Attaching Means Positioned At Chest Patents (Class 224/638)
  • Patent number: 11013308
    Abstract: Provided herein is a carrier system for securely holding an electronic device while enabling easy access to the electronic device when the electronic device is held by the system. In some embodiments, the carrier system includes a harness having at least two shoulder straps and one belt. In some embodiments, the length of the shoulder straps and belt is adjustable. Each of the shoulder straps is configured to be worn over a respective shoulder of a user, and each of which are coupled to the belt. In some embodiment, a carrier system having a backplate, coupled to the shoulder straps, and a front plate is connected to the harness to provide handsfree access to the electronic device. In some embodiments an adjustor is placed within the device carrier to allow the device carrier to securely hold a device smaller than the device carrier's holding compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Lucille Jones
  • Patent number: 9907388
    Abstract: A strap member includes a first primary strap including a first notch formed along its inner edge and a second primary strap includes a second notch formed along its inner edge, the first notch and second notch defining a recess in the strap member. An intersection point positioned within the recess is at an intersection of lines being one of collinear and tangential with portions of the inner edges of the first and second primary straps. An elastic member extends between the first primary strap and the second primary strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather L. Herron, Pierre A. Pactanac, Jeffrey W. Wear, Christopher H. Pearson, Lee A. Dexheimer
  • Patent number: 9161610
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier system having a front part and a back part and means for fastening to a human torso. The carrier system also has a hip belt which can be connected to the back part via at least one support. It is provided that at least a part of the means for fastening to a human torso has first fastening means and the back part has second fastening means, the first and the second fastening means together forming a fastening device with fastening loops and receptacles. The receptacles are provided with slots. The fastening loops can be inserted into or passed through the receptacles. Furthermore, an elongated fixing element is provided which can be passed through those ends of the fastening loops which have been inserted into the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: HEXONIA GMBH
    Inventor: Gerd Hexels
  • Patent number: 8523028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a child-carrying device designed to help a wearer support a child, baby, infant, or toddler with their arms and accommodate a variety of holding positions. The child-carrying device includes a dual-shoulder harness, a rigid bar assembly including a rigid bar, and a hand/wrist support assembly slidable along the rigid bar. The rigid bar assembly is secured transversely between frontal strap portions of the harness. The movable hand/wrist support assembly can freely move along a portion of the bar toward on either side of the front of the wearer's rib cage, and optionally rotate about the bar. The device allows the wearer to support a child with their arm using minimal exertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Young
  • Patent number: 8418897
    Abstract: Disclosed is a child-carrying device designed to help a wearer carry a child, baby, infant, or toddler in their arms and accommodate a variety of holding positions. The child-carrying device can include a dual-shoulder harness, a rigid bar secured transversely between frontal strap portions of the harness, and a movable hand/wrist support assembly attached to the bar in a manner that it can freely move along the bar toward either side of the front of the wearer's rib cage, and optionally rotate about the bar. In one embodiment, to use the device, the wearer picks up a child, puts an arm under the child to support the child's weight, and then slips his hand through the hand/wrist support assembly in the form of a hand/wrist sling assembly; once in this position, only minimal exertion is required to carry the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Young
  • Patent number: 8403193
    Abstract: A shoulder strap chest system for a pack including at least one shoulder pad, includes: at least one slot on the shoulder pad, at least one hook hooked at the slot detachably, and at least one connection strap, at least one end of which is attached to the hook in a length-adjustable way, wherein the width of the hook matches that of the slot so that the hook is prevented from sliding when the hook is hooked at the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: NIFCO (HK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Man Chan
  • Patent number: 8387166
    Abstract: A combination of a vest and a versatile, adaptable bag allows a person to comfortably carry articles, even while physically active. The vest is contoured to the shape of a person's body, limiting the jostling of the vest and integrally attached bag as the person moves. One advantageous feature of the convertible bag is that its size can adapt to the desired contents: the upper portion of the bag acts either as a flap for the lower portion, or as a vertical extension of the lower portion when the bag contents are more voluminous. Further, the vest portion sits high on the chest of the person wearing the vest. This increases comfort to the person by distributing the weight better, and reduces sweating, particularly during physical activity such as riding a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Nancy Lynn Eastep
