Patent Publication Number: US-8985420-B2

Title: Tactical carrying pack

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     a. Field of Invention 
     The invention relates generally to tactical carrying packs for back-supported transport of a payload. More specifically, the present invention relates to carrying packs having a vertical base plate with an upright support connection allowing for shoulder placement of the device, on one or both shoulders, by hinged arcing of shoulder bars connected to the upright support connection. 
     b. Description of Related Art 
     The following patents are representative of various types of carrying pack devices: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,809 B2 to Arnold et al. describes a carrying bag, which comprises a receiving container for receiving objects to be taken along, and a carrying device connected to the receiving container. The carrying device is decoupled in its movements from the receiving container by the provision of string lines which can be displaced in the direction marked by the arrows. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,883,691 B2 to Pratt et al. describes the present invention which features a unique carrying device for carrying a cartable item, wherein the carrying device is formed of a rigid structure and comprises means for engaging a first shoulder of a user, means for engaging a second shoulder of a user, means for connecting the means for engaging the first and second shoulders of a user together, means for adjusting the ergonomic configuration of the carrying device, means for releasably coupling or attaching the carrying device to a golf bag, and means for transitioning, upon elective actuation, functions to transition or convert the carrying device from a single-shoulder carrying arrangement or position to a dual-shoulder carrying arrangement or position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,409 B2 to Lemanski, II describes a pack system having a suspension system with a waist belt which slidably carries a bag or pack. At least one shoulder strap extends between the top of the bag and the side of the bag. A compression suspension system attaches to the pack at multiple locations and is adjustable to stabilize the pack in a comfortable position to accommodate varying loads. The system allows the pack to be shifted or rotated around the body of the wearer between frontal access or rear carrying position for comfort and accessibility. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,793,112 B2 to Ammerman describes a shoulder carrier having at least one shoulder strap connected to a container. A connection point between the shoulder strap and the container may be moved laterally without disconnecting the strap from the container. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,475 to Han describes a dual shoulder trap device attachable to a standard golf bag to allow a golfer to carry the golf bag centered on his back. For example, the dual shoulder strap device is made from a single piece to prevent twisting and entangling of the two separate shoulder straps. Alternatively, the dual shoulder straps are connected to tracks built into a coupler, in which the tracks allow the shoulder straps to be adjustable to the differing widths of the golfer&#39;s shoulders. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,652 to Cooper describes a convertible back pack having an anchoring loop centrally disposed near the top of the back pack on a back panel. A single shoulder strap connected to the back pack at both ends and passing slidably through the anchoring loop at its middle dividing the shoulder strap into a left portion and a right portion. Accordingly, the back pack can be easily converted from double shoulder wear, to single shoulder wear, to across the chest wear. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,921 to Thomas describes a back pack harness wherein a pressure plate effects the encircling action of shoulder hooks and a waist belt in order to permit the fastening of a back pack to the back of an individual by using only one hand. A controlled deformation belt for use about the waist of the user of the back pack. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, comprising a vertical base plate having a front and a back and having an upright support connection section thereon. There is also a left shoulder bar having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the left shoulder bar extending forward in an inverted hook shape for hooking over a shoulder. The left shoulder bar is hingedly connected at its bottom portion to the upright support connection section so as to at least rotate through an arc from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. The first position is a substantially vertical position and the second position is a non-vertical position. The left shoulder bar is selected from the group consisting of a semi-flexible shoulder bar and a rigid shoulder bar. 
     There is also a right shoulder bar having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the right shoulder bar extending forward in an inverted hook shape for hooking over a shoulder. The right shoulder bar is hingedly connected at its bottom portion to the upright support connection section so as to at least rotate through an arc from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. The first position is a substantially vertical position and the second position is a non-vertical position. The right shoulder bar is selected from the group consisting of a semi-flexible shoulder bar and a rigid shoulder bar. 
