WO2022256012A1

WO2022256012A1 - Customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack

Info

Publication number: WO2022256012A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/035719
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacob C. LINDEMANN
Original assignee: Chief Gear, Llc
Priority date: 2021-06-03
Filing date: 2021-06-03
Publication date: 2022-12-08
Also published as: US20230284771A1

Abstract

A customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack for goods of a person, including an adjustable belt system with an adjustable-length belt configured to encircle the waist of the person and a pair of adjustable shoulder supports. A middle portion of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is spaced apart and adjustably joined together by a substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap that selectively secures the middle portion together and is selectively vertically adjustable in pre-defined vertical slots. An angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap connects with the left side or the right side of the adjustable belt system and is selectively horizontally adjustable in pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system. Collectively adjusting each of the adjustable-length belt, the substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap and each angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap enables a customized fit for the vest-pack to the person.

Description

CUSTOMIZABLE ERGONOMIC LOAD-CARRYING VEST-PACK

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] This invention generally relates to pack systems, belts, harnesses and other devices for carrying objects other than in a user's hands and arms, and more particularly relates to a multi-adjustable suspension system and methods for a pack that is loaded or unloaded and anywhere in between and is still extremely ergonomic and comfortable for many different body types, including genders, weights and heights.

BACKGROUND

[002] Pack systems and belts have been used to transport items of various sizes and purposes. Many forms of backpacks, fanny packs, nap sacks, duffel bags, belts, and carriers have been used to carry loads on the back and shoulders or around the waist and are available in various sizes and shapes. These pack systems are used in walking, traveling, hiking, climbing, hunting, and other often strenuous activities. Similarly, users who want to carry tools they may need, such as a gun and game-hunting tools, electrician's tools or a carpenter's tools, use pack systems, and a police officer or other public safety officer may carry public safety devices that are or utilize pack systems.

[003] Pack systems have evolved over the years from a simple bag with a strap to more sophisticated systems for better weight distribution. Since children and students commonly use backpacks for carrying books and school supplies, the American

Chiropractic Association has set forth certain guidelines and recommendations as the improper use and wearing backpacks can lead to muscle imbalance that can result in chronic back and neck problems. As a general recommendation, the pack and load should weigh no more than 5 to 10 percent of the wearer's body weight and the pack should have shoulder straps that are adjustable so the pack can be fitted to the wearer's body. In an attempt to improve both the comfort and the convenience of backpacks, various pack designs can be found in the prior art patent literature.

[004] However, although a number of pack systems have improved over the years, none adequately address the combination of features needed for true ergonomics and a wearer's comfort, especially over a longer period of wear time, and/or across different body types and/or for a range of load carrying needs. In some instances, such systems are skimpy, bulky and/or cumbersome, and are not particularly functional to the needs at hand. Furthermore, conventional systems do not allow for customizable adjustment based on advanced technology, and none of the available systems also allow for balanced loading, as well as providing for lumbar support considerations. Thus, there is a need to address one or more of the deficiencies in the art to better aid in achieving more desirable requirements and avoiding negative ones, for a load-carrying pack, and preferably in a way that is much more customizable and ergonomic for such devices.

SUMMARY

[005] To address one or more deficiencies in the art and/or better achieve the desirable requirements for a customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack for goods there is provided my innovative vest-pack including an adjustable belt system configured to encircle the waist of the person, the adjustable belt system including a left side, a right side and a center portion located between the left side and the right side.

The center portion of the adjustable belt system is connected to a torso area extending from the waist of the back of the person up to the shoulders of the person. An adjustable-length belt is located within at least the center portion of the adjustable belt system and including a manually releasable locking clip selectively securing belt ends together. The vest-pack also includes a pair of adjustable shoulder supports. Each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is including a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion located between the top end and the bottom end. The top end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is connected to a top end of the torso area and configured to rest on the shoulders of the person on either side of the neck of the person. The middle portion is configured to extend down over the chest of the person. The bottom end is configured to extend toward the waist of the person and be spaced from the adjustable belt system. The middle portion of one of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is spaced apart from the middle portion of another of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports on opposite sides of the chest of the person and is adjustably joined together by at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap. The middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports has a width greater than a width of the top end and the bottom end of the each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports. The at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap is: (i) including a manually releasable locking clip to selectively secure the chest strap between the middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports, and (ii) manually selectively vertically adjustable in pre-defined vertical slots. The bottom end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports includes an angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap is: (i) configured to connect with the left side or the right side of the adjustable belt system, and (ii) manually selectively horizontally adjustable in pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system. Collectively adjusting each of the adjustable-length belt, the at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap and each angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap enables a customized fit for the vest-pack to the person.