  • Patent number: 8353434
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Cedar Mesa Design Company LLC
    Inventors: Frank Brittin Clayton, III, Wilson S. Clayton, Karen B. Clayton
  • Patent number: 8157138
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carrying system for a rucksack with at least one accommodation container with at least two shoulder straps which connect the rucksack to a carrier, with each shoulder strap having at least two strap sections, and with each shoulder strap having at least one first releasable connecting device which connects the two strap sections to one another. The carrying system according to the invention is characterized in that a triggering device is provided which can be operated by the carrier and is connected to at least two releasable connecting devices in such a way that the connecting devices are released substantially without a time delay when the triggering device is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Tatonka GmbH Qualitätsausrüstung für Freizeitaktive
    Inventor: Daniel Leyendecker
  • Patent number: 8006877
    Abstract: A backpack assembly for a self contained breathing apparatus comprises a plurality of components positioned in housings that define a body for the backpack assembly. The body is assembled to a back frame. A pivoting and swiveling hip plate is connected to the back frame in multiple distinct positions to provide a customizable and comfortable fit for the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Sperian Respiratory Protection USA, LLC
    Inventors: Philip L. Lowry, Nicolo J. Luzie, Jr., James T. Dexter, Thuan C. Le, Mark A. Fischer, Aaron D. DeLaby
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100237122
    Abstract: A backpack assembly including a bag portion having at least one pouch and a harness assembly coupled to the bag portion for securing the bag portion to a user. The harness assembly includes first and second shoulder strap assemblies extending from the bag portion at a spaced distance apart from one another sufficient to align each first and second strap assembly with a respective shoulder region of a user. The back portion of the bag portion is configured to define a concave planar surface for confirming to a user's back. The bag portion has a width greater than that of it's length such that when the bag portion is fitted to the back of a user the bag portion is entirely disposed on a upper back portion of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Dario Toledo
  • Patent number: 7780049
    Abstract: An easy to use notebook computer support system which will fit virtually any notebook or laptop computer. It has comfortable shoulder pads and allows access to all ports (front, back and side). In particular, it allows access data ports, power ports as well as disk drives. Significantly, the system according to the invention comprises only straps and little strap hardware so that it can fold up and fit into any type of laptop carrying case. Unlike other supports, the present invention does not block the ventilation fan(s) on the bottom of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: James Baranoski
  • Patent number: 7683969
    Abstract: A system is for supporting a camera for hands free filming includes a vest, and a camera mounting apparatus attached to the vest. In one aspect the system also includes a material overlay attached to the vest, the overlay including opposing end flaps and opposing side flaps the adjacent flap edges zippered for enabling the vest to be converted to an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Lacey J. Callahan
  • Publication number: 20090065544
    Abstract: An apparatus which supports a pair of side loads in balanced and fully hand-accessible positions, while a person who is carrying the apparatus is walking in a substantially erect position, and also while the person is in a sitting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Marilyn Miller von Foerster
  • Publication number: 20080277443
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a multi-functional carry pack assembly intended to equip fire fighters when fighting fires in wildland areas. The carry pack assembly of the invention comprises: a) a carry frame, preferably with at least two straps of shoulder strap type resting on the shoulders, and at least one cross-strap joined to said shoulder type straps and acting as belt, b) a first element of pouch type fixed or fixable to the carry frame, able to carry at least one water reservoir and a “hands-free” hydration system connected or connectable to said water reservoir, and c) at least one second element of pouch type fixed or fixable onto the carry frame and able to contain a protective, action or survival garment, a protective mask or at least one other accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Laurent Thiriot, Stephane Huriet
  • Publication number: 20080257928
    Abstract: A backpack assembly for a self contained breathing apparatus comprises a plurality of components positioned in housings that define a body for the backpack assembly. The body is assembled to a back frame. A pivoting and swiveling hip plate is connected to the back frame in multiple distinct positions to provide a customizable and comfortable fit for the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Philip L. Lowry, Nicolo J. Luzie, James T. Dexter, Thuan C. Le, Mark A. Fischer, Aaron D. DeLaby
  • Patent number: 7051910
