Abstract: A load bearing device for human use include first and second load bearing plates that have a first uncompressed position and a second compressed position that conform to the anatomy of the hips of a human. The plates are sufficiently rigid so as to prevent local inversion when the plates are subject to point or line loads and so as to distribute local loads over the plates. The plates can be used with belts, clothes, backpacks and other load carrying devices and can be incorporated into belts, clothes, backpacks and other load carrying devices.

Abstract: A wearable belt for supporting a respiratory component is disclosed. The belt includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an interface portion that includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a rigid attachment element in contact with the inner layer and the outer layer. The rigid attachment element is configured to mate with a corresponding feature of a respiratory component.

Abstract: A wearable hydration belt comprising: a belt; at least one flexible liquid container coupled to the belt, wherein at least one flexible liquid container is substantially flat and belt shaped, the at least one flexible liquid container being more than half the length of the wearable hydration belt; a port located on the liquid container; an extendible drinking tube configured to couple to the port at one end and a spout in communication with a second end of the extendible drinking tube to allow liquid contained in the flexible liquid container to flow through the port, the extendible drinking tube and the spout.

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: A tool belt including an inner tool receiving chamber positioned inside of an outer accessory pocket and configured to releasably contain a tool, such as a handheld drill, in an easily accessible position proximate to a user's hip. The tool belt may be configured such that the outer accessory pocket is capable of maintaining an opening of the outer accessory pocket open to permit easy access to items, such as nails, screws, and other connectors, contained in the pocket. The tool belt may also include an orifice in a bottom wall in the inner tool receiving chamber enabling a portion of a tool, such as a drill bit and a portion of a chuck drive assembly of a drill.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a bathing unit that sits in a bathtub and helps the elderly, handicapped and/or persons with problems that need assistance getting in and out of a bathtub. The bathing unit is a lightweight frame system that comprises four stair-stepped seated levels.

Abstract: The pliable fisherman's caddy apparatus provides hands free carry of fishing equipment. Additionally, hands free carry of two fishing poles is provided. The apparatus is worn by the provided waist belt by a user, much like a fanny pack. Absolutely no impingement on a wearer's torso, arm movements, or leg movements are in any way experienced. Quick movement of the case from back to front, on a wearer, is as easy as spinning the belt. As the fisherman's caddy apparatus is lightweight, and waist worn, a user does not experience any balance issues when negotiating varied terrain.

Abstract: An article carrier worn around the waist and setting on the back and hips having side entry compartments that are accessible to the person wearing the article carrier while wearing the carrier and a compression system that provides stability of the load being carried.

Abstract: Apparatus transportable by an exercising person, for maintaining a liquid drink within one-handed reach while the person is exercising, includes a container for the liquid drink, an adjustable belt for fitting about the person's waist, a holster connected to the belt, for releasably retaining therewithin the container, and a cradling web extending between the holster and the belt, connected thereto at respective web extremities but being arcuately spaced therefrom along a middle portion of the web.

Abstract: A rucksack comprising a bag having a back panel and, among other things, a belt assembly and a rigid frame secured to the back panel and the belt assembly. According to the invention, the bottom portion of the rigid frame has a V-shaped configuration with an angle ? at the apex, and in its middle and rear portion, the belt assembly includes an upwardly open pocket having a V-shaped configuration with an angle ? at the apex, where ? is greater than ?, such that said pocket is suitable for serving as a housing for receiving the V-shaped bottom portion of the frame while allowing the belt assembly to pivot angularly to some extent relative to the remainder of the rucksack.

Abstract: An ergonomic duty belt having a pliable outer covering, a semi-rigid frame member configured to form a semi-conically shaped section when placed about the waist of a user and to conform to the shape of a user's body. This semi conical shape provides for increased ergonomic comfort and decreased pain and discomfort to the wearer of the belt. This duty belt also has an accessory attachment system comprised of generally horizontally extending track portions as well as generally vertically oriented vertical plates. A variety of attachments having attachment portions configured to attach to the track sections and to these vertically oriented plates as well as to a traditional duty belt connect accessories to the duty belt.

