Abstract: A backpack comprising at least two major portions joined at their perimeter to form an enclosed volume and separably and independently useful by the user as weather protective devices, seating pads, and other user activity related articles. The portions are sufficiently rigid to permit portions to retain a preformed, ornamental shape and provide the above-mentioned structures.

Abstract: A self contained breathing apparatus comprises a compressed air cylinder, facemask and hose which when not in use are stored and carried within a case formed from an assembly of flexible sheet material. The elements of the case are constructed such that when it is opened and reversed it is adapted to form a garment to be worn over the torso and support the air cylinder for use.

Abstract: A reversible backpack assembly is provided. The backpack assembly of the invention comprises a bag having an opening to enable access to its interior and a side or rear panel to which a strap assembly is connected. The strap assembly is used by the backpack wearer for carrying the bag along the wearer's back and includes a pair of supporting shoulder straps having ends connected to the bag panel and ends which may be selectively coupled to a corresponding pair of strap connectors fixed to the outside and inside of the bag.

Abstract: A ski carrying device enables a skier to carry his or her skis and ski poles on the skier's back thereby freeing the skier's hand. The ski carrying device includes an upper cover and a lower cover. The skier wraps the upper and lower covers around the toe bindings and the heel bindings of the skis, respectively, with the skis positioned in a bottom-to-bottom arrangement. Each cover includes a strap which the skier wraps around the ski poles to hold the ski poles against the skis. The carrying device further includes a pair of shoulder straps, each strap connected to and extended between the upper cover and the lower cover. The skier places the straps over his or her shoulders to support the skis on the skier's back. In this position, the skier easily carries the skies and poles without using his or her hands. Furthermore, the skis worn on the skier's back are less likely to strike other persons or objects.

Abstract: A bag with storage pocket which converts into a beach towel comprising a bag front wall attached to a beach towel and a flap. The flap further comprises a zippered storage compartment. One or more shoulder straps are attached to the bag with storage pocket which converts into a beach towel in order to provide hands-free transportation of the items contained in the bag with storage pocket which converts into a beach towel and the storage compartment.

Abstract: A flipover carrying device for use by a wearer to carry possessions on the wearer's back and comprising a back panel supported adjacent a wearer's back, a moveable pouch supported adjacent the back panel in a first position and supportable adjacent the wearer's chest in a second position, a motion inhibitor interposed between the back panel and the pouch when the pouch is in the first position, and the pouch is attached in a position such that it is graspable by the wearer for moving the pouch from the first to the second position without removing the device.

Abstract: A convertible backpack assembly for carrying items therewithin, yet provide a readily adaptable assembly for conversion to a beach-type chair. The assembly includes a frame base and forward and rearward frame portions each attached to the frame base by a ratchet arrangement. A pair of leg members extend downwardly from the frame base. The forwardmost leg member is pivotally attached to the frame base so as to be swingable away from the lower back of the carrier of the convertible backpack assembly. Webbing material is be disposed over the frame portions and across the frame base, to define the front and back of the backpack as well as the back, seat and leg support portions of the chair. The seat portion may have its tension adjusted under the frame base, to allow greatest sitter comfort. A pair of side panels of webbing material are removably disposed between the front and rear frame portions to define the sides of the backpack assembly.

Abstract: This invention is a portable shooting table adapted to be transported as a backpack during a hunt and assembled n the field. It is comprised of an adjustable length frame with a backpack attached. Adjustable legs carried in the backpack are screwably attached to the frame. When it is being used as a shooting table, an adjustable gun rest attached to the frame supports a rifle. The frame has rigid transverse members to support the arms and firearm of the shooter while the firearm is being aimed. Shoulder straps attached to the frame enable the shooter to shoulder carry the shooting table in the manner of a knapsack.

