Abstract: A system for interfacing with an operator's body for distributing forces to the operator's body received by the system from a function unit. The system includes a frame and a plurality of contact units connected to the frame which are positioned and communicate with the operator's torso to distribute the received forces. The plurality of contact units each include a first and second support having an elastic body positioned therebetween which allows relative movement between the first and second supports.

Abstract: A frame for a collapsible and deployable backpack can include a plurality of struts and straps configured for carrying luggage. The struts can be attachable to form a backpack frame. The straps can be attachable to the struts for wearability. The luggage can be in the form of two or more independent pieces of luggage attachable to the frame, for example, two or more pannier bags. The frame can include upright struts bent into a bowed configuration. The bowed struts can be oriented in a splayed apart configuration to provide racking resistance. In a collapsed configuration, the backpack can have an overall width that is less than a pedal width of a bicycle, and optionally less than a width of a suspension portion of a bicycle.

Abstract: A conveniently enabled securement system including a portable encasement such as a backpack having locking and security features. The portable secure encasement is configured for transporting goods from place to place while ensuring their security throughout, while having a simple and efficient configuration for securing the contents within the encasement and optionally for securing the encasement itself at each location travelled to.

Abstract: A backpack and frame are disclosed. The backpack frame is designed to be at least partially internal and is of unitary construction, most advantageously of a resin-impregnated material, such as resin-impregnated carbon fiber sheets with selective reinforcement by interstitial layers. The frame has a mid-back portion that includes openings for independently positionable shoulder straps and a lower back portion that provides for a rotatable connection to a belt assembly. A pair of curved stay portions is contiguous with the mid-back portion of the frame and curves outwardly as the stay portions extend downwardly. The frame is preferably curved to match the curvature of the human back. The backpack frame is lightweight and by use of composite materials can provide strength as well as selective flexibility to suspend the load of the backpack and decouple it from the movements of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rucksack (1) with a horizontally and vertically rear-ventilated air conditioning zone (6). It is composed of a shoulder strap carrying system (2), a rear wall (3) with a stiffening frame (4), and a mesh (5) stretched across the rear wall and/or across the stiffening frame for creating the rear-ventilated air conditioning zone (6) between the rear wall (3) and the back of a rucksack wearer. By virtue of the stretched mesh (5), the rear wall (3) is kept away from the back of the wearer both in the hip region and in the shoulder region and allows both a horizontal and a vertical exchange of air. In a variable embodiment of the rucksack (1), the rucksack (1) can optionally be adapted to the body of the wearer by attaching the shoulder straps (2) in the shoulder-side region in a horizontally and vertically adjustable manner to a baseplate (15) attached to the mesh (5).

Abstract: An air breathing battery apparatus is connected to the hollow tubing of a backpack frame to provide an uninterrupted, water-resistant, light-weight power supply during extended remote operations in the field. Air breathing power sources are connected to the hollow tubes of the backpack assembly to provide a constant uninterrupted air supply in a relatively small package that fits easily into the backpack frame with only negligible added weight. The positioning of the air breathing power source in a backpack composed of hollow tubing also protects the battery from inclement weather or when the user is in water, for example, while fording a river or stream, to permit the uninterrupted use of the electronics powered by the battery.

Abstract: A backpack of very simple construction is disclosed, which uses modern materials and elements to achieve great comfort and extreme light weight. A sheath is made of light, strong cloth or other pliable material, constructed so as to contain a folded backpacker's sleeping pad or other suitable removable pad, and hold it against the bearer's back. To said sheath are attached a plurality of spaced-apart vertical support members made of a light, rigid but flexible material, for attachment and support of the load. A pair of shoulder straps and a hip belt are attached for securing the backpack to the bearer's back.

Abstract: A hunting blind assembly having a frame adapted for shoulder supported carriage; a collapsible hunting blind; a durable flexible sheet fitted for, upon movement of the hunting blind to its collapsed configuration and upon placement of the hunting blind in contact with the frame's back side, and between the frame's left and right ends, arcuately covering the hunting blind; and left and right pluralities of ties interconnecting the frame with the durable flexible sheet, the left and right pluralities of ties, in combination with the frame and the durable flexible sheet, encapsulating the hunting blind.

Abstract: An air breathing battery apparatus is connected to the hollow tubing of a backpack frame to provide an uninterrupted, water-resistant, light-weight power supply during extended remote operations in the field. Air breathing power sources are connected to the hollow tubes of the backpack assembly to provide a constant uninterrupted air supply in a relatively small package that fits easily into the backpack frame with only negligible added weight. The positioning of the air breathing power source in a backpack composed of hollow tubing also protects the battery from inclement weather or when the user is in water, for example, while fording a river or stream, to permit the uninterrupted use of the electronics powered by the battery.

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.

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: 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: 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 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 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.

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.

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 portage system for supporting light watercraft such as a canoe or kayak includes a frame having opposed first and second upright arms, a plurality of cross-struts interconnecting the arms, a pair of shoulder straps secured to a cross strut and a hip belt secured adjacent bottom ends of the upright members to removably secure the frame to a user. First and second thwart cradles are adjustably secured to top ends of the first and second upright arms so that a center thwart of the watercraft may engage the first and second thwart cradles to support the watercraft at varying heights above the user.

Abstract: A system for carrying articles on one's back consists of a load carrier (1) integral with a back part of a carrying harness including a waist strap (3) and shoulder straps fastened to the bottom (9) and to the top of the back part. The system also includes a U-shaped rigid frame fastened to the back part. Preferably, the free ends of the U-shaped frame are retained in a rear face of the waist strap. A pair of spacers having an inverted V-shape interconnect the waist strap and the bottom of the back part and define a ventilation space for the sweat of the wearer. Preferably, the system is designed for an ergonomic backpack.

Abstract: A backpack support apparatus includes first, second, and third poles and first, second, and third couplings that removably couple the poles to a backpack frame to form a tripod-like support configuration. The couplings hold the poles so that the poles angle away from the backpack frame advantageously for improved stability. In addition, the couplings hold the poles in a way enabling a user to remove the poles easily by lifting the backpack frame. The couplings may be part of the backpack frame, they may be attached to a backpack frame as original equipment, or they may be mounted as retrofit equipment on an existing backpack frame. The poles in one embodiment slide together to form a walking staff, and a separate hook attaches to the third pole to adapt it to use in mounting a bear bag over a tree limb.

Abstract: A convertible pack frame which, in a first configuration allows the user to wear the pack simply around the waist or lower torso leaving the upper body unrestrained thereby facilitating the hunter's movement through and over rugged terrain and which in an alternate or second configuration may be used to lash or otherwise secure substantial loads including game for the purpose of transporting such loads. The convertible packing frame also provides a means for readily converting the system from a first configuration to a second configuration together with means for conveniently stowing those parts not required in the second configuration, i.e. the pack frame configuration, in a compartment provided when the apparatus is arranged in the first configuration.