And Attaching Means Extending Circumferentially Of Torso Patents (Class 224/637)
  • Patent number: 6712251
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Travelon
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj M. Redzisz
  • Patent number: 6712250
    Abstract: An article of luggage, of the type having a retaining device for pressing an object against an outer wall of the article of luggage, of the type in which the retaining device includes a flexible tie that runs along a path following the return points borne by the outer wall of the backpack, and of the type in which the length of the tie path can be adjusted due to a clamp whose position on the tie is adjustable, wherein the clamp is affixed to a retaining element that is affixed to the article of luggage but which can be spaced from the outer wall, the object to be pressed being at least partially received between the outer wall and the retaining element, inside the tie path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Serge Vigny
  • Patent number: 6698631
    Abstract: A worn janitorial supply carrier for even weight distribution and convenient access to carried janitorial supplies, the carrier having a back panel; left and right hip panels; left and right shoulder straps; lacings, straps and take up buckles adjustably interconnecting the back panel, the left and right hip panels, and the left and right shoulder straps; reinforcing straps extending laterally across the lower ends of the left and right hip panels; stitchings interconnecting the reinforcing straps and the left and right hip panels, the left and right hip panels, the stitchings, and the reinforcing straps defining hook receiving channels; upwardly opening bottle receptacles; and “S” hooks removably attaching upper ends of the upwardly opening bottle receptacles to the lower ends of the left and right hip panels, the “S” hooks engaging the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: David E. Haskins
  • Patent number: 6681973
    Abstract: A waistbelt for stabilizing a load, the load potentially carried within a backpack. The waistbelt may be worn around a user's waist and fastened together by a locking buckle. The waistbelt may be attached to a backpack, as part of a backpack system, by straps that are directly affixed to the waistbelt. The waistbelt may comprise padding that rests on the user's hips. A support region of the waistbelt can minimize shifting and swaying of the load carried in a backpack. The support region of the waistbelt may be extendable, and may be extended by movably attached waistbelt extensions. The waistbelt extensions may reduce reliance upon provide extendable support for varying waist sizes. The waistbelt extensions may reduce reliance upon support from buckling straps, thereby potentially reducing chafing, abrasions, and fatigue to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: David A. Crumrine
  • Patent number: 6672495
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bifurcated carrier pack for electively transporting snowboard equipment either in a traditional, back-mounted position or in an unconventional, hip-mounted position. A snowboard may be removably attached to the bifurcated pack while in a back-mounted position for transportation and detachment ease. When the user elects to remove the snowboard from the pack, the bifurcated pack may be easily configured to a hip-mounted position to shift the user's center of gravity from a superior center of gravity to an inferior center of gravity for improving the downhill snowboarding experience. The bifurcated pack comprises a pair of storage compartments, two shoulder straps and an abdominal encircling belt. At the election of the user, the storage compartments may be pivoted about their lower half to achieve either a back-mounted configuration or a hip-mounted configuration. The shoulder straps secure the storage compartments in place while in either configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: David W. Sagan
  • Patent number: 6651853
    Abstract: A backpack which includes a main bag, suspension system, frame, and additional miscellaneous parts. It combines the superior comfort of external frame backpacks, with the elegant style of internal frame backpacks. The frame is strapped within the main bag to create a semi-rigid surface against the back. The suspension system's shoulder harness is removable, and adjustably connected through the semi-rigid surface by screws. The shoulder harness is vertically adjustable and swivels to accommodate different shoulder widths. The suspension system's waist harness is removable, and rigidly connected through the semi-rigid surface by screws. The waist harness provides optimum weight transfer onto the hips and creates an air gap, providing ventilation to the back. By removing the frame and placing a cover on it, a seat is formed. By aligning the seat linearly with additional feet, and inserting elongated rails between them, a frame for a cot is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Higgins, Rachel Higgins
  • Patent number: 6637631
