Abstract: A combination backpack with removable back support has a backpack portion and a back support portion which are detachably connected to each other. This allows for use of a back support and backpack both together and separately, by utilizing a back support while wearing a backpack when connected and utilizing a back support separately on a seat or chair when detached. The back support portion will attach to the outside of the backpack component.

Abstract: A crossbow case comprises a T-shaped body forming a T-shaped internal cavity to receive a crossbow and a pair of shoulder straps attached to and extending from an upper horizontal portion of the body. Each of the straps has an end releasably connected to a lower vertical portion of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bag to carry one or more objects on the back of a person, and a cushion for connection to a surface of the bag. The cushion is used for making substantially continuous contact with the back when the bag is carried on the back. The apparatus may be a backpack or any other type of bag.

Abstract: Systems and methods for carrying a load on the back of a user and backpacks having a convex back panel are described. The convex back panel of the backpack may curve outward from the center of a wearer's back to minimize contact between the backpack and the wearer's back The backpack may also have a center-support panel for contacting the spinal region of the back of the wearer of the backpack. The center-support panel may have grooves for distributing a load along a wearer's back.

Abstract: A device is configured to adjustably retain at least one strap and dampen forces exerted into or by the at least one strap. The device includes a main body including at least one strap adjustment channel configured to adjustably retain the at least one strap, and at least one tensile member formed on or within the main body. The at least one tensile member is configured to flex, bend, and/or stretch in order to absorb the forces exerted into or by the at least one strap.

Abstract: A strap has an extension element and a support element. The extension element joins with an article, such as a bag, backpack, or purse. The support element is secured to the extension element and has a plurality of sipes that enhance the flexibility of the strap. In another configuration, the support element has a central area formed from a foam that is more compressible than a foam forming end areas. In yet another configuration, the support element has a wedge-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A backpack has a pocket and at least one shoulder strap for supporting the backpack on a shoulder of a user. A generally rigid plate and a flexible inflatable bladder are in the pocket with a load bearing bag connected to the pocket for holding a load. A tubular extension extends from the bladder and into the shoulder strap for inflating and deflating the bladder and a mouth-inflatable check valve is connected to the tubular extension at a location spaced from the bladder and positioned so as to be accessible to the user for inflating the bladder by blowing into the check valve. A curved semirigid liner inside the material of the shoulder strap near the bladder forms a semirigid channel for receiving the tubular extension.

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

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a user-based carrying system, including an enclosure member and a user attachment system. The user attachment system includes a hip attachment system comprising a dorsal pad and a first and second strap member coupled to the enclosure member. The strap members are configured to laterally extend around the waist region of the user. An adjustable coupling between the first and second strap members and the enclosure member includes a first and second male sleeve coupler rigidly coupled to the enclosure member and a plurality of sleeves disposed on each of the first and second padded regions. The first and second male sleeve couplers are disposed within one sleeve on the respective first and second padded region. The distal length of the first and second strap members is dependent on a plurality of sleeves within which the first and second male sleeve couplers are disposed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for carrying a load on the back of a user and backpacks having a convex back panel are described. The convex back panel of the backpack may curve outward from the center of a wearer's back to minimize contact between the backpack and the wearer's back The backpack may also have a center-support panel for contacting the spinal region of the back of the wearer of the backpack. The center-support panel may have grooves for distributing a load along a wearer's back.

Abstract: A strap has an extension element and a support element. The extension element joins with an article, such as a bag, backpack, or purse. The support element is secured to the extension element and has a plurality of sipes that enhance the flexibility of the strap. In another configuration, the support element has a central area formed from a foam that is more compressible than a foam forming end areas. In yet another configuration, the support element has a wedge-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A lateral restraining device for preventing lateral movement of a backpack including at least two vertically extending curbs situated on an anterior surface of the backpack, the curbs corresponding to a respective lateral side of the wearer and configured to grip the wearer. A convertible lateral restraining device for preventing movement of a backpack on a wearer including at least two flaps of material and at least two straps, where the two flaps may be positioned in a flat position to act as a torso pad or in a rolled position secured by the straps to act as a lateral restraining device. A method of forming a lateral restraining device from a torso pad is also provided.

Abstract: A drawstring bag comprising (i) a flexible container, which has at least one wall, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel comprising at least two openings, (ii) a first drawstring, the ends of which are anchored at or near the first opening, (iii) a second drawstring, the ends of which are anchored at or near the second opening, and (iv) optionally, grips adjacent to the first and second openings; a tote comprising the drawstring bag and at least one handle and/or a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener; a backpack comprising the drawstring bag, first and second points of attachment at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the closed bottom end of the container through which the drawstrings pass, and, optionally, at least one handle and/or a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener, and/or drawstring length adjusters; and a method of stabilizing a drawstring in a flexible container.

