Load Distributing Web Extending Between Vertical Frame Members Patents (Class 224/635)
  • Patent number: 11452361
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an external frame of a backpack system and a game strap. The external frame includes a horizontal and vertical sections. The horizontal section is pivotably coupled to the bottom of the vertical section. The horizontal section rotates between a vertical position and a horizontal position. The horizontal section supports the vertical section in a vertical position when the horizontal section is in the horizontal position. A bottom of the game strap is coupled to an end of the horizontal section of the external frame. The end is distal to where the horizontal section pivotably couples to the vertical section. A top of the game strap is coupled to the vertical section of the external frame. The game strap includes openings sized to accommodate a snout of a head of an animal. The bottom or the top of the game strap are releasably coupled to the external frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: ROKMAN, LLC
    Inventors: Evan Hoge, Zachary K. Hillman, Brandon J. Bair
  • Patent number: 9271560
    Abstract: The invention relates to a backpack comprising a frame structure stretching the back wall (2) of backpack (1) to be concavely taut and holding a netting member (4) in front of the backpack back wall (2) in bowstring fashion. The frame structure comprises a resilient frame member (3) having a pair of frame portions (8, 9) intersecting in front of backpack back wall (2), a top frame portion (10) which extends in a transverse direction of backpack (1), interconnects the top ends of frame portions (8, 9) and is held against backpack back wall (2), and a frame portion (18) comprising two frame elements (19, 20) extending approximately in the longitudinal direction of backpack (1) and mutually spaced in a transverse direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Deuter Sport GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephen Buffinton, Thomas Hilger, Miguel Tiblas
  • Patent number: 9119459
    Abstract: An adjustable suspension system for a backpack includes a flexible frame, a trampoline and a tension adjustment mechanism. The suspension system can allow the user to control the position of the frame anywhere between a flat position directly adjacent to the user's back and a fully bowed position that arches away from the user's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Boreas Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Tae Kim, Alexei Tcherepanov
  • Patent number: 9090394
    Abstract: An insulated bag for protecting the cape of a big game animal. The bag comprises a top panel having at least one port for accommodating the antlers of the big game animal. Pockets formed in the interior of the bag can be utilized to prevent the cape of the animal from degrading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventors: Robert W. Peisley, Brock Hadley
  • Patent number: 8990971
    Abstract: A load bearing vest comprising a yoke, a core for carrying armor attached to the yoke, and a waist belt assembly for distributing weight to the waist or hips of a user attached to the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Archanged Armor LLC
    Inventor: Paul Carter
  • Publication number: 20140367439
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Ethan Valesko
  • Patent number: 8789734
    Abstract: A carry bag may include a container portion and a strap portion. The container portion defines an interior compartment for containing objects, and the strap portion extends from the container portion. At least one of the container portion and the strap portion include (a) a base element formed from a two-dimensional material and (b) a strand formed from a one-dimensional material. The strand lies adjacent to and substantially parallel to a surface of the base element for a distance of at least five centimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Christopher M. Helmsworth
  • Patent number: 8381956
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mystery Ranch, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dana W. Gleason, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120199624
    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: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Frank A. Howell
  • Patent number: 8020738
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Draeger Safety UK Limited
    Inventor: David Graham Storey
  • Patent number: 7988024
    Abstract: The present invention is a beach equipment carrying apparatus which is used to carry various items needed and used when visiting a beach or similar location. The apparatus includes a frame member, which can be adjustable in height, on which a plurality of components and compartments can be connected. The present invention further includes a hanger or hangers which are mounted to the frame member and on which beach going materials can be hung, including beach chairs. The present invention can also include a number of straps connected to the frame member to be used as shoulder straps, support straps or straps to hold down items secured to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Beachpacker, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Jankoski, Anita Saynisch, Ronald F. Jones, Joyce J. Jones
  • Patent number: 7793809
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Frank A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20100176172
    Abstract: A backpack system is provided including an external frame, a pack bag and a sling configured for extending between the frame and pack bag providing a space between the frame and pack bag for accommodating heavy or bulky cargo therebetween. The sling can be extended or retracted in order to selectively adjust the distance between the pack bag and frame. The backpack system may also include a pouch for supporting a lower end of relatively long object therein, which may be carried in the space between the pack bag and frame. In one embodiment, the pack bag is equipped with stiffening members for supporting the pack bag when not mounted directly to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Dana W. Gleason, JR.