    Abstract: A knapsack has a bag, a strap assembly for attaching the bag to the shoulders of a user, a belt assembly for attaching the bag around the waist of a user and a fastening system for fastening the strap assembly and/or the belt assembly to the back of the bag. The fastening system has a first piece secured to the strap assembly and/or the belt assembly and a second piece secured to the back of the back. The first and second pieces co-operate with each other to enable the first and second pieces to be fastened together and pivot mutually about an axis perpendicular to the back of the bag. The fastening system has at least one elastomer element secured to one of the pieces and the other piece has a portion that causes the elastomer element to be deformed during pivoting, thereby opposing the pivotal movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Decathlon
    Inventors: Antoine Lafoux, Stéphane Belledame, Fabian Guret, Franck Barbier
  • Patent number: 6619519
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a backpack having a plurality of compartments and modes. Each compartment has a plurality of pockets. The pockets are designed to hold tools or other items in an individual manner. The invention also comprises a waist belt having two quick release clips or buckles to be removable along with its belly pack. The buckles also allow a user to open the waistband and then to turn the pack around the user's body so the back can be accessed by the user without the need to remove the pack from the user's body. The invention also comprises a water source in the pack. A dedicated compartment allows a user to place a water container in the pack for transport and storage of water. This also allows a user ready access the water while engaged in an activity. A bicyclist can carry the rear bag on his back in a first mode. He can disconnect one buckle to rotate the rear back to his belly for a second mode. He can disconnect the waist band and belly pack for a third mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald Scott Nix, Cynthia Nelson
  • Patent number: 6619521
    Abstract: An umbrella supporting apparatus comprising a harness having shoulder straps, a waistband and a back-mounted umbrella support assembly which allows the canopy of the umbrella to be adjusted in two different planes. The back-mounted umbrella support assembly includes a support plate mounted to the waistband and has a plurality of spaced key holes defining a first set of vertically displace positions or angles. The assembly also includes a rotatable support bracket rotatably mounted to the support plate and a hollow rod coupled to the rotatable support bracket for supporting a shaft or pole of an umbrella. A locking lever is resiliently coupled to the rotatably support bracket. In operation, the rotatable support bracket is adapted to be rotated left or right and locked or secured to one of the spaced key holes via the locking lever to vertically offset the hollow rod from vertically upright or align the hollow rod vertically upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ronnie Hadley
  • Patent number: 6609642
    Abstract: A pack comprising a pack body, straps, a sleeve attached to the body, and a lumbar sacral support contained in the sleeve and supporting at least a portion of a weight of the pack when secured about a torso of a user and tightened. A frame can be attached to the body having frame members with lower portions and a band around the lower portions. The sleeve can be attached to the band by a pivot pin. The lumbar sacral support can comprise a pair of support body segments, each having an inner end portion and a front end with the front ends detachably connectable to each other; and a mechanical advantage device bridging together the inner end portions to form a belt. The mechanical advantage device include a cable rove around two banks of pulleys which are attached to the front end portions of the support body segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Bio Cybernetics International
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heinz, Edward Bannister
  • Patent number: 6607108
    Abstract: A backpack load transfer and stabilization system includes a roll control rod coupled to a hip belt for a backpack. The control rod is contained entirely within the hip belt and extends across the width of the hip belt. The control rod is coupled, in turn, to semi-rigid extension members which serve as the interface between the hip belt and the main backpack. The extension members transfer the load to locations on the hip belt corresponding to hip locations of the person wearing the backpack. The extension members are rotatably coupled to the main backpack and rigidly coupled to the roll control rod, such that when a person wearing the backpack hikes, and the person's hips move up and down, the combination of the roll control rod and interconnected extension sections compensate for the up-and-down movement of the hips to stabilize the load and prevent side-to-side swaying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Recreational Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Mydans
  • Patent number: 6607107