Abstract: The child carrier belt has an outer belt of inelastic material with a child support shelf extending laterally therefrom, and an elastic inner belt. The outer belt is formed of two plies of material, with a padded layer sandwiched therebetween. The outer ply of the outer belt is preferably shaped to form an extension when its portions to either side of the extension are attached congruent to the corresponding portions of the inner ply, thus forming a pocket between the two plies of the outer belt and integral with the two plies. A removable insert is placed within the pocket to provide support for a child or infant seat placed thereon. Alternatively, the pocket may be formed of a separate sheet of material from the outer ply of the outer belt. The inner belt has a single ply of elastic material either permanently or removably attached to the outer belt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a load bearing apparatus, and more particularly, to a passive exoskeleton whereby a load may be placed on the passive exoskeleton and thereby transfer weight of the load from the passive exoskeleton to a ground surface. The passive exoskeleton comprises a rigid body member for attaching proximate a portion of a user's body, a sliding rod attached with the body member, and a ground surface engage-able foot analog attached with the sliding rod. When a user places a load on the body member, weight of the load from is transferred from the body member, through the sliding rod, and into the foot analog, causing the passive exoskeleton to support at least a portion of the load.

Abstract: A multi-layered, multi-purpose belt pack, wherein each layer performs particular storage functions and acts in complementary fashion to provide a particularly effective belt pack. The multi-layered main member is secured about the waist of the user by a belt member to provide multi-functional storage utility. This unitary belt pack provides compact, organized, and efficient personal storage of essential items in an easily accessible manner.

Abstract: An ergonomic duty gear belt for carrying duty gear components having a first curved conically shaped side section and a second curved conically shaped side section pivotably hinged together and a lumbar pad wrapped around the hinged connection of the belt to provide support for the lumbar area of the wearer.

Abstract: A tool belt including an inner tool receiving chamber positioned inside of an outer accessory pocket and configured to releasably contain a tool, such as a handheld drill, in an easily accessible position proximate to a user's hip. The tool belt may be configured such that the outer accessory pocket is capable of maintaining an opening of the outer accessory pocket open to permit easy access to items, such as nails, screws, and other connectors, contained in the pocket. The tool belt may also include an orifice in a bottom wall in the inner tool receiving chamber enabling a portion of a tool, such as a drill bit and a portion of a chuck drive assembly of a drill.

Abstract: A rucksack comprising a bag having a back panel and, among other things, a belt assembly and a rigid frame secured to the back panel and the belt assembly. According to the invention, the bottom portion of the rigid frame has a V-shaped configuration with an angle ? at the apex, and in its middle and rear portion, the belt assembly includes an upwardly open pocket having a V-shaped configuration with an angle ? at the apex, where ? is greater than ?, such that said pocket is suitable for serving as a housing for receiving the V-shaped bottom portion of the frame while allowing the belt assembly to pivot angularly to some extent relative to the remainder of the rucksack.

Abstract: Waist-mounted hydration systems that include a fluid reservoir, an elongate drink tube that extends from the reservoir and terminates at a mouthpiece from which a user can draw drink fluid from the reservoir, and a pack that houses the reservoir. The pack is secured around a user's waist by a waist strap assembly. In some embodiments, the waist strap assembly provides a continuous strap that extends around the user's hips and abdomen, and which may be free from rigid body-contacting components. In some embodiments, the hydration system includes a reservoir compression assembly. In some embodiments, the hydration system includes a waist strap assembly that, upon tightening of the strap assembly, is configured to initially apply compression to the reservoir and subsequently to shorten the length of the strap assembly around a user's waist. In some embodiments, the free ends of the waist strap(s) extend from behind a user.

Abstract: A wearable waterproof storage system for protecting personal accessories, such as mobile phones and wallets, from water damage and/or the threat of theft. The system consists of a waterproof pouch with a screw-on cap, sewn into a wearable outer protective cover. Illustrated embodiments include a belted waist-pack and an article of clothing consisting of short trousers. The system is constructed from water-resistant and waterproof materials.

Abstract: An ergonomic duty belt and ergonomic holster and belt loop assembly are disclosed which cooperate to provide a stable platform for a handgun in a holster and other accessories as well while providing superior comfort for the wearer. The ergonomic belt effectively has two widths, a narrow 1½ vertical effective width, which is against the wearer's body, and a traditional 2¼ inch exterior vertical width, which is sized to support the wearer's gear, such as a holster and a weapon. That portion of the ergonomic belt, which is against the wearer, is also padded for additional comfort. The ergonomic holster includes a belt loop assembly which is tapered and padded on its inner surface in the area where the assembly touches the wearer's body when worn as intended to better conform to the body of the wearer and minimize wearer discomfort.