    Abstract: A field desk apparatus, designed to be worn by a user, is configured with two soft triangular structures having a work platform as a common element. Shoulder straps and support straps form the remaining two elements for each of the soft triangular structures, respectively. The weight of a work piece, supported by the work platform, is distributed to a lateral belt of the field desk apparatus, via the soft triangular structures, to ergonomically balance the weight of the work piece about the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Ronald L. Sprague, Althea Antonette Sprague
  • Patent number: 6926184
    Abstract: A system for holding an article suspended by shoulder straps in front of the body of a use against undesired swinging and movement of the article while affording easy release of the article so that it can be raised for viewing, aiming and sighting and that will provide protection for the suspended article against the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: HHH Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Hancock, Jeffrey D. Hancock
  • Patent number: 6923357
    Abstract: A harness-like fishing gear holder vest upon which various pouches are mounted for storing fishing supplies and caught fish. The harness includes two shoulder straps on which are attached six pockets, three on the front of each straps. The two straps are attached to a waist belt, which has two additional pouches attached to the sides. A chest strap is provided between the two shoulder straps. Two adjustable rod-holding rings for holding a fishing rod are attached to the straps. This enables the user's hands to be free for performing various other activities. A detachable line cutter and a snap hook are placed on the waist belt by looped snap bands. Pouches are attached to the shoulder straps by clamp-like clips. The device is fully adjustable, fastened with VELCRO belt and shoulder adjustment. The vest is worn by an angler while wading in water up to his chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: James M. Smith
  • Patent number: 6824030
    Abstract: A back pack assembly comprised of a back pack front shoulder straps and a lateral back strap designed to concentrate the weight bearing forces of the back pack assembly on the thoracic spinal column and thereby promote normal posture of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Doris B. Dolan
  • Patent number: 6808099
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a backpack comprising a pair of shoulder straps, a plurality of attachment loops attached to at least a peripheral edge of the shoulder straps and a sternum strap removably attached to the attachment loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Cerf Bros. Bag Co.
    Inventor: Cory O. Nykoluk
  • Patent number: 6790201
    Abstract: The present invention relates to strap assemblies. More specifically, the present invention relates to strap assemblies for supporting one or more devices mountable on an individual or patient, such as a drainage reservoir or other medical devices. Furthermore, the strap assemblies of the present invention are designed to alleviate some of the discomfort in wearing such an assembly. The strap assemblies of the present invention generally comprise a waist strap, a shoulder strap device and one or more front straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Helen B. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040173655
    Abstract: A rifle carrier assembly mountable to the back of a user permits the rifle to be carried without encumbering the arms and hands of the wearer. The carrier secures a rifle to the back of the user in a manner which enables a degree of adjustment of the case relative to the spine angle of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Paris Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Markson
  • Publication number: 20040050893
    Abstract: A backpack (10) has at least one angled interior panel (36), to a location close to, and supported by, the users's hips without the need for adjusting “V”-shaped pad (20) on the exterior of the backpack, disposed near the bottom thereof, contacts the user's back, and rests automatically on the user's hips, thereby distributing the load of the backpack more evenly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Todd Ravinett
  • Patent number: 6695187
    Abstract: A carrying case for a portable two-way radio and designed to be attached to various points or straps on a Type V floatation vest used as a work vest by crew members on tug boats, tow boats and other inland or intra-coastal waterway vessels. The carrying case is comprised of a receptacle and strap. The receptacle is formed of a flexible material and has an open top and front, rear, bottom and two side surfaces. The strap is mounted longitudinally to the rear surface, and passes through a D-ring attached to the top edge of the front surface. The strap has fastening means on either end for securing the two ends together. The case is then attached to a work vest by passing the strap through an attachment point on the work vest above the case, then through another attachment point below the case. The ends of the strap are then tightened by the fastener means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory D. Dunkle
  • Patent number: 6681968
    Abstract: A kayak portage harness includes: a draw cord in a hem of the harness that is used to secure the hem of the harness under the lip of a kayak cockpit coaming and a pair of opposed hooks that are also secured to the lip of the kayak cockpit coaming at the front and rear of the coaming. In addition, the harness may include a pair of hull straps that extend from the harness about the hull of the kayak and carry paddle clips for securing a paddle to a side of the kayak. The harness is secured to the back of the kayaker in a substantially vertical position for portaging by shoulder straps and an equipment gear bag of the harness fits down through the kayak cockpit into the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Peter L. Zwagerman