Abstract: Percussion instrument carriers where the shoulder straps include an expandable cushioning feature. The feature allows the shoulder straps to be adjusted for the comfort of the user. Each shoulder strap may have one or more expandable cushions that will allow the top of the shoulder strap to be expanded. Multiple expandable cushioning features can be linked to allow more than one feature to fill at the same time. Expandable cushion can allow the carrier to be adjusted foreword and aft of the user to allow positioning of the carrier on the user as well as adjusted for users of different widths. An additional expandable cushion can be located on the back member.

Abstract: A modular backpack system may be provided. The modular backpack system includes a first back panel, a second back panel configured to be removably attached to the first back panel, the second back panel including a first surface such that the first surface of the second back panel is wider than the first back panel, and an adjustable attachment system connected to the first surface of the second back panel including a plurality of attachment rails disposed along at least a portion of the vertical length of the second back panel in a substantially parallel configuration.

Abstract: A backpack has a generally rigid support having a front face and a back face, shoulder straps attached to the support for holding same against a back of a user, and structure on the back face for holding an object. A pressurizable and flexible bladder covers generally all of the front face of the support and has a closable fill opening. This bladder is secured to the front face of the support with the fill opening accessible.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bag to carry one or more objects on the back of a person, and a cushion for connection to a surface of the bag. The cushion is used for making substantially continuous contact with the back when the bag is carried on the back. The apparatus may be a backpack or any other type of bag.

Abstract: A backpack is provided with a cushioning, inflatable bladder, the lower part of which extends across the bottom and an upwardly extending part so as when inflated, it generally conforms to the shape of the curvature of the thoracic region of the spine. The bladder is enclosed within a zippered bag wrapped around it that is joined to the outer surface of the backpack. A pump is provided for inflating the bladder. The pump is hand operated with a bulb-shaped configuration and connected to the bladder by means of a tube. An air valve connected to the tube controls the amount of air flow into the bladder and maintains the bladder in inflated position after air has been pumped in, and also permits deflation of the bladder. The pump and valve may be stored in a side pocket of the backpack provided for that purpose. Optionally, the pump could be battery operated.

Abstract: A backpack (160) with an air frame (162). The backpack includes a storage compartment, an air frame (162), and at least one strap (168) for securing the bag to a person. The air frame (162) includes an air bladder, which stiffens as it is inflated. The air frame (162) may include portions that are individually inflatable, and a pump (26) may be included for inflating the air frame (162). The backpack (160) may include inflatable portions (22) designed to provide support to specific portions of a user's body.

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

Abstract: A 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 equalising 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 equalising mechanism being resiliently biased towards a neutral configuration.

Abstract: A golf bag and strap system for supporting a golf bag, having a central hub including a number of arms. Each arm has at least one attachment point to which straps are connected. The arms include upper arms and lower arms, and upper straps are attached to the upper arms, and lower straps are attached to the lower arms. Each attachment point preferably includes a D-ring. The central hub also preferably includes a padded portion having a raised portion which acts as a center of rotation for movement of the central hub.

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).

Abstract: A shoulder strap pad for carrying a bag on the shoulder includes a load-bearing backing member attached to or integral with the shoulder strap and a resilient cushion attached to the lower side of the backing member. The lower surface of the cushion is covered by a non-abrasive material and is formed with a plurality of raised pads for contacting the shoulder and a lengthwise-extending padded collar region along the inner side thereof for protecting the exposed surfaces of the neck and/or shoulder against chafing.

Abstract: A padding element for the dorsal side of a diver's bottle-supporting backpack. The padding element comprises a padded cushion capable of being fitted against the back part of the backpack and having at its lower edge a padded cushion part hinged to it and capable of being either folded upwards, in order to increase the total thickness, and hence the padding action of the cushion over the diver's sacrococcygeal region, or unfolded downwards to give the diver extended protection beyond the lower edge of the bottle or bottles attached to the backpack.

Abstract: A back support apparatus having a pair of elongated, inflatable bladders which are spaced parallel to each other. The pair of bladders are vertically attached to a front panel of a backpack such that when the bladders are inflated by a pump, the user may experience cushioned back support on opposite sides of the user's spinal column, especially along the thoracic region.

