Abstract: A backpack 1 having a semi-rigid container 2 capable of being molded in the shape of a user's back, an angled floor 3, a contacting side 4, an aft side 5, a first lateral side 6, a second lateral side 7, crisscrossing front shoulder straps 9, 10, a lumbar support 13, lateral supports 14, 15 having vertical support notches 16, 17 therein, and a waist belt 18 having a buckle 19. To use, a person first positions the container 2 on his/her back so as the lumbar support 13 is located against the lumbar region of the user's back and positions the lateral supports 14, 15 about his/her waist and pelvis pressing the vertical support notches 16, 17 against the ilium. Then, the user secures the waist belt 18 about his/her waist and pelvis by buckling the buckle 19, thereby holding the lateral supports 14, 15 against the sides of the user.

Abstract: A hip belt system (10) for a golf bag (14) is provided for transferring a portion of the weight of the bag (14) during carrying to the hips of the user by way of a hip belt member (12). The system (10) includes the belt member (12) and a longitudinally aligned sleeve (24) secured to the tubular body (16) of the golf bag (14). The belt member (12) includes a central portion (32) for extending through the sleeve (24) and a pair of tapered portions (34) extending respectively to a first belt end (28) and a second belt end (30). The belt ends (28 and 30) are provided with releasable fasteners (36 and 38) for mating with each other to provide for quick fastening and unfastening. Length adjusters (44) are provided on the belt ends in order to adjust the total length of the belt member (12) to fit the waist of the user. The belt member (12) is removable from the sleeve (24) for storage when the hip belt support is not desired.

Abstract: A rucksack including a bag and a shoulder straps/belt assembly laid out in the back of the bag. The bag is laid out in order to switch from a standard wearing position into a front position. The shoulder straps/belt assembly has two straps each having an upper portion, attached to the top of the back of the bag, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion. The ends common to the intermediate portions and to the lower portions are attached to the bottom of the back of the bag, the distal ends of the lower portions are provided with a fastening system. A sliding system is laid out on the bag in order to slidably mount one of the common ends between the intermediate portion and the lower portion of one of the straps. The strap has a fastening system laid out the common end between the upper portion and the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A backpack includes a bag having a body side and an outer side. A frame extends over and is secured to an exterior surface of the outer side. The frame includes an elastomeric central hub and a plurality of frame members, each of which is secured to the central hub and extends across a portion of the body side. A resilient support member may be secured to a lower surface of the frame. Each of a pair of shoulder straps is secured at their respective upper ends to an upper portion of the bag and at their respective lower ends to a lower portion of the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus which supports a pair of side loads in balanced and fully hand-accessible positions, while a person who is carrying the apparatus is walking in a substantially erect position, and also while the person is in a sitting position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrying system for a rucksack with at least one accommodation container with at least two shoulder straps which connect the rucksack to a carrier, with each shoulder strap having at least two strap sections, and with each shoulder strap having at least one first releasable connecting device which connects the two strap sections to one another. The carrying system according to the invention is characterized in that a triggering device is provided which can be operated by the carrier and is connected to at least two releasable connecting devices in such a way that the connecting devices are released substantially without a time delay when the triggering device is operated.

Abstract: Backpack and counterbalance systems using load balancing pockets to be worn during active movement. The load balancing pockets of such system are arranged in the following way: a gap is created between the pockets so that the feet of the wearer are visible through the gap; the sides of the pockets do not hinder the natural swing of the arms when walking or running; this positioning is maintained whatever the size and shape of the wearer.

Abstract: Emergency responders, such as ski patrollers and search and rescue emergency medical technicians, need to be able to carry all gear for immediate medical response for injured skiers, people injured on cliffs, etc. This backpack invention will allow the emergency responders to comfortably carry oxygen tank, bandages, drugs, water, blanket, cell phone, radio, gloves, and additional paraphernalia for quick access, and then to work out of the backpack either when the backpack is opened up and lying flat on the ground or when it is held upright. The heavy weight of an oxygen tank in the loaded backpack will be carried in this pack close against the responder's body, towards the middle (best for balance), with the medical gear and various other needed items quickly accessible in an unstable personal situation.

