Abstract: An adjustable backpack structure including a base member having structure to secure it to a backpack and carrying thereon at least one elongated track spaced from and parallel to the securing structure, a movable member including attachment structures for backpack straps and configured to be movably engaged in a no more than partially encircling fashion by the base member track, and a locking structure to releasably secure the movable member in a selected position and along the base member track whereby the base member may be conveniently sewn or otherwise fastened to a backpack with the track disposed in a direction in which adjustability of the backpack straps is desired, and the movable member carrying the straps released, moved along an unobstructed path adjacent to the track and resecured to the base member along the track at any of a number of positions by releasing and securing the locking structure.

Abstract: An improved carabiner configured to provide an enlarged gate opening for access and to permit smoother entry and release of ropes or other accessory devices to or from the carabiner, the carabiner comprising a C-shaped member with an articulated gate member extending across the opening of the C-shaped member and configured such that the articulated gate member may open beyond the normal interference with the back portion of the C-shaped member. Preferably, an end portion of the C-shaped member includes a slot and a bar extending transversely across the slot, with a complementary narrowed end portion on the movable gate member adapted to fit within the slot and including a notch configured to fit around the bar when in the slot to form a latch arrangement.

Abstract: A frame pack is disclosed that is useful as a body mountable structure for retaining and/or transporting various articles which facilitates both a less restricted range of motion in the hips and shoulders of a user due to the load distribution thereon while maintaining and/or enhancing stability of the pack during use. The pack includes a storage portion mounted on a framework, and a shoulder harness that is attachable to various locations along a vertical member of the framework. The pack includes a load distributing waist harness assembly that has a padded waist belt mounted on a substantially rigid member and a plurality of appendages meeting at a central portion pivotably mounted to a lower, central portion of the frame, with the appendages and the frame having portions for receiving motion restraining members to variably limit pivotal motion.

Abstract: A backpack or transport bag including an outer pack structure of pliable material, preferably treated on one side with a water resistant coating, and including a number of seams or other perforations therethrough to attach straps, pockets, etc., the outer pack structure including closure means to close an opening defined therein, and an inner bag structure of a shape complementary to the outer pack structure and also of a pliable material coated on one side thereof with a water resistant material, the inner bag means including complementary upper closure means to attach to and function with the closure means of the outer pack, the inner bag and the outer pack preferably having seams at differing locations.

Abstract: A camming, or wedging, device is disclosed that is particularly useful in climbing a severely sloping surface, such as, for example, the side of a rock or mountain formation having natural or man-made openings therein and into which the camming device may be releasably anchored to facilitate climbing. The camming device includes a support arm having a plurality of interrelated cam members pivotally mounted thereon at one end, and a centrally mounted cam actuator connected with the cam members to control movement of the cam members from an extended (open) position to a withdrawn (closed) position.

Abstract: A receptacle for organizing, protecting and identifying accessories, for example, camera accessories, such as video tape, batteries and the like, or photographic accessories, such as film canisters, filters, lens caps and the like, is disclosed. The receptacle, or pouch, may be releasably attached to a bag or other such structure for receiving and retaining equipment such as a camera and/or a video recorder, and may include a carrying handle and/or shoulder strap so that the pouch may be carried separately from the bag or be carried in conjunction with the bag either by being permanently or removably attached thereto. The pouch is configured to receive a cushioning insert at an accessories receiving portion of the pouch, which portion may include the entire pouch, with the cushioning insert having a plurality of cavities defined therein, and with the cushioning insert entirely filling the area of the accessories receiving portion except for the cavities.

Abstract: A video equipment bag is disclosed that is useful both as a secure transporting case for video equipment and as a carrying case to facilitate ease of operation of a complete video equipment recording assembly, including allowing operational functioning of the components of the video recording equipment assembly without requiring removal of at least some such components from the case. The bag includes a plurality of interior compartments, each of which receives different components of the video recording equipment assembly to be utilized, and specifically includes compartments for receiving a video camera, a spare battery pack, accessories, and a video cassette recorder with the video cassette recorder being positioned so that the recorder controls are accessible through an opening at one side portion of the bag and external electrical cable connections can be made to the recorder through an opening at the bottom of the bag.

Abstract: Crampons formed of straight-sided frame members with at least one such member on each side, but preferably joined together in pairs at each side for lateral and/or longitudinal adjustment to provide for changes in the dimensions of the crampon to suit boots of various sizes, or, if desired, articulation around a horizontal axis, further including integral depending pointed members located and arranged in an aligned configuration for the purpose of piercing snow and ice to provide additional traction for climbers and hikers, and preferably having improved means for quickly and securely fastening the crampon to a boot to stress the sole thereof and thus afford greater rigidity to the crampon.

Abstract: A releasable buckle structure and method in which a curved planar engaging member releasably interlocks with a curved planar receiving member, the engaging member having a U shaped opening defined therein and the receiving member having a complementary U shaped solid portion adapted to engage the U shaped opening with the projecting center portion of the U shaped opening extending through the open center of the U shaped solid portion with the solid portion bearing on the concave side of the curved engaging member, the engaging member including a handle portion which, when angularly displaced, induces the solid portion to ride along the concave curved surface of the engaging member until releasing through the slot defining the bottom of the U shaped opening, both the engaging member and the receiving member including means to engage separate belt ends and, in a preferred embodiment, including a narrowed slot at the bottom of the U shaped opening and a displaced center portion of the U shaped opening to reduce

Abstract: A back pack having an enclosed volume suitable for storing and transporting materials, the back pack including shoulder straps and a belt for supporting the back pack upon a wearer, the belt constituting a climbing harness with attached, preferably storable, groin straps and a releasable attachment to the back pack.

Abstract: An ice anchoring device, and particularly an ice hammer, having a relatively thin walled, partially open or fully closed channel, with opposed interior walls at at least a portion of the channel, and, preferably, parallel outer walls, which, when impacted upon ice, fractures the ice internally of the channel while producing a basically undisturbed void in the ice sufficient to accommodate the anchoring device. Preferably the channel is in the form of an initially closed tube having an inwardly sloping bevel from a cutting edge defined at the end of the tube, and an opening in the tube spaced back from the end of the tube to facilitate removal of fractured ice. The method is practiced by inserting the tube into ice with force and localizing the destructive forces inwardly to the volume within the channel thereby avoiding weakening and fracturing of the remaining exterior portion of the ice in which the device is anchored.