Abstract: A harness for a battery pack that can be worn on the back and that supplies electrical energy to hand-held electrical tools includes a support base and a support strap unit for the support base, as well as a holding device for releasably holding a battery pack in a support position on the support base. The holding device has a docking mechanism on the support base for pivotably docking the battery pack in a docking position, and a securing mechanism on the support base for securing the battery pack in the support position pivoted in towards the support base with respect to the docking position. The docking mechanism is arranged on a lower region of the support base.

Abstract: Embodiments of universal adapter system including a receiver component having base portion configured to be coupled to a base belt worn by an individual and a locking mechanism which is operative to be engaged to a mounting bar of an adapter component that is secured to a dynamic load carriage apparatus, wherein the mounting bar is capable of a sliding action that compensates for a shift in load that is associated with the individual are disclosed. In operation, the receiver component may be engaged and disengaged from the adapter component while being worn by the individual using a single-handed operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of universal adapter system including a receiver component having base portion configured to be coupled to a base belt worn by an individual and a locking mechanism which is operative to be engaged to a mounting bar of an adapter component that is secured to a dynamic load carriage apparatus, wherein the mounting bar is capable of a sliding action that compensates for a shift in load that is associated with the individual are disclosed. In operation, the receiver component may be engaged and disengaged from the adapter component while being worn by the individual using a single-handed operation.

Abstract: Backpacks and backpack systems which have at least a portion which is accessible from the front of a wearer. In one illustrative embodiment, a backpack system in accordance with the present invention includes a back portion with shoulder straps. A swing-around portion is formed as a storage compartment that is secured to the back portion in a carrying position. An articulated frame is secured to the back portion and the swing-around portion and allows a user wearing the backpack to pivot the swing around portion around the user's side and access the contents therein. A securing latch is used to secure the articulating frame to retain the swing-around portion in the carrying position. The entire storage compartment of the pack may be a swing-around portion, or the pack may include multiple storage compartments that are either fixed to the back portion or function as swing-around portions.

Abstract: An exoskeletal backpack system includes a pelvic superstructure, a trunk superstructure, and an articulating connector. The pelvic superstructure is configured to be carried by a user, such as, for example, a person. The trunk superstructure also includes a user engagement element that is configured as a pair of flexible composite shoulder extensions.

Abstract: Backpacks and backpack systems which have at least a portion which is accessible from the front of a wearer. In one illustrative embodiment, a backpack system in accordance with the present invention includes a back portion with shoulder straps. A swing-around portion is formed as a storage compartment that is secured to the back portion in a carrying position. An articulated frame is secured to the back portion and the swing-around portion and allows a user wearing the backpack to pivot the swing around portion around the user's side and access the contents therein. A securing latch is used to secure the articulating frame to retain the swing-around portion in the carrying position. The entire storage compartment of the pack may be a swing-around portion, or the pack may include multiple storage compartments that are either fixed to the back portion or function as swing-around portions.

Abstract: A backpack includes a bag having an interior packing space and a back wall that has a top and a bottom. The back wall includes an opening proximate the top of the back wall. A back contacting surface is attached to the top of the back wall and the bottom of the back wall. A frame is removably mounted to the back wall between the back wall and the back contacting surface. The frame includes a bend configured to space the back wall from the back contacting surface. The frame is insertable and removable to and from the back wall through the opening.

Abstract: A backpack frame comprising a plurality of flexible support members wherein each of the plurality of flexible support members further comprise a top end and a bottom end, a pack further comprising a first tensioner attachment point and a second tensioner attachment point, and a plurality of tensioners wherein each of the plurality of tensioners further comprises a tension length. One of the plurality of tensioners is attached to the first tensioner attachment point and also attached to the second tensioner attachment point. One of the plurality of flexible support members extends substantially between the first tensioner attachment point and the second tensioner attachment point. The tension length of one of the plurality of tensioners is located between the first tensioner attachment point and the second tensioner attachment point. The tension length may be adjusted.

Abstract: Backpacks and backpack systems which have at least a portion which is accessible from the front of a wearer. In one illustrative embodiment, a backpack system in accordance with the present invention includes a back portion with shoulder straps. A swing-around portion is formed as a storage compartment that is secured to the back portion in a carrying position. An articulated frame is secured to the back portion and the swing-around portion and allows a user wearing the backpack to pivot the swing around portion around the user's side and access the contents therein. A securing latch is used to secure the articulating frame to retain the swing-around portion in the carrying position. The entire storage compartment of the pack may be a swing-around portion, or the pack may include multiple storage compartments that are either fixed to the back portion or function as swing-around portions.