[006] In other aspects, there is disclosed a customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest- pack for goods of a person having a neck, shoulders, a chest, a back and a waist. The vest-pack includes an adjustable belt system configured to encircle the waist of the person. The adjustable belt system includes a left side, a right side and a center portion located between the left side and the right side. The center portion of the adjustable belt system is connected to a torso area extending from the waist of the back of the person up to the shoulders of the person. An adjustable-length belt is located within at least the center portion of the adjustable belt system and including a manually releasable locking clip selectively securing belt ends together. The vest-pack also includes a pair of adjustable shoulder supports. Each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is including a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion located between the top end and the bottom end. The top end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is connected to a top end of the torso area and configured to rest on the shoulders of the person on either side of the neck of the person. The middle portion is configured to extend down over the chest of the person. The bottom end is configured to extend toward the waist of the person and be spaced from the adjustable belt system. The middle portion of one of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is spaced apart from the middle portion of another of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports on opposite sides of the chest of the person and is adjustably joined together by at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap. The middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports has a width greater than a width of the top end and the bottom end of the each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports. The at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap is: (i) including a manually releasable locking clip to selectively secure the chest strap between the middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports, and (ii) manually selectively vertically adjustable in pre-defined vertical slots. The bottom end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports includes an angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap is: (i) configured to connect with the left side or the right side of the adjustable belt system, and (ii) manually selectively horizontally adjustable in pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system. The vest-pack also includes an ergonomic gusset connected between the torso area and the center portion of the adjustable belt system. The ergonomic gusset is: (i) formed at an angle relative to a horizontal orientation of the adjustable belt system, and (ii) a stretch material to enable the ergonomic gusset to expand and contract in response to forces exerted upon the adjustable belt system, the torso area and the pair of adjustable shoulder supports. A cargo bag is connected with the adjustable belt system and substantially superimposed over a length and a width of the adjustable belt system. Collectively adjusting each of the adjustable-length belt, the at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap and each angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap enables a customized fit for the vest-pack to the person.

[007] In still other aspects, there is disclosed a customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack for goods of a person having a neck, shoulders, a chest, a back and a waist. The vest-pack includes an adjustable belt system configured to encircle the waist of the person. The adjustable belt system includes a left side, a right side and a center portion located between the left side and the right side. The center portion of the adjustable belt system is connected to a torso area extending from the waist of the back of the person up to the shoulders of the person. An adjustable-length belt is located within at least the center portion of the adjustable belt system and including a manually releasable locking clip selectively securing belt ends together. The vest-pack also includes a pair of adjustable shoulder supports. Each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is including a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion located between the top end and the bottom end. The top end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is connected to a top end of the torso area and configured to rest on the shoulders of the person on either side of the neck of the person. The middle portion is configured to extend down over the chest of the person. The bottom end is configured to extend toward the waist of the person and be spaced from the adjustable belt system. The middle portion of one of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is spaced apart from the middle portion of another of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports on opposite sides of the chest of the person and is adjustably joined together by at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap. The middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports has a width greater than a width of the top end and the bottom end of the each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports. The at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap is: (i) including a manually releasable locking clip to selectively secure the chest strap between the middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports, and (ii) manually selectively vertically adjustable in pre-defined vertical slots. The bottom end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports includes an angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap is: (i) configured to connect with the left side or the right side of the adjustable belt system, and (ii) manually selectively horizontally adjustable in pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system. The vest-pack also includes a cargo bag connected with the adjustable belt system and substantially superimposed over a length and a width of the adjustable belt system. The cargo bag includes an outer wall separate from the adjustable belt system, a bottom-side gusset connected between the adjustable belt system and the outer wall of the cargo bag. The outer wall is configured for movement toward and away from the adjustable belt system to selectively form a containment area to receive the goods and retain the goods in the vest-pack. The outer wall of the cargo bag includes an adjustable-length cargo bag strap connected with opposite side edges of the outer wall. Collectively adjusting each of the adjustable-length belt, the at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap and each angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap enables a customized fit for the vest-pack to the person.

[008] Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to configurations and features for the adjustable belt and its configurations, an ergonomic gusset and its configurations, a cargo bag and its configurations and the adjustability of and configurations for the various straps.

[009] As used herein, "adjustable-length" means a strap that is manually adjustable in length, and temporarily secured in place as desired by the person, through a conventional structure, e.g., a buckle that the strap goes in or around, to help hold it temporarily secured in place. Additionally, for example, the various straps disclosed herein can be approximately 1 inch wide (plus or minus ¼ inch), and when a strap is joined with a slot, e.g., via T-ends that are selectively inserted and removed into respective slots, the slots that are belt-loop like can be sized to accommodate the T- ends appropriately.

[010] As used herein, "manually releasable locking clip" can be conventional male and female parts, like those shown in the FIGs. as 68 and 170 in connected and unconnected conditions, that engage each other in a selectively temporary locked together relationship, or hook and loop secured together parts, or snap together parts, or strap ends tied together in a knot, or other joined together manner - all of these providing the desired manually releasable locking relationship.

[Oil] As used herein, "horizontal" and "horizontally" and formatives thereof, mean the relative orientation of the vest-pack or its referenced structure when on the person is greater than 50% in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, i.e., between plus and minus 45 degrees off of completely horizontal.

[012] As used herein, "vertical" and "vertically" and formatives thereof, mean the relative orientation of the vest-pack or its referenced structure when on the person is greater than 50% in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction, i.e., between plus and minus 45 degrees off of completely vertical.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[013] The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[014] Figure 1 is a front view of an outside of a portion of my customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack particularly depicting the outside front area of a pair of adjustable shoulder supports;

[015] Figure 2 is a front view of an inside of a portion of my customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack particularly depicting the inside front-facing area of the adjustable belt system and torso area;

[016] Figure 3 is a back view of an outside of that in FIG. 2 but depicting some alternate features to that in FIG.2;

[017] Figure 4 is front perspective view of my customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack as worn by the person and the cargo bag in a fully collapsed position;

[018] Figure 5 is a front right-side perspective view of that in FIG. 4;