  • Patent number: 6681973
    Abstract: A waistbelt for stabilizing a load, the load potentially carried within a backpack. The waistbelt may be worn around a user's waist and fastened together by a locking buckle. The waistbelt may be attached to a backpack, as part of a backpack system, by straps that are directly affixed to the waistbelt. The waistbelt may comprise padding that rests on the user's hips. A support region of the waistbelt can minimize shifting and swaying of the load carried in a backpack. The support region of the waistbelt may be extendable, and may be extended by movably attached waistbelt extensions. The waistbelt extensions may reduce reliance upon provide extendable support for varying waist sizes. The waistbelt extensions may reduce reliance upon support from buckling straps, thereby potentially reducing chafing, abrasions, and fatigue to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: David A. Crumrine
  • Publication number: 20040011841
    Abstract: A field desk apparatus, designed to be worn by a user, is configured with two soft triangular structures having a work platform as a common element. Shoulder straps and support straps form the remaining two elements for each of the soft triangular structures, respectively. The weight of a work piece, supported by the work platform, is distributed to a lateral belt of the field desk apparatus, via the soft triangular structures, to ergonomically balance the weight of the work piece about the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald L. Sprague, Althea Antonette Sprague
  • Patent number: 6672495
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bifurcated carrier pack for electively transporting snowboard equipment either in a traditional, back-mounted position or in an unconventional, hip-mounted position. A snowboard may be removably attached to the bifurcated pack while in a back-mounted position for transportation and detachment ease. When the user elects to remove the snowboard from the pack, the bifurcated pack may be easily configured to a hip-mounted position to shift the user's center of gravity from a superior center of gravity to an inferior center of gravity for improving the downhill snowboarding experience. The bifurcated pack comprises a pair of storage compartments, two shoulder straps and an abdominal encircling belt. At the election of the user, the storage compartments may be pivoted about their lower half to achieve either a back-mounted configuration or a hip-mounted configuration. The shoulder straps secure the storage compartments in place while in either configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: David W. Sagan
  • Publication number: 20030164391
    Abstract: A kayak portage harness includes: a draw cord in a hem of the harness that is used to secure the hem of the harness under the lip of a kayak cockpit coaming and a pair of opposed hooks that are also secured to the lip of the kayak cockpit coaming at the front and rear of the coaming. In addition, the harness may include a pair of hull straps that extend from the harness about the hull of the kayak and carry paddle clips for securing a paddle to a side of the kayak. The harness is secured to the back of the kayaker in a substantially vertical position for portaging by shoulder straps and an equipment gear bag of the harness fits down through the kayak cockpit into the hull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Peter L. Zwagerman
  • Patent number: 6607108
    Abstract: A backpack load transfer and stabilization system includes a roll control rod coupled to a hip belt for a backpack. The control rod is contained entirely within the hip belt and extends across the width of the hip belt. The control rod is coupled, in turn, to semi-rigid extension members which serve as the interface between the hip belt and the main backpack. The extension members transfer the load to locations on the hip belt corresponding to hip locations of the person wearing the backpack. The extension members are rotatably coupled to the main backpack and rigidly coupled to the roll control rod, such that when a person wearing the backpack hikes, and the person's hips move up and down, the combination of the roll control rod and interconnected extension sections compensate for the up-and-down movement of the hips to stabilize the load and prevent side-to-side swaying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Recreational Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Mydans
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030106920
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bifurcated carrier pack for electively transporting snowboard equipment either in a traditional, back-mounted position or in an unconventional, hip-mounted position. A snowboard may be removably attached to the bifurcated pack while in a back-mounted position for transportation and detachment ease. When the user elects to remove the snowboard from the pack, the bifurcated pack may be easily configured to a hip-mounted position to shift the user's center of gravity from a superior center of gravity to an inferior center of gravity for improving the downhill snowboarding experience. The bifurcated pack comprises a pair of storage compartments, two shoulder straps and an abdominal encircling belt. At the election of the user, the storage compartments may be pivoted about their lower half to achieve either a back-mounted configuration or a hip-mounted configuration. The shoulder straps secure the storage compartments in place while in either configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: David W. Sagan