    Abstract: A load-carrying system for a backpack, and a backpack including such load-carrying system. The load-carrying system includes an improved structure, particularly for use during the practice of various sports, more particularly for gliding sports, such as snowboarding, skiing, and in-line skating. The invention includes an improved backpack and load-carrying system adapted to be held in place in order to prevent any interference with the user's ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Bonfire Snowboarding, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Dexheimer
  • Publication number: 20030150895
    Abstract: The present invention is a beach equipment carrying apparatus which is used to carry various items needed and used when visiting a beach or similar location. The apparatus includes a frame member, which can be adjustable in height, on which a plurality of components and compartments can be connected. The present invention further includes a hanger or hangers which are mounted to the frame member and on which beach going materials can be hung, including beach chairs. The present invention can also include a number of straps connected to the frame member to be used as shoulder straps, support straps or straps to hold down items secured to the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: BEACHPACKER, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Jankoski, Anita Saynisch, Ronald F. Jones, Joyce J. Jones
  • Publication number: 20030132260
    Abstract: A container for transporting articles that transforms into a ballistic protection unit includes a bag and a detachable panel. The bag includes a first compartment for containment of at least one piece of ballistic shield material. The detachable panel also contains at least one piece of ballistic shield material and is coupled to the bag by at least a first strap. The detachable panel is detachably coupled to the bag. During use, the user may detach the detachable panel from the bag and the bag may be placed over a shoulder of the user, protecting the user from high speed projectiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey Prather
  • Publication number: 20030121945
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Gerald Lemanski
  • Publication number: 20030106920
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bifurcated carrier pack for electively transporting snowboard equipment either in a traditional, back-mounted position or in an unconventional, hip-mounted position. A snowboard may be removably attached to the bifurcated pack while in a back-mounted position for transportation and detachment ease. When the user elects to remove the snowboard from the pack, the bifurcated pack may be easily configured to a hip-mounted position to shift the user's center of gravity from a superior center of gravity to an inferior center of gravity for improving the downhill snowboarding experience. The bifurcated pack comprises a pair of storage compartments, two shoulder straps and an abdominal encircling belt. At the election of the user, the storage compartments may be pivoted about their lower half to achieve either a back-mounted configuration or a hip-mounted configuration. The shoulder straps secure the storage compartments in place while in either configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: David W. Sagan
  • Publication number: 20030106916
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Brian T. Boone
  • Publication number: 20030102346
    Abstract: A pneumatic tool system operation and carrier belt comprised of a band worn around the waist of the user and from which is suspended a plurality of cinctures that respectively hold a set of hand tools, a pneumatic tool, a mini compressor, a small battery, and goggles, wherein the pneumatic tool, the mini compressor, and the small battery are interconnected. As such, the user goes to the work site only wearing the carrier belt holding the entire pneumatic tool system and operates the pneumatic tools directly from the belt because the power supply and compressed air source are built in, which improves upon the conventional need to connect a confusing array of equipment cables and hoses. Furthermore, the present invention does not hinder work and prevents accidental injury and other hazardous situations, and thereby provides a carrier belt that facilitates construction and manual dexterity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Mei-Lien Chen
  • Patent number: 6550651
    Abstract: A backpack (10) suitable for use with wheels (200) at its base adjacent to a non body-contact side (40) has a U-shaped opening (22) proximate to a body-contact side (30) that is closed with a zipper (31). The body-contact side (30) is provided with two shoulder straps (34) and a hip belt (36). Side straps (130) and a top flap or strap (134) connect the body-contact side (30) to other parts of the backpack (10), such as the non body-contact side (40), to take a substantial part of the weight of the backpack (10) and its contents so that the zipper (31) is not stressed or tensioned when the backpack (10) is worn on the back of a user. The wheels (200) are removable and can be larger than is usual for use on rough ground. A frame (100) with a built-in extending handle system (120) is mounted inside and ajacent to the non body-contact side (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Daymen Photo Marketing, Ltd.