[019] Figure 6 is a back right-side perspective view of that in FIG. 4; [020] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic view of that seen in FIG. 4, taken along the line 7-7;

[021] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional schematic view of that seen in FIG. 6, taken along the line 8-8;

[022] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional schematic view of that seen in FIGs. 2 and 3, taken along the line 9-9;

[023] Figure 10 is a back view of an outward facing common wall of the adjustable belt system and a lower portion of the torso area;

[024] Figure 11 is a front view of an inward facing outer wall of the cargo bag and a lower portion of the torso area;

[025] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a right-side portion of the cargo bag in a fully expanded position and depicting a portion of a game bird as goods inside the containment area;

[026] Figure 13 is a back view of the outside of the cargo bag and the bottom-side gusset extending out the bottom of the containment area;

[027] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the cargo bag in an alternate position being nearly collapsed at its ends and near fully expanded in its middle;

[028] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional schematic view of that in FIG. 14, taken along the line 15-15;

[029] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional schematic view of that in FIG. 14, taken along the line 16-16; [030] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional schematic view of that in FIG. 13, taken along the line 17-17;

[031] Figure 18 is an expanded view of the ergonomic gusset, in a retracted position, connected between the torso area and the center portion of the adjustable belt system;

[032] Figure 19 is a view of the ergonomic gusset in FIG. 18, but now in a stretched position;

[033] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of that in FIG. 18, taken along the line 20-20;

[034] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of that in FIG. 19, taken along the line 21-21;

[035] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a left-side portion of the cargo bag in a fully expanded position; and,

[036] Figure 23 is a top view of the adjustable length belt for use in the adjustable belt system.

[037] The drawings show some but not all embodiments. The elements depicted in the drawings are illustrative and not necessarily to scale, and the same (or similar) reference numbers denote the same (or similar) features throughout the drawings, though all the same (or similar) features are not always separately numbered to help avoid over numbering and obscuring what the drawings are disclosing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[038] In accordance with the practice of my innovative vest-pack, as seen in the

Figures, e.g., 1 to 6, there is the customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack 10 for goods 12 of the person 20 having neck 22, shoulders 24, chest 26, back 28 and waist 30. The vest-pack 10 includes the adjustable belt system 40 configured to encircle the waist

BO of the person. The adjustable belt system 40 includes left side 42, right side 44 and center portion 46 located between the left side 42 and the right side 44. The center portion 46 of the adjustable belt system 40 is connected to torso area 80 extending from the center portion of system 40 up to the shoulders 24 of the person. The torso area 80 can be connected to the belt system 40 as one formed material or a combination of materials sewn together. For reasons discussed more herein, and in reference to FIGs. 8 and 9 also, preferably the torso area 80 includes an inner wall 84 and an outer wall 86, and the inner wall 84 is separate and distinct from the outer wall 86 except at an upper end 88 of the inner and outer walls where the inner wall 84 is connected to the outer wall 86. This two layer configuration can further aid the ergonomics and fit of the vest-pack to the person, especially in their back 28, and when the vest-pack is laden with goods, including a water bladder (not shown) or other goods (not shown) that can be located in vest-pack inner area 182 and/or outer area 180. Adjustable belt system 40 also includes adjustable-length belt 66 located within at least the center portion 46 of the adjustable belt system. Belt 66 includes manually releasable locking clip 68 selectively securing belt ends 70 together.

[039] Vest-pack 10 also includes the pair 90 of adjustable shoulder supports. Each 90 of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports includes top end 92, bottom end 96, and middle portion 100 located between the top end 92 and the bottom end 96. The top end 92 of each of the pair 90 of adjustable shoulder supports is connected to the top end 82 of the torso area 80 and configured to rest on the shoulders 24 of the person on either side of the neck 22 of the person. The middle portion 100 is configured to extend down over the chest 26 of the person. The bottom end 96 is configured to extend toward the waist 30 of the person and be spaced from the adjustable belt system 40. The middle portion 100 of one 90 of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is spaced apart from the middle portion 100 of another 90 of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports on opposite sides of the chest 26 of the person. Middle portions 100 are adjustably joined together by at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap 110, and preferably also a second substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap 111. Additionally, even more preferably, a third and even a fourth such chest strap like 110 and 111, can be employed. The chest strap(s) 110, 111 or more include a manually releasable locking clip 112 to selectively secure the chest strap between the middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports. The chest strap(s) aid(s) the ergonomics and fit of the vest-pack to the person, especially in their chest 26, and when the vest-pack is laden with goods. Further, each strap 110, 111, or more, is manually selectively vertically adjustable in pre-defined vertical slots 114. And, preferably, each chest strap 110, 111 or more has T-ends 116 (e.g., similar to T- ends 126) that fit in the pre-defined vertical slots 114, so they can be inserted and removed as desired and they readily stay in place once put there by the person. With such chest strap(s), and especially multiple such chest straps that can be differently length-adjusted in the chest area, vest-pack 10 is further customizable to different size and body shapes, as well as adjustable based on the person's intended loading of vest- pack 10, the clothing they may be wearing under the vest-pack, and other factors for fit, comfort or ergonomics. For similar reasons, the middle portion 100 of each of the pair

90 of adjustable shoulder supports has a width 102 greater than a width 94 of the top end and a width 98 of the bottom end of each of the pair 90 of adjustable shoulder supports. The greater middle portion width (e.g., can be in the range of about 3 to 6 inches) also aids in stability of the vest-pack as a whole, as well as the shoulder supports laying flat and better distributing the load of the vest-pack across a great surface area, that can lead to more comfort too.