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.

Abstract: Padding element for the dorsal side of a diver's bottle-supporting backpack. Said padding element comprises a padded cushion capable of being fitted against the back part of the said backpack and having at its lower edge a padded cushion part hinged to it and capable of being either folded upwards, in order to increase the total thickness, and hence the padding action of the said cushion over the diver's sacrococcygeal region, or unfolded downwards to give the diver extended protection beyond the lower edge of the bottle or bottles attached to the said backpack.

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.

Abstract: A low slung tool belt carrier includes pouches designed to be suspended from a belt strap construction with a shoulder strap crossing over the torso or shoulders to support the larger of two pouches, the pouches arranged to fit on the hips or be rested upon the hips of an individual.

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.

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.

Abstract: A low slung tool belt carrier includes pouches designed to be suspended from a belt strap construction with a shoulder strap crossing over the torso or shoulders to support the larger of two pouches, the pouches arranged to fit on the hips or be rested upon the hips of an individual.

Abstract: A backpack or back borne load carrier system with abdominal support, providing both internal and external modes of back borne load support to increase an individual's load bearing capacity. An abdominal support pad and pelvic belt system is attached to a conventional backpack or equivalent load carrier system equipped with shoulder straps, to cause a portion of the load weight that would otherwise be supported directly by the shoulders and spinal column to be transferred to the pelvic region for additional external support, and to the abdominal trunk region for additional internal support through enhancement of the natural hydraulic muscle action of the abdomen in support of the loaded spinal column.

Abstract: A support piece for an element of a carrying system of a bag, such as a backpack, and a bag that includes such support piece. The support piece includes a body constituted of a padding material, and an envelope that is closed on the body with a seam provided on the side opposite that which comes into contact with the user of the bag. The seam thus positioned cannot come into contact with the carrier, even when the bag is heavily loaded and the support piece possibly becomes deformed.

Abstract: A back pack for use with a hunting bow typically employed by a hunter in pursuit of game in the bush includes an outer shell having a spacious enclosed compartment for holding hunting gear. The outer shell includes a pair of shoulder straps for carrying the pack on the hunters back. The back pack includes at least a first securing strap for retaining a hunting bow to the back pack. A bow pouch is also included for supporting the bottom end of the hunting bow and a cushioned flap attached to the outer shell is included for covering and protecting the hunting bow. In its most fundamental embodiment, the back pack for use with a hunting bow exhibits a construction including an outer shell having a front surface and a rear surface for forming an enclosed compartment. The enclosed compartment is readily accessible to the hunter. A pair of shoulder straps are attached to the rear surface of the outer shell for carrying the back pack.

Abstract: Load distribution shoulder pads (12, 14) for a backpack (10). Each shoulder pad is constructed from a first cushioned layer (16) and a second cushioned layer (18). Each cushioned layer is covered by a corresponding fabric layer (20, 22). The cushioned layers are contoured by the formation of a skived longitudinal recess (66) cut into the interior surface (62) of each cushioned layer along the perimeter edge (64) of the cushioned layer, defining a reduced thickness perimeter lip (70) around each cushioned layer. For assembly, the cushioned layers are placed exterior fabric side against exterior fabric side and a cushioned layer/fabric seam allowance (74) is sewn with stitching (76). The shoulder pad is then reversed inside-out, such that the seam allowances are received between the cushioned layers within a cavity (78) defined by the opposing skived recesses. The shoulder pad has a uniform thickness and density across the entire width, and uncomfortable pressure ridges are avoided.

Abstract: A multi-purpose thoracic sac for carrying personal belongings or the like is disclosed. The multi-purpose thoracic sac or front pack with its unique and versatile structures, such as a removable padded seat cushion, bilateral insulated pouch with velcro closure, therapeutic and strategically placed padded shoulder supports, personal safety devices, and a removable lumbar roll facilitate and improve energy conservation, comfort, and sitting posture. The front pack of the present invention enhances overall posture which in turn alleviates lordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, back-packer's palsy, chronic back pain or strain and provides the user with a sense of security and comfort.

