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.

Abstract: A back pack for use with a hunting bow typically employed by a hunter in pursuit of game in the bush includes an outer shell having a spacious enclosed compartment for holding hunting gear. The outer shell includes a pair of shoulder straps for carrying the pack on the hunters back. The back pack includes at least a first securing strap for retaining a hunting bow to the back pack. A bow pouch is also included for supporting the bottom end of the hunting bow and a cushioned flap attached to the outer shell is included for covering and protecting the hunting bow. In its most fundamental embodiment, the back pack for use with a hunting bow exhibits a construction including an outer shell having a front surface and a rear surface for forming an enclosed compartment. The enclosed compartment is readily accessible to the hunter. A pair of shoulder straps are attached to the rear surface of the outer shell for carrying the back pack.

Abstract: A tramper's pack includes a sac 3, a shoulder harness 6/7, a supporting frame 4 and a hip belt; the frame 4 is secured to the rear surface of the sac 3 between the top of the sac 3 and a position approximately level with the wearer's lumbar dorsal pivot, but is free to flex relative to the sac below that point; the lower end of the frame 4 is load bearingly connected to the hip belt 9; a load spreading member 20 which incorporates a pair of wing portions 20 a is arranged to spread load from the area of the lumbar dorsal pivot outwards downwards to contact points on the hip belt 9, to which the wings are connected by flexible connection means.

Abstract: A vest useful for work in radioactive environments is provided. The vest comprises (a) a garment for substantially traversing the upper body of a user while being supported by the shoulders of the user, the garment having a front portion, a rear portion, opposed side portions and opposed shoulder portions, (b) a pocket disposed on the portion of the garment for accepting and retaining a communications data transmitter with dosimeter, and (c) a pair of adjustable sleeve elements attached to the garment, each sleeve element having a sleeve pocket for accepting and retaining a remotely transmitting dosimeter probe at a position above the elbow of the user. The invention has been found to provide a convenient method for firmly retaining at least five personal teledosimeter detectors on the upper torso of a worker having to work within a radiation hazardous environment.

Abstract: A portable holder for holding drinking liquid in the shape of a vest, having front and back sections with tubing that can be filled with drinking liquid; a twist lock coupler drains from the back to the front. Each section has molded sinuous tubing that can be filled by a filling tube and vented from the same filling tube at the top of the vest. Each section is also held together on the side by a hook and loop fastener. The vest also allows the wearer to drink through a drinking tube while wearing the vest. There is also a drainage tube provided by the vest with a screw cap that is concealed by a tongue and groove fastener. Each section is also held together on the other side of the vest by a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A load support system for carrying a load on a user's back includes a load support, first and second user engaging surfaces, and first and second arms extending between the load support and the first and second user-engaging surfaces, respectively. The load support includes a back panel configured to extend substantially parallel to the user's mid-coronal plane when worn. The first and second user-engaging surfaces are configured to engage the user on opposite sides of the user's mid-sagital plane when worn. The first and second arms are coupled to the back panel at first and second spaced locations along a first axis on opposite sides of the user's mid-sagital plane. The first arm has a first end pivotably coupled to the back panel about a second axis oblique to the first axis and oblique to a transverse plane of the user. The first arm further includes a second end coupled to the first user-engaging surface.

Abstract: A utility bag system for holding items therein and wearing on the shoulders and around the waist of a user. The utility bag system includes a waist panel and a lower panel coupled thereto to form therebetween a spaced apart pair of side pockets and a middle pocket interposed between the side pockets with each pocket having an upper opening therein. A pair of elongate flexible shoulder straps each have a pair of opposite ends coupled to a top edge of the waist panel.

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.

