In Shoulder Strap Patents (Class 224/643)
  • Patent number: 11672322
    Abstract: A toy carrying harness assembly suitable to be worn by a child to securely hold and carry at least one toy may include a chest panel positional over the chest of the child. A back panel may be positional over the back of the child. At least one base strap may extend from the chest panel to the back panel. At least one panel strap may extend from the chest panel. A pair of shoulder straps may extend from the at least one panel strap to the back panel. The pair of shoulder straps may be securable over the shoulders of the child. At least one toy securing strap may be carried by the chest panel. The at least one toy securing strap may be selectively fastenable around the toy to secure the toy to the chest panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventors: Meredith Mulhearn, Charlotte Mulhearn
  • Patent number: 8833624
    Abstract: A backpack type working machine has a main unit including a power source and a backpack band detachably attached to the main unit, for a worker to backpack the main unit and perform an operation. The back pack has a pad member including a belt-like cushion material and a belt-like band body extending along the pad member. The band body includes an upper end belt-like part branched from an upper end part of the pad member and an upper end joint for connecting the upper end belt-like part to the main unit. The main unit has an attachment for attaching thereto the upper end joint. When the upper end joint is attached to the attachment, the upper end part of the pad member comes into contact with the main unit from a worker side and is held downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Maruyama Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Takeo Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8807405
    Abstract: Novel devices and methods are provided to dispense the load of a bag or case across a user's shoulder when the user attached a strap to the bag or case. The devices and methods provide a segmented tensile assembly to disperse the load of a bag or case uniformly across the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: DayMen Canada Acquisition ULC
    Inventors: Kevin Crandall, Luis Quehl
  • Patent number: 8714425
    Abstract: A bag configured to be worn or carried on the back by a user having a cinched top and including padded straps which extend over the user's shoulders. Each of the straps includes a strap member which may be a cord or a drawstring which is attached to the bottom of the bag and loops around the perimeter of the top of the bag. Each of the straps also includes a padded member which encircles a portion of the strap member to provide additional comfort to the user by cushioning the strap member and distributing the weight of the bag over a larger surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Meyer, Kerrie Timmons
  • Patent number: 8708206
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Shawn Onessimo, William Overstreet
  • Patent number: 8708207
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to a removable and adjustable cushioning system for a shoulder strap. In one example, a base pad comprising cushioning material is contoured to conform to a person's shoulder. A plurality of fastener receivers are coupled to the base pad, and a fastener is removably coupled to at least one of the fastener receivers. The fastener is configured to engage the shoulder strap to removably secure the base pad to the shoulder strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Wilderness Comfort, PTL, LLC
    Inventor: Paula J. Wetzsteon
  • Patent number: 8267290
    Abstract: A shoulder strap assembly includes a shoulder-engaging portion to which a buckle is fixed and a length-adjustable strap which cooperates with the buckle. The length-adjustable strap includes a portion reinforced by metal threads connected to metal threads provided adjacent the fabric wall of the bag to deter cutting through the strap. The reinforced portion of the length-adjustable strap extends through a longitudinal aperture in the shoulder-engaging portion and an unreinforced portion of the strap is provided to extend in a loop around part of a tension-locked buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Wesley Schlipper
  • Patent number: 8215526
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: E. Mishan & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Zalinsky, Kathleen V. Gee, Richard J. Rekuc
  • Publication number: 20110284608
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rucksack (1) with a horizontally and vertically rear-ventilated air conditioning zone (6). It is composed of a shoulder strap carrying system (2), a rear wall (3) with a stiffening frame (4), and a mesh (5) stretched across the rear wall and/or across the stiffening frame for creating the rear-ventilated air conditioning zone (6) between the rear wall (3) and the back of a rucksack wearer. By virtue of the stretched mesh (5), the rear wall (3) is kept away from the back of the wearer both in the hip region and in the shoulder region and allows both a horizontal and a vertical exchange of air. In a variable embodiment of the rucksack (1), the rucksack (1) can optionally be adapted to the body of the wearer by attaching the shoulder straps (2) in the shoulder-side region in a horizontally and vertically adjustable manner to a baseplate (15) attached to the mesh (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Iris Staudecker, Sem Hediger, Pierre Dubois
  • Publication number: 20110108596
    Abstract: An apparatus wearable on a torso of a user to support and article such as a fishing rod is disclosed. The apparatus includes a primary panel defined by an external side and an internal side that has a contour substantially conforming to the torso. The primary panel is also defined by a central section interposed between a left peripheral section and a right peripheral section, with the central section including at least one open recess that is receptive to the article. The recess is defined by an outline on the primary panel and a depth that extends into the primary panel. The apparatus also includes at least one harness member that cooperates with the primary panel to secure the same to the torso and redirect horizontal forces against the primary panel to a vertical direction. The harness member is engageable to the shoulders of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: MARK S. SILVERMAN
  • Publication number: 20100288812
    Abstract: A carry bag may include a container portion and a strap portion. The container portion defines an interior compartment for containing objects, and the strap portion extends from the container portion. At least one of the container portion and the strap portion include (a) a base element formed from a two-dimensional material and (b) a strand formed from a one-dimensional material. The strand lies adjacent to and substantially parallel to a surface of the base element for a distance of at least five centimeters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Christopher M. Helmsworth
  • Patent number: 7810684
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Randall L May
  • Publication number: 20100237114
    Abstract: A support system for devices having a back plate, and a support arm connected to the back plate, the support arm having a plate section with a device connection, the support arm configured to be jointed from the back plate, the back plate and the support arm in conjunction configured to hold a device in any one of a plurality of positions, wherein the support system is configured to be worn by an individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jason KAUFMAN
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100186134
    Abstract: Three dimensional fabric matrices are provided for insertion into compartments of or attachment to wearable items and padded items, referred to as contact articles. The matrix includes a core that maintains an air space between inner and outer layers to facilitate heat transfer by convection and evaporation, when the enclosure is breathable. When the enclosure restricts air permeation, the air space provides insulation. Embodiments reconfigurable from insulating to breathable include adjustable impermeable sections that releasably cover permeable sections. The matrix also absorbs shocks and distributes stresses to provide padding and cushioning, including reduction of backface signature in ballistic applications. Wearable items containing one or more matrices offer enhanced thermal regulation and shock absorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: VARILOFT, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, Whitney R. Hunter, Stephen A. Gathings
  • Patent number: 7717310
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: E. Mishan & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Zalinsky, Kathleen V. Gee, Richard J. Rekuc
  • Publication number: 20100051657
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Shawn Onessimo, William Overstreet
  • Publication number: 20080314947
    Abstract: Emergency responders, such as ski patrollers and search and rescue emergency medical technicians, need to be able to carry all gear for immediate medical response for injured skiers, people injured on cliffs, etc. This backpack invention will allow the emergency responders to comfortably carry oxygen tank, bandages, drugs, water, blanket, cell phone, radio, gloves, and additional paraphernalia for quick access, and then to work out of the backpack either when the backpack is opened up and lying flat on the ground or when it is held upright. The heavy weight of an oxygen tank in the loaded backpack will be carried in this pack close against the responder's body, towards the middle (best for balance), with the medical gear and various other needed items quickly accessible in an unstable personal situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Nancy Gold, Inna Spektor
  • Publication number: 20080277434
    Abstract: This invention discloses strap apparatus that is attached to a carrying bag such as a purse, briefcase or message bag. The strap apparatus is constructed from a single flat strap configured as a closed loop. The loop is constrained to each side of the bag at the bottom; the outside first side and inside second side of the strap are also constrained to lie against the sides of the bag near the top; and the inside first side and outside second side are releasably constrained at the sides of the bag at the top. When fully constrained, the bag appears to a casual observer as having a standard single strap. However, when the constraints are released, the two strap segments may be separated and the bag can be put over the shoulder as a backpack. Two other modes, a dual strap and a long strap, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Jerome Elliot Sacks
  • Patent number: 7448522
    Abstract: A bladder for use with a strap to carry a load includes a first longitudinal chamber, a second longitudinal chamber spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first longitudinal chamber, and a plurality of transverse chambers. Each transverse chamber is connected at a first end thereof to the first longitudinal chamber and at a second end thereof to the second longitudinal chamber, is in fluid communication with the first and second longitudinal chambers, and has a longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the other transverse chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Collier, Randall S. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 7367483
