Abstract: A backpack frame comprises side rails defining a first profile. The first profile has a flat first base segment lying on a first reference plane, and a first concave segment leading from the first base segment to an upper end of the frame, with the first concave segment being spaced a maximum distance from the first reference plane at a first location between the first base segment and the upper end of the frame. An intermediate structure interconnects the side rails. The intermediate structure defines a second profile having a second flat base segment lying on a second reference plane parallel to the first reference plane, and a second concave segment leading from the second base segment to the upper end of the frame, with the second concave segment being spaced a maximum distance from the second reference plane at a second location between the second base segment and the upper end of the frame. The first and second locations are offset from one another.

Abstract: A backpack (160) with an air frame (162). The backpack includes a storage compartment, an air frame (162), and at least one strap (168) for securing the bag to a person. The air frame (162) includes an air bladder, which stiffens as it is inflated. The air frame (162) may include portions that are individually inflatable, and a pump (26) may be included for inflating the air frame (162). The backpack (160) may include inflatable portions (22) designed to provide support to specific portions of a user's body.

Abstract: A backpack includes a stabilizing and ventilating side bolster assembly coupled to a frame. The side bolster assembly includes breathable side bolsters received in breathable sleeves that cooperate with the frame to stabilize the backpack under load while providing improved ventilation between the backpack and a back side of a wearer of the backpack. The side bolsters may be customized for a particular environment, for a particular body type, or for particular loads to be carried in the backpack by changing the stiffness, density, material, dimensions or other aspects of the side bolsters.

Abstract: A backpack includes a bag having a body side and an outer side. A frame extends over and is secured to an exterior surface of the outer side. The frame includes an elastomeric central hub and a plurality of frame members, each of which is secured to the central hub and extends across a portion of the body side. A resilient support member may be secured to a lower surface of the frame. Each of a pair of shoulder straps is secured at their respective upper ends to an upper portion of the bag and at their respective lower ends to a lower portion of the bag.

Abstract: A backpack frame for a power blower and yard treatment sprayer system is provided in one embodiment of the present invention. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. The second portion is adapted for carrying the power blower thereon and has a hollowed out section. A cavity is further defined by the hollowed out section of the second portion and defined for holding a yard treatment mixture. A supply pipe is provided with a first end in communication with the cavity and a second inlet end positioned externally for filling the cavity with the yard treatment mixture. A tube is also provided with a first end in communication with the cavity and a second exit end positioned externally from the frame and terminating into a flow of air defined by power blower. Lastly, the frame includes straps for attaching the frame on the back of an operator.

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).

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.

Abstract: A backpack frame for a power bower and yard treatment sprayer system is provided in one embodiment of the present invention. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. The second portion is adapted for carrying the power blower thereon and has a hollowed out section. A cavity is further defined by the hollowed out section of the second portion and defined for holding a yard treatment mixture. A supply pipe is provided with a first end in communication with the cavity and a second inlet end positioned externally for filling the cavity with the yard treatment mixture. A tube is also provided with a first end in communication with the cavity and a second exit end positioned externally from the frame and terminating into a flow of air defined by power blower. Lastly, the frame includes straps for attaching the frame on the back of an operator.

Abstract: A suspended-load backpack designed to permit the load to move relative to the wearer during walking and running so that the large movements between the load and the wearer of the backpack reduce the fluctuations of vertical motion of the load with respect to ground. Because the hip (and thus the pack body) goes up a down a good deal during walking, a large relative movement between the wearer and the load reduces the absolute excursion of the load. This movement may be, in turn, transferred to a motor through, for example, a rack and pinion gear, to convert the mechanical movement to electrical or mechanical energy. Such movement of the suspended-load relative to the wearer also reduces the forces on the wearer's body while walking or running, thus reducing the likelihood of orthopedic injury.

Abstract: A rucksack comprising a bag having a back panel and, among other things, a belt assembly and a rigid frame secured to the back panel and the belt assembly. According to the invention, the bottom portion of the rigid frame has a V-shaped configuration with an angle ? at the apex, and in its middle and rear portion, the belt assembly includes an upwardly open pocket having a V-shaped configuration with an angle ? at the apex, where ? is greater than ?, such that said pocket is suitable for serving as a housing for receiving the V-shaped bottom portion of the frame while allowing the belt assembly to pivot angularly to some extent relative to the remainder of the rucksack.

Abstract: A backpack frame has a front side and a back side and comprises generally parallel base and top sections that extend transversely across and are spaces one from the other along a center line of the frame. Side rails connect the base section to the top section. The side rails are arranged on opposite sides of the frame center line, and a stabilizing rib interconnects the side rails and extends transversely across the center line at an intermediate location between the base and top sections. The side rails converge inwardly from the base section towards the frame center line to the stabilizing rib, and diverge outwardly from the stabilizing rib and away from the center line to the top section.

