Insert Patents (Class 224/630)
  • Patent number: 10888494
    Abstract: A massage apparatus holder, comprising: a first holder side having a first substantially flat portion and an indentation shaped to receive a portion of a massage apparatus; a second holder side having a second substantially flat portion, wherein the holder is larger in size than the massage apparatus, the thickness is at least 7 mm and a portion of the holder is attached to a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Li Zhijian
  • Patent number: 10617194
    Abstract: A backpack with an improved load adjustment system includes a body, a frame, a pair of shoulder straps, a load lifting strap extending from each of the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap and suspended by the frame, a yoke attached to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap, a back panel attached to a hip belt having a first hip pad and a second hip pad, and a torso length adjustment strap extending from a first lower side portion of the frame to a second lower side portion of the frame opposite the first lower side portion of the frame and passing through a strap receiving member fixed to the yoke. The improved load adjustment system allows for quick adjustment while wearing the backpack and increased freedom of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: The North Face Apparel Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel Norris Rogers, Christopher Kenji Tagumi, Ben Guthrie
  • Patent number: 9545146
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a multi-configuration electronic device carrying case. The multi-configuration electronic device carrying case includes a protective encasing structure configured to receive and hold an electronic device. The carrying case further includes at least two adjustable straps configured to attach the encasing structure to a person in one of a plurality of configurations. The configurations include a hip holster configuration, where one adjustable strap is used for connection around a waist of the person and one adjustable strap is used for connection around one leg of the person. The configurations also include a back configuration, where one adjustable strap is used for connection around each arm of the person to attach the encasing structure to a back of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Charles E. King
  • Patent number: 8985693
    Abstract: An upright sleep support system incorporates a head cushion having a face relief aperture to receive the eyes, nose, mouth and chin of a passenger placing his or her face against the head cushion with a hinged support structure for angular adjustment, sleeves that open in front to support the passengers arms, and a chest cushion on the back of the device. The chest cushion receives the passenger's chest in a forward leaning position. The head cushion is deployable from a backpack and the chest cushion is integrated into the back of the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William J. Purpura, Paula K. Purpura
  • Patent number: 8893940
    Abstract: A bag or pack, such as a backpack, having a pack portion that includes a back side made of flexible material, a carrying system directly or indirectly connected to the pack portion and including at least one carrying element, a frame connected to the pack portion, the frame including at least a rigid or semi-rigid sheet frame which is affixed to the back side of the pack portion by adhesive bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Arc'Teryx Equipment Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Allan Green, Michael Douglas Blenkarn
  • Patent number: 8678258
    Abstract: A vertically and horizontally flexible backpack support frame having a Y-shaped configuration and fitting reversibly into a pocket on a backpack. The support frame is curved horizontally and vertically to conform to the shape of a back of a user. The frame has a raised Y-shaped corrugation for increased strength. A shoulder strap bar attaches reversibly across a longitudinal central opening in the support frame so that the shoulder strap bar is adjustable vertically and horizontally when the support frame is in the backpack. The backpack straps and belt attach reversibly and pivotably to the support frame when the support frame is in the pocket of the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: GTG IP, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Knight, Daniel R. Cruikshank
  • Patent number: 8579167
    Abstract: A vehicle body rear part structure in which a spare tire is stored underneath a rear floor via a spare tire carrier. The vehicle body rear part structure includes a frame part and a tire cover. An embedding groove is formed in an external surface of the tire cover. The frame part is embedded in the embedding groove. Left and right front connecting parts of the frame part are rotatably connected to left and right front support parts. A rear connecting part of the frame part is vertically movably connected to rear support part. Vertical movements of the rear connecting part via the rear support part causes a spare tire to be disposed in a tire storage position and a tire accessing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Yamada, Kengo Ishibashi, Takayuki Takahashi, Hiroshi Ohkubo, Masayuki Ogawa, Kunihiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8556147