Abstract: A folding child frame carrier for carrying a child on a person's back, comprising: a collapsible front frame portion, the front frame portion having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, the front frame portion being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and having a left side and a right side, and the front frame portion being collapsible about the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis from an extended position to a contracted position, the front frame portion having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a forward-extending portion, the forward-extending portion being pivotally connected to the upper portion at a first pivot point, and the upper portion being pivotally connected to the lower portion at a second pivot point; a flexible child holder attached to the front frame portion between the upper portion and the forward-extending portion; a rear frame portion also symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and having a forward end pivoting on the front frame portion at a third pivot point and a

Abstract: A vest with incorporated back pack and back support including a vest portion adapted for being worn on a torso of a user. The vest portion is comprised of a front panel and a back panel each having outer edges. The outer edges are secured together leaving arm receiving openings and a head receiving opening. A backpack portion is secured to the back panel of the vest portion. A lower back support is securable to the back panel of the vest portion below the backpack portion. A pair of shoulder supports are secured interiorly of the vest portion.

Abstract: An adjustable position harness buckle system which employs a captured track secured to a backpack apparatus along a predetermined path and a clamp mechanism which is engaged with said track and can be clamped thereto by a lever arm actuated cam at any position therealong.

Abstract: A quick release assembly for releasing a backpack from a waistbelt which comprises a socket and a probe. The socket is adapted to secure the waistbelt and the probe is secured to a backpack. The probe is adapted to matably engage the socket and is configured for forward and backward rotatable movement in the socket. The socket has a recess and means for engaging catch surfaces of the probe. When the angular displacement of the probe from the socket exceeds a predetermined design angle the probe is released from the socket.

Abstract: A backpack in which length of the shoulder straps automatically adjust as to length when the wearer twists his or her torso. The shoulder straps are connected at their lower end to form one continuous strap. This strap passes below the bottom panel of the backpack, and is contained within a channel. The channel extends along the bottom panel for its entire width from right to left. The channel bends upwardly and forwardly as it exits the bottom panel to follow the side panels of the backpack. A member of low friction characteristics enables the continuous strap to slide freely within the channel. The channel is formed to resist distortion by compression from the load carried within the backpack. The shoulder straps may be elastic, and include an adjustment feature enabling adjustment of their overall length to accommodate different body dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an electric drill that is worn by a user is described as including a pair of shoulder straps that pass over opposite shoulders of the user and which attach to a belt that is worn about the waist of the user at the front and back of the user. The belt is adjustable about the waist of the user. A holster is attached to one of the pair of shoulder straps intermediate the waist and one of the opposite shoulders of the user that is adapted to receive the electric drill therein. An optional wrap-around strap further secures the electric drill in the holster when it is not in use and an optional tether that is attached at one end to the tool holder and at a remaining end to the electric drill are provided as desired. An optional accessory pouch is attached to the one of the pair of shoulder straps opposite to where the holster is attached. An optional adjustable center strap is attached to each of the pair of shoulder straps and is disposed intermediate thereto in the front of the user.

Abstract: A hipbelt for backpacks that is more comfortable and reduces fatigue by bridging across muscles and nerves in the gluteal region. The embodiment shown features a rigid crosspiece that prevents an attached taut belt or foam pad cushion from contacting the user in the lateral areas of the gluteal region. It only allows the cushion to contact the user in the central area of the gluteal region. A backpack frame connects to the crosspiece at the distal ends of the crosspiece. The connection at the backpack frame/hipbelt interface is a pivoting one.

Abstract: A fishing rod carrying backpack for holding fishing rods. The backpack includes a bottom portion having a bottom panel and a perimeter side wall. A front panel and a spaced apart pair of side panels are upwardly extended from the upper edge of the perimeter side wall. The bottom portion, the front panel and the side panels define an interior space for holding fishing rods therein. Upper and lower cover panels are coupled to one of the side panels and detachably attached to the other side panel to help hold fishing rods in the interior space.

Abstract: A backpack having a bow-shaped frame incorporated into its backside and two carrying straps is provided, in which the carrying straps are attached directly or indirectly to a strap that can be adjustably slid longitudinally along the backpack backside, and is connected to the backpack by its free ends in an area in which free ends of the bow-shaped frame end.