[040] Building upon one or more of these advantages, vest-pack 10 further includes the bottom end 96 of each of the pair 90 of adjustable shoulder supports including an angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap 120. Each shoulder strap 120 is configured to connect with the left side 42 or the right side 44, respectively, of the adjustable belt system 40. Each shoulder strap 120 is manually selectively horizontally adjustable in pre-defined horizontal slots 122 located in the adjustable belt system 40. Preferably, the shoulder strap 120 has T-ends 126 that fit in the pre-defined horizontal slots 122, so they can be inserted and removed as desired and they readily stay in place once put there by the person. Additionally or alternately, and in reference to FIG. 7 also, preferably the horizontal slots 122 that are engaged by the shoulder straps 120 are located in a front half 128 of the person when the vest-pack 10 is on the person, that is, preferably in the front half of the circumference of the person as the vest-pack is worn by the person. Without being limited to a theory of understanding, the inventor has surprising found that his innovate vest-pack 10 is particularly advantageous over all prior packs and/or systems to obtain a customized fit for the vest-pack to the person when collectively adjusting each of the adjustable-length parts describe above, namely, the belt 66, the chest strap 110 (and 111 or more if multiple are used) and each shoulder strap 120, as desired by the person based on, e.g., the person's body size, body shape, clothing preferences and loading of the vest-pack.

[041] In other aspects, and further leveraging one or more of these advantages, preferably the adjustable belt 66 is manually selectively located in one of at least two pre-defined horizontal tunnels 50 located in the center portion 46 of the adjustable belt system 40 and adjacent to an inner surface 52 of the adjustable belt system. For example, as seen in FIG. 2, belt 66 is in the upper one of the tunnels 50, and tunnel path 51 is empty. If further preferred, two belts (not shown) may be employed and each would be in one of the tunnels, e.g., when even more waist tightening support is desired for vest-pack 10. Belt(s) 66 aid in locating the belt system relative to the person's waist and near their navel to preferably carry more weight of the vest pack, especially when loaded, on their hips and give relief to the person's shoulders, neck and/or back. Belt 66 can also include a mesh and/or padding 72 for preferred fit, comfort and/or securement of the vest-pack to the person. Additionally, or alternately, the horizontal tunnels 50 can be located substantially only in the center portion 46 of the adjustable belt system, and the adjustable belt can be movably secured to the left side 42 and the right side 44 of the adjustable belt system by location in at least one belt loop 49 connected with the inner surface 52 at ends of the loop(s) 49 but not connected to surface 52 between the ends of loop(s) 49. If desired, raised padding zones 14 can also be attached to the inner surface 52, for preferred fit, comfort, ventilation and/or securement of the vest-pack to the person, especially when wearing the vest-pack over longer periods of time.

[042] Considering yet other preferred features, and in reference to FIGs. 11 and 18 to 21 as well, there is disclosed an ergonomic gusset 130, and preferably two such gussets as seen, connected between the torso area 80 and the center portion 46 of the adjustable belt system 40. The ergonomic gusset can be formed at an angle 132 relative to a horizontal orientation 133 of the adjustable belt system 40. Additionally, or alternately, ergonomic gusset 130 can including a stretchy material 135, e.g., stretch and return mesh, to enable the ergonomic gusset to both expand and contract in response to forces exerted upon the adjustable belt system 40, the torso area 80 and/or the pair 90 of adjustable shoulder supports. For example, this can include the stretchy material secured in place at its outer edges 136a and 136b relative to the torso area 80 and the center portion 46, respectively, and the remainder of the stretchy material being unsecured in between the edges and overlapped by lose non-stretchy material 137a-d therearound. For example, this can be stitching 136a securing together 137a,

134 and 137c, and stitching 136b securing together 137b, 134 and 137d. Still additionally, or alternately, the angle 132 of the gusset 130 relative to the horizontal orientation 133 of the adjustable belt system can be in the range of 10 degrees to 80 degrees above horizontal. More preferably, and in increasing degrees of preference, angle 132 can be in the range of 15 to 70, 20 to 60, 25 to 50, or 30 to 40, degrees above horizontal. Yet still additionally, or alternately, the ergonomic gusset 130 can be substantially located in between the left side 42 and the right side 44 of the adjustable belt system 40. Still yet more additionally, or alternately, ergonomic gusset SO can be located in the outer wall 144 of the cargo bag 140 (described more below) and/or the outer wall 86 of the torso area. While gusset(s) 130 can also serve to aid fit, comfort and/or securement of the vest-pack to the person, the gusset can more preferably aid the vest-pack, and/or the person wearing the vest-pack, to twist and turn more freely and yet still enable the vest-pack to be form fitting, especially when loaded.

