Abstract: Apparatus transportable by an exercising person, for maintaining a liquid drink within one-handed reach while the person is exercising, includes a container for the liquid drink, an adjustable belt for fitting about the person's waist, a holster connected to the belt, for releasably retaining therewithin the container, and a cradling web extending between the holster and the belt, connected thereto at respective web extremities but being arcuately spaced therefrom along a middle portion of the web.

Abstract: A pack system for holding a highly viscous liquid includes a container configured with an opening in the bottom end thereof, a valve mechanism disposed adjacent the opening for selectively controlling flow through the opening, and a pack having a pocket configured to hold the container in an upright position so that highly viscous liquid disposed within the container will gravitate toward the opening in the lower end. Preferably, the pocket has an opening in the upper end for receiving the container and an opening in the lower end for receiving the valve mechanism so that the valve mechanism is visible while the container is in the pocket.

Abstract: A waist-belt and buckle assembly for mounting a pack on a person, preferably on a back side portion of a human torso, having two strap portions extendable forwardly from each side portion of the pack toward a front side portion of the person where the four strap portions are fastenable, for example with a buckle, and preferably with a buckle having substantially discrete accommodations for each strap portion. The strap portions are independently adjustable, and are loosenable independently without loosening other strap portions, preferably by moving a corner portion of the buckle away from the torso.

Abstract: The bladder includes two sidewall portions which are disposed opposite one another. Along a majority of the perimeter, the first and second sidewalls are joined together so as to form a body defining a containment area which is substantially enclosed by the sidewalls. One portion of each of the two sidewalls is not joined with the opposing sidewall so as to form a bladder with an opening along one portion thereof. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the sidewalls of the bladder form a body, and a neck which extends beyond the unattached portions of the sidewalls. An opening is formed in a neck which extends from the body. The neck is open at opposing ends to thereby provide a conduit for placing fluids into the containment area of the body. To close the conduit formed by the neck portion, the neck portion is rolled toward the body. The rolled neck portion seals the opening closed and prevents liquid in the containment area from escaping out of the neck.

Abstract: A hip-supported pack is comprising a front band of flexible material attached to a back band of flexible material by means of two laterally displaced buckles providing for articulation between the front band and the back band to allow the pack to conform to varying human anatomy. The load to be packed can be displaced in and on a number of interchangeable front and back bands with complementary buckle sections.

Abstract: A sportsman's or athlete's water pouch backpack having a body portion connected to the person by a pair of padded shoulder straps and a quick-release, buckled hip belt. A removable bladder assembly is contained within the pack and has a bladder having a fill connection, a tube and mouthpiece valve, a handle and an internal baffle that maintains a proper bladder shape and prevents sloshing when the bladder is filled with liquid.

Abstract: A universally adjustable frameless backpack is provided for use by the more active sportsperson. The pack has a pivoted shoulder harness that allows the pack to remain relatively stationary while the person's body and shoulders swing back and forth as in jogging, running, or cross-country skiing. The hip pad also has a novel attachment to the pack that allows hip motion without excessive swinging of the pack causing unbalance of the runner or jogger.