Abstract: A backsack (48) comprises a bag (51 ), a strap (30), a pair of robust ring spring clips (38, 66) and generally four pellets (26, 28). The bag is folded and glued of a single sheet of printable paper-like, yet high-strength material to have side gussets (55) and a flat bottom (52). The flat bottom (52) comprises folded and glued flaps (21, 23) which advantageously form corner pockets (22). The top of the bag is turned (87), with reinforcements affixed under the cuff. Two holes (88) are punched through all four layers of the collapsed bag resulting in eight holes (88) when the bag is open. With the bag still collapsed, the strap (30) is threaded through one of the two holes, back through the other, and serves as a closure at the top, leach of the two equal length portions of the strap (30) emerges from its hole and loops down to form shoulder loops. A pellet (28) is placed into each bottom corner pocket (22). The coils of the pair of ring spring clips (40, 42 and 68, 70) are pried apart with a tool (34).

Abstract: A load support system is provided including a flexible frame unit attached to a shoulder support structure and to a hip belt assembly. The frame is pivotally attached to the hip belt assembly and is held in a slightly bowed configuration, whereby load is transferred from the frame to the hip belt through pivot points and a venting space is created between the frame and a user's back. The shoulder support structure preferably includes a pair of independently positionable shoulder straps that are removably attached to the frame. The hip belt assembly preferably includes a load support belt that may be coupled to the frame, and a hip pad coupled to the load support belt via a hook and loop fastening system. The suspension system may be used to support backpacks, and the like, or may be adapted for other applications including SCUBA tank support.

Abstract: A multi-purpose thoracic sac for carrying personal belongings or the like is disclosed. The multi-purpose thoracic sac or front pack with its unique and versatile structures, such as a removable padded seat cushion, bilateral insulated pouch with velcro closure, therapeutic and strategically placed padded shoulder supports, personal safety devices, and a removable lumbar roll facilitate and improve energy conservation, comfort, and sitting posture. The front pack of the present invention enhances overall posture which in turn alleviates lordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, back-packer's palsy, chronic back pain or strain and provides the user with a sense of security and comfort.

Abstract: A backpack assembly in which the straps are connected across the wearer's chest by a easy to connect and disconnect coupling member. Alternately, the snaps can be connected so that they extend vertically along the chest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wearable tray assembly particularly designed for those who stock shelves or perform similar tasks. The device includes a circular, continuous padded waistband having an elongated, integral slot on its front portion. The waistband is supported around a person's abdomen using a pair of adjustable shoulder straps. A planar, substantially rectangular tray member is received within the slot for supporting items, such as a shipping carton, immediately adjacent a user's abdomen. The tray member preferably has at least one retaining wall vertically depending from a peripheral edge to prevent the carton from shifting. Alternatively, a box shaped container member may be attached to the waistband by inserting a pair of opposing, horizontally extending attachment arms into the slot. The tray and container member are supported in a horizontal position using a leg brace removably attached to their respective lower surfaces at one end and to the waistband at a second end.

Abstract: A backpack for carrying foldable chairs and other accessories comprises an outer envelope open at one end into which a foldable chair is placed, a pair of spaced straps mounted at one end to the outer surface of the backpack and extending over the outwardly extending legs of the chair and being removably coupled to a mating strap attached to the mid point of the opposite outer surface of the backpack. The backpack further includes a first zippered compartment extending horizontally across the outer surface and including a mesh pocket mounted at an intermediate position thereon. A drawstring is mounted along each end of the envelope opening to secure the chair in place. The backpack also includes a reinforcing strap mounted horizontally to the surface at the upper end thereof and having one end of a pair of shoulder straps mounted thereto at an intermediate position and a handle mounted thereto at the upper portion of said reinforcing strap to be used with a second handle on the other side of the opening.

Abstract: A hard-shelled backpack that consists of opposing outer doors, removable interlocking compartments, detachable outer pockets, dual purpose shoulder straps, a multipurpose frame, and dual purpose cargo bags, as-well-as a unique hip suspension device that allows the wearer to adjust and alter the weight of the backpack in reference to the body. This device changes the position of the backpack in reference to the body through an articulating ratchet device that subsequently changes the physical work that a given muscle group performs on any given terrain. The device is controlled by a dial directly behind the waistline of the wearer and is adjustable to the desires of the individual. The outer doors open in an opposing manner in relation to each other. This function allows access to all equipment contained therein. The interlocking compartments are easily removed to allow access to less used equipment.

Abstract: An improved backpack which includes a pack and a single shoulder strap. The single shoulder strap extends from a top corner of the pack to the lower corner on an opposite side from the top corner. The single shoulder strap allows the backpack wearer greater freedom of movement than conventional two shoulder strap backpacks.

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

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

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

Abstract: A body integral electronics package housing is formed of cloth material that simulates a person's garment, such as a poncho or vest. The housing contains various pockets to confine various electronic modules, including a front pocket of such size as to overlie the breast and midriff portions of the person's torso. The front pocket confines a plurality of rigid electronic modules that are supported within the pocket in a row and column array. The user may twist or turn his torso and bend forward or back and the foregoing array, and the modules do not restrict that movement. Instead, the position of the individual modules independently adjusts to the torso's position.

Abstract: A backpack includes a waistbelt system with a pocket formed by a pair of longitudinally extending spaced-apart flexible straps for receiving the hipbone of the user. The pocket is formed by a pair of longitudinally extending spaced-apart flexible strap. One of the longitudinally extending horizontal straps on either side of the waistbelt system is adjustable so that each separate side of the waistbelt system can be tilted to fit users having large hips or stomachs. A pair of hip cushions are provided on the waistbelt system, one on either side, which are connected to the remainder of the waistbelt system in a manner which allows relative movement between the hip cushion and the waistbelt assembly to reduce frictional forces upon the user. A shoulder width-adjustment system includes a spring bias member and an adjustment strap which allows a pair of shoulder strap support members to be adjusted to the desired shoulder width.

Abstract: A harness carrier having a back support member with a configuration adaptable to the back of a user which includes terminating ends. Attached to the support member is a first pair of straps which are adapted to attach to each other and secure the harness to the user. An elastomeric member is attached to the support members to define a cord spanning from about 50 to 90 percent of said support member.

Abstract: The backpack includes a main storage compartment having a back engageable portion, and a pair of shoulder straps attached thereto. A lumbar support member attached to a lower portion of the back engageable portion is attached to the lower ends of each shoulder strap to surround the abdomen of the wearer and provide support to the lumbar region of the wearer's spine. To provide protection to the wearer's head, a hood member is attached to the upper portion of the back engageable portion, and which can be placed over the head of the wearer when desired. Another backpack includes a pair of waist belt members secured at one end thereof to the back engageable portion, and having a storage compartment disposed between the waist belt members for storing them therein. A hood is secured to the back engageable portion by a strap member to space apart the hood from the back engageable portion by a given distance.

Abstract: A backpack with integral front panel vest-like construction including a front panel, a back panel, a shoulder bib and straps or the like for attaching the front and back portions together. The front panel has a front panel top, a front panel bottom, and two front panel sides. The back panel has a back panel rear backside pack, a back panel top, a back panel bottom, and two back panel sides. The shoulder bib attaches the front panel top and the back panel top, and the shoulder bib has a shoulder bib head opening. Straps attach the front panel sides and the two back panel sides together and secure the backpack to the user.

Abstract: A knapsack to be carried on a person's back comprising a storage compartment and a carrying unit. The storage compartment comprises a bottom wall, a back wall facing the person, a front wall and side wall portions adjacent the back wall. The walls of the storage compartment being substantially rigid and it comprises one or more openings. The carrying unit is releasably attached to the back wall, and comprises carrying straps and a collapsible rucksack which is collapsed when the carrying unit is attached to the storage compartment and may be expanded into a rucksack shape when the carrying unit is detached from the storage compartment.

Abstract: A carrying system which may be utilized for carrying video cameras, photography cameras and accessories, medical supplies, tools or recreational equipment therefor comprising two adjustable compartment bags that are each supported by an adjustable shoulder strap and an adjustable waist belt that when worn over the upper body provide a comfortable, balanced and accessible carrying system. Alternatively, both compartment bags may be re-configured and locked together to form a single shoulder bag.