[043] Turning to yet other preferred features, other advantages can be seen, for similar reasons as discussed as well as reasons to be discussed. In reference to FIGs. 10- 17 and 22, vest-pack 10 can have a cargo bag 140 connected with the adjustable belt system 40 and substantially superimposed over a length 54 and a width 56 of the adjustable belt system 40. Cargo bag 140 can be formed by an outer wall 144 separate from the adjustable belt system 40, a bottom-side gusset 150 connected between the adjustable belt system 40 and the outer wall 144 of the cargo bag, and the outer wall 144 configured for movement toward and away from the adjustable belt system 40 to selectively form a containment area 152 to receive the goods 12 and retain the goods in the vest-pack 10. The good 12 can be a hunted bird as seen, or tools or other items (not shown) the person wants to carry on or in the vest-pack. The goods can be easily loaded into the front of containment area (relative to how the vest-pack is worn by the person) and then pushed back and around the containment area adjacent the person's back when more room is desired. The bottom-side gusset 150 can connect bottom 58 edge and side 60 edge of the adjustable belt system 40 with respective bottom 146 edge and side 148 edge of the outer wall 144 of the cargo bag. The cargo bag 140 can share a common wall 62 with the adjustable belt system, or each of the cargo bag 140 and the belt system 40 may have independent walls (not shown). The cargo bag can be positioned from fully collapsed (not shown, but closest to the collapsed position 154 seen in FIG. 15 if the W was fully compressed upon itself and the top area of walls 62 and 144 touching) to fully expanded position 164 (FIG. 12) and anything in between, e.g., FIG. 16. When cargo bag 140 is in the fully expanded position all along length 54, it can be about 2 to 4 inches wide near side edges 148, expanding to about 4 to 8 inches on either side of the junction between left side 42 and the center portion 46 and the right side 44 and center portion 46, and expanding to about 7 to 11 inches in some or most of the center portion 46. When the cargo bag is in a collapsed position, preferably the bottom-side gusset 150 is folded upon itself and located between the adjustable belt system 40 and the outer wall 144 of the cargo bag, and even more preferably, the containment area has a W-shaped cross-section 156, e.g., as in FIGs. 9, 15 and 16. To urge the cargo bag into the collapsed position, when it is full of goods or empty or anywhere in between, a stretchy member 158 can be connected between the outer wall 144 and the adjustable belt system, for example with common wall 62. Further in this regard, more preferably, the stretchy member 158 is stretchy and retractable and connected with a side edge 148 of the outer wall 144 and an adjacent side edge 60 of the adjustable belt system, for example common wall 62. Even more preferably, member 158 further aids the cargo bag to close automatically when an opening force is not applied thereto, and to help the cargo bag, when anywhere from loaded to unloaded, stay closer to the person and thus closer to the overall center of gravity of the person wearing the vest-pack. Still further in this regard, and for similar reasons, the cargo bag can include a clip 160 connected between the outer wall 144 and the adjustable belt system 40 to urge, and/or hold, the cargo bag into the collapsed position 154, or more closed than without use of the clip, especially when loaded. For example, the clip 160, and preferably multiple such clips 160, can be manually selectively horizontally adjustable in the pre-defined horizontal slots 122 located in the adjustable belt system 40 and corresponding with pre-defined horizontal slots 162 (e.g., being belt loop like slots, similar to slots 122) located in the outer wall 144 to aid in holding together walls 144 and 62.

[044] The cargo bag, as used in vest-pack 10, integrates well in combination with the vest-pack, and makes vest-pack 10 so much more versatile. In these respects, preferably when the cargo bag is in a fully expanded position 164, then the bottom-side gusset 150 is fully extended and located between the adjustable belt system, e.g. wall 62, and the outer wall 144 of the cargo bag, as seen in FIGs. 12 and 22. Even more preferably in this regard, the containment area has a U-shaped cross-section 166. Further in regards to the expanded (and thus full of goods) cargo bag 140, to help hold the goods in the containment area, and do so ergonomically and with a cargo bag that is well support and not prone to sag, preferably the outer wall 144 of the cargo bag includes an adjustable-length cargo bag strap 168 connected with opposite side edges 148 of the outer wall. Additionally, preferably the adjustable belt system 40 includes a loop 64 connected therewith (e.g., at upper corner of side edge 60) adjacent to the adjustable- length cargo bag strap 168 and the cargo bag strap passes through the loop 64 for even more leverage urging closed the containment area. Still additionally, or alternately, preferably the cargo bag strap 168 includes a manually releasable locking clip 170 to selectively secure opposite ends 172 of the adjustable-length cargo bag strap together. Still additionally and more preferable, when opposite ends 172 of the adjustable-length cargo bag strap 168 are secured together, the adjustable-length cargo bag strap can be adjusted, e.g., shortened, to urge the cargo bag from a fully expanded position to a collapsed position and anywhere in between these two positions. Each of these preferred features can further aid the vest-pack being secure and close to the person and the overall center of gravity of the combination vest-pack and person. This can be particularly advantageous when attachments (not shown) are also secured to the outside of the vest-pack, and/or the vest-pack is loaded with goods inside too.

[045] Preferred dimensions of the vest-pack 10 can be about 35 inches to 50 inches for length 54, where the center portion 46 and width of the bottom of the torso area 80 are about 13 to 21 inches of the 35 inches to 50 inches; the width of the top end of the torso area 80 is about 8 to 17 inches; the overall dimension from the top end 82 of the torso area to the bottom edge 58 of system 40 is about 20 to 40 inches; and, the shoulder straps 90 are about 15 inches to 25 inches from their bottom end 96 to where they join the torso area 80. Conventional nylon fabric materials, e.g., 1000 denier for at least the outer fabric, can be used to make my vest-pack as would be discerned by one of ordinary skill in the art in combination with the teachings herein.