    Inventors: Douglas H. Murdoch, Michael Sturm
  • Publication number: 20030057246
    Abstract: A modular child's harness and knapsack is disclosed having a waist belt, two shoulder straps, and gear that attaches to the waist belt and shoulder straps. The lower ends of the shoulder straps are foldable so that they may be folded up for use by a smaller child, and later unfolded as the child grows taller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Brita L. Painter
  • Patent number: 6536641
    Abstract: A back-mounted load-carrying device, such as a backpack or a child carrier, having an adjustable waist belt assembly is described. The waist belt assembly is freely slidable between a variety of vertical positions along a rigid frame. A locking mechanism, actuatable while the device is being worn, permits a user to adjust the waist belt assembly to rest comfortably on his hip and around his waist on the fly and subsequently secure the waist belt in the desired position. A pair of hip-load transfer members that are rigid to loads applied in the vertical direction comprise the waist belt assembly and rest against the hip of a user when the waist belt is secured. These members help to transfer load from the device to the user's hips and act to lessen the amount of load carried by the user's shoulder and back, the result being greater comfort and less fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Original Design Group
    Inventors: Chloe H. Sundara, John M. Williams, Hans Wain, David Silva, Jonathan Gray
  • Publication number: 20030052144
    Abstract: A body-worn harness for lifting and carrying cumbersome objects, wherein the lifting, carrying and movement of large and cumbersome objects is conducted with relative ease and efficiency. Said body-worn harness generally comprises shoulder straps, a waist strap and a harness in which the object to be carried is placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Vardi
  • Publication number: 20030034372
    Abstract: A hip belt (100) is disclosed having split left (130) and right (150) portions. The upper legs (131, 151) and lower legs (132,152) of the split portions are attached to adjustable straps (180, 184) such that the belt tension is distributed to both the upper and lower portions to facilitate a snug fit to the user. Transverse members (200) interconnect the respective upper and lower legs, maintaining the desired leg spacing. The transverse members are semi-rigid, flexible members, allowing the split belt to readily conform to the user's profile. Fastening the transverse members along the outer edges of the belt permits the legs to rotate to better conform to the user. In an embodiment of the hip belt (300) a plurality of transverse members are distributed along the length of the split portion of the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: K-2 Corporation.
    Inventors: Jesse B. Thompson, Gregory R. Garrigues
  • Publication number: 20030034371
    Abstract: A waistbelt for stabilizing a load, the load potentially carried within a backpack. The waistbelt may be worn around a user's waist and fastened together by a locking buckle. The waistbelt may be attached to a backpack, as part of a backpack system, by straps that are directly affixed to the waistbelt. The waistbelt may comprise padding that rests on the user's hips. A support region of the waistbelt can minimize shifting and swaying of the load carried in a backpack. The support region of the waistbelt may be extendable, and may be extended by movably attached waistbelt extensions. The waistbelt extensions may reduce reliance upon provide extendable support for varying waist sizes. The waistbelt extensions may reduce reliance upon support from buckling straps, thereby potentially reducing chafing, abrasions, and fatigue to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: David A. Crumrine
  • Patent number: 6520391
    Abstract: A baby shoulder cradle having a flexible cradle body adapted to carry the baby, a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap for hanging on the user's shoulders, and a waist strap adapted to secure the cradle body to the user's waist, the first shoulder strap being diagonally fastened to the back panel of the cradle body and length-adjustably equipped with an adjustment buckle, the second shoulder having one end fixedly fastened to the cradle body and the other end looped and slidably coupled to the first shoulder strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Kuo-Chun Yen
  • Publication number: 20030029895
    Abstract: A restraining and protection device for the protection and the restraint of neckstrap-suspended equipment used in the field, comprises a flexible cover of sufficient size to envelope most surfaces of the equipment. Attached to or associated with the cover is one strap that extend around the user's waist. A second strap is attached to the equipment so as to extend around the user's neck, or alternatively over one of the user's shoulder as desired. The ability to change the configuration of the straps is accomplished by providing an interconnection between the straps such that the waist strap can loop through the neck strap when the device is in a harness-type configuration and separated to change the device to an over-the-shoulder configuration with the equipment positioned proximate the user's hip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: M. Dan Andersen
  • Publication number: 20030000986
    Abstract: A modular load bearing field support system having a waist belt, a pair of shoulder straps, each of the shoulder straps having a front end attached to the waist belt and a rear end attached to the waist belt, and a middle section disposed between said front and rear ends. A mounting track is attached to said waist belt, and a spatula accessory support system is included for mounting an accessory on the mounting track. The spatula system includes a flat spatula attached to an accessory, with the spatula inserted between the mounting track and the waist belt to attach the accessory to waist belt. A long gun support system for conveniently and safely carrying a firearm along with the load bearing support system is described. Extension panels for carrying large loads on the support system, as well as fabric noise-reduction and color variation panels are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6484916
    Abstract: The knapsack of the invention comprises a one-piece shoulder-blade pad element (2) whose base for bearing against the back (13) of the knapsack (1) is constituted by a reinforcing plate which has a central zone (3) fixed to the back (13) of the knapsack in the top middle portion thereof, and two side zones (4) of oblong shape which extend the central zone (3) symmetrically both sideways and obliquely downwards. Shoulder-blade pads (8) are placed in the two side zones (4) on the reinforcing plate so as to bear against the back of the user over the shoulder blades. Shoulder straps (9) are fixed to the top edges (12) of the one-piece shoulder-blade pad element (2) in its two side zones (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Decathlon
    Inventors: Olivier Salom, David Boulange
  • Publication number: 20020170932
    Abstract: A backpack which includes a main bag, suspension system, frame, and additional miscellaneous parts. It combines the superior comfort of external frame backpacks, with the elegant style of internal frame backpacks. The frame is strapped within the main bag to create a semi-rigid surface against the back. The suspension system's shoulder harness is removable, and adjustably connected through the semi-rigid surface by screws. The shoulder harness is vertically adjustable and swivels to accommodate different shoulder widths. The suspension system's waist harness is removable, and rigidly connected through the semi-rigid surface by screws. The waist harness provides optimum weight transfer onto the hips and creates an air gap, providing ventilation to the back. By removing the frame and placing a cover on it, a seat is formed. By aligning the seat linearly with additional feet, and inserting elongated rails between them, a frame for a cot (or ladder) is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Higgins, Rachel Higgins
  • Patent number: 6481606
    Abstract: A small animal carrying device incorporating a pouch section with a padded bottom. The pouch is closed by a drawstring and a harness assembly using padded crossover straps secures the device around the carrier's shoulders. An additional strap at the bottom of the pouch secures the device around the carrier's waist or lower torso. It can be worn in the front and back positions and contains a side pocket for carrying a leash or other accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Sylvia Pickett
  • Publication number: 20020162871
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a backpack that has a reinforcement (1) arranged, at least in the central portion (11), in the half-thickness (Ep) which includes the front surface (101). The front surface (101) is positioned opposite the rear surface (100) which is adapted to be positioned on the user's back. The backpack also has a compression system (20) which, at least in the central portion (112), tends to press the rear surface (100) towards the reinforcement (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Serge Vigny
  • Publication number: 20020162872
    Abstract: The present invention a SHOULDER HARNESS comprises a torso mounted shoulder harness for carrying chest mounted objects, said shoulder harness including a horizontal strap encircling the upper torso and including horizontal strap ends for releasably connecting together for mounting and dismounting said shoulder harness; left and right vertical straps for positioning over respective left and right shoulders wherein each vertical strap connecting at the back to said horizontal strap, and each vertical strap connecting at the front to said horizontal strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Donato Cascioli
  • Patent number: 6474524
    Abstract: A pack article includes a flexible container having front, back, right side, and left side panels connected together to define an internal cavity, a flap to enable access to the internal cavity, and at least one divider within the internal cavity connected to and intersecting the back panel at a diagonal, and extending between the right and left side panels to provide a diagonal support surface for an item placed within the pack. The angle of the divider serves to orient the contained load of the pack and direct the weight of the load towards the back panel, thereby distributing the weight along the length of the user's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Ivarson, Henrietta L. Ivarson, Ian C. Ivarson
  • Publication number: 20020148871
    Abstract: A rucksack is provided which is equipped with a speaker system which creates, at a periphery of each ear of a rucksack carrier, a sound field in which sounds from an electric acoustic device can be heard clearly and naturally without use of headphones or earphones, and ambient noise as well can be heard clearly. A speaker unit, which radiates plane waves toward ears or vicinities of ears of the rucksack carrier, is disposed at a shoulder belt of a rucksack. The speaker unit is connected to a music playback device or the like accommodated in an accommodating portion of the rucksack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Masaki Nakano, Kouji Matsunaga
  • Publication number: 20020145018
