstract: A modular backpack has a harness, a container and/or a cover. The container is detachable from the harness for use without the harness. A different container is attachable to the harness to provide a different volume, different compartments and/or different ornamental features. A different cover is attachable to the container and/or the harness to provide different compartments and/or different ornamental features. Removable compartments may attach and detach from various locations on the backpack to customize the backpack.

Abstract: A harness container for a parachutist has a bio-contoured support cradle or load distributing vest. The load distributing vest, which is generally U-shaped and includes an upper yoke and two straps integral with the yoke, has a multi-layer construction that includes an outer layer and an inner layer mounted on a bio-contoured pad. The outer layer and the inner layer are of corresponding shape and are sewn to one another along a reinforced edging with the pad therebetween. The upper yoke is attached to the front side of the harness container and the ends of the vest straps are attached to the main lift webs so that the vest elevates the harness container and distributes the load thereof across the jumper's shoulders, back and chest for increased comfort.

Abstract: A bag or pack, such as a backpack, having a pack portion that includes a back side made of flexible material, a carrying system directly or indirectly connected to the pack portion and including at least one carrying element, a frame connected to the pack portion, the frame including at least a rigid or semi-rigid sheet frame which is affixed to the back side of the pack portion by adhesive bonding.

Abstract: A collapsible backpack cooler includes a base, a collapsible portion, a back portion, and one or more straps configured for use by a user in securing the collapsible backpack cooler to their back. The collapsible backpack cooler is configured to allow the collapsible backpack cooler to transition between an expanded configuration, and a collapsed configuration having a reduced volume as compared to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A load carriage connector and system for rapid mounting and demounting of a user-carried load. The connector utilizes two mating halves comprising a male connector half and a female connector half. The connector is configured to allow mating under various angles of approach, allowing the user to reliably couple the system even under conditions in which the user is unable to view the orientation of the connectors. Additionally, the configuration of the connector system allows the user to quickly and efficiently decouple the connector halves, even while under tensile or shear load.

Abstract: A backpack with an adjustable hip-belt set may include a backpanel, which may further include a panel sheet, a set of metal stays, and a thoracic carriage. The metal stays may be supported by a frame. Certain embodiments also include an adjustment mechanism, which may have hip-belt straps marked with indicia of measurement. A user may adjust the size of the hip-belt set by moving the straps horizontally in and out of cam buckles and by fastening the straps once a desired length is achieved.

Abstract: The invention provides improved backpack and waist bag carrying systems in which a waist bag rotates through a lower compartment of a backpack to allow the bearer of the backpack to access the contents of the receiver of the waist bag by rotating the waist bag to the front of the bearer's torso. One or more doors are provided in one aspect to secure the receiver of the waist bag in the lower compartment of the backpack but permit the egress of the receiver through the opening covered by the door, which may be tensioned away from the opening by a tensioning system when the free end of the door is released. The receiver is tapered to easily fit into the lower compartment and remain in that compartment due to friction with the walls defining the compartment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for carrying a load on the back of a user and backpacks having a convex back panel are described. The convex back panel of the backpack may curve outward from the center of a wearer's back to minimize contact between the backpack and the wearer's back The backpack may also have a center-support panel for contacting the spinal region of the back of the wearer of the backpack. The center-support panel may have grooves for distributing a load along a wearer's back.

Abstract: A vest pack includes right and left pocket regions. Each pocket region is adapted for being positioned just below the respective right and left breast of a wearer. The vest pack further includes a zipper that connects the right and left pocket regions from approximately the sternum of the wearer to approximately a belt line of the wearer, and a pair of suspenders having a strap connected proximate each second pocket and adapted to be worn over the shoulders of the wearer. The vest pack further includes a back region comprising at least one elastic strap connecting opposing back sides of the right and left pocket regions, and to the straps of the pair of suspenders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular carrying system for transporting loads and which further includes an improved hip belt and other means for carrying loads and protecting the user from injury from ballistic projectiles, stabbing weapons and the like.