[046] Additional discussion of embodiments in various scopes now follows: A. A customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack for goods of a person having a neck, shoulders, a chest, a back and a waist, the vest pack including an adjustable belt system configured to encircle the waist of the person, the adjustable belt system including a left side, a right side and a center portion located between the left side and the right side. The center portion of the adjustable belt system is connected to a torso area extending from the waist of the back of the person up to the shoulders of the person. An adjustable-length belt is located within at least the center portion of the adjustable belt system and including a manually releasable locking clip selectively securing belt ends together. The vest-pack also includes a pair of adjustable shoulder supports. Each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is including a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion located between the top end and the bottom end. The top end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is connected to a top end of the torso area and configured to rest on the shoulders of the person on either side of the neck of the person. The middle portion is configured to extend down over the chest of the person. The bottom end is configured to extend toward the waist of the person and be spaced from the adjustable belt system. The middle portion of one of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports is spaced apart from the middle portion of another of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports on opposite sides of the chest of the person and is adjustably joined together by at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap. The middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports has a width greater than a width of the top end and the bottom end of the each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports. The at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap is: (i) including a manually releasable locking clip to selectively secure the chest strap between the middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports, and (ii) manually selectively vertically adjustable in pre-defined vertical slots. The bottom end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports includes an angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap is: (i) configured to connect with the left side or the right side of the adjustable belt system, and (ii) manually selectively horizontally adjustable in pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system. Collectively adjusting each of the adjustable-length belt, the at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap and each angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap enables a customized fit for the vest-pack to the person.

B. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the adjustable belt is manually selectively located in one of at least two pre-defined horizontal tunnels located in the center portion of the adjustable belt system and adjacent to an inner surface of the adjustable belt system.

C. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the at least two pre-defined horizontal tunnels are located substantially only in the center portion of the adjustable belt system and the adjustable belt is movably secured to the left side and the right side of the adjustable belt system by at least one belt loop connected with the inner surface of the adjustable belt system.

D. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, further comprising an ergonomic gusset connected between the torso area and the center portion of the adjustable belt system, the ergonomic gusset: (i) formed at an angle relative to a horizontal orientation of the adjustable belt system, and (ii) including a stretch material to enable the ergonomic gusset to expand and contract in response to forces exerted upon the adjustable belt system, the torso area and the pair of adjustable shoulder supports.

E. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the angle relative to the horizontal orientation of the adjustable belt system is in the range of 10 degrees to 80 degrees above horizontal.

F. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the ergonomic gusset is substantially located in between the left side and the right side of the adjustable belt system.

G. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, further comprising a cargo bag connected with the adjustable belt system and substantially superimposed over a length and a width of the adjustable belt system.

H. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the cargo bag includes an outer wall separate from the adjustable belt system, a bottom-side gusset connected between the adjustable belt system and the outer wall of the cargo bag, and the outer wall is configured for movement toward and away from the adjustable belt system to selectively form a containment area to receive the goods and retain the goods in the vest-pack.

I. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the bottom-side gusset is connected with bottom and side edges of the adjustable belt system and with bottom and side edges of the outer wall of the cargo bag. J. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the cargo bag shares a common wall with the adjustable belt system.

K. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein when the cargo bag is in a collapsed position: (i) the bottom-side gusset is folded upon itself and located between the adjustable belt system and the outer wall of the cargo bag, and (ii) the containment area has a W-shaped cross-section.

L. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, further comprising a stretchy member connected between the outer wall and the adjustable belt system to urge the cargo bag into the collapsed position.

M. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the stretchy member is connected with a side edge of the outer wall and an adjacent side edge of the adjustable belt system.

N. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, further comprising a clip connected between the outer wall and the adjustable belt system to urge the cargo bag into the collapsed position.

O. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the clip is manually selectively horizontally adjustable in pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system and corresponding with pre-defined horizontal slots located in the outer wall.

P. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein when the cargo bag is in a fully expanded position: (i) the bottom-side gusset is fully extended and located between the adjustable belt system and the outer wall of the cargo bag, and (ii) the containment area has a U-shaped cross-section. Q. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the outer wall of the cargo bag includes an adjustable-length cargo bag strap connected with opposite side edges of the outer wall.

R. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the adjustable belt system includes a loop connected therewith adjacent to the adjustable-length cargo bag strap and the cargo bag strap passes through the loop.

S. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the adjustable-length cargo bag strap includes a manually releasable locking clip to selectively secure opposite ends of the adjustable-length cargo bag strap together.

T. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein when opposite ends of the adjustable-length cargo bag strap are secured together the adjustable-length cargo bag strap can be adjusted to urge the cargo bag from a fully expanded position to a collapsed position and anywhere in between these two positions.

U. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the adjustable belt system includes a loop connected therewith adjacent to the adjustable-length cargo bag strap and the cargo bag strap passes through the loop.

V. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, further comprising an ergonomic gusset connected between the torso area and the center portion of the adjustable belt system, the ergonomic gusset: (i) formed at an angle relative to a horizontal orientation of the adjustable belt system, (ii) including a stretch material to enable the ergonomic gusset to expand and contract in response to forces exerted upon the adjustable belt system, the torso area and the pair of adjustable shoulder supports, and (iii) located in the outer wall of the torso area and the cargo bag.

W. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the torso area includes an inner wall and an outer wall, and the inner wall is separate and distinct from the outer wall except at an upper end of the inner and outer walls where the inner wall is connected to the outer wall.

X. The vest-pack of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap in the pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system are located in a front half of the person when the vest-pack is on the person in the customized fit to the person.

[047] Each and every document cited in this present application, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is incorporated in this present application in its entirety by this reference, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed in this present application or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this present application conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this present application governs.

