Having Stabilizers Connected Between Attaching Means And Receiver Patents (Class 224/641)
  • Patent number: 12114760
    Abstract: The invention discloses a two-way adjustable shock-absorbing backpack, comprising a backpack main body and back pads arranged on one side of the backpack main body, wherein the back pads are provided two, and the two are symmetrically arranged on the backpack main body, a back pad pocket with a top opening is formed between the back pad and the backpack main body, a support fabric bag is sewn into the back pad pocket, and a support rod is inserted into the inside of the support fabric bag, one side of the backpack main body above the support fabric bag is provided with a fixed fabric belt, in the invention, by adjusting the length of the secondary braces on the upper adjustment button, the shock-absorption adjustment of the top of the backpack is realized, by adjusting the lower adjustment button, the shock-absorbing stroke adjustment of the elastic band is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Inventor: Li Zhao
  • Patent number: 9371160
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a moving device in the form of a bag having an aperture allowing furniture to be placed therein, a closure for the aperture (such as a “hook and loop” fastener, buttons, a zipper, or other suitable device), and at least one tensioning strap to tighten the bag around the furniture. The bag can be made of a flexible and/or waterproof material, and can include additional padding. In some embodiments, the bag can be shaped as a prism, but can also take other shapes. The tensioning strap(s) can extend partially or entirely around the bag, and can be fastened using a hook and loop fastener, bucket or other suitable device. In some embodiments, at least one longitudinal tensioning strap and at least one lateral tensioning strap are provided. The bag can also include one or more handles, one or more transparent viewing windows, and a document pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: RAPCO INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD
    Inventor: Andrew Hurst
  • Patent number: 9113697
    Abstract: An anatomically segmented backpack has an upper back region, a lower back region, and a hip belt region. The upper back region includes a shoulder strap joined to a pack load carrying portion and a thorax harness. The thorax harness extends in two opposite directions under each shoulder blade of the user. The lower back region is coupled to the upper back region and a hip region. A slide mechanism is located in the pack load carrying portion of the upper and lower back region. A load-bearing element is disposed within the lower back region, for transferring a load from the upper back region to the user's hips. The hip region is joined to a front section of the pack by a load bearing hip belt that extends around the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Nemo Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Cam Brensinger, Suzanne Turell, Connie Yang
  • Publication number: 20130256358
    Abstract: A dynamic load carriage system having a movable support member having one end coupled to a load carrier for supporting being worn or carried by an individual and another end coupled to a base belt for supporting the load carrier is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Jason Beck
  • Patent number: 8505791
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Tory M. Cross, Christopher M. Helmsworth
  • Patent number: 8172117
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: C&P Hiam Associates LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Maggi
  • 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: 8066164
    Abstract: A backpack is provided including a waistbelt having a dual-axis canting system. The waistbelt includes a central support and left and right belt portions that are pivotally coupled to the central support, extending around the sides of the user. The belt portions are configured to pivot about corresponding pivot axes, spaced apart from each other. The belt portions can freely pivot with respect to the central support to accommodate the user's body shape and the user's movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Gregory Mountain Products, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne B. Gregory
  • 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: 7997466
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Tory M. Cross, Christopher M. Helmsworth
  • Publication number: 20110011911
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence Carter Reid
  • Patent number: 7851932
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lightning Packs, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Craig Rome, Heath Fred Hofmann, Guanghui Wang
  • Patent number: 7770769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rucksack harness comprising central adjustment means (6) located on an upper part of a rear wall of a rucksack; and a central web (8) adjustably attached to the rear wall of the rucksack by the central adjustment means (6), the central web (8) running downwardly along the length of the rucksack to a branch point (4) at which the central web (8) is bifurcated to form to a pair of side webs (10), the pair of side webs (10) passing first through a pair of loops (12) positioned at either side of a lower part of the rear wall of the rucksack, and then passing upwardly along either side of the rucksack and under a stabilizing member (14) or spreader plate, the ends of the pair of side webs being attached to a pair of shoulder carrier straps (16), wherein the length of the shoulder carrier straps (16) in relation to the rear of the rucksack may be adjusted by pulling the end of the central web (8) through the central adjustment means (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Lowe Alpine Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Martyn Hurn
  • Publication number: 20080245835
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence Carter Reid
  • Patent number: 7391123
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Lightning Packs LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Rome
  • Patent number: 7337935
    Abstract: A golf bag harness is provided comprising a main support member, a belt system coupled with the main support member for securing a golf bag to the waist and shoulders of a wearer, and a coupling system for coupling the main support member with the golf bag. A slotted configuration can be provided according to one embodiment of the invention for providing adjustability in the positioning of the golf bag on a wearer's back. The slotted arrangement can be configured to provide adjustability in a horizontal and/or vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: James J. Glanville
  • Patent number: 7287677
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: The North Face Apparel Corp.