  • 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: 7673777
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mystery Ranch, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dana Wright Gleason, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7644847
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Frank A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20080197163
    Abstract: An interactive type of a balancing device comprises a backpack body, a balancing device, left and right shoulder straps whose top end and tail end can be connected with or detachably be connected with the balancing device respectively. Said balancing device is consisted of a lower assembly and an upper assembly connected with the backpack body and supported by the lower assembly. The left and right shoulder straps move along a rotating assembly of the upper assembly. The lower assembly connected with the backpack body is consisted of a baffle plate and a moveable device which is installed in a hollow part of an interlayer of said baffle plate. Said upper assembly and lower assembly can be used at the same time or be used by itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Kaiming Yip
  • Patent number: 6651853
    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 is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Higgins, Rachel Higgins
  • Patent number: 6619523
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: David G. Duckworth
  • Publication number: 20030150895
    Abstract: The present invention is a beach equipment carrying apparatus which is used to carry various items needed and used when visiting a beach or similar location. The apparatus includes a frame member, which can be adjustable in height, on which a plurality of components and compartments can be connected. The present invention further includes a hanger or hangers which are mounted to the frame member and on which beach going materials can be hung, including beach chairs. The present invention can also include a number of straps connected to the frame member to be used as shoulder straps, support straps or straps to hold down items secured to the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: BEACHPACKER, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Jankoski, Anita Saynisch, Ronald F. Jones, Joyce J. Jones
  • Patent number: 6536641
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Original Design Group
    Inventors: Chloe H. Sundara, John M. Williams, Hans Wain, David Silva, Jonathan Gray
  • Publication number: 20020074373
    Abstract: A pack comprising a pack body, straps, a sleeve attached to the body, and a lumbar sacral support contained in the sleeve and supporting at least a portion of a weight of the pack when secured about a torso of a user and tightened. A frame can be attached to the body having frame members with lower portions and a band around the lower portions. The sleeve can be attached to the band by a pivot pin. The lumbar sacral support can comprise a pair of support body segments, each having an inner end portion and a front end with the front ends detachably connectable to each other; and a mechanical advantage device bridging together the inner end portions to form a belt. The mechanical advantage device include a cable rove around two banks of pulleys which are attached to the front end portions of the support body segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas J. Heinz, Edward Bannister
  • Patent number: 6202907
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Richard S. Higgins
  • 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: 5971244
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Big Pack GmbH
    Inventor: Knut Jaeger
  • Patent number: 5904282
    Abstract: An external frame backpack (10) includes a frame (14), a hip belt (32), two flexible stays (50, 52), a back panel (38), and a lower panel (40). The frame is external and substantially rigid. It includes upper, middle, and lower frame members (22, 24, 26) secured between frame siderails (18, 20). The hip belt is attached to the frame adjacent the lower frame member. The flexible stays are elongate with upper and lower ends. The upper ends attach to the upper frame member. The lower ends attach to the sides of the hip belt. The stays are flexible to allow movement of the hip belt as the stays bend while transmitting at least a portion of the weight held on the frame to the lower end of the stays. The back panel is vertically and horizontally tensioned and secured to the frame. The lower panel is secured between the siderails of the frame. The lower panel includes a support sheet (66) to maintain the shape thereof when tensioned between the siderails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: Dana W. Gleason
  • 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: 5806740
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Dennis Carlson
  • Patent number: 5762243
    Abstract: A backpack frame is molded integrally from composite fiber and resin material to provide a light yet strong frame. The frame includes top and bottom members and a pair of side members. A pair of vertical ribs extend between the top and bottom members, and a plurality of horizontal members extend between the side members. The frame has torsional flexibility about a longitudinal axis which is generally parallel to the side members. Each of the ribs has a generally kidney-shaped cross section which is provided by a groove in the rib. A sack is slidably attached to the frame by elongated beaded attaching members which are sewn to the sack. Each bead is slidably inserted into a key-hole shaped channel in one of the side members. A suspension system includes shoulder straps, a waist belt, and a back pad. Each part of the suspension is formed from closed cell foam which is compression molded to form air-circulating grooves. One or both sides of the foam has a flame laminated skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James McMaster, Michael Peterson
  • Patent number: 5762251
    Abstract: An external frame backpack includes a frame (14), a hipbelt (32), two flexible stays (50, 52), a back panel (38), and a lower panel (40). The frame is external and substantially rigid. It includes upper, middle, and lower frame members (22, 24, 26) secured between frame side rails (18, 20). The hipbelt is attached to the frame adjacent the lower frame member. The flexible stays are elongate with upper and lower ends. The upper ends are attached to the upper frame member. The lower ends are attached to the sides of the hipbelt. The stays are flexible to allow movement of the hipbelt as the stays bend while transmitting at least a portion of the weight held on the frame to the lower end of the stays. The back panel is vertically and horizontally tensioned and secured to the frame. The lower panel is secured between the side rails of the frame. The lower panel includes a support sheet (66) to maintain the shape thereof when tensioned between the side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Design Ltd.
    Inventor: Dana W. Gleason
  • Patent number: 5564612
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Bianchi International
    Inventor: Wayne B. Gregory
  • Patent number: 5553759
    Abstract: A backpack frame is molded integrally from composite fiber and resin material to provide a light yet strong frame. The frame includes top and bottom members and a pair of side members. A pair of vertical ribs extend between the top and bottom members, and a plurality of horizontal members extend between the side members. The frame has torsional flexibility about a longitudinal axis which is generally parallel to the side members. Each of the ribs has a generally kidney-shaped cross section which is provided by a groove in the rib. A sack is slidably attached to the frame by elongated beaded attaching members which are sewn to the sack. Each bead is slidably inserted into a key-hole shaped channel in one of the side members. A suspension system includes shoulder straps, a waist belt, and a back pad. Each part of the suspension is formed from closed cell foam which is compression molded to form air-circulating grooves. One or both sides of the foam has a flame laminated skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James McMaster, Michael Petersen
  • Patent number: 5533654
    Abstract: A support apparatus having a support member; and an assembly for mounting the support member on a first work object for movement between a first attitude, in which the support member is disposed in a stored condition, and a second attitude, in which the support member is disposed in a condition for use in supporting a second work object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventors: Anton G. Holty, Frederick J. Wilson, Edward D. Sozinho