  • Patent number: 6488188
    Abstract: A protective body heat retaining pod that is carried in a folded condition within a special purpose backpack attached at the rear of a harness that is worn over a conventional life jacket by both civilian and military personnel who find themselves in or about to enter a cold water environment while awaiting rescue from an emergency situation. A hood to be pulled over the head and cinched tightly around the face of the wearer is attached to the back of the protective body heat retaining pod. The protective pod has a sealed body portion that fits around the legs, arms and torso of the wearer within which a small volume of water is trapped and heated by the wearer's body heat to slow a drop in the wearer's body temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Jack A. Fleischli
  • Patent number: 6474524
    Abstract: A pack article includes a flexible container having front, back, right side, and left side panels connected together to define an internal cavity, a flap to enable access to the internal cavity, and at least one divider within the internal cavity connected to and intersecting the back panel at a diagonal, and extending between the right and left side panels to provide a diagonal support surface for an item placed within the pack. The angle of the divider serves to orient the contained load of the pack and direct the weight of the load towards the back panel, thereby distributing the weight along the length of the user's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Ivarson, Henrietta L. Ivarson, Ian C. Ivarson
  • Publication number: 20020148871
    Abstract: A rucksack is provided which is equipped with a speaker system which creates, at a periphery of each ear of a rucksack carrier, a sound field in which sounds from an electric acoustic device can be heard clearly and naturally without use of headphones or earphones, and ambient noise as well can be heard clearly. A speaker unit, which radiates plane waves toward ears or vicinities of ears of the rucksack carrier, is disposed at a shoulder belt of a rucksack. The speaker unit is connected to a music playback device or the like accommodated in an accommodating portion of the rucksack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Masaki Nakano, Kouji Matsunaga
  • Publication number: 20020104862
    Abstract: A load-carrying system for a backpack, and a backpack including such load-carrying system. The load-carrying system includes an improved structure, particularly for use during the practice of various sports, more particularly for gliding sports, such as snowboarding, skiing, and in-line skating. The invention includes an improved backpack and load-carrying system adapted to be held in place in order to prevent any interference with the user's ride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: BONFIRE Snowboarding, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Dexheimer
  • Publication number: 20020088836
    Abstract: A strap connector for connecting the shoulder straps of a dual-strap carrying system which is particularly useful for carrying golf bags or other elongate bags including pivotally connected lateral members each of which is connected as an intermediate member of a shoulder strap. The pivotal connection between the lateral members adjusts the weight distribution on the shoulders of a person carrying the bag and provides improved comfortability. Also disclosed are a strap carrying system and a golf bag including the strap connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Mike Batten, Teh I. Chang
  • Patent number: 6386414
    Abstract: A sports equipment bag having a water-resistant outer shell with multiple ventilation assemblies for exposing the interior of the bag to free air circulation. Each ventilation assembly includes an opening formed in the outer shell that is covered by a mesh lining and a flap which can be selectively opened and closed using a zipper. In one embodiment, the bag includes openings on both sides and both ends of the bag. In an alternate embodiment, the bag includes openings on both sides only. In another alternate embodiment, the bag includes an opening at one end and a fan assembly located at the other end. The fan assembly includes an electric fan which draws air through the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Edward Kilduff
  • Publication number: 20020011503
    Abstract: A baby carrier is provided, which includes: a baby wrapper having a back supporter formed toward the back of a user, a bottom sheet formed on the bottom of the back supporter and a sheet formed by folding the back supporter and the bottom sheet in the counter-direction of the user's back, to thereby form a space for enabling the user to take a baby on the user's back; a reception portion having a sack formed to have a reception space in the direction where the back supporter is folded from the baby wrapper; shoulder straps formed toward either shoulder of the user from the sack of the reception portion; and a supporter which is connected toward each other in the middle of the shoulder straps, and connected with the shoulder straps from the center portion on the bottom of the baby wrapper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Choon H. Hwang
  • Patent number: 6283350