    Inventor: Lawrence Carter Reid
  • Patent number: 7100809
    Abstract: A carrying bag, particularly a backpack, comprises a receiving container for receiving objects to be taken along, and a carrying device connected to the receiving container. The carrying device is decoupled in its movements from the receiving container by the provision of string lines which can be displaced in the direction marked by the arrows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: RTI Sports Vertrieb von Sportartkeln, GmbH
    Inventors: Franc Arnold, David Herold, Björn Altenhofer, Marcel Herrig, Lutz Scheffer
  • Patent number: 7040518
    Abstract: A support device (1) is for supporting a portable handheld work apparatus including an overhead branch cutter (3). The support device (1) is held to the body of the operator (17) via a belt arrangement (2). The support device (1) includes a cup (15) which has support straps (11) which are fixed to the cup (15). The free ends of the support straps (11) can be coupled to the belt arrangement (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventors: Florian von Krane, Thomas Stark, Joachim Hoffmann, Jürgen Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 6840419
    Abstract: A mounting device for a backpack includes a first mounting element adapted to be connected to a load supported on a user's back, and a second mounting element adapted to be connected to a user's waist belt. The first mounting element is pivotable relative to the second mounting element to vary the vertical position of the waist belt during use relative to a load supported by the pack. A mechanism is configured to fix selectively the first mounting element relative to the second mounting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Watermark PaddleSports, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Penny, Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6837409
    Abstract: A pack system having a suspension system with a waist belt which slidably carries a bag or pack. At least one shoulder strap extends between the top of the bag and the side of the bag. A compression suspension system attaches to the pack at multiple locations and is adjustable to stabilize the pack in a comfortable position to accommodate varying loads. The system allows the pack to be shifted or rotated around the body of the wearer between frontal access or rear carrying position for comfort and accessibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Gerald Lemanski, II
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6634533
    Abstract: A hip belt (100) is disclosed having split left (130) and right (150) portions. The upper legs (131, 151) and lower legs (132,152) of the split portions are attached to adjustable straps (180, 184) such that the belt tension is distributed to both the upper and lower portions to facilitate a snug fit to the user. Transverse members (200) interconnect the respective upper and lower legs, maintaining the desired leg spacing. The transverse members are semi-rigid, flexible members, allowing the split belt to readily conform to the user's profile. Fastening the transverse members along the outer edges of the belt permits the legs to rotate to better conform to the user. In an embodiment of the hip belt (300) a plurality of transverse members are distributed along the length of the split portion of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse B. Thompson, Gregory R. Garrigues
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6607107
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Bonfire Snowboarding, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Dexheimer
  • 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
  • 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: 20020108982
    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 t he 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: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: David S. Mydans
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6352187
    Abstract: A light weight golf bag with waist straps and an angle adjustment cord which is carried on the waist at an angle behind the players' back, so as not to impede the players' stroke. The bag is not intended to be removed between shots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne Strode
  • Patent number: 6199732
    Abstract: A load support system for carrying a load on a user's back includes a load support, first and second user engaging surfaces, and first and second arms extending between the load support and the first and second user-engaging surfaces, respectively. The load support includes a back panel configured to extend substantially parallel to the user's mid-coronal plane when worn. The first and second user-engaging surfaces are configured to engage the user on opposite sides of the user's mid-sagital plane when worn. The first and second arms are coupled to the back panel at first and second spaced locations along a first axis on opposite sides of the user's mid-sagital plane. The first arm has a first end pivotably coupled to the back panel about a second axis oblique to the first axis and oblique to a transverse plane of the user. The first arm further includes a second end coupled to the first user-engaging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Swetish