    Abstract: A backpack from has a forwardly facing side and a back side. The frame comprises a base having a generally flat midsection with forwardly curved end sections. A pair of mutually spaced arms project from the end sections of the base. The arms have a degree of twist that gradually diminishes from the end sections of the base to the upper distal ends of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Here Be Dragons, LLC
    Inventor: Frank A. Howell
  • Patent number: 8225974
    Abstract: A carrying bag has a casing defining an interior storage space, a back panel, and a support frame secured between the casing and the back panel, with the support frame defining an air channel. A carrying strap can be secured to the back panel, and a lower back strap can be secured to the back panel. The support frame can be replaced by a housing which carries with it a temperature control device and/or a massage device, or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventors: Yu Zheng, Rachel Lee Zheng, Alicia Lea Zheng
  • Patent number: 8181834
    Abstract: A backpack comprises a load carrying section with a forwardly facing front panel. A pair of mutually spaced sleeves are joined to and border the sides of the front panel. An injection molded generally U-shaped partial perimeter frame has a base bordering a bottom of the front panel, with arms projecting from the base and into the sleeves on the sides of the panel. The load carrying section of the backpack is comprised principally of fabric. The front panel is flexible and has a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the fabric forming other portions of the backpack. In one embodiment, the front panel is integrally stiffened. In another embodiment, the front panel forms a pocket configured and dimensioned to accept a flexible stiffening plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Here be Dragons;LLC
    Inventor: Frank A. Howell
  • Patent number: 8016173
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying concrete finishing tools comprised of: a front panel, a rear panel, first and second side panels, and a bottom in which the front panel, rear panel, side panels, and bottom form an inner compartment with having an opening to allow access to the inner compartment, a flap extending over the opening, a locking mechanism for temporarily securing the flap to the front panel, at least one shoulder strap to allow the user to carry the apparatus without using their hand(s), and a divider separating the inner compartment into first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Robert J. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 7851932
    Abstract: An electricity-generating backpack that is substantially lighter in weight, has the multiple springs replaced with one large spring whose spring constant can be adjusted in the field in seconds, and replaces a DC generator with a brushless AC generator that permits approximately 70% generator efficiency and the generation of up to 20 W of electrical power by converting mechanical energy to electrical power. A device is provided that always removes some electricity, but not too much, as necessary to extract large levels of the electricity while controlling damping by providing electrical damping circuits including a DC-DC converter designed to emulate a desired load at its input terminals. Additional electricity generating E-MOD devices may be used for generating additional power by hooking an E-Mod device to a generator and to the backpack belt at the wearer's hip and includes a wand that fits against the wearer's femur so as to move through a range of motion as the patient walks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lightning Packs, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Craig Rome, Heath Fred Hofmann, Guanghui Wang
  • Patent number: 7726530
    Abstract: An ergonomic backpack that comprises a main compartment, an elongated longitudinal curved-shaped back support, padding, and a strap assembly. The main compartment defines a substantially hollow first cavity. The elongated longitudinal curved-shaped back support has curvature areas. One curvature area complements and supports a thoracic vertebrae of a human vertebral column, and the other curvature area complements and supports a lumbar vertebrae. The padding comprises dorsal padding and lumbar padding. The dorsal padding and the lumbar padding are of a sufficient predetermined thickness to dispense pressure upon the human vertebral column. The pressure results from a force established by a weight of matter housed within the first cavity, or otherwise secured upon the main compartment. The strap assembly is fixedly secured to the main compartment and comprises shoulder straps, chest straps, and waist straps. The strap assembly also dispenses the pressure resulting from the force described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Amaro Manuel Exposito
  • Patent number: 7510104
    Abstract: A frame-supported back-pack for infant-carrying involves front and rear fabric-covered leaves (3,5) that hinge apart with the infant's seat (4) suspended between them. The front and rear leaves (3,5) are defined respectively by the upright section (8) of an L-shape tubular-metal member (7) and a tubular-metal member (11) hinged to the base section (9) of the L-shape member (7). A semicircular aperture (20) in the rear of the pack opens into the cavity (24) of a partially-domed shell (19) which is inset into the pack over part of the base section (9) of the L-shape member (7). The pack is held upright when standing on its base on the ground by insertion of the user's foot into the cavity (24) to press down onto the base section (9) under the aperture (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Lifemarque Limited