Abstract: A back pack type suit bag is disclosed having an incorporated semirigid panel enclosed in a side wall of the bag. The semirigid panel defines the profile of the upper portion of the bag and supports the upper hanger strap from which garments are supported. A conventional and flexible bag wall is provided with the bag opening, typically a zipper, to obtain access to the interior of the bag. On the other side of the semirigid panel from the exterior of the bag "back pack" type shoulder straps are fastened. The back pack shoulder straps are attached about the shoulders of the wearer to impart a slight arcurate bend to the semirigid panel with such bending occuring about an axis parallel to the spine of the bag wearer. Preferably, a waist strap is additionally utilized and similarly tightened to reinforce the arch.

Abstract: An infant care bag for storing bottles, diapers, Wet Wipes, and other infant care supplies comprises a primary bag section and a removable auxiliary bag section is disclosed. The primary bag section can be worn as a backpack with or without the removable auxiliary bag section. The primary bag section stores a variety of infant care supplies and perishable food items and can be used as a booster chair for dining. The removable auxiliary section provides additional storage space and has a compartment for storing a changing pad. The infant care bag is constructed of a fabric coated extruded plastic framework. A second embodiment disclosed in the infant care bag is fabricated from vacuum formed plastic. The infant care bag is therefore lightweight and easy to clean.

Abstract: An article is disclosed which is capable of being configured as a blanket or mat or the like, or as a carrying bag or knapsack. The article is made of a fabric piece having two opposing arcuate fabric channel halves secured to the lower surface thereof, facing each other. The channel halves define a generally circular channel in the center of the fabric piece. Gaps between the opposing ends of the fabric channel halves expose at least one and preferably two separate continuous ropes which pass through the channel. The fabric piece has a generally circular central portion of smaller diameter than the channel, with at least one retaining loop secured near the circumference thereof.

Abstract: A backpack system having upper and lower modules that are connected by a three-axes ball joint assembly. This joint assembly permits free movement of the hips relative to the shoulders in all directions while transmitting the load to the hips.The backpack system can easily be separated into upper and lower modules which can be worn independently of each other.

Abstract: A central straddle-sheet section (1) made of fiber or other foldable material is provided with a pocket section (2 and 3) at each end. Each pocket section (2 and 3) is sufficiently narrow not to overlap the other when both are folded onto the central straddle-sheet section (1) at fold lines (10 and 11) where the pocket sections (2 and 3) are joined to the central straddle-sheet section (1). When the straddle pack organizer is straddled over a chair (18) or other surface, the pockets (6 and 8) in the pocket sections (2and 3) hang or lay to each side of the chair to form easily-reachable pockets for holding folders, notebooks and other materials. A carrying case is formed when the pockets are folded over the central straddle-sheet section (1) and the central straddle-sheet section (1) then is folded at a central fold line (12) between the folded pocket sections (2 and 3).

Abstract: An infant carrier and harness combination in which the infant carrier is formed of a soft body having a back section for supporting the back of an infant, and spaced apart side sections and side bolsters for supporting the sides of an infant. The infant carrier has a seat section connected to the back section, and a front panel connected to the seat section for releasably connecting the front panel and seat section to the side sections, for forming a pouch for an infant. The front panel and seat section further define leg openings through which the legs of an infant can extend. A safety band extends from the lower end of one of the side sections to the lower end of the other side section. The back section is further provided with a pocket for slidably supporting a head and back support panel for stiffening the back section. The harness is further provided with shoulder straps having bib attachment straps for releasably securing a bib, in a position opposite the face of an infant in the carrier.

Abstract: A multifunctional enclosure for back-carried equipment. When used with equipment that provides a harness for carrying the equipment on a user's back, this enclosure provides a number of features relating to the transportation, storage and usage of the equipment. When used as an enclosure for a backpack, the backpack is inserted into the enclosure and the contents are transported by means of a handle or shoulder strap in a manner similar to a duffel bag. Whenever the backpack must be left unattended for any period of time, a padlock can be used to interconnect the zippers to prevent the zippers from being unzipped. For additional security, a metal cable can be used to secure the invention and enclosed backpack to an an immobile object. This feature allows the traveler to leave the backpack unattended for short periods of time without the fear of theft of the contents or the backpack itself.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a squirt gun member includes a conduit in fluid communication with a housing, wherein the housing is arranged for mounting to a torso portion of an individual utilizing a waist and shoulder strap arrangement. A modified gun construction of the instant invention utilizes a projected balloon member formed with a tether line mounted to the gun structure of the instant invention.

Abstract: A utility bag system (10) to be worn on the person (74) comprises first (12) and second (14) bags, a strap (20) to be worn about the neck, shoulders or waist and joining the tops of the bags (12, 14), a waist belt (34), and loops (30, 32) secured to the back of the bags (12, 14) for receiving the belt (34) for holding the utility bag system (10) adjacent the body.

Abstract: An infant care bag for storing bottles, diapers, Wet Wipes, and other infant care supplies comprises a primary bag section and a removable auxiliary bag section is disclosed. The primary bag section can be worn as a backpack with or without the removable auxiliary bag section. The primary bag section stores a variety of infant care supplies and perishable food items and can be used as a booster chair for dining. The removable auxiliary section provides additional storage space and has a compartment for storing a changing pad. The infant care bag is constructed of a fabric coated extruded plastic framework. A second embodiment disclosed in the infant care bag is fabricated from vacuum formed plastic. The infant care bag is therefore lightweight and easy to clean.

Abstract: A tubular frame support for a convertible child carrier which makes it possible for a child backpack (FIG. 2) to be converted to a child's seat adapted to a table as a high chair (FIG. 3) and vice-versa. The parallel side members of the tubular frame support are configured like a letter "J": each side member having a first elongated section (15), a parallel second elongated section (11 & 12) which is half the length of the first elongaged section, and a curved connecting section (13) connecting the first and second elongated sections. The first elongated section (15) is bent towards the open end of the second elongated section (11) where the open end of the first elongated section is in line with the second elongated section with a space therebetween where a table can be inserted. The presence of the second elongated section (11 & 12) makes it possible to create a convertible child carrier.

Abstract: The present invention shows a multi-purpose, utility bag comprising:a bag member, said bag member having a base portion and a back portion and being constructed of flexible material;a support member integrated into said bag member and providing firm support for said bag member at least in the area of said base portion and said back portion of said bag member; and,a non-linear array of load-bearing, rotatable castors fixedly attached to the base portion of said support member permitting the utility bag to sit upright and roll across a flat surface upon said castors.

Abstract: A convertible backpack assembly for carrying items therewithin, yet provides a readily adaptable assembly for conversion to a "beach"-type chair. The assembly includes a frame base and forward and rearward frame portions each attached to the frame base by a ratchet arrangement. A pair of leg members extend downwardly from the frame base. The forwardmost leg member is pivotably attached to the frame base so as to be swingable away from the lower back of the carrier of the convertible backpack assembly. Envelopes of webbed material may be disposed over the frame portions and across the frame base, to define the front and back of the backpack as well as the back, seat and leg support portions of the "chair". The seat portion may have its tension adjusted under the frame base, to allow greatest sitter comfort. A pair of side panels of webbed material are removably disposed between the forward and rearward frame portions to define the sides of the backpack assembly.

Abstract: A backpack for overland and underwater use having a central compartment for a first tightly-sealable sack adapted to contain the user's personal belongings, a rear compartment having a second tightly-sealable sack containing a sheet of foam material usable as a mattress, and a front compartment containing an inflatable bladder adapted to provide the backpack with good floating characteristics such that the backpack can be used as an element for logistic support and/or as a safety element for a skin-diver. The bottom region of the various compartments is provided with drainage for water. The backpack has straps which are capable of attachment in two ways, one for walking, the other for use in water. A line is provided for tethering the backpack to the user when underwater. The backpack is floatable when the bladder is inflated and a signal flag and flashlamp can be displayed.

Abstract: A saddlebag in the form of a triangular prism including a rigid stiffening grid within one of its walls and a connection between the rigid stiffening grid and a carrying bar on a motorcycle with a hinge-like connection and with a downwardly facing wall including a closure whereby the closure can be swung to an upward position around the hinge-like connection to provide access to the interior of the saddlebag without spilling its contents, and the saddlebag being connectable symmetrically with another saddlebag to form a backpack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible, utility travel pack for storing an infant's needs for care during travel, which pack can be hand carried, shoulder carried, or back carried by an attending adult, or suspended for carry from an infant portable carrier; the pack further including means to hide that structure used for carrying in modes not used when carried in a selected mode, and also including a novel satchel and pouch as part of the travel pack.

Abstract: A multi-purpose carrier for skis and the like is comprised of a combination ski-boot and ski-protection bag that can be converted to a back-pack. This convenient unit, designated as a "Mule Pack" is adapted to be strapped to the roof rack of a car using the same straps that support the back-pack.

Abstract: A collapsible multicompartmented pack able to be affixed to the back of a garment. The pack may include two compartments; a first boxlike collapsible compartment and a second flat compartment that may have snaps for compressing the first compartment between the back of the garment and the second compartment. A single cover is provided that may either close the first compartment when it is expanded or cover both the first and second compartments when the first compartment is compressed. Multiple compartments of either type may be provided.

Abstract: A combination pack and seat is convertible for use as a table engaging child seat, and back pack type child carrier, and a free standing child seat. The combination pack and seat includes a pair of spaced side frame members extending in parallel relation and each connected by a radiused bend portion with an obliquely extending ground support foot. An upper end of each of the side frame members are connected by an arcuate curved portion with a top frame member. The top frame members extend in spaced parallel relation and are connected by a transverse end bar to form a rectangular channel. A child carrying pouch formed from a flexible material is suspended from the top frame members and the transverse end bar, within the rectangular channel. A pair of pivotal struts are mounted by pivotal detent mechanisms adjacent the arcuate curved portion on each of the side frame members.

Abstract: A support for carrying loads on the back is provided and has a back-plate which on one side follows the shape of the human body and on the other side has means for securing the loads. The support has a plurality of differently-sized openings arranged in mirror-image symmetry in relation to its central axis and intended for securing the loads to be carried. The openings are positioned and laid out in such a manner as to provide a system for arranging the loads to be carried.

Abstract: A double belt or extra long single belt is secured around an article of clothing such as a coat. The garment is folded into a bundle and a first belt segment secured into a loop around the bundle. Two free belt ends are secured from the first belt segment and wrapped around the bundle and secured to attaching means on the upper portion of the garment to form carrying loops. Attaching means include buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles and tieing. The bundle may receive other articles for carrying. The bundle may be carried as a backpack, over the arm or grasped by hand as a briefcase. Mating hook and loop fasteners applied to the sides of the garment secured the sides of the carrying bag. Alternately pairs of loops may be applied to the article of clothing on separate portions of the garment so that when the garment is folded larger loops may be inserted through smaller loops to secure the carrying bag and serve as carrying means.

Abstract: A backpack frame utilizes frame members formed of a plurality of relatively movable blocks. The blocks are held in a column by a cord stressed in tension running through the blocks. The relative movement among the plurality of blocks provides flexibility to the frame.

Abstract: A convertible garment bag is fabricated with alternate carrying means to permit the bag to be transported by the luggage handle, a shoulder strap or a backpack harness, thereby enabling a traveler to include in a single bag both formal wear and casual wear for all occasions, and, allowing the traveler the option of carrying the bag as conventional travel luggage or as a mountaineering pack. The garment bag is constructed in the form of an elongated casing with a hook at one end to hand the casing and contained garments for temporary storage with minimal wrinkling of the contained garments. The casing has a perimeter closure device to enable the casing to fold into multiple segments that interfasten to form a unitary compact pack for convenient transport by one of the alternate carrying means.

Abstract: A pack frame is disclosed herein having first and second frame sections joined together by tubular segments and adapted to be converted from its usage as a back frame to a multiplicity of other configurations useful as a cutting saw, a gun or camera monopod, a seat and the like. The pack frame is made of metal tubular components having snap-lock connections for ready assembly and disassembly and further includes shoulder straps for supporting the pack frame from a person's shoulders, and a storage bag is detachably carried to the lower portion or section of the frame.