    Abstract: A backpack (1) has two shoulder straps (2, 3) extending obliquely downward crosswise from one or the other side of the upper end area (4) of the backpack (1) to the lower end area (5) and each consisting of an upper portion (6, 7) and a lower portion (8, 9) which are interconnected by a buckle in the chest area. The buckle is formed by a snap buckle (11) comprising a snap-in part (12) and a receiving part (13). The upper portion (6) of the first shoulder strap (2) and the lower portion (9) of the second shoulder strap (3) are fastened to the snap-in part (12), and the upper portion (7) of the second shoulder strap (3) and the lower portion (8) of the first shoulder strap (2) to the receiving part (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Mario Gottmeier, Manuela Lagger
  • Patent number: 6164505
    Abstract: A harness allows one to easily carry a rigid case through rough terrain and using almost any transportation mode includes a backpad releasably attached to the case and lying flush against one back. The harness includes at least one lower load strap for securing the case from below and at least one upper load strap for securing the case from above. In one embodiment, the harness includes shoulder straps adapted to extend over one's shoulder and stabilizer straps extending from the shoulder straps and releasably attached to the case to provide cant adjustment. The harness further includes a sternum strap adapted to extend around one's sternum and a diaphragm strap adapted to extend around one's waist. In another embodiment, the harness includes a waist strap adapted to extend around one's waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: Dean S. Holter, Hether L. Holter
  • Patent number: 5984157
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson Worldwide Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Swetish
  • Patent number: 5961014
    Abstract: A universal backpack harness having two shoulder straps, a backpack support strap attached to each shoulder strap and upper and lower stabilizing straps also attached to each of the shoulder straps. The backpack support strap passes through a loop on the backpack and supports the backpack by means of the backpack loop. An upper and lower stabilizing strap wrap around a vertical backpack member to stabilize and position the backpack on the wearer's body. Alternatively, the stabilizing straps can also pass through additional loops on the backpack. A breast strap keeps the shoulder straps in place. An optional back pad and shoulder pads are used for wearer comfort. A unique backpack design for use with the harness features horizontal and vertical load securing straps and a vertical support strap that forms a loop for receiving the harness horizontal support strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Ricky L. Knerr
  • Patent number: 5954253
    Abstract: A load support system is provided including a flexible frame unit attached to a shoulder support structure and to a hip belt assembly. The frame is pivotally attached to the hip belt assembly and is held in a slightly bowed configuration, whereby load is transferred from the frame to the hip belt through pivot points and a venting space is created between the frame and a user's back. The shoulder support structure preferably includes a pair of independently positionable shoulder straps that are removably attached to the frame. The hip belt assembly preferably includes a load support belt that may be coupled to the frame, and a hip pad coupled to the load support belt via a hook and loop fastening system. The suspension system may be used to support backpacks, and the like, or may be adapted for other applications including SCUBA tank support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson Worldwide Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Swetish
  • Patent number: 5950894
    Abstract: A backpack assembly in which the straps are connected across the wearer's chest by a easy to connect and disconnect coupling member. Alternately, the snaps can be connected so that they extend vertically along the chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Haber
  • Patent number: 5918785
    Abstract: A harness and shoulder strap assembly to securely enclose, support, and form a carrying device for musical instrument cases. The case-engaging harness and shoulder straps are comprised of a plurality of adjustable strap loops connected by various fastenings, adjusters, releasable buckles, joiners, and fixing methods. The harness and shoulder strap assembly can safely support and carry a wide variety of size, shape, and style instruments and instrument cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Mark Meehan Irose
  • Patent number: 5902073
    Abstract: A support garment for diving equipment includes several subassemblies for providing comfortable support of diving equipment, such as a tank of pressurized breathing gas, a buoyancy compensating air cell and a ballast weight pocket assembly. A frame is adjustably secured to a shoulder support assembly that includes adjustment straps for accommodating various body sizes. A belt assembly is pivotally secured to the lower portion of the frame. A bust or chest panel extends between shoulder supports, providing a secure and comfortable fitting structure for divers of various body types, particularly women. Elements of the garment are secured to one another via rivets placed at predetermined locations, thereby facilitating assembly and servicing of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson Worldwide Associates
    Inventors: William C. Eungard, Thomas R. Swetish
  • Patent number: 5868292
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Gerry Baby Products
    Inventors: William B. Stephens, Paul F. Fair, James S. Panzarella