    Abstract: A strap assembly for a device for carrying a load includes a plurality of compressible elements. Each compressible element has an aperture extending therethrough. A first strap extends through the aperture of each compressible element. A second strap extends along an exterior of each of the compressible elements. The second strap is connected to the first strap at a plurality of connection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Hrag Nassanian
  • Publication number: 20080067210
    Abstract: A strap for securement to a load carrier extends from the carrier and is adapted for contact with a wearer. The strap comprises cushioning material to enhance comfort of the wearer, the cushioning material including granules. A strap accessory having granules is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: AMERICAN RECREATION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Meesey
  • Patent number: 7025237
    Abstract: A modular system for a golf club bag shoulder strap arrangement has been discovered and is presented here. It includes sub-elements of four primary types. A single point fastener end, a two-to-one ‘V’ connector, a main padded strap, and a connection loop. Each of these elements couples in a special manner to appropriate cooperating sub-elements and may be easily decoupled for replacement, repair, resizing, et cetera. The coupling-decoupling function is indented to be quick, temporary, and replaceable in nature. Thus, these dual straps are provided with functionality not found in similar and competing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: West Coast Trends, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Herold
  • Patent number: 6863202
    Abstract: A shoulder carrier having at least one shoulder strap connected to a container. A lumbar support attached to the container bears on a wearer's hip or lumbar spine to transfer weight of the shoulder carrier to the hip or lumbar spine and away from the wearer's shoulder. The shoulder strap can include a shoulder pad, and both the shoulder pad and lumbar support can be or include a fluid-filled bladder. The shoulder pad can be slidably attached to the shoulder strap to prevent abrasion of the wearer's shoulder. At least one end of the shoulder strap can be attached to the container by passing the strap through a guide attached to the container and attaching the shoulder strap end to the container at a position below the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Airpacks, Inc.
    Inventor: Jill Greene Ammerman
  • Patent number: 6793112
    Abstract: A shoulder carrier having at least one shoulder strap connected to a container. A connection point between the shoulder strap and the container may be moved laterally without disconnecting the strap from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Airpacks, Inc.
    Inventor: Jill Greene Ammerman
  • Patent number: 6786375
    Abstract: A pack provides a lightweight compact carrier for bulky footwear such as inline skates, ice skates or a skateboard. The pack includes a skate blade compartment with two adjustably sized openings, each opening adapted to receive a skate blade. A securing element retains the skate blade within each of the openings. A carrying strap is affixed to the skate blade compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Eli Worden, Virginia Annibale
  • Publication number: 20040144820
    Abstract: A modular system for a golf club bag shoulder strap arrangement has been discovered and is presented here. It includes sub-elements of four primary types. A single point fastener end, a two-to-one ‘V’ connector, a main padded strap, and a connection loop. Each of these elements couples in a special manner to appropriate cooperating sub-elements and may be easily decoupled for replacement, repair, resizing, et cetera. The coupling-decoupling function is indented to be quick, temporary, and replaceable in nature. Thus, these dual straps are provided with functionality not found in similar and competing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Herold
  • Publication number: 20040144816
    Abstract: A shoulder pad comprises a casing impermeable to air, and one or more breathable bodies of a polymer foam. The casing is fastened at two ends with a shoulder strap and is used to encase airtightly the breathable bodies in such a way that the breathable bodies can be inflated or deflated by an air valve fastened to the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Tun-Jen Ku
  • Patent number: 6742684
    Abstract: An improved convertible luggage which conveniently converts from a wheeled suitcase to a backpack having a first compartment, a pair of wheels mounted to the first compartment, a second compartment affixed to the first compartment, a second compartment, a first cover on the backside of the first compartment forming a pocket, a frame piece situated within that pocket, a second cover, and a pair of shoulder straps. The frame piece is attached to an extendable handle, which gives the convertible luggage greater stability and rigidity while not detracting from the backpack's overall aesthetics nor lessening user comfort. The shoulder straps have two ends wherein the ends are affixed within the second compartment, such that the straps can be deployed by opening the second compartment, and when the second compartment is closed, the straps are secured within the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Luggage America, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Oh