Abstract: An exoskeletal carriage for articles to be carried by a person. It includes a belt for supporting the carriage. A front and rear blade-like columnar member is attached to the belt. The columnar members include a channel shape along at least a part of their vertical dimension to give columnar support with minimal bending. Articles to be carried can be attached to the columnar members.

Abstract: A backpack/cot/tent structure usable in a first mode as a backpack and convertible to a cot when the framework is separated into upper and lower sections with an integral tent member that can be set up to surround the cot.

Abstract: A carrying assembly, suitable for use either as a backpack or a piece of luggage, and especially suited for carrying equipment for recreational water sports such as scuba diving, includes a body, having side, top, bottom, front and back walls, defining a storage space within which are disposed a plurality of storage pockets. The body and pockets may be formed of a strong yet flexible and water resistant material to accommodate transport of both wet and dry items. Also, some pockets may be formed of a strong yet flexible mesh material to facilitate rapid drainage and drying of wet items, especially when the storage space is opened to permit free air circulation. Side wall straps are provided for when the assembly is employed in its luggage configuration and rear wall straps are provided for when it is in its backpack mode. When used as luggage, a closable flap covers and secures in place the rear wall straps.

Abstract: A combined children's amusement device and transport and storage pack is constructed of first and second substantially rectangular members having a central portion disposed therebetween for joining the first and second members together. Each member has opposite inner and outer major surfaces. A three dimensional object, such as a stuffed toy, is substantially permanently attached to an outer major surface of one of the members and a children's story imprinted on a fabric material is attached on the inside of the device so that the fabric material is sandwiched between the first and second members when the first and second members are folded together. The fabric material containing the children's story is preferably removably attached to the central portion between the first and second members so that the fabric material is detachable by means of moderate force exerted thereon by a user.

Abstract: A back-pack frame (1) intended for moving loads has longitudinal beams (3, 4) and cross beams (10, 13), carrying straps, load-securing elements, and coupling elements (17, 18) that make it possible to arrange two such back-pack frames (1) end-to-end, so as to form a platform that can be either carried or pulled along the ground. Four longitudinal beams (3, 4) are arranged so as to correspond approximately to the edges of a prism having a trapezoidal base, the longitudinal beams (3) being arranged at a greater distance from each other on the carrier side. The two load-side longitudinal beams (4) define a sliding plane, and on the two narrow sides of the back-pack frame (1) there is at least one holding element (6) for a shackle (7) that protrudes beyond the load-side longitudinal beams (4). On each carrier-side longitudinal beam (3) above the lowest element (6), there is at least one side-wall element (9) that is of flexible material.

Abstract: A multi-use handbag is disclosed having a main storage body, at least one handle and at least one locking flap secured to one or more corners of the main storage area to an engagement member disposed along the lateral side of the handbag. Various configurations are obtainable by selective connection of the handles to the body and selective connection of the locking flaps to the engagement member.

Abstract: A backpack carrier has a lightweight metal frame embedded in KEVLAR. The KEVLAR is preferably wrapped to form a plurality of layers over the metal frame and the plural layers are held together by the epoxy portion of the KEVLAR which integrally binds laminations of woven carbon-based fabric. The carrier is shaped to provide a substantially bulletproof shield and may also be used as a rifle support by placing the barrel of a rifle in a V-shaped notch provided in an upper portion of the shield.

Abstract: An artist's kit including an easel, a bench, and a storage compartment unit. The easel includes three legs which may be disassembled into leg segments. The seat includes detachable legs and a storage compartment. The easel leg segments and the detachable bench legs may be stored in the storage compartment of the seat. The storage compartment unit includes a plurality of pockets for storing various artist's painting and drawing supplies. The storage compartment also includes a cover and a plurality of straps for securing the storage compartment and cover to the seat bushings when the seat is disassembled. The storage compartment unit further includes a plurality of straps whereby the seat, easel, and storage compartment unit may be carried as a unitary back pack. A canvas carrying apparatus is provided for transporting a framed canvas on the back pack.