    Inventor: Mark Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080156839
    Abstract: A pouch for use with a safety harness including a connector having a first portion and a second portion proximate a dorsal pad assembly of the safety harness includes at least one panel, a first mating member, and a second mating member. The at least one panel is configured and arranged to form a cavity therein and has a front and a rear. The rear has a first side and a second side, and the front has a third side and a fourth side. The first mating member is operatively connected to the first side of the rear, and the second mating member is operatively connected to the second side of the rear. The first mating member is releasably connectable to the first portion of the connector and the second mating member is releasably connectable to the second portion of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Travis P. Betcher, William H. Lyle, J. Thomas Wolner
  • Patent number: 6892915
    Abstract: Packs that have a body-conforming frame assembly. In some embodiments, the frame assembly is adapted to conform in multiple dimensions to the shape of a user's back or other body portion. In some embodiments, the frame assembly's shape is at least substantially defined by the shape of the flexible pack to which the frame assembly is secured. In some embodiments, the pack includes a retainer assembly that secures the frame assembly to the pack, with the retainer assembly optionally defining a compartment that is smaller in at least one dimension than the frame assembly. The frame assembly may be an internal or an external frame assembly and may include ventilation structure. In some embodiments, the pack includes a hydration system, with the pack including a compartment that receives a fluid reservoir, from which a drinking tube extends external the pack to a mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: CamelBak Products, LLC
    Inventor: Vincent C. Mares
  • Patent number: 6805269
    Abstract: A packable cart includes a pair of telescopic side rails with cross members removably positioned therebetween. A pair of wheels are received by the side rails for transportation. A pole handle extends from the ends of the side rails opposite the end near which the wheels are positioned. The packable cart is made of lightweight material and readily assembled and disassembled. A backpack is provided for receiving the cart in its disassembled state. The backpack also serves as a sling between the side rails which, when provided with an inflatable mattress, provides a bed rest. The pole handles are selectively rotatable to serve as support legs when it is desired that the cart be immobile and serve as a bed. The quick assembly of the cart is achieved, in part, by the provision of pin assemblies fixedly received by and operative in association with the cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Lockard
  • Patent number: 6796473
    Abstract: A laptop computer transport and support system for a mobile environment such as an airplane, bus or train is embodied as a wheeled clamshell style backpack carrying case with a retractable handle. The system is employed by unzipping three case edges and lifting a hinged protective cover thereby exposing a computer. The backpack straps unhook from the cover and secure to a user's seatback or around a user's headrest while strap posts at an opposite backpack strap end extend from the case and prevent strap interference with the user. A foldable or detachable handle permits retractable handle posts to extend on each side of the user and support the system against the seatback instead of the user when the system is used. Optionally, computer peripherals within a compartmentalized base are connected within the base to a docking station port and provide the computer with quick access to the peripherals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: William J. Purpura
  • Patent number: 6769585
    Abstract: The present invention provides a panel for use in an article carrier which has opposed sides which are generally connected by a material which include some form of a closure device. The panel is semirigid with interior and exterior faces. The interior face defines a chamber which opens to the interior of the article carrier and the exterior face defines a three dimensional structure. A method for forming the semirigid panel is also disclosed. The disclosed method provides a means for applying color to the three dimensional structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Freerise, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve M. Santaniello, Luke Michas, Jeremy C. Howard
  • Publication number: 20040144821
    Abstract: A bag for carrying various articles includes a contour panel that is curved towards the user. The bag includes a body and a strap coupled to the body for engaging a users body above the user's arms. The contour panel is adjacent a side of the body and is positioned such that it is between any articles within the bag and the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: ACCO Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Gelphman
  • Patent number: 6685071
    Abstract: A container for transporting articles that transforms into a ballistic protection unit includes a bag and a detachable panel. The bag includes a first compartment for containment of at least one piece of ballistic shield material. The detachable panel also contains at least one piece of ballistic shield material and is coupled to the bag by at least a first strap. The detachable panel is detachably coupled to the bag. During use, the user may detach the detachable panel from the bag and the bag may be placed over a shoulder of the user, protecting the user from high speed projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Prather
  • Publication number: 20040007605
    Abstract: Packs that have a body-conforming frame assembly. In some embodiments, the frame assembly is adapted to conform in multiple dimensions to the shape of a user's back or other body portion. In some embodiments, the frame assembly's shape is at least substantially defined by the shape of the flexible pack to which the frame assembly is secured. In some embodiments, the pack includes a retainer assembly that secures the frame assembly to the pack, with the retainer assembly optionally defining a compartment that is smaller in at least one dimension than the frame assembly. The frame assembly may be an internal or an external frame assembly and may include ventilation structure. In some embodiments, the pack includes a hydration system, with the pack including a compartment that receives a fluid reservoir, from which a drinking tube extends external the pack to a mouthpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Vincent C. Mares
  • Patent number: 6659319
    Abstract: A laptop computer transport and support system for a mobile environment such as an airplane, bus or train is embodied as a wheeled clamshell style backpack carrying case with a retractable handle. The system is employed by unzipping three case edges and lifting a hinged protective cover thereby exposing a computer. The backpack straps unhook from the cover and secure to a user's seatback or around a user's headrest while strap posts at an opposite backpack strap end extend from the case and prevent strap interference with the user. A foldable or detachable handle permits retractable handle posts to extend on each side of the user and support the system against the seatback instead of the user when the system is used. Optionally, computer peripherals within a compartmentalized base are connected within the base to a docking station port and provide the computer with quick access to the peripherals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: William J. Purpura
  • Publication number: 20030197044
    Abstract: A backpack designed to carry school books and supples and is structured to mount inside a school locker in an open position allowing access to all school books, notebooks and other supplies. When taken out of the locker, the locker pack closes to secure its contents. Padded shoulder straps allows the pack to be carried on the students back. A back panel has a pocket for inserting at least one of a level 4 bullet proof carbon fiber panel, corrugated plastic/card board panel for additional structural support, books, notebooks, and a notebook computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Connie Webb
  • Patent number: 6629629
    Abstract: The present invention disclose a sack used in an ordinary sack and a hard type sack selectively according to the existence of a hard case. The ordinary sack can be sagged easily when goods is packed into the sack because a material of the sack is usually a soft synthetic fiber. Such softness gives a non-elegant and uncomfortable to carry the ordinary sack. In more, carrying fragile goods in such a sack can make someone to be nervous to prevent unpredicted external impact. Usage of the hard type sack has an advantage to keep a shape without sagging when goods are packed in, and to protect the goods from any external impact, because a backside case is made of a hard material. However, disassembling the backside case from the hard type sack is not easy because the backside case is jointed with a back supporter by bolts and nuts method. In more, bolts are always required to re-assemble the backside case into the hard type sack after disassembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Cypher Teams Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gi-Soo Lee, Eun-Sue Whi
  • Publication number: 20030160079
    Abstract: A pivoting shoulder strap for a backpack comprises a retaining plate positioned within the backpack, a shoulder strap having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to being connected to the backpack, and a pivoting mechanism positioned on the second end of the shoulder strap and adapted to being mated to the retaining plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Mark B. Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 6607108
    Abstract: A backpack load transfer and stabilization system includes a roll control rod coupled to a hip belt for a backpack. The control rod is contained entirely within the hip belt and extends across the width of the hip belt. The control rod is coupled, in turn, to semi-rigid extension members which serve as the interface between the hip belt and the main backpack. The extension members transfer the load to locations on the hip belt corresponding to hip locations of the person wearing the backpack. The extension members are rotatably coupled to the main backpack and rigidly coupled to the roll control rod, such that when a person wearing the backpack hikes, and the person's hips move up and down, the combination of the roll control rod and interconnected extension sections compensate for the up-and-down movement of the hips to stabilize the load and prevent side-to-side swaying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Recreational Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Mydans
  • Patent number: 6607107
    Abstract: A load-carrying system for a backpack, and a backpack including such load-carrying system. The load-carrying system includes an improved structure, particularly for use during the practice of various sports, more particularly for gliding sports, such as snowboarding, skiing, and in-line skating. The invention includes an improved backpack and load-carrying system adapted to be held in place in order to prevent any interference with the user's ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Bonfire Snowboarding, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Dexheimer
  • Publication number: 20030127476
    Abstract: A packable cart includes a pair of telescopic side rails with cross members removably positioned therebetween. A pair of wheels are received by the side rails for transportation. A pole handle extends from the ends of the side rails opposite the end near which the wheels are positioned. The packable cart is made of lightweight material and readily assembled and disassembled. A backpack is provided for receiving the cart in its disassembled state. The backpack also serves as a sling between the side rails which, when provided with an inflatable mattress, provides a bed rest. The pole handles are selectively rotatable to serve as support legs when it is desired that the cart be immobile and serve as a bed. The quick assembly of the cart is achieved, in part, by the provision of pin assemblies fixedly received by and operative in association with the cross members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Lockard
  • Publication number: 20020170932
    Abstract: A backpack which includes a main bag, suspension system, frame, and additional miscellaneous parts. It combines the superior comfort of external frame backpacks, with the elegant style of internal frame backpacks. The frame is strapped within the main bag to create a semi-rigid surface against the back. The suspension system's shoulder harness is removable, and adjustably connected through the semi-rigid surface by screws. The shoulder harness is vertically adjustable and swivels to accommodate different shoulder widths. The suspension system's waist harness is removable, and rigidly connected through the semi-rigid surface by screws. The waist harness provides optimum weight transfer onto the hips and creates an air gap, providing ventilation to the back. By removing the frame and placing a cover on it, a seat is formed. By aligning the seat linearly with additional feet, and inserting elongated rails between them, a frame for a cot (or ladder) is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Higgins, Rachel Higgins
  • Patent number: 6332566
    Abstract: Associated to the backrest of a rucksack is an elastic strip set in the vertical direction of the backrest, the strip lying in a plane parallel to the backrest and having its ends operatively connected to the backrest in such a way that a deformation due to bending of the backrest according to the dorsal arch of the user generates an elastic reaction of the aforesaid strip tending to cause the backrest to return into the undeformed condition so as to favor correct resting of the rucksack on the spine of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Invicta Brand SpA
    Inventor: Paolo Rota
  • Patent number: 6325262
    Abstract: A backpack (100) including a carrying compartment (110) with a pair of shoulder straps (120) and a hip belt (128) attached thereto, for carrying the backpack on a user's back. The back portion of the backpack includes a porous outer panel (130) disposed adjacent the user's back, and an inner panel (132) that cooperatively with the outer panel, forms a pocket (131). A stiffening panel (150), generally X-shaped, is disposed in the pocket, and adapted to bow, with the center portion of the stiffening panel urged away from the user's back, creating a cooling gap (160) between the user and the carrying compartment. Air inlet ports (140) are provided near the top portion (112) of the backpack, that fluidly connect to the cooling gap. Inverted U-shaped stiffening members (142) hold the inlet ports open against gravity and aerodynamic forces. Air enters the inlet ports to the cooling gap, and exits through the porous outer panel, thereby cooling the user's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: Jesse B. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6161739
    Abstract: A backpack including a sack and a frame, the frame extending at least to the bottom surface of the sack such that the backpack can stand upright. The sack encloses a compartment which can be divided into subcompartments by shelves which are movable and removable for accommodating items of various size and shape. The frame holds the sack upright for effective use of the shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Bentzen