Abstract: A rucksack is provided with a disaster-protection hood attached to the rucksack body. When not in use the hood is folded away in a strip between the rucksack body and the hood. A gas charging apparatus with a compressed carbon dioxide cylinder when operated, inflates the hood to form a disaster-protection hood in which the back of the neck the and each side of the face are protected by the cushioning imparted by such inflation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wearable tray assembly particularly designed for those who stock shelves or perform similar tasks. The device includes a circular, continuous padded waistband having an elongated, integral slot on its front portion. The waistband is supported around a person's abdomen using a pair of adjustable shoulder straps. A planar, substantially rectangular tray member is received within the slot for supporting items, such as a shipping carton, immediately adjacent a user's abdomen. The tray member preferably has at least one retaining wall vertically depending from a peripheral edge to prevent the carton from shifting. Alternatively, a box shaped container member may be attached to the waistband by inserting a pair of opposing, horizontally extending attachment arms into the slot. The tray and container member are supported in a horizontal position using a leg brace removably attached to their respective lower surfaces at one end and to the waistband at a second end.

Abstract: The invention provides a cushion and backpack combination including a back support cushion and seat support cushion that are connected by a pair of shoulder straps. Both the back cushion and seat cushion include additional straps for securing the cushions to an object. The back cushion includes integrated pockets, and the seat cushion has detachably appended packs on each side. The appended packs are folded over onto the seat cushion and then tied onto the seat cushion using the securing straps to form a single backpack unit. By placing the carrying straps over each shoulder, the sportsman may carry both the cushions and the packs.

Abstract: A pack for safely securing personal items below stadium seating at sporting events includes a flexible sack including one or more pockets that can be sealed by a closure flap. One of such pockets may be used to contain a seat cushion to be placed upon such stadium seating. A fastening system is provided for securing the flexible sack to the underside of the stadium seating. The fastening system may include hooked members secured by elastic straps to opposing ends of the pack. Alternatively, the fastening system may include straps secured to the sack and which extend around and above the stadium seat. The pack may include a handle, shoulder strap, or a pair of arm straps to aid in carrying the pack to or from a stadium.

Abstract: A convertible carrying case and work platform for small electronic devices, particularly notebook computers, which is adapted to be used as a carrying case for the electronic device as well as a work platform. The carrying case has a case structure which holds the electronic device and a flexible top cover portion capable of forming a rolled portion that elevates the case structure when the case is supported in the wearer's lap and used when the wearer is sitting. The top cover, or a releasable bottom piece, may be rolled to form a rolled portion for use as an elevating device in sitting work platform position. A strap arrangement for the case permits a wearer to support the case over his shoulder to transport the device, or to position the case in a generally horizontal position in front of and against the abdominal area of the wearer.

Abstract: A rucksack includes a bag portion, a back portion secured to the bag portion, and a reinforcing frame. The frame has an inverted U-shape including a pair of depending branch portions and a connecting portion secured to an outer face of the back portion. The rucksack also includes a linking piece formed from a pair of curved plates secured at respective lateral ends and defining an open cavity sized for allowing passage of the extending branch portions therethrough. A pair of shoulder straps extends from the upper end of the linking piece. According to the invention, the outer face of the back portion includes a first pair of coupling strips for contacting a corresponding second pair of coupling strips on the linking piece, allowing releasable attachment of the linking piece to the back portion of the rucksack and allowing simultaneous repositioning of the shoulder straps of the rucksack, depending on the morphology of a wearer's back.

Abstract: A combination back pack and seat combination including a molded one piece chair seat and backrest with one aspect (FIGS. 1-3) of the invention including foldable legs pivotally supported on the bottom of the chair seat and another aspect (FIGS. 4-6) of the invention including a single tubular chair support. In each aspect of the invention a pair of shoulder straps are secured to the backrest portion of the chair with each of the straps being constructed of a flexible cord material and provided with a protective cushioning covering to engage the shoulder of a person transporting the chair. In the single tubular chair support embodiment a foldable tree stand is also provided and includes a base platform supporting the chair seat and a first V-shaped segment to engage a tree trunk. A pair of pivotally connected arms extend from the base with a second V-shaped segment connected to the arms to also frictionally engage the opposite side of the tree trunk and provide support for the tree stand.

Abstract: A convertible carrying case and work platform for small electronic devices, particularly notebook computers, which is adapted to be used as a carrying case for the electronic device as well as a work platform. In a preferred embodiment, the carrying case has a case structure which holds the electronic device and a flexible top cover portion capable of forming a rolled portion that elevates the case structure when the case is supported in the wearer's lap and used when the wearer is sitting or in a reclined position, or, when the wearer uses the case while in standing position, spaces the case at a distance away from the wearer's body and provides a cushion between the case and the abdominal area of the wearer. A strap arrangement for the case permits a wearer to support the case over his shoulder to transport the device, or to position the case in a generally horizontal position in front of and against the abdominal area of the wearer.