US3733017A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable pack frame
Assignee: DOWNERS Inc A CORP OF WI
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Filing: 1971-03-22
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Granted: 1973-05-15
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Expires: 1991-03-22
Abstract
Abstract A pack frame for hikes which is light and flexes with movement of the wearer''s body. The majority of the carried weight is supported by the hips and the pack is adjustably suspended within the frame such that it may be placed in the most comfortable position relative to the frame. Shoulder straps are provided to keep the pack from pivoting about the weight supporting belt but carry very little strain themselves. The shoulder straps themselves are adjustable as to length and pivotable about the anchor points thus making the pack extremely versatile and comfortable for wearers of varying stature.
Inventors
- 👤 M Pletz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 06:40
CPC Classifications
A; A45; A45F; A45F3/00; A45F3/04; A45F3/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
203 words
A flexible pack frame for hikers, comprising; a pair of relatively rigid side members, a transverse bottom member inter-connecting the side members, a transverse top member connecting the side members, at least one transverse intermediate member, adjustable along the side members, and capable of being locked at an infinite number of positions along the side members, an adjustable belt attached adjacent the bottom portion of the side members and adapted to encircle and be tightened about the waist portion of the wearer and bear the weight of the pack, a pair of non-weight bearing shoulder straps having a first end attached to the belt and having a second end attached to the bottom portion of the adjustable transverse member said straps adapted to pass over the shoulders of the wearer and prevent movement of the pack outwardly from the wearer''s body, the connection between the second end and the transverse member permitting the distance between the straps to vary and permitting relatively free pivotal movement of said straps, said shoulder straps including pads to cushion the wearer''s shoulders and means whereby the length of the straps may be adjusted fitting the pack to the individual while keeping the pads centered upon the shoulder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
203 words
A flexible pack frame for hikers, comprising; a pair of relatively rigid side members, a transverse bottom member inter-connecting the side members, a transverse top member connecting the side members, at least one transverse intermediate member, adjustable along the side members, and capable of being locked at an infinite number of positions along the side members, an adjustable belt attached adjacent the bottom portion of the side members and adapted to encircle and be tightened about the waist portion of the wearer and bear the weight of the pack, a pair of non-weight bearing shoulder straps having a first end attached to the belt and having a second end attached to the bottom portion of the adjustable transverse member said straps adapted to pass over the shoulders of the wearer and prevent movement of the pack outwardly from the wearer''s body, the connection between the second end and the transverse member permitting the distance between the straps to vary and permitting relatively free pivotal movement of said straps, said shoulder straps including pads to cushion the wearer''s shoulders and means whereby the length of the straps may be adjusted fitting the pack to the individual while keeping the pads centered upon the shoulder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A frame as in claim 1 and further including a shelf extending rearwardly from the top portion adapted to have a pack suspended therefrom thereby placing the effective weight moment high on the frame and thus high upon the wearer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A frame as in claim 2 wherein the shelf is adjustable along the length of the side members thus enabling the placement of the weight at a position of greatest comfort for the wearer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A pack frame as in claim 2 and further including a pack bag suspended from the shelf and having a covered storage area above the shelf.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
A pack frame as in claim 2 and further including a pack bag suspended from the shelf and having pockets closed by a pair of opposed zippers allowing access to the pack from any portion of the opening without disturbing the rest of the contents or exposing them to the elements.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1586058A
Cited
FR813280A
Cited
US3219243A
Cited
US3282483A
Cited
US3464607A
Cited
US3516586A
Cited
US3563431A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-14 | 1976-11-13 | 1977-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-14 | 1980-11-13 | 1981-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-14 | 1984-11-13 | 1985-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |