Abstract: A reconfigurable handle usable on a variety of implements and method of selectively reconfiguring a gripping surface of a handle are disclosed herein. The reconfigurable handle includes an elongate shaft extending along a central axis, segments retained on the shaft, and a locking mechanism for selectively retaining or releasing the orientation of the segments relative to each other by linear compression. In one preferred embodiment, the reconfigurable handle further includes an outer covering to form a semi-smooth gripping surface on the outer circumference of the handle, an endcap to keep the segments on the shaft, and an intermediate layer to further enhance the gripping capability of the handle. The segments move in at least one of an axial direction along the shaft, a non-axial direction perpendicular to the shaft, and a rotational direction around the shaft.

Abstract: An underwater air supply system for use with an air supply tank and a buoyancy chamber includes a base module and a plurality of interchangeable modules releasably connectable to the base module. Each module includes at least one of an air supply buoyancy chamber inflator for selectively supplying air from the air supply tank to the buoyancy chamber, a buoyancy chamber exhaust for selectively exhausting air from the buoyancy chamber, an oral buoyancy chamber inflator for enabling a diver to orally inflate the buoyancy chamber, and a regulator for supplying air to a diver from the air supply.

Abstract: A shoulder support assembly is provided for a load carrying system having a load support structure. The shoulder support assembly includes a pair of shoulder support structures. Each shoulder support structure includes a first piece and a second piece pivotally coupled to the first piece. The first piece is adapted to extend around a user's shoulder and has a pivotal connection at a lower end. The second piece is coupled to the lower end of the first piece at the pivotal connection. Each shoulder support structure further includes pads removably connected to the first and second pieces. In addition, the suspension system has a sternum strap disposed between and mounted to the pair of shoulder support structures at the pivotal connections.

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 fishing reel including a reel body having a spool support shaft with an outer circumferential surface and a spool having a hollow spool hub with an inner circumferential surface for extending about the shaft adjacent the outer circumferential surface. A recess is formed along the circumferential surface of a first one of the support shaft and the spool hub. An axial passage is further formed in the circumferential surface of the first one of the support shaft and the spool hub. The axial passage communicates with the recess. A lug radially projects from the circumferential surface of a second one of the support shaft and the spool hub. In one preferred embodiment, the recess is helical. In one preferred embodiment, the spool additionally includes a line clip for releasably capturing fishing line adjacent the spool.

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 bail for a spinning fishing reel is provided. The reel includes a reciprocating spool for storing fishing line and a rotor mounted for rotation about the spool to retrieve and wind the line around the spool. The reel further includes a crank arm which, when actuated, causes reciprocating motion of the spool and rotation of the rotor. The bail includes first and second support ends and a central section coupled between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are coupled to the rotor at opposed locations and are pivotable with respect to the rotor to move the bail between an open and a closed position. In the open position a user may cast the line and in the closed position retrieve it. When the bail is in the closed position, the central section guides the line to a line guide. The bail further includes at least one counterbalance weight supported on the central section. The weight provides rotational balancing of the rotor to ensure smooth operation of the reel.

Abstract: A pocket closure and pack compression strap arrangement includes a pocket closure panel and a compression strap designed to extend across the internal storage volume of a pack. The pocket closure panel may be secured to a front panel of the pack or to a pocket panel forming an external pocket. The strap preferably includes a first portion secured to the pocket closure panel and a second portion secured to a back panel of the pack or to a portion of an internal or external frame. A latch or buckle allows the first and second portions of the strap to be secured to one another for closing the pocket and compressing a load packed in the internal storage space. The strap is drawn tight to maintain the pocket closed and the load compressed. The pocket closure panel is preferably secured to the pack along an attachment region that is wider than an attachment region along which the strap is secured to the pocket closure panel.

Abstract: An attachment system, for erecting a tent having a flexible tent shell and a tent pole cooperating with the tent shell, includes a securing cord attached to a portion of the tent shell and a claw disposed at an end of the pole. The attachment system further includes an enlarged region disposed along the securing cord, which engages the claw, thereby retaining the tent shell in an extended position. The tent may also include a tent fly having an attached fly cord. An enlarged region disposed along the fly cord engages the claw to secure the tent fly.

Abstract: A tent has a two-ply door having an air venting fabric as a first ply and a waterproof fabric as a second ply. On the waterproof fabric, a continuous zipper which defines a c-shaped arcuate path is formed. The zipper starts at a side of the tent door and ends at the same side. Zipper slides are mounted on the zipper path, such that a pair of consecutively positioned zipper slides unzips the waterproof fabric to allow ventilation through the air venting fabric when the pair slides towards one another and zips the waterproof fabric to close off ventilation when the pair slides away from each other. Operation of a first of the pair provides ventilation through the top of the air venting fabric and operation of the other provides ventilation through the bottom of the air venting fabric.

Abstract: A quick-release pin latch assembly comprises a first latch member configured for locking engagement with and a second latch member. The first latch member includes a body member and a load bearing post or pin extending outwardly from the body member. The load pin has an enlarged head portion offset from the body member by a shank portion. The second latch member includes a base plate and a somewhat flexible, elongate latch plate. The latch plate is anchored at one of its ends to the base plate, wherein the latch plate is biased to remain in substantial contact with the base plate. The base plate has a pin receiving elongate opening. The elongate opening is large enough at one end to allow the head portion of the pin to pass. The elongate opening is reduced at an opposite end to receive and establish coupling engagement with the shank portion of the pin. The latch plate has a retaining hole to receive and establish coupling engagement with the head portion of the pin.

Abstract: A drag mechanism for a spin casting reel operated by a star wheel coaxial with and located behind the reel handle. The adjustment of the star wheel transmitted through a cam having a spiral groove engaged by a cam follower to a lever arm which applies an axial braking force to braking disks coaxial with the reel spool.

Abstract: A motor mount for attaching a motor, such as a trolling motor, to a boat includes a bracket, a pair of pivotable support arms and a motor support. The bracket may be removably attached to the transom or to the bow of a boat. The bracket, the support arms and the motor support form a 4-bar linkage that permits the motor to be moved between a fully deployed or lowered position and a fully stowed or raised position. As the motor is moved between the deployed and stowed positions, it moves through a first, generally vertical translation phase of motion during which it maintains a generally vertical orientation, and a second, generally pivotal phase, in which it is rotated from the generally vertical orientation to a generally horizontal orientation. An intermediate stowed position is provided just beyond a transition point between the two phases of motion.

Abstract: A rectangular frame for supporting the backpack having a pair of shoulder straps, the frame including a pair of cross members and a pair of fittings for securing the shoulder straps to the frame, the fittings including a main section having a series of parallel slots, a semi-circular member at each end of the main section for securing the fittings to the cross members and a slotted ring mounted on each shoulder strap, the ring being of a size to pass through the slots and rotatable with respect to the shoulder strap to lock the strap in the slots in the fitting.

Abstract: A poppet seat for air regulating devices, such as underwater diving equipment, includes a metal or plastic substrate around and through which synthetic or rubber seat material is molded. In its preferred form, this seat material surrounds the sides of the substrate and fills holes therein as well as an annular v-groove formed in the periphery of the substrate to further enhance the mechanical bond between the substrate and seat material.