  • Patent number: 6135334
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for increasing the storage capability of a pack. The device comprises a frame, a plurality of adjustable straps connected to the frame for holding a plurality of articles, such as bedrolls, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, etc., and a plurality of straps and hooks for attaching the device to the pack. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame is formed by a number of fabric members sewn and stitched together so as to form a lightweight construction. Preferably, the members are stitched together so as to form pockets along the sides of the frame and an interior storage space across the top of the frame. One or more U-shaped members, preferably formed from a metallic material, may be inserted into the pockets and the storage space so as to rigidify the frame. When taken out of the pockets and the interior storage space, the U-shaped members may be used by a camper/hiker to hold pots or the like over a camp fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel Robert Seichter
  • Patent number: 6092702
    Abstract: A multi-purpose bag has a mesh pouch and a sleeve with a pair of ends. The pouch is attached along an annular seam to one of the ends of the sleeve. The other end of the sleeve has a closable mouth. Also included is a restricting feature for stowing the pouch to stop communication from inside the sleeve to inside the pouch. The multi-purpose bag can be used by stowing the pouch to stop communication from inside the sleeve to inside the pouch. The sleeve can at this time be at least partially filled before closing the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Edward J. Cassidy, IV
  • Patent number: 6029875
    Abstract: The knapsack has a bottom wall resting against a user's back when supported by shoulder straps. The bottom wall is larger than a bicycle luggage carrier or rack. The knapsack has a frame structure for reinforcing the bottom wall and the side wall of the knapsack so that when the knapsack is placed with the bottom wall horizontally on top of the carrier, loose articles in the knapsack do not cause the bottom wall of the knapsack to sag over the sides of the carrier. The shoulder straps are attached to the bottom wall or sandwiched between the bottom wall and the carrier to prevent the shoulder straps from dangling down and possibly interfering with movement of the bicycle wheels. The knapsack has fastening straps for securing the knapsack to the luggage carrier. In one embodiment, the frame structure is a removable insert for a conventional knapsack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick Johnston
  • Patent number: 6024265
    Abstract: A rucksack comprises a sack (1), a carrying harness (11) and a waistbelt (12). The rucksack has an external frame member comprising a U-shaped hoop (20) which is connected by its free ends to the waistbelt (12) and extends around the side walls (4) and front wall (2) of the rucksack (1). Compression straps (25, 28) are connected between the hoop (20) and the rucksack such that the hoop (20) may be adjusted relative to the rucksack (1). The hoop (20) is held in a sleeve (21) sewn to the walls (2, 4) of the rucksack (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Lowe Alpine Holdings Limited
    Inventor: James Clements
  • Patent number: 5988476
    Abstract: The present invention is a rack system for a backpack which is secured to the interior of a standard backpack, and is accessible by means of a zippered flap in the backpack. The rack system has rigid side walls with slots or brackets for receiving a plurality of shelves either slidably or by snap fit connections. The shelves are angled for appropriate distribution of the weight of materials that the wearer is carrying. Optionally, at least one shelf may be equipped with a hinged lid and divided into compartments for storage of small items such as pens, rulers, etc. The shelves allow for improved organization of the backpack which subsequently prevents materials from being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Matthew D. Olerio
  • Patent number: 5890640
    Abstract: An internal frame backpack (10) includes a pack (12) having an anterior side (14) that contacts a user's back, and left and right shoulder straps (10, 18) attached at an upper end to an upper portion (20) of the pack and at a lower end to left and right lower portions (44, 46) of the pack. The pack includes an internal frame formed from an elastomeric pad (24) integrated into the anterior side of the pack, and resilient left and right rods (26, 28) mounted within the pack and secured to the elastomeric pad. The resilient rods act as coil springs which support loads in the pack with a degree of flexibility that varies in response to the magnitude of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: Jesse B. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5762250