[048] The present invention includes the description, examples, embodiments, and drawings disclosed; but it is not limited to such description, examples, embodiments, or drawings. As briefly described above, the reader should assume that features of one disclosed embodiment can also be applied to all other disclosed embodiments, unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the present application are approximations that can vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation using the teachings disclosed in the present application. Modifications and other embodiments will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art of personal backpack-like suspension systems, and all such modifications and other embodiments are intended and deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack for goods of a person having a neck, shoulders, a chest, a back and a waist, the vest-pack comprising: an adjustable belt system configured to encircle the waist of the person, the adjustable belt system including a left side, a right side and a center portion located between the left side and the right side; the center portion of the adjustable belt system connected to a torso area extending from the waist of the back of the person up to the shoulders of the person; an adjustable-length belt located within at least the center portion of the adjustable belt system and including a manually releasable locking clip selectively securing belt ends together; a pair of adjustable shoulder supports, each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports including a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion located between the top end and the bottom end; the top end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports connected to a top end of the torso area and configured to rest on the shoulders of the person on either side of the neck of the person, the middle portion configured to extend down over the chest of the person, and the bottom end configured to extend toward the waist of the person and be spaced from the adjustable belt system; the middle portion of one of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports being spaced apart from the middle portion of another of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports on opposite sides of the chest of the person and adjustably joined together by at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap, and the middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports having a width greater than a width of the top end and the bottom end of the each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports; the at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap: (i) including a manually releasable locking clip to selectively secure the chest strap between the middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports, and (ii) being manually selectively vertically adjustable in pre-defined vertical slots; the bottom end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports including an angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap: (i) configured to connect with the left side or the right side of the adjustable belt system, and (ii) being manually selectively horizontally adjustable in pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system; and, wherein collectively adjusting each of the adjustable-length belt, the at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap and each angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap enables a customized fit for the vest-pack to the person.

2. The vest-pack of claim 1, wherein the adjustable belt is manually selectively located in one of at least two pre-defined horizontal tunnels located in the center portion of the adjustable belt system and adjacent to an inner surface of the adjustable belt system.

3. The vest-pack of claim 2, wherein the at least two pre-defined horizontal tunnels are located substantially only in the center portion of the adjustable belt system and the adjustable belt is movably secured to the left side and the right side of the adjustable belt system by at least one belt loop connected with the inner surface of the adjustable belt system.

4. The vest-pack of claim 1, further comprising an ergonomic gusset connected between the torso area and the center portion of the adjustable belt system, the ergonomic gusset: (i) formed at an angle relative to a horizontal orientation of the adjustable belt system, and (ii) including a stretch material to enable the ergonomic gusset to expand and contract in response to forces exerted upon the adjustable belt system, the torso area and the pair of adjustable shoulder supports.

5. The vest-pack of claim 4, wherein the angle relative to the horizontal orientation of the adjustable belt system is in the range of 10 degrees to 80 degrees above horizontal.

6. The vest-pack of claim 4, wherein the ergonomic gusset is substantially located in between the left side and the right side of the adjustable belt system.

7. The vest-pack of claim 1, further comprising a cargo bag connected with the adjustable belt system and substantially superimposed over a length and a width of the adjustable belt system.

8. The vest-pack of claim 7, wherein the cargo bag includes an outer wall separate from the adjustable belt system, a bottom-side gusset connected between the adjustable belt system and the outer wall of the cargo bag, and the outer wall is configured for movement toward and away from the adjustable belt system to selectively form a containment area to receive the goods and retain the goods in the vest-pack.

9. The vest-pack of claim 8, wherein the bottom-side gusset is connected with bottom and side edges of the adjustable belt system and with bottom and side edges of the outer wall of the cargo bag.

10. The vest-pack of claim 8, wherein the cargo bag shares a common wall with the adjustable belt system.

11. The vest-pack of claim 8, wherein when the cargo bag is in a collapsed position: (i) the bottom-side gusset is folded upon itself and located between the adjustable belt system and the outer wall of the cargo bag, and (ii) the containment area has a W-shaped cross- section.

12. The vest-pack of claim 11, further comprising a stretchy member connected between the outer wall and the adjustable belt system to urge the cargo bag into the collapsed position.

13. The vest-pack of claim 12, wherein the stretchy member is connected with a side edge of the outer wall and an adjacent side edge of the adjustable belt system.

14. The vest-pack of claim 11, further comprising a clip connected between the outer wall and the adjustable belt system to urge the cargo bag into the collapsed position.

15. The vest-pack of claim 14, wherein the clip is manually selectively horizontally adjustable in pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system and corresponding with pre-defined horizontal slots located in the outer wall.

16. The vest-pack of claim 8, wherein when the cargo bag is in a fully expanded position: (i) the bottom-side gusset is fully extended and located between the adjustable belt system and the outer wall of the cargo bag, and (ii) the containment area has a U- shaped cross-section.

17. The vest-pack of claim 8, wherein the outer wall of the cargo bag includes an adjustable- length cargo bag strap connected with opposite side edges of the outer wall.

18. The vest-pack of claim 17, wherein the adjustable belt system includes a loop connected therewith adjacent to the adjustable-length cargo bag strap and the cargo bag strap passes through the loop.

19. The vest-pack of claim 17, wherein the adjustable-length cargo bag strap includes a manually releasable locking clip to selectively secure opposite ends of the adjustable- length cargo bag strap together.