  • Publication number: 20040060951
    Abstract: A cushioning shoulder strap having at least one bladder located thereon that is inflatable or pre-filled with at least one gas, liquid, or gel and structures for coupling the strap to an item to be supported or carried. Preferably, the bladder and strap of the invention are integrally formed as a single piece of material, such as vinyl or rubber. Optionally, the cushioned shoulder strap of the invention may feature a valve on the bladder or a cover attached to the shoulder strap into which a bladder may be removably placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Charles Kelly
  • 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: 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: 6669069
    Abstract: A golf bag has a generally tubular body and a dual shoulder strap assembly for supporting the golf bag on both shoulders of a golfer. The dual shoulder strap assembly includes first and second shoulder straps, and a lower end of the first shoulder strap is received in and connected to a pocket on the body. An elongated plate is located within the lower end of the first shoulder strap so that an upper portion of the first shoulder strap is formed into a loop that extends generally laterally from the body in a standing position to make it easier for a golfer to identify which shoulder strap should be grasped first when preparing to lift the golf bag and carry it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory M. Suggs
  • Publication number: 20030213821
    Abstract: An improved convertible luggage which conveniently converts from a wheeled suitcase to a backpack having a first compartment, a pair of wheels mounted to the first compartment, a second compartment affixed to the first compartment, a second compartment, a first cover on the backside of the first compartment forming a pocket, a frame piece situated within that pocket, a second cover, and a pair of shoulder straps. The frame piece is attached to an extendable handle, which gives the convertible luggage greater stability and rigidity while not detracting from the backpack's overall aesthetics nor lessening user comfort. The shoulder straps have two ends wherein the ends are affixed within the second compartment, such that the straps can be deployed by opening the second compartment, and when the second compartment is closed, the straps are secured within the second compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: Luggage America, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Oh
  • Patent number: 6644522
    Abstract: The system and device of the instant invention utilize a cushion section to distribute a load from a load bearing strap to a contact region of a user's body. The cushion section utilizes a fluid container or gel-pack. Preferably, the gel-pack is configured to selectively and detachably couple to the strap. Accordingly, the device has a supporting frame for supporting the gel-pack and two attaching sections with clips for selectively and detachably coupling the device to the strap. The device can be configured to couple to any number of straps, including restraining and supporting straps, but is preferably configured to couple to the shoulder strap of a backpack, a tote bag, a brief case, a piece of luggage, a golf bag a purse or other portable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: David L. Preiss
  • Patent number: 6640344
    Abstract: A shoulder pad includes a flexible base member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a central portion, opposite first and second free ends and a longitudinal axis. The flexible base member includes a plurality of longitudinally space, oval-shaped pad sections that increase in thickness from the central portion of the shoulder pad toward at lease one of the first and second free ends. The longitudinally spaced pad sections may also increase in durometer hardness from a centermost pad section to the longitudinally outermost pad sections. For attachment of the pad to a shoulder strap, the pad includes at lease one clip from making snap-on engagement with the pad. For added durability, the shoulder pad further preferably includes a thin spine, which is more rigid than the flexible base member and is attached to the top surface of the flexible base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: J. D'Addario & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James D'Addario, Carol Catalano
  • Publication number: 20030197044
    Abstract: A backpack designed to carry school books and supples and is structured to mount inside a school locker in an open position allowing access to all school books, notebooks and other supplies. When taken out of the locker, the locker pack closes to secure its contents. Padded shoulder straps allows the pack to be carried on the students back. A back panel has a pocket for inserting at least one of a level 4 bullet proof carbon fiber panel, corrugated plastic/card board panel for additional structural support, books, notebooks, and a notebook computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Connie Webb
  • Publication number: 20030192929
    Abstract: A golf bag has a generally tubular body and a dual shoulder strap assembly for supporting the golf bag on both shoulders of a golfer. The dual shoulder strap assembly includes first and second shoulder straps, and a lower end of the first shoulder strap is received in and connected to a pocket on the body. An elongated plate is located within the lower end of the first shoulder strap so that an upper portion of the first shoulder strap is formed into a loop that extends generally laterally from the body in a standing position to make it easier for a golfer to identify which shoulder strap should be grasped first when preparing to lift the golf bag and carry it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory M. Suggs
  • Patent number: 6626335
    Abstract: A guitar shoulder strap incorporates thickened, rolled edges along the length of the strap. The strap webbing between is generally about two millimeters thick and fifty millimeters wide. The thick, rolled edges are almost four millimeters thick and about six millimeters wide. A decorative pattern is weaved into the outside decorative surface. The strap webbing and thick, rolled edges are a single weave of textile wherein many longitudinal fibers have been bunched into cords at the edges and spiraling transverse fibers are woven to build the webbing and encase the cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James Andrew Dunlop
  • Patent number: 6626341
    Abstract: A massaging backpack having at least one shoulder strap for massaging an individual which includes at least one massaging unit carried by the shoulder strap, at least one power supply carried by the backpack and connected to the massaging unit, and at least one actuating member carried by the backpack being connected to the massaging unit for actuating the massaging unit when the backpack is worn by the individual so that a massaging sensation is applied to selected areas of the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Carter Mitchell
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030160080
    Abstract: A shoulder strap for a backpack comprises a first cover, a pad having a portion of projections, and a second cover adapted to be mated to the first cover with the pad being positioned between the first cover and the second cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Mark B. Nordstrom
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030150895
    Abstract: The present invention is a beach equipment carrying apparatus which is used to carry various items needed and used when visiting a beach or similar location. The apparatus includes a frame member, which can be adjustable in height, on which a plurality of components and compartments can be connected. The present invention further includes a hanger or hangers which are mounted to the frame member and on which beach going materials can be hung, including beach chairs. The present invention can also include a number of straps connected to the frame member to be used as shoulder straps, support straps or straps to hold down items secured to the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: BEACHPACKER, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Jankoski, Anita Saynisch, Ronald F. Jones, Joyce J. Jones
  • Patent number: 6598772
    Abstract: A case for musical instruments and including a shell for receiving a musical instrument and having at least one shoulder strap attachable from outside to the shell at upper and lower attachment points provided of the shell, a connection element provided at an end of the shoulder strap adjacent to the upper attachment point for releasably securing the shoulder strap to the shell, and an upholstery cover provided on the shell or the shoulder strap for covering at least a portion of the connection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Wilfer
  • Publication number: 20030057239
    Abstract: A combination backpack and duffel bag in the form of a rectangular parallelpiped made from a flexible fabric material includes handles, and storage pockets for the handles when the bag is in the form of a duffel, and backpack straps stored in a side storage pocket for use in the backpack configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Donald E. Godshaw
  • Patent number: 6488191
    Abstract: A golf bag with a generally tubular body has a shoulder strap which allows a golfer to pick up the golf bag from the ground without bending over. The body has an open top end and an annular groove spaced from the open top end. A lower end of the shoulder strap is positioned within the annular groove, and a pair of attachment straps extend from the lower end of the shoulder strap. The attachment straps are disposed within the annular groove when they are wrapped around the body in opposite directions. A buckle connects the attachment straps to each other so that the shoulder strap is held in a standing position where it extends laterally from the body. Stiffener means may be provided at the lower end of the shoulder strap to maintain the shoulder strap in the standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory M. Suggs, John A. Solheim
  • Patent number: 6481022
    Abstract: A shoulder pad includes a flexible base member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a longitudinal axis. The flexible base member includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, oval-shaped pad sections that increase in thickness from a centermost pad section to the longitudinally outermost pad sections. The longitudinally spaced pad sections may also increase in durometer hardness from a centermost pad section to the longitudinally outermost pad sections. For attachment of the pad to a shoulder strap, the pad includes at least one clip for making snap-on engagement with the pad. For added durability, the shoulder pad further preferably includes a thin spine, which is more rigid than the flexible base member and is attached to the top surface of the flexible base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: J. D'Addario & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James D'Addario, Carol Catalano
  • 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