     In addition, there is a payload-receiving member connected to the vertical base plate extending rearward away from the vertical base plate back for supporting a payload in which a user may (1) position the right shoulder bar and the left shoulder bar in their respective first positions so as to be vertical and adjacent one another to function as a single shoulder bar that may be hooked over either a left shoulder or a right shoulder, but not both shoulders simultaneously, and a user may (2) position the right shoulder bar and the left shoulder bar in their respective second positions so as to be non-vertical and apart from one another to function as a two-shoulder bar that may be hooked over both a left shoulder and a right shoulder simultaneously. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the tactical carrying pack is constructed of material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, fiberglass and combinations thereof. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the tactical carrying pack left shoulder bar and right shoulder bar each have straps that extend from their top portions to at least one of the vertical base plate and the payload-receiving member. 
     In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the tactical carrying pack straps include strap length adjustment means. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, at least one of the left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar includes a connecting means for connecting the left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar to one another when they are in their respective first positions so as to inhibit separation from one another. 
     In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the payload-receiving member includes at least one circular recess for receiving a cylindrical payload. 
     In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the payload-receiving member includes a walled storage area. 
     In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the payload-receiving member includes a ledge for receiving a back pack or other payload capable of resting on a flat bottom. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar include flexible padding at least in shoulder contacting areas. 
     In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload wherein said vertical base plate includes a user back pad on its front. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the device comprises a vertical base plate having a front and a back and having a left upright support connection section thereon and a right upright support connection thereon in which the left upright support connection and the right upright support connection are separate from one another. There is also a left shoulder bar having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the left shoulder bar extending forward in an inverted hook shape for hooking over a shoulder. The left shoulder bar is hingedly connected at its bottom portion to the upright support connection section so as to at least rotate through an arc from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. The first position is a substantially vertical position and the second position is a non-vertical position. The left shoulder bar is selected from the group consisting of a semi-flexible shoulder bar and a rigid shoulder bar. 
     There is also a right shoulder bar having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the right shoulder bar extending forward in an inverted hook shape for hooking over a shoulder. The right shoulder bar is hingedly connected at its bottom portion to the upright support connection section so as to at least rotate through an arc from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. The first position is a substantially vertical position and the second position is a non-vertical position. The right shoulder bar is selected from the group consisting of a semi-flexible shoulder bar and a rigid shoulder bar; and, 
     In addition, there is a payload-receiving member connected to the vertical base plate extending rearward away from the vertical base plate back for supporting a payload in which a user may (1) position the right shoulder bar and the left shoulder bar in their respective first positions so as to be vertical and adjacent one another to function as a single shoulder bar that may be hooked over either a left shoulder or a right shoulder, but not both shoulders simultaneously, and a user may (2) position the right shoulder bar and the left shoulder bar in their respective second positions so as to be non-vertical and apart from one another to function as a two-shoulder bar that may be hooked over both a left shoulder and a right shoulder simultaneously. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the tactical carrying pack is constructed of material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, fiberglass and combinations thereof. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the tactical carrying pack left shoulder bar and right shoulder bar each have straps that extend from their top portions to at least one of the vertical base plate and the payload-receiving member. 
     In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the tactical carrying pack straps include strap length adjustment means. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, at least one of the left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar includes a connecting means for connecting the left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar to one another when they are in their respective first positions so as to inhibit separation from one another. 
     In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the payload-receiving member includes at least one circular recess for receiving a cylindrical payload. 
     In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the payload-receiving member includes a walled storage area. 
     In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the payload-receiving member includes a ledge for receiving a back pack or other payload capable of resting on a flat bottom. 
     In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload, the left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar include flexible padding at least in shoulder contacting areas. 
     In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tactical carrying pack for back-supported transport of a payload wherein said vertical base plate includes a user back pad on its front. 
     Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a back view of one embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack wherein both shoulder bars are vertical and contiguous for one shoulder payload transport; 
         FIG. 2  is a back view of one embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack as shown in  FIG. 1 , but wherein both shoulder bars are non-vertical and separated for two shoulder payload transport; 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of the present invention tactical carrying pack shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a back view of another embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack wherein both shoulder bars are non-vertical and separated for two shoulder payload transport, and wherein the shoulder bars are separated from one another at the vertical base plate; 
         FIG. 5  shows the back view of the  FIG. 4  embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack, but wherein both shoulder bars are vertical and contiguous for one shoulder payload transport; 
         FIG. 6  is a back view of another embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack that includes a cylindrical payload-receiving member, and wherein both shoulder bars are non-vertical and separated for two shoulder payload transport, and wherein the shoulder bars are separated from one another at the vertical base plate; 
         FIG. 7  is a back view of another embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack that includes a flat payload-receiving member, and wherein both shoulder bars are non-vertical and separated for two shoulder payload transport, and wherein the shoulder bars are separated from one another at the vertical base plate; and, 
         FIG. 8  is a back view of another embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack that includes a payload-receiving member with both flat and recessed cylindrical features, and wherein both shoulder bars are non-vertical and separated for two shoulder payload transport, and wherein the shoulder bars are separated from one another at the vertical base plate. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to tactical carrying packs for back-supported transport of a payload in which there is a vertical base plate, a left shoulder bar, a right shoulder bar and a payload-receiving member. The left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar are non-flexible being made from a rigid semi-flexible material. 
     There are two main embodiments, the first having the vertical base plate with a single upright support connection section for providing rotation of the left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar from a substantially vertical position of each of the left and right shoulder bars to a non-vertical position. In the substantially vertical position, the bars are together for one shoulder payload support while in the non-vertical position, the bars are separated for two shoulder payload support. In the first embodiment, there is flexible padding on the front and the back of the left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar. 
     The second embodiment has the vertical base plate with a left upright support connection section and a right upright support connection section in which the left upright support connection section is separate from the right upright support connection section, and vice versa. In effect, the left upright support connection section and the right upright support connection section function as the upright support connection section described in the first embodiment herein above. The separate support connection sections provide for an extremely stable distribution of the payload weight when the tactical carrying pack is in a one-shoulder transport position. Furthermore, this embodiment includes a flexible padding located on the back of the left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar. 
     The payload-receiving member may hold a box, a tray, a can, a back pack, a parachute, a shelf, a tent, water supply, a gasoline tank, ram devices, artillery, supplies, or the like. When the payload-receiving member includes a shelf with the appropriate padding, a person or an animal may be carried. 
     The tactical carrying pack is constructed of material selected from plastic, metal, lightweight aluminum, fiberglass, wood, composite materials such as carbon fiber, or combinations thereof. The device straps like a back pack in which the left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar wrap over the shoulders while there are back pack straps that wrap under the arms and around the back to connect to the left shoulder bar and the right shoulder bar and one of the vertical base plate and payload-receiving member. In some embodiments, there may be many additional straps which wrap around the chest, waist, or both for carrying related items such as a fire extinguisher, a medical device, a ram device or the like. 
     The shoulder bars are hingedly connected to the upright support connection section of the vertical base plate by bolts or the like so that the bars may move from a substantially vertical position to a non-vertical position. The hinged connection provides for rotation through an arc from a first position being substantially vertical for placement on one shoulder to a second position being non-vertical for placement on two shoulders. 
     Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, various embodiments of the present invention are shown. 
       FIG. 1  shows a back view of present invention tactical carrying pack  100 . (This is best seen from the back view as all of its features are exposed from this view.) Carrying pack  100  includes a vertical base plate  101  with an upright support connection section  107 . By “vertical” is meant more vertical than horizontal that is, greater than a 60° angle with horizontal. Thus, “vertical” should be construed broadly and may include curvatures or angled to conform to a human low back area, for example, designs that are ergonomic. The device  100  includes a vertical base plate including a front  135 , a back ( FIG. 1 ), and an upright support connection section  107 . 