Abstract: A load bearing apparatus is presented in the form of a passive exoskeleton whereby a load may be placed on the passive exoskeleton and thereby weight of the load from the passive exoskeleton is transferred to a ground surface. The passive exoskeleton is made of a rigid body member for attaching proximate a portion of a user's body; a sliding rod attached with the body member; a ground surface engage-able foot analog attached with the sliding rod; a rocker pivotally attached with the body member; a load pin attached with the sliding rod and operably attached with the rocker; and a bias block attached with the body member for engaging with the rocker. As a user walks, the bias block pivots the rocker to aid the load pin in transferring weight to the rocker and thereafter through the sliding rod to the foot analog and ground surface.

Abstract: A support having two extensions which protrude forward on both sides in the final lower region, and an identical shoulder rest form a monolithic plastic hard shell. Vertically adjustable strips that support a waist belt are fixed to the extensions while a should mounting adjoins the shoulder rest via a ball-and-socket joint. The should mounting supports shoulder belt arrangements encompassing one respective top belt and a bottom belt which is joined to the top belt via a buckle, is pulled all the way to the extension through the buckle, and is anchored there. A bag for carrying material that is to be transported is disposed on the front face of the support, in the hard shell, the bag being accessible from the front, while straps for fastening a snowboard, showshoes, a helmet, or other large objects are mounted on the rear face thereof.

Abstract: A harness (10) for use with breathing apparatus comprises: a back plate (11); two support straps (13, 14), each of which extends between an upper part of the back plate and a lower part of the back plate, the two support straps being disposed on opposite sides of a central axis of the back plate (11); and a tension equalising mechanism (15, 16; 30, 32) connected to the support straps and being arranged such that, when tension is applied to a first strap (13, 14) of the support straps, it acts to transfer the tension to the other, second strap (13, 14), thereby increasing the tension in the second strap, the tension equalising mechanism being resiliently biased towards a neutral configuration.

Abstract: A rucksack comprising a bag having a back panel and, among other things, a belt assembly and a rigid frame secured to the back panel and the belt assembly. According to the invention, the bottom portion of the rigid frame has a V-shaped configuration with an angle ? at the apex, and in its middle and rear portion, the belt assembly includes an upwardly open pocket having a V-shaped configuration with an angle ? at the apex, where ? is greater than ?, such that said pocket is suitable for serving as a housing for receiving the V-shaped bottom portion of the frame while allowing the belt assembly to pivot angularly to some extent relative to the remainder of the rucksack.

Abstract: A backpack assembly includes a luggage case having a first attachment interface and a backpack having a second attachment interface. The second attachment interface is configured to be mated with the first attachment interface to removably attach the backpack to the luggage case. The luggage case further includes a flap with a third attachment interface that is configured to be mated with the first attachment interface if the backpack is detached from the luggage case.

Abstract: A support member for packs, bags and other articles adapted to be supported from the shoulders of an individual. The support member defines a pair of arms adapted to engage the waist and/or hips of the individual and being made of flexible material, such as a flexible core material, which allows the arms to be manipulated into a selected position against the waist and/or hips of the individual and further adapted to retain such position when the arms are released. In one embodiment, the support member is located within the interior of a back pack and the arms protrude through sleeves integral with the back pack. In another embodiment, the support member is adapted to hang from the handle of a golf bag.

Abstract: A rigid, flexible weight support clip for over-the-back mounted packs, bags, and other articles. In one embodiment, the clip is located within the interior of a back pack and includes arms adapted to protrude through apertures defined in the pack and extend through respective exterior sleeves. The clip may be made of a shape memory alloy or bent in a manner which allows the arms to flex either towards or away from each other and to exert a compressive force against the waist, hips and/or back of the user. In another embodiment, the clip is adapted to be suspended from the handle of a golf club adapted to be carried in a generally horizontal orientation and the clip is pivotable about the handle into engagement with the waist and/or hips of the user. In another embodiment, the clip is adapted to extend from and pivot about the front face of a golf bag adapted to be carried in a generally vertical orientation.

Abstract: A bag for an animal that can prevent belt-like assemblies attached to a bag body from swaying and stably secure the bag body to the body of the animal where the bag is placed on the animal. The bag includes the bag body carried on the back of the animal, two first belt-like assemblies attached to an outer surface of the bag body and crossing each other on the belly of the animal to form an X shape, a second belt-like assembly attached to the first belt-like assemblies and forming a U shape around a neck of the animal. Each of the belt-like assemblies has an adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A low slung tool belt carrier includes pouches designed to be suspended from a belt strap construction with a shoulder strap crossing over the torso or shoulders to support the larger of two pouches, the pouches arranged to fit on the hips or be rested upon the hips of an individual. Alternate constructions incorporate handles for carrying the pouches and fasteners for combining pouches. Various alternative combinations of tool belts, waist straps, handles, carry straps, pouches and pockets enable customization of a tool belt for individual workmen.