Abstract: An articulated backpack apparatus for transporting material while attached to a user in which an upper storage element of the apparatus is capable of pivotal movement in relationship to a lower storage element of the apparatus while attached to the user. The backpack apparatus is capable of being collapsed into a satchel orientation so that the backpack apparatus may be carried by hand. From the satchel orientation the upper storage element and lower storage element may be moved apart by a pair of extensible supports so that the backpack apparatus may be secured over the wheel of bicycle in a pannier orientation. Additionally, the backpack apparatus is provided with a pull handle, an extensible shaft, and wheels, so that the backpack apparatus may be rolled along the ground in a pull cart orientation.

Abstract: A double pack device having a two packs interconnected with a pair of shoulder strap means, the straps designed to be engaged over the shoulders of a wearer so that one of the packs hangs in contact with the front of the wearer while the other of the packs hangs in contact with the back of the wearer. Side strap means are provided by which to draw the packs into close contact with the wearer so that the packs do not slide or flap against the wearer's body. An improved strap connection is provided whereby the strap means are fastened to a pack enclosing means and not to the more fragile fabric of the pack itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying folded hose, such as fire hose to locations where it is needed. The apparatus is constructed of lightweight, flexible material, such as webbed nylon and is capable of being worn on the back of a person, as a backpack. The apparatus has a U-shaped bottom support panel which supports the bottom and sides of at least one folded hose. The back of the folded hose is supported by a vertical support strap which lies against the back of the person wearing the apparatus. An upper horizontal strap and lower horizontal strap extend from the vertical back support strap around the folded hose to secure the folded hose to the apparatus. At least one anchor strap is attached to the bosom of the apparatus and the lower horizontal strap preventing the folded hose from slipping out of the bottom of the apparatus. The apparatus has two carrying or shoulder straps and a waist strap. The shoulder straps, waist strap and horizontal straps are adjustable.

Abstract: A backpack including a body engaging strap assembly and a strap assembly supported element supported on the body engaging strap assembly and including a container and an integrally formed back engaging portion having a padded back facing surface and a generally rigid curved opposite surface fixed thereto, the integrally formed back engaging portion defining a first generally vertically extending curve arranged to be centered adjacent the upper back portion of a user and a second generally horizontally extending curve arranged to be centered adjacent the lower back portion, the integrally formed back engaging portion being bendable about a horizontal axis located adjacent the center of the first curve and about a vertical axis located adjacent the center of the second curve.

Abstract: A backpack includes a pair of contoured side rails and three separate molded plastic support members removably attached to the rails. The upper support member includes a structure for carrying much of the weight of the carry bag. The carry bag includes hook and loop fasteners on fabric strips for securing the bag to the rails. The upper support member and other support members include slots and ports for attaching various straps and pads. One of the support members includes a flexible section to which the waistband and pad structure is attached, thereby providing flexibility to accommodate hip movement of the wearer. Separate back and lumbar pads are strapped to the support members. The separate plastic support members may be removed from one pair of contoured side rails and fastened to a pair of side rails of different length to accommodate wearers of different heights and proportions.

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

Abstract: An article carrier for wearing by a user and modifiable into a plurality of different configurations. This article carrier may be utilized as a fanny pack, a backpack carrier, and/or a carrier for skis and the like. Included in the article carrier is a shoulder harness detachably secured to the fanny pack. This harness may be utilized in conjunction with, or independent from, the fanny pack. When the harness is attached to the fanny pack, it may be entirely stored within the compartment or it may be draped over the user's shoulders. The front surface of the shoulder harness includes a pair of straps, each being adjustably mounted thereto. These straps can be utilized to secure such items as skis, or they can be utilized to removably secure a backpack.

Abstract: A pocket holster liberator system for harnessing portable computer and other portable electronic equipment while on the move or while operating a two wheeled vehicle. A plurality of pockets for carrying a portable computer, a beeper, a pen, and other easy to reach items. Detachable connection means is provided for releasably securing the pocket holster liberator to a users belt.