     The upright support connection section  107  has hinge bolts  117  and  119  that are connected to a left shoulder bar  109  and a right shoulder bar  111  at the left shoulder bar bottom portion and the right shoulder bar bottom portion, respectively. The hinge bolts  117  and  119  are thus hingedly connected to upright support connection section  107  and rotate through an arc so as to have a first, vertical position where the left shoulder bar  109  and the right shoulder bar  111  are contiguous, and a second, non-vertical position where the left shoulder bar  109  and the right shoulder bar  111  are apart. In the first position, the tactical carrying pack  100  allows for placement of the tactical carrying pack  100  over one shoulder while in the second position, the tactical carrying pack  100  allows for placement of the tactical carrying pack  100  over two shoulders with the left shoulder bar  109  placed on the left shoulder and the right shoulder bar  111  placed on the right shoulder.  FIG. 1  describes and illustrates the position when both shoulder bars are vertical and contiguous for one shoulder payload transport, while  FIG. 2  describes and illustrates when both shoulder bars are non-vertical and separated for two shoulder payload transport. 
     The left shoulder bar  109  includes a top portion  113  and the bottom while the right shoulder bar  111  also includes a top portion  115  and the bottom. The top portions  113  and  115  each extend forward in an inverted hook shape for hooking over a shoulder. Both the left shoulder bar  109  and the right shoulder bar  111  are made from a semi-flexible material, rigid material or the like. 
     In the embodiment described by  FIG. 1 , the vertical base plate  101  is composed of three sections which include a substantially triangulated upper support connection section  107 , a vertical middle section and an elongated bottom section. A payload-receiving member  103  which is connected to the vertical base plate  101  extends rearward away from the vertical base plate back. In this case, the payload-receiving member  103  includes a back pack  105 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  which is a side view of the tactical carrying pack shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the left shoulder bar  109  and the right shoulder bar  111  include a left strap  121  and a right strap  123 , respectively for back pack type strapping. The straps  121  and  123  extend from a left shoulder top connection  131  and a right shoulder top connection  133  of the left shoulder bar top  113  and the right shoulder bar top  115 , respectively, to at least one of the vertical base plate  107  and the payload-receiving member  105 . The straps  121  and  123  include strap length adjustment means  125 ,  129 , respectively, for tightening the straps under the arms and around the back. The left shoulder bar  109  includes connection means  127  for connecting the left shoulder bar  109  and the right shoulder bar  111  to one another when they are in their respective first positions so as to inhibit separation from one another. The connection means  127  includes snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, hooks and eyelets, or the like. 
       FIG. 4  is a back view of another embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack wherein both shoulder bars are non-vertical and separated for two shoulder payload transport, and wherein the shoulder bars are separated from one another at the vertical base plate.  FIG. 5  shows the back view of the  FIG. 4  embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack, but wherein both shoulder bars are vertical and contiguous for one shoulder payload transport. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown a tactical carrying pack  200  which includes a vertical base plate  201 , a left shoulder bar  207 , a right shoulder bar  209  and a payload receiving member  203 . The vertical base plate  201  includes a front pad  231 , a back (shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ), a left upright support connection section  215 , and a right upright support connection section  217 . The left upright support connection section  215  and the right upright support connection section  217  are separate from each other. 
     The left shoulder bar  207  includes a top portion  219  and a bottom while the right shoulder bar  209  also includes a top portion  221  and a bottom. The top portions  219  and  221  each extend forward in an inverted hook shape for hooking over a shoulder. Both the left shoulder bar  207  and the right shoulder bar  209  are made from a semi-flexible material, rigid material or the like. In addition, there is left flexible padding  227  and right flexible padding  229  at the back of the left shoulder bar  207  and at the back of the right shoulder bar  209 , respectively. 