    Abstract: An improved convertible backpack construction is convertible from wheeled luggage to backpack and includes a back panel with a pocket for storing attachment belts and carrying straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj Redzisz
  • Publication number: 20020145028
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Moore
  • Publication number: 20020125285
    Abstract: A portable, organized carrier for holding a variety of odd-sized goods includes two sets of layered, co-nesting, pocket-mounting flaps foldable around a comparted core area. The folded flaps are capped and clamped together by a pair of shell-like covers mounted at opposite longitudinal ends of the carrier. Shoulder and waist straps as well as a handle allow for use of the carrier as a backpack or a tote bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Gerald R. Parks, Donald J. Widmer
  • Publication number: 20020113103
    Abstract: A hunting pack or vest comprises an internal, angled frame for supporting a seated hunter wearing the vest. A cover proves free-floating pockets for the frame and a cargo pocket is disposed on the back of the cover over a rearwardly extending frame component. A seat is hinged at a juncture of the frame for stowed disposition under the cargo pocket and for deployed disposition extending forwardly of the frame. Angled pockets on the sides of the cargo pockets are accessible by a hunter wearing the pack whether standing or sitting. An orange panel is concealable, yet deployable over the cargo pocket. Two side vest panels are mounted forwardly of the cover and contain a plurality of ergonomically positioned pockets for easy accesses. Shoulder, waist and panel straps provide adjustment for varied sized and shaped hunters wearing a variety of clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel P. O' Hare
  • Publication number: 20020113101
    Abstract: A hydration system with integral thermal medium is described. It includes a sealable sac or pouch closely associated with a cooling and/or heating medium. The pouch includes an interior portion with a sealable opening to receive liquid for consumption and at least one exterior portion containing the medium. The pouch may be fit into a backpack. It is preferred that any pack used includes insulation. A conduit, preferably capped by a valve, may be fluidly connected to the interior of the pouch to facilitate remote use of the same. In preparation for use, the pouch is preferably chilled, for example in a freezer, or heated, for example in a microwave and then filled with liquid to be consumed by a user to maintain hydration or for enjoyment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Jeff Skillern
  • Publication number: 20020108982
    Abstract: A backpack load transfer and stabilization system includes a roll control rod coupled to a hip belt for a backpack. The control rod is contained entirely within the hip belt and extends across the width of the hip belt. The control rod is coupled, in turn, to semi-rigid extension members which serve as the interface between the hip belt and t he main backpack. The extension members transfer the load to locations on the hip belt corresponding to hip locations of the person wearing the backpack. The extension members are rotatably coupled to the main backpack and rigidly coupled to the roll control rod, such that when a person wearing the backpack hikes, and the person's hips move up and down, the combination of the roll control rod and interconnected extension sections compensate for the up-and-down movement of the hips to stabilize the load and prevent side-to-side swaying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: David S. Mydans
  • Patent number: 6431424
    Abstract: A modular load bearing field support system having a waist belt, a pair of shoulder straps, each of the shoulder straps having a front end attached to the waist belt and a rear end attached to the waist belt, and a middle section disposed between said front and rear ends. A mounting track is attached to said waist belt, and a spatula accessory support system is included for mounting an accessory on the mounting track. The spatula system includes a flat spatula attached to an accessory, with the spatula inserted between the mounting track and the waist belt to attach the accessory to waist belt. A long gun support system for conveniently and safely carrying a firearm along with the load bearing support system is described. Extension panels for carrying large loads on the support system, as well as fabric noise-reduction and color variation panels are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020104862
    Abstract: A load-carrying system for a backpack, and a backpack including such load-carrying system. The load-carrying system includes an improved structure, particularly for use during the practice of various sports, more particularly for gliding sports, such as snowboarding, skiing, and in-line skating. The invention includes an improved backpack and load-carrying system adapted to be held in place in order to prevent any interference with the user's ride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: BONFIRE Snowboarding, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Dexheimer
  • Publication number: 20020074373
    Abstract: A pack comprising a pack body, straps, a sleeve attached to the body, and a lumbar sacral support contained in the sleeve and supporting at least a portion of a weight of the pack when secured about a torso of a user and tightened. A frame can be attached to the body having frame members with lower portions and a band around the lower portions. The sleeve can be attached to the band by a pivot pin. The lumbar sacral support can comprise a pair of support body segments, each having an inner end portion and a front end with the front ends detachably connectable to each other; and a mechanical advantage device bridging together the inner end portions to form a belt. The mechanical advantage device include a cable rove around two banks of pulleys which are attached to the front end portions of the support body segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heinz, Edward Bannister