Abstract: A suspended-load backpack designed to permit the load to move relative to the backpack frame during walking and running so that the large movements between the load and the frame of the backpack reduce the fluctuations of absolute vertical motion of the load. Because the hip (and thus the pack frame) go up a down a good deal during walking, a large relative movement between the frame and the load reduces the absolute excursion of the load. This movement may be, in turn, transferred to a motor through, for example, a rack and pinion gear, to convert the mechanical movement to electrical energy. The movement may also be converted to electrical energy by using an electroactive polymer (EAP) to connect the suspended load to the frame. Such designs allow the load to move in a controlled fashion to prevent the patient from losing his or her balance as the load moves up and down along the backpack frame.

Abstract: A knapsack or rucksack for providing leaning support for a wearer. The inventive rucksack or knapsack includes a back-wall and a bottom-wall formed of a rigid frame of a generally L-shape wherein a first leg of the frame supports the back-wall and a second leg supports the bottom-wall. The L-shape frame allows a user to lean against the back-wall of the rucksack or knapsack when the bottom-wall is on a support surface such as a floor.

Abstract: A backpack for a human to carry a load utilizing an external frame to which is attached a fabric bag comprised of multiple compartments each of a cylindrical geometry where the compartments share no common fabric panels. The frame has a bottom shelf that bears the weight of the bag allowing lighter fabric to be used and also allows the backpack to stand by itself on the ground. The two outside vertical tubes of the frame are not parallel, being tapered inward towards each other at the top and also rising above the topmost compartment of the bag to provide a hanging fixture for other hiking gear. A waist belt assembly can incorporate a curved polymer insert to distribute the majority of the weight of a loaded pack on the lumbar curve of the spine. The insert is overlaid with a panel of cushioning material that can be repositioned to form the base of a camp chair.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a backpack having a pack bag and a modular pack frame. The modular pack frame includes a generally flexible frame sheet that is fixed to a rigid support bar at the center of the frame that is contoured to mimic the shape of a user's backbone. The frame sheet is similarly curved and adapts to fit the remainder of the user's back. A pad overlies the sheet and extends throughout the pack frame. Reinforcement members are positioned in the pack frame and pack bag to prevent distortion of the pack frame and to concentrate the load of the pack toward the lumbar region and comfortably distribute the remainder of the load to the user's shoulders, hips, and other portions of the back.

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.

Abstract: A customizing pack carrier having one or a combination of independently unique and novel components comprising a main frame assembled of elongated or planar members having fixed or height-adjustable pack retainers, a single-handed operating method for adjusting retainer height, a support base that manually or self-adjusts to the depth of the pack, a quasi-permanent height-adjustable handle, an outer layer on an extendible main frame that can function as an amusing accessory and as part of a strap-lifting apparatus, a concealable seat and inclinable main frame combination, an ergonomically designed removable or non-removable back support, and a detachable shoulder harness, is provided.

Abstract: An improved backpack includes two capacious storage pockets secured to a flexible envelope for retaining a frame. A seat pad is adjustable between three positions for carrying, to provide seated cushioning and to provide recline support. Side pockets on the pack open upwardly and forwardly with respect to a user for carry, seated and recline positions of the backpack, in whichever orientation it is placed. A plurality of support straps carry partial weight of stored items to the top area and shoulder straps of the pack. A roll down, hunter orange panel is selectively concealed or unfurled for safety.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a canoe backpack carrier comprising of a support rods and cross braces, adjustable webbing and straps, which allows for an individual to carry a canoe of substantial weight over rough terrain.

Abstract: A tramper's pack includes a sac 3, a shoulder harness 6/7, a supporting frame 4 and a hip belt; the frame 4 is secured to the rear surface of the sac 3 between the top of the sac 3 and a position approximately level with the wearer's lumbar dorsal pivot, but is free to flex relative to the sac below that point; the lower end of the frame 4 is load bearingly connected to the hip belt 9; a load spreading member 20 which incorporates a pair of wing portions 20 a is arranged to spread load from the area of the lumbar dorsal pivot outwards downwards to contact points on the hip belt 9, to which the wings are connected by flexible connection means.

Abstract: A backpack which includes a suspension and a frame. The frame includes an inner support structure and an outer support structure releasably connected to each other by quick release pins. The backpack frame can house storage bags and compartments and is adjustably connected to the suspension system by quick release pins. By separating the two support structures, aligning them linearly to each other, and inserting elongated rods between them, a frame for a cot is formed. The orientation of the support structures is such that when a mattress is placed on the frame and weight is put on the mattress, the forces are directed inwardly, resulting in great stability. The suspension can be used as a day pack, i.e. the frame can be eliminated and one of the storage bags can be adjustably attached to the suspension.

Abstract: A backpack has a pair of vertical posts, a base connected to the posts, and an extension that is slidable within the base. Various accessories such as tree claws and clamps for holding guns and bows are attachable to the base and extension. By sliding the extension within the base, the distance between the tree claws or clamps can be adjusted. A seat having a concave undersurface is pivotally connected to the post. When in a folded mode, the seat nests between the posts, and the seat undersurface bears against the back of the person to thereby make the backpack comfortable to carry.

Abstract: A backpack having a bow-shaped frame incorporated into its backside and two carrying straps is provided, in which the carrying straps are attached directly or indirectly to a strap that can be adjustably slid longitudinally along the backpack backside, and is connected to the backpack by its free ends in an area in which free ends of the bow-shaped frame end.

Abstract: An elongated post includes a sleeve and an extension, the extension slidably retained within the sleeve. A handle is disposed at a free end of the extension. The sleeve has a first end near the handle and a second end opposite the first end. A pair of cylinder rests is provided, one each of the rests positioned on each of two opposite sides of the sleeve at the second end of the sleeve. The cylinder rests are foldable against the sleeve. A pair of cylinder straps is disposed on each side of the sleeve. Each pair of cylinder straps is adapted for holding a cylinder to the post, such that a distal end of the cylinder rests against one of the cylinder rests. The cylinder straps are foldable against the sleeve. A pair of shoulder straps is attached to the post for wearing the post on a human back. A pair of wheels is disposed at the second end of the sleeve.

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.

Abstract: A frame carrier including a soft body portion and a frame formed of a resin material. The soft body portion includes a front portion, a back portion, side portions and a seat portion connected to the back portion. The seat portion includes a forward end with an adjustment strap attached to the frame wherein the adjustment of the length of the adjustment strap may be used to adjust the height of the seat portion. A pivoted leg stand is provided including a pivot connection which defines two predetermined positions for the leg stand. The pivot connection includes cooperating cam and detent members wherein the two positions for the leg stand are defined by movement of the cam relative to the detent. The carrier further includes an adjustable waist belt including a pair of clips engaged in vertically extending slots in the frame. A plurality of mounting points for the clips are defined along the slots to thereby define different height positions for the waist belt.

Abstract: An improved universal adjustable modular load backpack for carrying heavy loads to be used in conjunction with a multi-functional, soldier-centered, computer enhanced warfare system includes storage modules releasably mounted on a flexible pack frame extending the wearer's level of comfort and range of motion. The storage modules provide for a versatile pack load configuration and may be quickly withdrawn from the pack frame by the wearer without removing the pack frame. The pack frame is also provided with an integrated adjustment mechanism for selectively increasing or decreasing the length of the shoulder support straps and rib-cage straps of the backpack, and the distance between the waist belt and the pack frame so as to adapt to the wearer's torso and waist without having to remove the backpack from the wearer's back.

Abstract: A luggage container which conveniently converts for use as wheeled suitcase, a backpack and a hand-carry bag having a first and second compartment for storage of belongings. A pair of wheels are rotatably mounted to an axle which is at an edge along the bottom of the first compartment. A pair of shoulder straps are provided in the second compartment and are concealed by a cover. When the container is used as a backpack, the cover is opened to reveal the shoulder straps. The cover is wrapped over the wheels and secured to the bottom side of the first compartment. In this manner the traveler and the traveler's belongings are protected when cartage is on the traveler's back from filth that accumulates on the wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight backpack and its frame. The design of the frame accommodates use as a structure for shaping and supporting a recreational hiking or military infantry backpack while in a folded and compact arrangement, and additionally, accommodates use for shaping and supporting material for use as a sleeping cot able to support the body weight of a human while in and unfolded elongated arrangement. In either the folded or unfolded arrangement, the backpack may be easily removed or reattached to the frame. The cot material is also easily detachable for purposes of replacement of worn material and its arrangement in conjunction with the frame is also intended to serve in part as padding and back support for the wearer. The hinge and lock at the frame's hinge joints aids the user in fold out and break down of the frame and also adds strength to the frame while in both the folded and unfolded position.

Abstract: A backpack includes a pair of contoured side rails and three separate molded plastic support members removably attached to the rails. The upper support member includes a structure for carrying much of the weight of the carry bag. The carry bag includes hook and loop fasteners on fabric strips for securing the bag to the rails. The upper support member and other support members include slots and ports for attaching various straps and pads. One of the support members includes a flexible section to which the waistband and pad structure is attached, thereby providing flexibility to accommodate hip movement of the wearer. Separate back and lumbar pads are strapped to the support members. The separate plastic support members may be removed from one pair of contoured side rails and fastened to a pair of side rails of different length to accommodate wearers of different heights and proportions.