Abstract: The present invention involves the provision of a backpack frame assembly and associated load carrying devices. The backpack frame includes a plurality of stays having flexible joints therebetween. A membrane is secured to certain of the stays and helps resist flexing of joints between adjacent stay end portions. Load carrying devices may be provided and are releasably mounted to the frame assembly. The distance between the assembly's shoulder straps and hip belt can be adjusted to accommodate user's having different torso lengths by using an adjuster sheet to separate hook and look members attaching a shoulder strap assembly to a frame assembly. The adjuster sheet can operate as a support element when not operating as an adjuster. The adjuster sheet can be constructed of a laminated composite material and include reinforcing ribs formed therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backpack with a shoulder strap height adjustment unit, in which a rail frame is installed on a back surface of the backpack and shoulder straps are vertically guided by the rail frame, thereby allowing the height of the shoulder straps to be adjusted according to the physical characteristics of a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backpack with extendable wheels which extends to the ground, composed of a left and right shaft which contains the left and right shaft extension containing at one end a left and right pivoting wheel, which come in contact to the ground, therefore reducing the weight of the backpack and also contains a left and right shoulder strap and a waist belt, which also contribute to the load supporting features of the backpack wheel extension.

Abstract: A backpack with a self stabilizing shoulder strap system is disclosed. The backpack includes two shoulder straps, an intermediate member, and a bag. The bag is configured to pivot about a first connector associated with the intermediate member. The shoulder straps are configured to pivot about connectors associated with the intermediate member. The configuration of the shoulder strap system allows for the bag to remain substantially vertical during motions as the shoulders are raised and lowered.

Abstract: A pack with an integrated seat, including a base member comprising oppositely disposed first and second edges, a fixed leg member connected to the first edge, a hinged leg member pivotally connected to the second edge, a rigid seat member pivotally connected to the fixed leg member and arranged to be supported by the fixed leg member and the hinged leg member when the pack is arranged in a seating position, a shell arranged to at least partially enclose a volume defined by the fixed leg member, the hinged leg member, and the base member.

Abstract: A system for carrying articles at the front torso of a human being is disclosed. A substantially rigid article-carrying frame is connected to the front of a harness or backpack worn by the user. The frame transmits the weight of the front-carried articles to the front of the user's hips. The system accommodates bending movements of the user's torso by providing, for example, a variable-length mechanism, or a bending mechanism, or a folding mechanism, or a sliding connector mechanism, or any other equivalent accommodation mechanism that will allow the system to accommodate bending movements of the torso of the user.

Abstract: An adjustable harness 10 for a self contained breathing apparatus, a back plate 12, a sliding plate 16, a pair of shoulder straps 20, 22 and a belt 18. The sliding plate 16 can move longitudinally with respect to the back plate between the extended position and the un-extended position. Shoulder straps 20, 22 are fixed to an upper portion of the sliding plate and a belt 18 is fixed to a lower portion of the back plate. A valve 28 is provided at the bottom of the back plate 12 so that a cylinder of breathable gas connected to the valve may be retained by a retaining strap 13. Hoses 24, 26 are attached to the sliding plate 16, cross over in the region of the opening 14 and as such the side of the sliding plate 16 to which they are attached is different to the side of the valve 28 from which they leave. Guide channels 34 are shaped to retain the hoses 24, 26. The hoses 24, 26 fold and unfold within the confines of the plates 12, 16 to prevent snagging.

Abstract: A cylinder back plate includes a frame member 11 and a cylinder clamp 12 connected to the frame member 11 by means of a pivot 13. The cylinder clamp 12 comprises a band of rigid or semi-rigid material. The cylinder clamp 12 has a retaining position with respect to the frame member 11, wherein the cylinder clamp extends substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the frame member. The frame member 11 lies parallel to a back plate of the harness or is constituted by the back plate of the harness. Thus, when the cylinder clamp 12 is in the retaining position a cylinder can be retained securely to the frame member and sliding of the cylinder relative to the frame member or back plate can be prevented. When it is desired to attach a new cylinder to the harness, the cylinder clamp 12 can be pivoted into a loading position.

Abstract: A stabilized backpack comprises a hip suspension and a shoulder suspension. The hip suspension comprises vertical support rods pivotally attached to the hip belt and pack frame to allow motion of the wearer's hips without causing varying forces on the pack. The shoulder suspension comprises pulleys and cords attaching the shoulder straps to the pack so that the motion of the wearer's shoulders does not cause varying forces on the pack. The net effect is that a person can run with the pack, with heavy load, in rough terrain, with the pack staying relatively stable.