Abstract: A moisture/heat channeling/wicking and vented waist pouch or pack adapted for use by an individual wherein the pack can be worn securely around the waist specifically to contain and/or carry items such as; personal electronics, cell phones, music electronics and any other personal items needed. The pack is secured to the waist by means of two waist straps attached to both ends of a pouch container element comprised of front and rear panels attached at their periphery with a recloseable opening and/or plurality of pockets to insert items to be contained. The front side and rear panels use moisture wicking and ventilation enhancing materials, constructed, connected and configured together creating evaporative channels which take or remove moisture absorbed through the back panel of the pouch, from the users body, and channels it for evaporation, through airation, to areas of the pouch which do not touch the users body directly.

Abstract: A fanny pack of the type worn around a person's waist as a carrying bag has an inflatable air bladder and a hand operated air pump for inflating the air bladder to provide a lumbar support when the fanny pack is worn over the lower back of a seated person.

Abstract: An improved bottle, container, or fluid carrying waist pack which is shaped to fit in the lower back area of a person, has a retaining sleeve with an opening on one end to receive a bottle. The bottle retaining sleeve situated horizontally at its length relative to the users upright body incorporates components which communicate at its center with a corresponding mating feature on the center portion of the inserted bottle. An improved bottle or container which includes a multiplicity of contours is inserted into the receiving pack for a range of uses from sitting and walking to running and more rigorous activities.

Abstract: A fanny pack of the type worn around a person's waist as a carrying bag has an inflatable air bladder and a hand operated air pump for inflating the air bladder to provide a lumbar support when the fanny pack is worn over the lower back of a seated person.

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 moisture/heat channeling/wicking and vented waist pouch or pack adapted for use by an individual wherein the pack can be worn securely around the waist specifically to contain and/or carry items such as; personal electronics, cell phones, music electronics and any other personal items needed. The pack is secured to the waist by means of two waist straps attached to both ends of a pouch container element comprised of front and rear panels attached at their periphery with a recloseable opening and/or plurality of pockets to insert items to be contained. The front side and rear panels use moisture wicking and ventilation enhancing materials, constructed, connected and configured together creating evaporative channels which take or remove moisture absorbed through the back panel of the pouch, from the users body, and channels it for evaporation, through airation, to areas of the pouch which do not touch the users body directly.

Abstract: An improved rigid carpenter's belt with lumbosacral support includes end sections to accept a plurality of interchangeable looped carpenter pouches with Velcro strips to attach the pouches to corresponding Velcro strips on the carpenter belt. The belt comprises a belt structure of leather having a buckle on one end and holes in the other end to form a releasable coupling and a central section of increased height, cephalad and caudoly, to provide lumbosacral support extending laterally within the central section and fabricated of foam-like material covered with split leather. Laterally disposed on opposite sides of the lumbosacral support.

Abstract: A tool belt comprises an inside girdle with a strap fitted through loops on the outside surface of the girdle to retain a series of tool pockets attached to the strap by means of nooses on the upper end of each of the pockets enabling easy adjustment and replacement of the pockets. The girdle is shaped to provide for maximum comfort and support of the user.

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 hands free umbrella apparatus that is easily packed and stored without any bulkiness. There is a spring loaded height adjustment mechanism used with a stem and attachment sleeve and two external support belts that utilize hook and loop fasteners or belt buckles to secure the support belts around the user. The external support belts can be conveniently wrapped around the stem and attachment sleeve of the umbrella apparatus and secured by another hook and loop fastener while in storage.

Abstract: A painter's utility belt is comprised of an elongated sash with a widened middle portion embedded with lumbar support inserts. The ends of the sash are releasably attached by a buckle on an adjustable strap. A strip of reinforcing webbing is attached longitudinally on the sash. Loops are formed along the webbing for holding tools, such as a scraper and screwdrivers. A pocket is centered on the sash for holding a sanding block. A pair of vertical loops closed with buckles are attached near the ends of the sash for holding caulking guns, tape, or paint cans. A pair of D-rings are attached to the webbing near the opposite ends for holding a hammer, a rag, etc. A pair of combination pockets are releasably attached to the sash in positions corresponding to the hip positions on the user. The combination pockets are each comprised of a paint pocket lined with a liquid resistant material for holding paint, and a plurality of tool pockets for holding tools.