Abstract: The present disclosure is an altered backpack, which allows the wearer to reconfigure the shoulder straps while wearing, swing the backpack around to the wearer's front, and access the contents of the backpack while still wearing the backpack.

Abstract: A fishing flip pack is described that consists of a detachable bag from a user worn flip pack harness. The flip pack harness and the bag are connected at a position that allows the user to access items in the bag and allow the user to easily manipulate a fishing rod.

Abstract: A suspension system for a backpack includes a rocker arm pivotally connected to the backpack. A first hip stay has a first end connected to a first end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end. A second hip stay has a first end connected to a second end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end. A waist belt is attached to the second end of the first hip stay and to the second end of the second hip stay. The first and second hip stays distribute the load of the backpack between a wearer's left and right hips. A backpack incorporating the suspension system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A backpack configured for carrying an elongated object such as a hunting blind, the backpack having a bucket portion that is adjustable vertically, this bucket portion receiving therein the lower end of the elongated object or hunting blind that is attached to the backpack'frame.

Abstract: A hip support member for packs, bags and other articles including a pair of spaced-apart rigid arms adapted to engage the hips of the wearer of the pack, bag or article. A sleeve or shoulder associated with either the arms or the article secures the arms to the article. In one embodiment, the arms, shoulders and sleeve combine to define a generally U-shape frame adapted to be mounted to an article and wrap around the hips of the wearer. In another embodiment, the shoulders and/or sleeve are adjustable to adjust the width between the arms and the arms are rotatable about the article between disengaged and engaged positions.

Abstract: An improved harness or harness-like garment for purposes of making the user more visible and/or with optional pocket or item(s) carrying means, having strap or straps or strap-like element(s) configured in two substantially “Y” or “V” shaped forms or one of each; the tops of the substantially “Y”-shaped and/or “V”-shaped forms are joined together, fused or one part; the bottoms of the substantially “Y” and/or “V”-shaped forms are fastened, joined fused or in one part to a waist strap forming means so that they meet the waist strap forming means at substantially 180 degrees from each other around the somewhat circular waist strap forming means; the waist strap forming means preferably having closure means.

Abstract: A harness is used for carrying portable tools like trimmer and clearing saws. The harness comprises at least two straps (11) that pass over the shoulders of the operator and a waist belt (17) secured to a plate (12) placed on the back of the operator. A hip pad (15) hanging in a string or a rope (16) running between the plate (12) and a device (13) placed on the chest of the operator. In order to make the operator carry more of the tool weight by the waist belt is the hip pad (15) secured to the plate (12) on the back of the operator by a third strap (19).

Abstract: A modular personal carrying system for facilitating the carrying of objects by a user. There may be included a first personal carrying device configured to removably attach to the user. There may also be a second personal carrying device configured to removably attach to the user. Also, there may be a removable container configured to removably attach to the first personal carrying device and to the second personal carrying device and configured to contain an object therein. A first personal carrying device may be a backpack. A second personal carrying device may be a belt. The backpack and the belt may be configured to attach to each other. There may also be a leg belt. Also, there may be a second removable container that may be configured to removably attach to a bottom surface of the removable container and also to a bottom surface of the backpack. The first removable container may be configured to removably attach to the bottom surface of the backpack.

Abstract: A binocular cover comprising a cover sheet that overlies an exposed face of a binocular carried at the chest of a user by a neck strap, a substantially rigid top cover fixed to and projecting from one end of the cover sheet to overlie the eyepieces of the binocular, and an elastic strip interconnecting wings at opposite sides of the top cover and pull tabs affixed to the top cover to be used to peel the top cover from over the eyepieces and downwardly towards a distal end of the binocular positioned between the elastic strap, a back surface of the cover sheet and the wings.

Abstract: A backpack includes a backpack body having a body side. A pair of shoulder straps is connected at each end thereof to the backpack body. A semi-rigid support plate is positioned proximate the body side, and a strap is connected to the support plate such that a lower portion of the support plate can be curved while an upper portion of the support plate remains substantially flat.

Abstract: An external frame backpack comprising two spaced-apart substantially rigid frame side posts, a substantially rigid cargo shelf integrally connected to the side posts, a substantially rigid upper cross member secured between the side posts, a substantially rigid lower hip plate secured between the side posts, and a flexible hip belt rigidly fastened to the hip plate. In another aspect disclosed herein, the hip belt comprises left and right wings, each wing fastened to the hip plate through at least two vertically separated apertures defined by the hip plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a car seat such as an infant car seat, child car seat, or a child booster seat is disclosed. The apparatus includes a carrier body and at least one system of harnesses for attaching to the car seat, and for securing the apparatus on a person's back, chest, or side, leaving the person's hands free. The system of harnesses may include an upper harness system, a middle harness system, a lower harness system, a shoulder harness system, and a hip harness system. The apparatus permits a person to carry the car seat together with a child secured in the car seat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a wearable computer in testing applications that uses a probe, a display, an audio communication device, a computer adapted to receive data from the probe, exchange data with the display, exchange data with the audio communications device, and exchange data using wireless communication, a battery, and a harness for securing the probe, display, computer, and battery to a person's body.

Abstract: A pack for carrying school books and other items, with the weight substantially balanced between the front and back of the wearer. A yoke has front and back pouches, and an opening for the wearer's head. The sides of the front and back portions of the yoke are releasably connected by flaps at the sides of the back portion which engage a strip of hook-and-loop material on the front pouch. An auxiliary bag is detachably connected to the back pouch.

Abstract: A system for holding an article suspended by shoulder straps in front of the body of a use against undesired swinging and movement of the article while affording easy release of the article so that it can be raised for viewing, aiming and sighting and that will provide protection for the suspended article against the elements.

Abstract: A harness-like fishing gear holder vest upon which various pouches are mounted for storing fishing supplies and caught fish. The harness includes two shoulder straps on which are attached six pockets, three on the front of each straps. The two straps are attached to a waist belt, which has two additional pouches attached to the sides. A chest strap is provided between the two shoulder straps. Two adjustable rod-holding rings for holding a fishing rod are attached to the straps. This enables the user's hands to be free for performing various other activities. A detachable line cutter and a snap hook are placed on the waist belt by looped snap bands. Pouches are attached to the shoulder straps by clamp-like clips. The device is fully adjustable, fastened with VELCRO belt and shoulder adjustment. The vest is worn by an angler while wading in water up to his chest.

Abstract: A detachable waist belt for use with book bags and day packs significantly reduces the problems associated with carrying too much weight on the back. The waist belt and clamping system provide a retrofit system usable with any backpack or book bag. The system is especially beneficial to school children who are increasingly carrying too much weight in book bags.

Abstract: A diving back plate designed with independent shoulder and waist straps. The diving back plate accommodates either a single tank or double tank configuration without the need for an adapter. The independent straps are self-fastening to the back plate through a series of throughslots on the back plate. Items and accessories may be permanently attached to the independent straps while the straps remain fully adjustable and removable. The configuration of the back plate, throughslots, and throughbores eliminate the need for adapters when changing between a single tank configuration and a double tank configuration.

Abstract: A mounting device for a backpack includes a first mounting element adapted to be connected to a load supported on a user's back, and a second mounting element adapted to be connected to a user's waist belt. The first mounting element is pivotable relative to the second mounting element to vary the vertical position of the waist belt during use relative to a load supported by the pack. A mechanism is configured to fix selectively the first mounting element relative to the second mounting element.

Abstract: A pack system having a suspension system with a waist belt which slidably carries a bag or pack. At least one shoulder strap extends between the top of the bag and the side of the bag. A compression suspension system attaches to the pack at multiple locations and is adjustable to stabilize the pack in a comfortable position to accommodate varying loads. The system allows the pack to be shifted or rotated around the body of the wearer between frontal access or rear carrying position for comfort and accessibility.

Abstract: A bag for laptop computers and the like which adapted to be suspended from the shoulders of the wearer in an over-the-back relationship. The bag is adapted to incorporate several different types of waist/hip support member embodiments extending outwardly from a top longitudinal edge of the bag and defining a pair of arms adapted to engage the waist and/or hips of the wearer. A double shoulder strap assembly associated with the bag includes a central strap adapted to be removably secured to the handle of the bag.

Abstract: A padding element for the dorsal side of a diver's bottle-supporting backpack. The padding element comprises a padded cushion capable of being fitted against the back part of the backpack and having at its lower edge a padded cushion part hinged to it and capable of being either folded upwards, in order to increase the total thickness, and hence the padding action of the cushion over the diver's sacrococcygeal region, or unfolded downwards to give the diver extended protection beyond the lower edge of the bottle or bottles attached to the backpack.