Abstract: A sack for carrying and transporting a surfboard which sack may be used in its first form as a back-pack carrier for the surfboard, and in its second form as a roof-rack for transporting the surfboard by a vehicle. Four strap portions are provided having either a male coupler or female coupler at its free end. Each free end also has associated with it a hook for attaching the sack to the rain gutters of the roof of a vehicle. Length adjusters are provided for adjusting the length of the band to one end of which is attached the hook for the rain gutter. A pouch is also provided on each strap portion for storing the hook and its band during non-use. A zipper-closure is provided at the tail end portion of the sack to allow for storage of two surfboards in the sack. A separate compartment is provided for storing personal belongings. The outer portion of the sack has a portion provided with a mesh in order to ventilate the interior of the sack.

Abstract: Bag for use by divers for transporting articles under water, including valves for controlling the buoyancy of the bag under water. An essential consideration is that this transportation shall take place while the articles are kept dry, for example tools or materials to be used in diver operations. According to the invention a receptacle (10) for articles to be transported, constitutes a buoyancy chamber, and is provided with at least one unidirectional valve (15, 16, 18) for buoyancy control, as well as a watertight closure, preferably a zipper (4) for an opening to the receptacle (10).

Abstract: A portable, backpackable crane lift involving a retractable boom, boom cable, winch and winch cable mounted to a wheeled frame with extendable axles all which fold into a compact unit. A shoulder harness apparatus which attaches to the folded unit for carrying converts to a ballast carrying extension of the frame during operation. Such a lift is readily carried up a ladder for use on flat roofs to raise and place air conditioning heat exchangers and the like.

Abstract: A barrier device for shielding a user from windblown sand and dirt which is normally carried as a backpack and when unpacked and placed in an operative position acts as a protector for the user.

Abstract: A combination hunting, backpacking and camping accessory that can be used as a hunter's climbing seat, a blind support, a backpack or a portable shelf for camp sites is formed from a pair of interconnected frame components each having first and second sections, a cross brace attached to the first sections and a support member releasably secured to the second sections. A cable or other flexible member is fixed at one end to the cross brace, has a series of stops attached to it along its length and is received in an open notch in the cross brace. When used as a climbing seat the cable is wrapped around a tree with the first sections extending downwardly, but when used as a backpack the accessory is reversed and the cable wrapped around the wearer's waist. When used as a shelf or a blind support the support member may be removed and replaced with extensions slipped over the second sections.

Abstract: An integrated custom underwater diving system including backpack, weight system, bouyancy compensator, and equipment bag. The backpack has adjustable shoulder supports for conforming to the shape of the shoulders and torso of a diver and an integral weight system having a quick-release mechanism. The equipment bag has a plurality of compartments for storing and safely transporting diving equipment, the back and ends of which are provided with a semi-rigid sheath for protecting the contents of the bag during shipping, and compartments along the sides thereof for receiving diving fins which provide protection along the sides of the bag during shipment. The backpack is designed for removably mounting on the front of the equipment bag such that the backpack provides protection to the front of the bag during shipping and handling. The equipment bag is also provided with straps which allow the bag to be carried on the backpack to and from dive sites.

Abstract: A protective container assembly for receiver-speaker equipment including an outer container generally rectangular in configuration and closed along three sides and having a mouth at an end thereof with one side of the mouth extending beyond it as a flap member, the outer container being adapted to be secured to straps of a life vest, an inner container generally rectangular in configuration and closed along three sides and having a mouth at an end thereof, an equipment cover generally elongate in configuration and closed along longitudinal sides thereof with a large portion at one end and having a mouth at an opening in the end at the large portion, and separate Velcro strip closure means disposed across interior surfaces of the mouths of each of the outer container, the inner container and the cover. The outer container is sized to store the inner container and the cover within it.

Abstract: A pack frame made of metal tubing that readily interfits together for easy assembly or disassembly, shoulder straps for support from a person's shoulders and a storage bag attachable to a lower end of the frame.

Abstract: A support for a fish landing net comprises a pouch of such size as to accommodate the net and having a mouth through which the net may pass into and out of the pouch. The mouth constantly is maintained in an open position by a stiffeningmember. The pouch may be permanently or removably secured to the back of a fisherman's garment.