     The left upright support connection section  215  has a hinge bolt  211  connected to the left shoulder bar  207  at the left shoulder bar bottom portion. The right upright support connection section  217  has a hinge bolt  213  connected to the right shoulder bar  209  at the right shoulder bar bottom portion. The hinge bolts  211  and  213  are thus hingedly connected to each of the left and right upright support connection sections  215  and  217 , and each rotate through an arc so as to have a first, vertical position where the left shoulder bar  207  and the right shoulder bar  209  are contiguous, and a second, non-vertical position where the left shoulder bar  207  and the right shoulder bar  209  are apart. In the first position, the tactical carrying pack  200  allows for placement of the tactical carrying pack  200  over one shoulder while in the second position, the tactical carrying pack  200  allows for placement of the tactical carrying pack  200  over two shoulders with the left shoulder bar  207  placed on the left shoulder and the right shoulder bar  209  placed on the right shoulder.  FIG. 4  describes and illustrates when both shoulder bars are non-vertical and separated for two shoulder payload transport while  FIG. 5  describes and illustrates the position when both shoulder bars are vertical and contiguous for one shoulder payload transport 
     The payload-receiving member  203  which is connected the vertical base plate  201 , extends rearward away from the vertical base plate back  201 . In this case, the payload-receiving member  203  includes a box having a walled storage area  205 . 
     The left shoulder bar  207  and the right shoulder bar  209  include a left curvature  223  and a right curvature  225 , respectively, for obtaining relatively snug fitting over the shoulders facilitate by the padded left shoulder back  227  and the padded right shoulder back  229 . 
       FIG. 6  is a back view of another embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack that includes a cylindrical payload-receiving member, and wherein both shoulder bars are non-vertical and separated for two shoulder payload transport, and wherein the shoulder bars are separated from one another at the vertical base plate. Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a tactical carrying pack includes a vertical base plate  301 , a left shoulder bar  307 , a right shoulder bar  309  and a payload-receiving member  303 . Similar parts as referred to by  FIG. 4  are similarly numbered but beginning with “300” and are incorporated herein by reference to the above. 
     The left shoulder bar  307  and the right shoulder bar  309  include a left strap  335  and a right strap  337 , respectively for obtaining back pack type placement of the device  300 . The straps  335  and  337  extend from a left shoulder bar top connection  323  and a right shoulder bar top connection  325  of the left shoulder bar top  319  and the right shoulder bar top  321 , respectively, to at least one of the vertical base plate  307  and the payload-receiving member  303 . The straps  335  and  337  include strap length adjustment means, respectively, for tightening the straps under the arms and around the back. 
     In this embodiment, there is at least one additional left shoulder strap  333  and at least one additional right shoulder strap  331 . The additional straps  333  and  331  wrap around the waist, chest, or both and are connected to each other by connection means  537  and  531 . Connection means may be, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, hooks and eyelets, tying, or the like. They are used to carry peripheral items such as a fire extinguisher, a medical device, a ram device or the like. Moreover, the payload-receiving member  303  includes a cylinder  305  for carrying cylindrical items such as a can, water supply, a gasoline tank, or the like. 
       FIG. 7  is a back view of another embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack that includes a flat payload-receiving member, and wherein both shoulder bars are non-vertical and separated for two shoulder payload transport, and wherein the shoulder bars are separated from one another at the vertical base plate. Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a tactical carrying pack includes a vertical base plate  401 , a left shoulder bar  407 , a right shoulder bar  409  and a payload-receiving member  403 . Similar parts as referred to by  FIG. 4  are similarly numbered but beginning with “400” and are incorporated herein by reference to the above. 
     In this embodiment, the payload-receiving member  403  includes a flat receiving member having a flat bottom or ledge  505 , with a back sidewall perpendicular to the ledge  505 , and remaining sidewalls open. 
       FIG. 8  is a back view of another embodiment of a present invention tactical carrying pack that includes a payload-receiving member with both flat and recessed cylindrical features, and wherein both shoulder bars are non-vertical and separated for two shoulder payload transport, and wherein the shoulder bars are separated from one another at the vertical base plate. Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a tactical carrying pack includes a vertical base plate  501 , a left shoulder bar  507 , a right shoulder bar  509  and a payload-receiving member  503 . Similar parts as referred to by  FIG. 4  are similarly numbered but beginning with “500” and are incorporated herein by reference to the above. 
     In this embodiment, the payload-receiving member  503  includes at least one flat section  543  and at least one recessed section  541 . 
     Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.