20. The vest-pack of claim 19, wherein when opposite ends of the adjustable-length cargo bag strap are secured together the adjustable-length cargo bag strap can be adjusted to urge the cargo bag from a fully expanded position to a collapsed position and anywhere in between these two positions.

21. The vest-pack of claim 20, wherein the adjustable belt system includes a loop connected therewith adjacent to the adjustable-length cargo bag strap and the cargo bag strap passes through the loop.

22. The vest-pack of claim 8, further comprising an ergonomic gusset connected between the torso area and the center portion of the adjustable belt system, the ergonomic gusset: (i) formed at an angle relative to a horizontal orientation of the adjustable belt system, (ii) including a stretch material to enable the ergonomic gusset to expand and contract in response to forces exerted upon the adjustable belt system, the torso area and the pair of adjustable shoulder supports, and (iii) located in the outer wall of the torso area and the cargo bag.

23. The vest-pack of claim 1, wherein the torso area includes an inner wall and an outer wall, and the inner wall is separate and distinct from the outer wall except at an upper end of the inner and outer walls where the inner wall is connected to the outer wall.

24. The vest-pack of claim 1, wherein the angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap in the pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system are located in a front half of the person when the vest-pack is on the person in the customized fit to the person.

25. A customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack for goods of a person having a neck, shoulders, a chest, a back and a waist, the vest-pack comprising: an adjustable belt system configured to encircle the waist of the person, the adjustable belt system including a left side, a right side and a center portion located between the left side and the right side; the center portion of the adjustable belt system connected to a torso area extending from the waist of the back of the person up to the shoulders of the person; an adjustable-length belt located within at least the center portion of the adjustable belt system and including a manually releasable locking clip selectively securing belt ends together; a pair of adjustable shoulder supports, each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports including a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion located between the top end and the bottom end; the top end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports connected to a top end of the torso area and configured to rest on the shoulders of the person on either side of the neck of the person, the middle portion configured to extend down over the chest of the person, and the bottom end configured to extend toward the waist of the person and be spaced from the adjustable belt system; the middle portion of one of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports being spaced apart from the middle portion of another of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports on opposite sides of the chest of the person and adjustably joined together by at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap, and the middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports having a width greater than a width of the top end and the bottom end of the each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports; the at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap: (i) including a manually releasable locking clip to selectively secure the chest strap between the middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports, and (ii) being manually selectively vertically adjustable in pre-defined vertical slots; the bottom end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports including an angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap: (i) configured to connect with the left side or the right side of the adjustable belt system, and (ii) being manually selectively horizontally adjustable in pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system; an ergonomic gusset connected between the torso area and the center portion of the adjustable belt system, the ergonomic gusset: (i) formed at an angle relative to a horizontal orientation of the adjustable belt system, and (ii) including a stretch material to enable the ergonomic gusset to expand and contract in response to forces exerted upon the adjustable belt system, the torso area and the pair of adjustable shoulder supports; a cargo bag connected with the adjustable belt system and substantially superimposed over a length and a width of the adjustable belt system; and, wherein collectively adjusting each of the adjustable-length belt, the at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap and each angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap enables a customized fit for the vest-pack to the person.

26. A customizable ergonomic load-carrying vest-pack for goods of a person having a neck, shoulders, a chest, a back and a waist, the vest-pack comprising: an adjustable belt system configured to encircle the waist of the person, the adjustable belt system including a left side, a right side and a center portion located between the left side and the right side; the center portion of the adjustable belt system connected to a torso area extending from the waist of the back of the person up to the shoulders of the person; an adjustable-length belt located within at least the center portion of the adjustable belt system and including a manually releasable locking clip selectively securing belt ends together; a pair of adjustable shoulder supports, each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports including a top end, a bottom end, and a middle portion located between the top end and the bottom end; the top end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports connected to a top end of the torso area and configured to rest on the shoulders of the person on either side of the neck of the person, the middle portion configured to extend down over the chest of the person, and the bottom end configured to extend toward the waist of the person and be spaced from the adjustable belt system; the middle portion of one of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports being spaced apart from the middle portion of another of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports on opposite sides of the chest of the person and adjustably joined together by at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap, and the middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports having a width greater than a width of the top end and the bottom end of the each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports; the at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap: (i) including a manually releasable locking clip to selectively secure the chest strap between the middle portion of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports, and (ii) being manually selectively vertically adjustable in pre-defined vertical slots; the bottom end of each of the pair of adjustable shoulder supports including an angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap: (i) configured to connect with the left side or the right side of the adjustable belt system, and (ii) being manually selectively horizontally adjustable in pre-defined horizontal slots located in the adjustable belt system; a cargo bag connected with the adjustable belt system and substantially superimposed over a length and a width of the adjustable belt system, wherein the cargo bag includes an outer wall separate from the adjustable belt system, a bottom- side gusset connected between the adjustable belt system and the outer wall of the cargo bag, the outer wall is configured for movement toward and away from the adjustable belt system to selectively form a containment area to receive the goods and retain the goods in the vest-pack, and the outer wall of the cargo bag includes an adjustable-length cargo bag strap connected with opposite side edges of the outer wall; and, wherein collectively adjusting each of the adjustable-length belt, the at least one substantially horizontal adjustable-length chest strap and each angularly extending adjustable-length shoulder strap enables a customized fit for the vest-pack to the person.