Abstract: The K-Pack is a neoprene sports backpack designed to carry small objects during physical activities such as running, biking, skateboarding, etc. The K-Pack uses a series of adjustable, reflective shoulder straps to not only hold the pouch snugly against the wearer's back, but also to restrict the movement of the pouch. The K-Pack's pouch is very shallow to further reduce motion of items in the pouch. The K-Pack also uses a buckle and adjustable mid-section straps in the front to keep the pouch in place and enable it to be taken on and off. The mid-section strap acts to further stabilize the pouch during physical activities. The K-Pack can be worn so that the pouch is on the wearer's back or the wearer's front. The primary problem that the K-Pack solves is that it is a backpack with superior pouch stability. From a comfort standpoint, minimizing motion of the pouch and therefore the items inside of it is very important.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a user based carrying system capable of independent transportation of a load including a hip-based user attachment system. The carrying system includes an enclosure member having an internal region encased by an internal surface. A user attachment system releasably secures the carrying system to the user for independent transportation without requiring muscular engagement. The user attachment system includes a hip attachment system with a dorsal articulation member and a strap member. The dorsal articulation member includes a front and rear member three-dimensionally moveably coupled to one another. The rear member is coupled to the enclosure member and the front member is coupled to the strap member. The three-dimensional moveable coupling between the front and rear members includes three restricted degrees of freedom configured to efficiently absorb corresponding user hip movements and directly support other user hip movements.

Abstract: A portable tripod mast assembly is provided that includes a tripod, a plurality of mast sections and a transport pack. The tripod includes at least three telescoping legs, wherein each leg is moveably attached to a common upper collar. The plurality of mast sections are each adapted to fit together end to end, forming a mast. The transport pack has a center compartment adapted to receive the tripod, wherein the center compartment includes a center panel and two side panels. Each side panel includes a plurality of individual pockets for receiving the mast sections. The transport pack further includes a base portion and a hood capable of extending over the mast sections, securing the sections in the pockets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rucksack (1) with a horizontally and vertically rear-ventilated air conditioning zone (6). It is composed of a shoulder strap carrying system (2), a rear wall (3) with a stiffening frame (4), and a mesh (5) stretched across the rear wall and/or across the stiffening frame for creating the rear-ventilated air conditioning zone (6) between the rear wall (3) and the back of a rucksack wearer. By virtue of the stretched mesh (5), the rear wall (3) is kept away from the back of the wearer both in the hip region and in the shoulder region and allows both a horizontal and a vertical exchange of air. In a variable embodiment of the rucksack (1), the rucksack (1) can optionally be adapted to the body of the wearer by attaching the shoulder straps (2) in the shoulder-side region in a horizontally and vertically adjustable manner to a baseplate (15) attached to the mesh (5).

Abstract: A split compartment system with a first and second compartment fitted with first and second upper adjustment straps and first and second lower adjustment straps as well as first and second shoulder straps. Each upper adjustment strap is fitted with a release connector and adjustment buckle and each lower adjustment strap is fitted with a release connector and adjustment buckle. The upper and lower adjustment straps can be shortened or lengthened using this adjustment buckle in order to increase or decrease the distance between the first and second compartments allowing the compartments to straddle a roller board or other apparatus. In addition the release connectors of the upper and lower adjustment straps may be used to separate the first and second compartments from one another entirely allowing the user to utilize the first and second compartment as two separate bags.

Abstract: A load carrier device for enabling a user to carry a load includes a belt for fastening about a waist of the user and an element of substantial vertical rigidity configured to exert a lifting force on the load when the load is attached to shoulder straps on shoulders of the user. The device further includes an adjustable elastic connection attached to the belt for supporting a lower end of the element of substantial vertical rigidity such that adjusting the adjustable elastic connection changes a distribution of a weight of the load between the shoulders and the waist of the user.

Abstract: An anatomically segmented backpack has an upper back region, a lower back region, and a hip belt region. The upper back region includes a shoulder strap joined to a pack load carrying portion and a thorax harness. The thorax harness extends in two opposite directions under each shoulder blade of the user. The lower back region is coupled to the upper back region and a hip region. A slide mechanism is located in the pack load carrying portion of the upper and lower back region. A load-bearing element is disposed within the lower back region, for transferring a load from the upper back region to the user's hips. The hip region is joined to a front section of the pack by a load bearing hip belt that extends around the user.

Abstract: Backpacks and backpack systems which have at least a portion which is accessible from the front of a wearer. In one illustrative embodiment, a backpack system in accordance with the present invention includes a back portion with shoulder straps. A swing-around portion is formed as a storage compartment that is secured to the back portion in a carrying position. An articulated frame is secured to the back portion and the swing-around portion and allows a user wearing the backpack to pivot the swing around portion around the user's side and access the contents therein. A securing latch is used to secure the articulating frame to retain the swing-around portion in the carrying position. The entire storage compartment of the pack may be a swing-around portion, or the pack may include multiple storage compartments that are either fixed to the back portion or function as swing-around portions.

Abstract: An object carrying device comprising a body harness and an object carrying portion disposed on the body harness, the object carrying portion comprising a support member for supporting an object thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier system having a front part and a back part first and second means for fastening to a human torso, and a hip belt which can be connected to the back part via at least one support, and wherein the first and the second fastening means together form a fastening device with fastening loops and receptacles and the fastening loops can be inserted into or passed through the receptacles, and an elongated fixing element is provided which can be passed through those ends of the fastening loops which have been inserted into the receptacles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a support arrangement for an implement such as a metal detector, the support arrangement comprising a harness worn by a user, the harness comprising an attachment point for a first load-bearing element transferring a load associated with the implement to the attachment point, and a second load-bearing element transferring the load from the attachment point to a further point on the harness.

Abstract: The present invention involves the provision of a backpack frame assembly and associated load carrying devices. The backpack frame includes a plurality of stays having flexible joints therebetween. A membrane is secured to certain of the stays and helps resist flexing of joints between adjacent stay end portions. Load carrying devices may be provided and are releasably mounted to the frame assembly. The distance between the assembly's shoulder straps and hip belt can be adjusted to accommodate user's having different torso lengths by using an adjuster sheet to separate hook and look members attaching a shoulder strap assembly to a frame assembly. The adjuster sheet can operate as a support element when not operating as an adjuster. The adjuster sheet can be constructed of a laminated composite material and include reinforcing ribs formed therein.

Abstract: A backpack for carrying elongated equipment includes a storage compartment with an internal structural frame. Multiple straps or bands from the storage compartment provide shoulder and waist straps or bands for mounting the backpack to an individual and upper and lower restraining bands secure the elongated equipment to the rear of the backpack. The upper and lower bands extend rearward, such that a pair of upper restraining bands secure an upper portion of the elongated equipment to an upper portion of the backpack and a pair of lower restraining bands secure a lower portion of the elongated equipment to a lower portion of the backpack. The upper and lower restraining bands are secured to, or pass through, the structural frame and strap openings within the wall of the storage compartment. The restraining bands are preferably secured to the frame to prevent sideways motion of the elongated equipment.

Abstract: An arrangement for replaceably supporting a backpack having a load on the back of a user and transferring the load of the backpack to the ground by way of the legs of the user while allowing the user to take steps unhindered. The arrangement includes a harness and a leg assembly. The harness replaceably supports the backpack having the load on the back of the user. The leg assembly is pivotally mounted to the harness, extends down the legs of the user, and transfers the load of the backpack to the ground by way of the legs of the user while allowing the user to take the steps unhindered.

Abstract: Novel backpacks, configured to utilize seat and/or chest harnesses are disclosed herein. Preferred backpacks are configured to attach to and be supported by intermediary connectors including hip belts or backpack supports that can operably couple to separate seat harnesses.

Abstract: A combination carrying case and workstation platform for an electronic device such as a laptop computer. The present invention is worn as a backpack, and designed so that the case can be moved to the front of the user's body by means of straps that encircle the user. The straps serve as the tracks upon which the case is moved from the rear of the user's body to the front. When moved to the user's front, the case can be folded down to form a workstation platform on which the electronic device can be used. Because the present invention hangs suspended from the strap system on the user's body, the user's hands are left free to operate the electronic device.

Abstract: A backpack and a method of forming a backpack with an integral gun scabbard has been devised whereby the user has a convenient place for the storage and carriage of a rifle, shotgun, or other long gun type of firearm, and simultaneously can store and carry a variety of other sundry cargo while moving about. The backpack is devised in such a way as to permit easy and rapid access to and retrieval of said firearm from the storage. It is equipped with dual padded shoulder straps. In an ideal embodiment, a waist belt is included to facilitate the stabilization of the scabbard when the firearm is being withdrawn, as well as to contribute to the load bearing functions of the backpack.

Abstract: A combination of a vest and a versatile, adaptable bag allows a person to comfortably carry articles, even while physically active. The vest is contoured to the shape of a person's body, limiting the jostling of the vest and integrally attached bag as the person moves. One advantageous feature of the convertible bag is that its size can adapt to the desired contents: the upper portion of the bag acts either as a flap for the lower portion, or as a vertical extension of the lower portion when the bag contents are more voluminous. Further, the vest portion sits high on the chest of the person wearing the vest. This increases comfort to the person by distributing the weight better, and reduces sweating, particularly during physical activity such as riding a bicycle.