  • Patent number: 6179188
    Abstract: An external frame backpack (10) includes a frame (14), a hipbelt (32), two flexible stays (50, 52), 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: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Design, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dana W. Gleason
  • 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: 5975387
    Abstract: A pack for holding articles and providing fluid hydration is provided. The pack includes a bladder compartment having an opening for securing a fluid bladder therein for hydration with a hose attached thereto. The bladder has a front side adapted to be positioned against the user's back and a back side opposite the front side. The pack bag is sewn onto the back of the bladder compartment and is larger than the bladder compartment. The bladder compartment provides a cushion between the pack bag and the user and contours the back of the user. Shoulder straps are attached from the top of the bladder compartment to the bottom of the pack bag. A hip belt also extends from the bottom of the pack bag around the hips of the user. The top of the bladder compartment is at least partially separated from the top of the pack bag to allow the contouring of the bladder compartment along the upper portion of the back of the user. A lift strap extends between the top of the shoulder pad and the top of the pack bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: K 2 Corporation
    Inventors: Dana W. Gleason, Jesse B. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5836489
    Abstract: A belt assembly is pivotally connected to a load support structure of a load carrying system and includes a rear panel and a pair of lateral panels. The lateral panels are pivotally coupled to the rear panel. When the belt assembly is worn, the rear panel covers a user's lumbar region and the lateral panels wrap around the user's hips. The belt assembly includes a removable pad which is preferably connected to the rear and lateral panels by a hook and loop fastener system. A strap secures the belt assembly around the user's hips. The pivotal connections between the panels of the belt assembly and between the belt assembly and the load support system enable the belt assembly to afford a user considerable freedom of movement when worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson Worldwide Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Swetish
  • Patent number: 5617984
    Abstract: A system for backpacks that allows the backpack to be worn comfortably without shoulder straps. This is accomplished with a pair of generally triangular shaped flaps that are attached to the pack at symmetrical locations, typically the front or rear corners. The free edges of the flaps approximate catenary curves. Adjustable-length straps connect the apex of each flap to the backpack waistbelt. The flaps distribute tension relatively evenly along a substantial portion of the height of the packbag or frame, which pulls the packbag more tightly against the wearer's back, so that it can be worn comfortably without shoulder straps. The system may also be used with shoulder straps in order to lessen the stress on the user's shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: John A. Fabel
  • Patent number: 5529229
    Abstract: A backpack having a waist encircling belt, and an attached set of shoulder straps which retract into a discreet pocket when not in use. There is a set of shoulder straps having clips on one end, and these are carried in, and attached to, a discreet pocket at the other end which is location on the outside, rear panel of the pack where the shoulder straps are readily accessible and can easily be drawn out and attached to rear side portions of the waist encircling belt. This provides additional support for the pack on an as-needed basis, and has the added benefit of being quickly and easily stowed when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Alyx T. Fier
  • Patent number: RE39853
    Abstract: A backpack having a waist encircling belt, and an attached set of shoulder straps which retract into a discreet pocket when not in use. There is a set of shoulder straps having clips on one end, and these are carried in, and attached to, a discreet pocket at the other end which is location on the outside, rear panel of the pack where the shoulder straps are readily accessible and can easily be drawn out and attached to rear side portions of the waist encircling belt. This provides additional support for the pack on an as-needed basis, and has the added benefit of being quickly and easily stowed when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Alyx T. Fier