Abstract: A backpack which includes a frame and a cover. The frame has a first frame element which is connected with a first portion of the cover and a second frame element which is connected to a second portion of the cover. The second frame element is pivotably arranged on the first frame element at a region lying between an upper region and a lower region of the first frame element.

Abstract: A harness (10) for use with breathing apparatus comprises: a back plate (11); two support straps (13, 14), each of which extends between an upper part of the back plate and a lower part of the back plate, the two support straps being disposed on opposite sides of a central axis of the back plate (11); and a tension equalizing mechanism (15, 16; 30, 32) connected to the support straps and being arranged such that, when tension is applied to a first strap (13, 14) of the support straps, it acts to transfer the tension to the other, second strap (13, 14), thereby increasing the tension in the second strap, the tension equalizing mechanism being resiliently biased towards a neutral configuration.

Abstract: A backpack with a self stabilizing shoulder strap system is disclosed. The backpack includes two shoulder straps, an intermediate member, and a bag. The bag is configured to pivot about a first connector associated with the intermediate member. The shoulder straps are configured to pivot about connectors associated with the intermediate member. The configuration of the shoulder strap system allows for the bag to remain substantially vertical during motions as the shoulders are raised and lowered.

Abstract: A backpack suspension system is provided that provides a more natural feel as it is able to match a hiker's twisting and bending motions. A backpack suspension system comprises a frame having an upper and a lower portion, and a hub connecting the upper and lower portion. The upper and lower portion comprise a plurality of rods adapted to rotate within the hub. The hub is adapted to pivot about a horizontal axis. In certain embodiments the frame is substantially X shaped and in certain embodiments the hub is substantially X shaped.

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: 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 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: Disclosed is a combination backpack and seat cover apparatus which may be used with seats and benches without the need to use straps or buckles to hold the apparatus in place. A rigid, removable support for the apparatus is provided.

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 suspension system for a backpack includes a rocker arm pivotally connected to the backpack. A first hip stay has a first end connected to a first end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end. A second hip stay has a first end connected to a second end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end. A waist belt is attached to the second end of the first hip stay and to the second end of the second hip stay. The first and second hip stays distribute the load of the backpack between a wearer's left and right hips. A backpack incorporating the suspension system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hip support member for packs, bags and other articles including a pair of spaced-apart rigid arms adapted to engage the hips of the wearer of the pack, bag or article. A sleeve or shoulder associated with either the arms or the article secures the arms to the article. In one embodiment, the arms, shoulders and sleeve combine to define a generally U-shape frame adapted to be mounted to an article and wrap around the hips of the wearer. In another embodiment, the shoulders and/or sleeve are adjustable to adjust the width between the arms and the arms are rotatable about the article between disengaged and engaged positions.

Abstract: This device is noteworthy in that it comprises two elements of positional control and adjustment made using manual remote controls that are independent of one another and that allow the position of a back frame to be adjusted with respect to a carrying harness. The first element allows the back frame to be raised with respect to the harness and the second element allows the back frame to be lowered with respect to the harness. The back frame is designed to receive an endless belt arranged in its median longitudinal plane. The belt is secured by a strand to the carrying harness allowing the back frame to move relative to the harness via the positional control and adjustment elements. A locking mechanism tensioned by the second control element acts and locks the endless belt in position or releases it according to the desired phases of movement.

Abstract: A backpacker/mountaineers cot that is lightweight enough to be carried in the backcountry and that is assembled using a minimal of structural cot components in conjunction with various commonly used mountaineer's tools. It allows the elimination of the piece of foam or the inflatable sleeping pad that mountaineers generally backpack. Instead, the mountaineer incorporates his trekking poles, ice ax and internal frame backpack stays with the cot's structural components to form a lightweight, strong or the appropriate assembly of the cot.

Abstract: A support frame for a respiratory air container that can be adjusted to the torso length of a user. The support frame has a support plate with shoulder straps and to which at least one respiratory air container is fastened and from which pneumatic and electric supply lines originate. An extension plate is provided on the support plate and can be moved in a longitudinal direction and locked into various positions with supply lines attached to it. Shoulder straps can be fastened to a support free end of the extension plate.

Abstract: The device for adjusting the carrying position of a rucksack consists of a rucksack back (1) on which a carrying harness (3) is positioned, characterized in that it comprises two means for controlling and adjusting the position (M1–M2), established with the aid of remote manual controls which are autonomous in relation to each other and which enable the position of the back of the sack to be adjusted in relation to the carrying harness, whereby the first means enables the back of the sack to be raised in relation to the harness and the second means enables the back of the sack to be lowered in relation to the harness, so that the dimensions of the back of the rucksack to the person carrying said rucksack can be adjusted the support areas can be modified during walking in order to reduce any injuries that might occur.