    Abstract: A convertible carrying case and work platform for small electronic devices, particularly notebook computers, which is adapted to be used as a carrying case for the electronic device as well as a work platform. The carrying case has a case structure which holds the electronic device and a flexible top cover portion capable of forming a rolled portion that elevates the case structure when the case is supported in the wearer's lap and used when the wearer is sitting. The top cover, or a releasable bottom piece, may be rolled to form a rolled portion for use as an elevating device in sitting work platform position. A strap arrangement for the case permits a wearer to support the case over his shoulder to transport the device, or to position the case in a generally horizontal position in front of and against the abdominal area of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Truckin' Movers Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas David Carlton, Sherry McLean McQuage
  • Patent number: 5692655
    Abstract: A soft child carrier including a soft body member attached to a relatively rigid back portion. A pair of shoulder straps are attached to the carrier adjacent to upper and lower ends of the back portion, and a waist belt extends from opposing sides of the lower end of the back portion. The relatively stiff back portion facilitates the transferring of the weight of a child to the waist belt such that a substantial portion of the child's weight is transferred away from the shoulder straps to thereby relieve the amount of weight carried on the shoulders and upper back of a person supporting the carrier. A seat adjustment is also provided whereby an adjustment strap extending along the back portion may be pulled or released to cause a height for the seat portion of the carrier to be increased or decreased depending on the size of the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Lisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Fair, Marjorie G. Harper, Cynthia R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5676296
    Abstract: An article of beach luggage in the form of a substantially rectangular envelope of open mesh material subdivided into two interior portions by means of a rigid structural interior divider. The left and right portions are accessible by parallel zippers which extend around three sides of the article. One interior side is open to receive beach towels, clothing and the like, while the other side is prepacked with a cooler which, along with other types of beverage carriers, may be permanently or removably mounted on the interior divider. Chair straps, umbrella sleeves, shoulder straps, a carry handle, and feet are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Edward Earl Masters
  • Patent number: 5639004
    Abstract: A convertible carrying case and work platform for small electronic devices, particularly notebook computers, which is adapted to be used as a carrying case for the electronic device as well as a work platform. In a preferred embodiment, the carrying case has a case structure which holds the electronic device and a flexible top cover portion capable of forming a rolled portion that elevates the case structure when the case is supported in the wearer's lap and used when the wearer is sitting or in a reclined position, or, when the wearer uses the case while in standing position, spaces the case at a distance away from the wearer's body and provides a cushion between the case and the abdominal area of the wearer. A strap arrangement for the case permits a wearer to support the case over his shoulder to transport the device, or to position the case in a generally horizontal position in front of and against the abdominal area of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Truckin' Movers Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas David Carlton, Sherry McLean McQuage
  • Patent number: 5632429
    Abstract: A backpack having a resilient member associated with one of the panels of material forming the backpack. The resilient member is held in an elastically deformed configuration on the one panel so that it stiffens that panel and tends to hold the backpack open. Shoulder straps of the backpack are constructed with ventilation channels on their undersides of the straps and portion of the body underlying the straps. The underside of each strap includes frictionalizing material for engagement with the top of the shoulder of the person wearing the backpack. Each strap also includes a load distributing region generally located along the length of the strap for engagement with the top of the shoulder of the person wearing the backpack. At least one strap includes a pocket having an opening extending generally longitudinally and transversely across the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: American Recreation Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Cantwell
  • Patent number: 5573166
    Abstract: A hiker's day pack comprising: a backpack being formed of one or more walls, each wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the backpack including adjustable shoulder straps affixed thereto, the shoulder straps permitting users to carry the apparatus on their backs, a plurality of pockets and retainment devices being positioned on the exterior surface of the backpack, the pockets permitting the user to retain a plurality of different items therein, the backpack including coupling devices to permit retraction of a wall thereof, the interior of the backpack including a plurality of pockets and retainment devices, the pockets and retainment devices adapted to firmly restore various items and supplies therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Laurie A. Leja