Abstract: A backpack having a storage compartment (134) and a shoulder strap assembly (129a) attached at a first end to the storage compartment at a first location (140) and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location. The backpack further includes a buckle (116) attached to the shoulder strap assembly and a lift strap (118) having a first end (120) attached to the upper portion (136) of the storage compartment and spanning above the shoulder strap assembly from its location of attachment to the storage compartment to engagement with the buckle. The buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.

Abstract: A carrier (10) of the backpack type is provided for use by motorcyclists to carry their travel requirements and a motor cycle helmet (26) when on or off the motorcycle. The carrier (10) has a bag (11) of flexible textile material with adjustable shoulder straps (12), waist strap (16) and chest strap (13). The bag (11) has a main compartment (22) and a lower compartment (25) adapted to receive the helmet (26) inside it so that the carrier (10) can be freestanding when placed on the ground. The lower compartment (25) folds and is contained by a securing panel (28) to the base of the main compartment (22) when no helmet (26) is in the lower compartment (25).

Abstract: The triathlonbag is used for the rapid identification and segregation of triathlon equipment. The bag comprises a water-resistant base (11) to which water-resistant front and rear shells are connected with a waterproof closure device (16). Storage areas of meshed material are disposed on the interior (17, 18, 19) and exterior (1,3,4,5,6) surfaces of the shells and, along with a removable mesh cylinder (20), allow segregation of wet and dry items and rapid visual identification of and access to the equipment. This triathlonbag may be transported either as a duffel bag or as a backpack.

Abstract: A system for holding an article suspended by shoulder straps in front of the body of a use against undesired swinging and movement of the article while affording easy release of the article so that it can be raised for viewing, aiming and sighting and that will provide protection for the suspended article against the elements.

Abstract: 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 carrying bag, particularly a backpack, comprises a receiving container for receiving objects to be taken along, and a carrying device connected to the receiving container. The carrying device is decoupled in its movements from the receiving container by the provision of string lines which can be displaced in the direction marked by the arrows.

Abstract: A backpack for a human to carry a load utilizing an external frame to which is attached a fabric bag comprised of multiple compartments each of a cylindrical geometry where the compartments share no common fabric panels. The frame has a bottom shelf that bears the weight of the bag allowing lighter fabric to be used and also allows the backpack to stand by itself on the ground. The two outside vertical tubes of the frame are not parallel, being tapered inward towards each other at the top and also rising above the topmost compartment of the bag to provide a hanging fixture for other hiking gear. A waist belt assembly can incorporate a curved polymer insert to distribute the majority of the weight of a loaded pack on the lumbar curve of the spine. The insert is overlaid with a panel of cushioning material that can be repositioned to form the base of a camp chair.

Abstract: A soft-sided carrying case comprises a compartment having a plurality of sidewalls, a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall, the back wall having a flap, the flap disposed on the back wall and shiftable between a closed position and an open position to conceal and reveal a back pack configuration. The backpack configuration includes a pair of shoulder straps secured to the back wall and a waist belt. The waist belt is secured to the flap and is foldable about a waist belt hinge so as to lie flat. The carrying case may also include a plurality of wheels and a telescoping handle to use the carrying case in a manner similar to a luggage cart.

Abstract: A backpack with an adjustable lumbar support belt, having a front panel, a bottom panel, and a top panel which define an interior capable of containing various items which create a load weighty. The front panel has a front panel extension which extends below the bottom surface of the pack. The lumbar support belt having a pair of lumbar belt straps which attach around the waist and a lumbar support body which is positioned against front panel extension and immediately below the bottom surface of the pack for supporting a portion of the weight of the pack upon the waist and hips.

Abstract: A mounting device for a backpack includes a first mounting element adapted to be connected to a load supported on a user's back, and a second mounting element adapted to be connected to a user's waist belt. The first mounting element is pivotable relative to the second mounting element to vary the vertical position of the waist belt during use relative to a load supported by the pack. A mechanism is configured to fix selectively the first mounting element relative to the second mounting element.

Abstract: A pack for carrying school books and other items, with the weight substantially balanced between the front and back of the wearer. A yoke has front and back pouches, and an opening for the wearer's head. The sides of the front and back portions of the yoke are releasably connected by flaps at the sides of the back portion which engage a strip of hook-and-loop material on the front pouch. An auxiliary bag is detachably connected to the back pouch.