Abstract: A collapsible decoy bag utilized to carry hunting supplies/accessories such as water fowl decoys. The decoy bag includes a collapsible, semi-rigid, spring-reinforced frame covered by a fabric shell formed of flexible panels. The fabric shell includes a top cover with drawstring opening to facilitate the loading and unloading of the bag with decoys, a mesh side panel to allow drainage, and a reinforced bottom panel to prevent wear and allow dragging. A shoulder harness is provided to allow a hunter to carry the bag across one or both shoulders like a backpack. In use, the present invention remains upright and open to facilitate the decoy unloading/loading process. The decoy bag is fully collapsible for ease of storage when not in use, and includes snaps for maintaining the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A backpack frame convertible to a mattress supporting cot with a tent supporting structure includes telescoping tubular frame members which may alternate between a compact position defining a backpack frame configuration and an extended position defining a normally substantially horizontally disposed adjustable cot configuration having opposing hollow side members. Each hollow side member has an open end, and the respective open ends are positioned diagonally opposite each other. When disposed in a cot configuration, the cot is supported by a plurality of support members mounted on each side member. A tent support assembly is storable in each hollow side member and extendible from the respective side member open ends to define an obliquely disposed extendible strut.

Abstract: A back-supported load-carrying mechanism that includes a rigid frame having a lower portion that includes an opening between a first vertical side and a second vertical side. A horizontal shaft is mounted to the sides and extends through the opening. A lumbar support element is pivotally mounted on the horizontal shaft. The horizontal shaft is mounted to the vertical sides of the frame with a suspension mechanism that enables each end of the horizontal shaft (and each side of the lumbar support element) to move fore and aft in relation to the frame. Tensioners mounted on the frame apply forward pressure to the shaft. Two rear leg extensions on each side of the frame enable the load-carrying mechanism to stand upright when placed on the ground. The lumbar support can pivot approximately 95 degrees to a position enabling the load-carrying mechanism to be utilized as a chair.

Abstract: An improved backpack is provided including a frame, pack shell, shoulder straps and waist strap. Connecting the pack shell to the frame of the backpack are one or more vibration dampers. Preferably, the vibration damper includes a cylindrical housing formed with a vertically extending bore aligned with the housing's central axis. A bore is configured for telescopic receipt of the siderails of the backpack frame. Located within the bore of the vibration damper is a spring which attenuates movement between the vibration damper's housing and a collar which radially projects from a portion of the frame's siderails. Preferably, the vibration damper includes an adjustable air valve for selectively controlling air to enter into and out of the chamber formed within the center of the vibration damper.

Abstract: A back-mounted load-carrying device, such as a backpack or a child carrier, having an adjustable waist belt assembly is described. The waist belt assembly is freely slidable between a variety of vertical positions along a rigid frame. A locking mechanism, actuatable while the device is being worn, permits a user to adjust the waist belt assembly to rest comfortably on his hip and around his waist on the fly and subsequently secure the waist belt in the desired position. A pair of hip-load transfer members that are rigid to loads applied in the vertical direction comprise the waist belt assembly and rest against the hip of a user when the waist belt is secured. These members help to transfer load from the device to the user's hips and act to lessen the amount of load carried by the user's shoulder and back, the result being greater comfort and less fatigue.

Abstract: An academic carrying apparatus for use in transporting a variety of items over the shoulders with the carrier resting along the user's back. The carrying apparatus has a body portion that defines a storage compartment. The body portion is comprised of a plurality of panels. A lid is coupled to the rear panel and adjacent to an upper peripheral edge of the body portion. The lid has a pair of top latches for coupling with the front panel of the body portion for securing the lid. The rear panel has a pair of strap holders. Finally, the pair of side panels defines a right side panel and a left side panel, with each side panel having a utility portion.

Abstract: A backpack constructed of two lightweight pieces of pliable material allowing said backpack to be easily stocked and sealed. The single piece of pliable material comprising a top flap, a bottom flap, two side flaps and a support section. The backpack is formed by attaching the two side flaps over the bottom flap which is closed first, the top flap is then folded over the two attached side flaps which along with the support section create a backpack type device. One or more shoulder straps are used to carry the backpack. The support section becomes the portion of the backpack that rests against the user's back while being used. The backpack is filled with essential survival items and the versatility of the backpack allows it to be used as an emergency stretcher when fully opened, emptied of survival items and fitted with stretcher poles.