Abstract: A strap on implement support mechanism which includes a belt, a support extending from the belt, and an implement engaged to the support such that the computer implement remains on the support during normal movement as walking, sitting, getting up from the sitting position, bending down, turning around, and twisting around. The implement is preferably a computer implement. A shock absorber is preferably engaged between the belt and the support to minimize jarring to the computer implement when the support comes into contact with an object. The vented belt mechanism includes a relatively wide and cushioned section between the belt and the person to distribute the pressure from wearing the belt over a rather large area of the midsection of the person wearing the strap on support mechanism. The support includes a framework having frame portions extending laterally, vertically, longitudinally, and obliquely.

Abstract: The belt includes a yieldable flat foam core tapering inwardly from narrow attachment ends outwardly to a wider portion which is positioned adjacent a wearer's back. The foam core serves to provide a measure of back support for the wearer while preventing abrasion of the wearer's hip bones due to the weight of objects suspended from the belt. The narrower portions of the belt which are positioned adjacent the wearer's abdomen provide additional comfort by preventing restriction of movement due to the belt in bending situations. The foam core is covered entirely with a fitted fabric cover for appearance and durability of the foam core. In addition, the fabric cover is trimmed with an abrasion resistant material such as nylon to prevent wear of the fabric cover. The fabric-covered foam core is secured to a strip of webbing material, typically by longitudinal and transverse stitching. The utility belt includes an infinitely adjustable attachment means affixed to the webbing material.

Abstract: An article holder for concealed use beneath an outer garment about a wearers torso in a selected position at the waist or chest. The holder comprises an elongated elastic band having loop and hook securing members attached at each end for adjustable attachment thereof about said wearers torso. At least one pistol holster is formed on one side of the band in the vicinity of an end thereof. The pistol holster is positioned diagonally of the band for easy access. A non-elastic strap, which is connectable with the holster, is provided for securing a weapon therein. A plurality of multi-compartment pockets are formed with the band. The compartments are selectively sized to receive ammunition magazines, pocket knives, keys, money cartridges, identification, etc.

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.

Abstract: A paint can holding device, including a paint can retaining member having a spacer region between first and second engaging recesses, that is capable of being positioned about a standardized paint can such that the spacer region forms a generally semi-circular configuration about the cylindrical wall of a paint can and the first recess engages a first protrusion of that paint can and the second recess engages a second protrusion of that paint can. A strap is provided that is coupled to the retaining member proximate the first and second recesses and opposite the spacing region. A belt is also disclosed for attachment of the paint can holding device to a user.

Abstract: A hip-supported pack is comprising a front band of flexible material attached to a back band of flexible material by means of two laterally displaced buckles providing for articulation between the front band and the back band to allow the pack to conform to varying human anatomy. The load to be packed can be displaced in and on a number of interchangeable front and back bands with complementary buckle sections.

Abstract: A harness carrier having a back support member with a configuration adaptable to the back of a user which includes terminating ends. Attached to the support member is a first pair of straps which are adapted to attach to each other and secure the harness to the user. An elastomeric member is attached to the support members to define a cord spanning from about 50 to 90 percent of said support member.

Abstract: A garment for use by a wearer when seated comprises a waist band with a rectangular pad depending downwardly from the rear of the waist band having a width to extend around the rear of the wearer and a depth to extend downwardly beyond the crotch of the wearer. On an inner or front surface of the pad is provided a utility pocket with a bottom edge of the pocket at the bottom edge of the pad and a pocket arranged centrally with a top edge of the pocket below the crotch of the wearer so that the pocket is presented forwardly between the legs of the wearer when the wearer is seated. On the outside of the pad is provided a transparent plastic cover defining a pocket for receiving printed information such as a sports logo with the upper edge of the pocket at the waist band so that the pocket is closed by pulling the waist band around the waist of the wearer.

Abstract: A novel belt pack system includes a pack having an adjustable length belt attached thereto. An adjustable length, three-point stabilizer strap arrangement is connected to each side of the pack and belt. A water bottle and its associated carrier, a carrier for carrying items such as a cassette tape player or the like and/or a fold-up bag can be attached to the belt. The belt has a fastener material, such as known hook and loop material or other means such as snaps and the like, on a surface thereof. The pack has a first, main compartment which is large enough to hold a pair of shoes and a smaller compartment which is separated from the main compartment for carrying keys, a shirt, etc. When worn, the belt extends around the waist of a wearer and the pack abuts the wearer's small of the back. The pack may include an outer compartment formed of a mesh material which is separated from the interior compartments by an outer wall of the pack.