  • Publication number: 20020074372
    Abstract: A small animal carrying device incorporating a pouch section with a padded bottom. The pouch is closed by a drawstring and a harness assembly using padded crossover straps secures the device around the carrier's shoulders. An additional strap at the bottom of the pouch secures the device around the carrier's waist or lower torso. It can be worn in the front and back positions and contains a side pocket for carrying a leash or other accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Sylvia Pickett
  • Patent number: 6382489
    Abstract: A backsack includes a pouch with two first buckle members attached thereto. A positioning device is secured to the pouch. A shoulder strap unit includes two shoulder straps each having a second buckle member for releasably engaging with an associated first buckle member. An engaging device is mounted to the shoulder strap unit and is releasably engaged with the positioning device on the pouch, thereby releasably attach the shoulder strap unit to the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Louis Chuang
  • Patent number: 6364186
    Abstract: A backpack or back borne load carrier system with abdominal support, providing both internal and external modes of back borne load support to increase an individual's load bearing capacity. An abdominal support pad and pelvic belt system is attached to a conventional backpack or equivalent load carrier system equipped with shoulder straps, to cause a portion of the load weight that would otherwise be supported directly by the shoulders and spinal column to be transferred to the pelvic region for additional external support, and to the abdominal trunk region for additional internal support through enhancement of the natural hydraulic muscle action of the abdomen in support of the loaded spinal column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Outdoor Medical Research LLC
    Inventors: David P. Gilmour, Scott D. Cummings, William Edward Kois
  • Publication number: 20020033404
    Abstract: The knapsack of the invention comprises a bag, a strap assembly for attaching the bag to the shoulders or a user, a belt assembly for attaching the bag around the waist of the user, and a fastening system for fastening the strap assembly (and/or the belt assembly) to the back of the bag. The fastening system comprises a first piece secured to the strap assembly (and/or to the belt assembly) and a second piece secured to the back of the bag, said pieces co-operating with each other to enable the first and second pieces to be fastened together and to pivot mutually about a pivot axis perpendicular to the back of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Antoine Lafoux, Stephane Belledame, Fabian Guret, Franck Barbier
  • Publication number: 20010052533
    Abstract: A support piece for an element of a carrying system of a bag, such as a backpack, and a bag that includes such support piece. The support piece includes a body constituted of a padding material, and an envelope that is closed on the body with a seam provided on the side opposite that which comes into contact with the user of the bag. The seam thus positioned cannot come into contact with the carrier, even when the bag is heavily loaded and the support piece possibly becomes deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A
    Inventor: Agnes Kubasik
  • Patent number: 6311884
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual strap system used for connection to a utility bag, such as a computer bag, by which the bag can be converted into a backpack, In a first embodiment, the dual straps of the system cross each other by means of a rigid member disposed at the crossing point to provide a twist resistant arrangement and properly center the present invention on the back of the user. One strap has a stop located thereon which helps position the straps with respect to the rigid member when the strap is off the bag and maintain the integrity of the device during the time the device is not installed on the bag. An attachment clip system is also provided which automatically positions the straps properly for use when the right hand grab technique is used to shoulder the device. Further, the clip system is designed to keep the straps from tangling when the device is off the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Justin Johnson
  • Patent number: 6299044
    Abstract: An accessory bag meant to be worn by a wearer, such as a handbag or pocketbook, is provided with forward, rear and two side surfaces of material, each of the side surfaces being attached to the forward and rear surfaces along respective seams and each of the side surfaces includes bilateral incisions. Two folded lengths of attaching material are attached at their open ends to the accessory bag along respective seams of the side surfaces, and portions of the folded lengths of attaching material pass through the incisions to reveal the closed ends thereof external to the enclosure defined by the various surfaces of the accessory bag. A first pair of attachment devices are coupled to respective closed ends of the folded lengths of attaching material, each attachment device being suitable to receive a respective end of a waist-strap. A second pair of attachment devices are coupled to respective side surfaces, each attachment device of the second pair being suitable to receive a respective end of a shoulder-strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Heidi Marie Klindworth-Garron