Abstract: A back-supported load-carrying mechanism that includes a molded frame having a lumbar support element pivotally connected to a lower portion of the frame. The lumbar support element extends vertically, approximately halfway up the back of a user and horizontally, the full width of the frame, thus providing a large area of surface contact with the user's back. On the surface that contacts the user's back, the lumbar support element is anthropometrically shaped to fit the user's back. This surface is also covered by a non-sliding foam inlay. The lumbar support element may pivot approximately 95 degrees downwards, with the rear side of the lumbar support element providing a seat for the user. A load-support piece may be connected to the rear of the frame to provide a support shelf for the load being carried and to provide rear support when the back-supported load-carrying mechanism is in a chair configuration.

Abstract: A tri-functional carrier formed by a plurality of rods bending at two sides is disclosed. The tri-functional carrier is formed by a retainer, a driven unit being pivotally engaged to the retainer, a supporting unit pivotally engaged to one end of the retainer. By the aforesaid structure, after a frame of the tri-functional carrier is folded, it can be converted into a back frame, a chair or a baggage carrier which is stored and located easily.

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 harness for holding and supporting at least one gas pressure-container. The harness includes a backplate, a container holder mounted on a first side of the backplate, and two elongated support straps disposed on respective sides of a symmetry line dividing the backplate into a left and a right part. A first end of the respective elongated support straps is attached to an upper part of the backplate. The harness further includes a waist belt fastened to a lower part of the backplate. Mounted on a lower part of a second side of the backplate is a first element which is at least substantially rigid and parallel with the backplate, and which is pivotably mounted on the backplate at a pivot point. Each of second ends of the elongated support straps is attached to the first element on a respective side of the pivot point.

Abstract: This invention provides a backpack for carrying a load on the back of a user. The backpack includes a pliable sack, a frame, and a frame support member. The frame includes a first and second frame members. The frame support member removably communicates with the first and second frame members to prevent the first and second frame members from being moved into a position parallel and adjacent each other when the frame support member is in communication with the first and second frame members. The frame support member may be removed from communications with the first and second frame members.

Abstract: A folding child frame carrier for carrying a child on a person's back, comprising: a collapsible front frame portion, the front frame portion having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, the front frame portion being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and having a left side and a right side, and the front frame portion being collapsible about the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis from an extended position to a contracted position, the front frame portion having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a forward-extending portion, the forward-extending portion being pivotally connected to the upper portion at a first pivot point, and the upper portion being pivotally connected to the lower portion at a second pivot point; a flexible child holder attached to the front frame portion between the upper portion and the forward-extending portion; a rear frame portion also symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and having a forward end pivoting on the front frame portion at a third pivot point and a

Abstract: A collapsible child carrier assembly having a support frame which comprises a pair of hinge members, each of which includes a bore extending therein. The support frame further includes front and back support structures, each of which are attached to the hinge members. Also included in the support frame is a top support bar having opposed ends and a pair of elongate slots extending longitudinally therein adjacent respective ones of the opposed ends thereof. The top support bar is pivotally connected to the hinge members via a pair of pivot pins which extend through and are movable within respective ones of the slots.

Abstract: A knapsack type working machine has a first frame and a second frame. A prime mover for driving a working instrument is carried on the first frame. The second frame has a back pad and shoulder straps. The first frame and the second frame are separable from each other. The first frame has a locking engagement member. The second frame engages with the locking engagement member and has a pivotal locking member urged by a spring in a direction of engagement with the locking engagement member. By releasing the locking engagement member from engagement with the pivotal locking member, the first frame is separated from the second frame.

Abstract: A small watercraft portage and carrying device particularly adapted for mounting onto an external backpack frame. The small watercraft portage and carrying device is able to carry various types of non-inflatable canoes, kayaks, and small boats. It places the weight of the watercraft or equipment onto the backpack frame, thereby distributing the weight onto the user at the points of backpack body attachment.

Abstract: A shoulder support assembly is provided for a load carrying system having a load support structure. The shoulder support assembly includes a pair of shoulder support structures. Each shoulder support structure includes a first piece and a second piece pivotally coupled to the first piece. The first piece is adapted to extend around a user's shoulder and has a pivotal connection at a lower end. The second piece is coupled to the lower end of the first piece at the pivotal connection. Each shoulder support structure further includes pads removably connected to the first and second pieces. In addition, the suspension system has a sternum strap disposed between and mounted to the pair of shoulder support structures at the pivotal connections.