Shoulder-strap-based cargo carrying hook

Abstract

An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a shoulder strap for use with a backpack, wherein the shoulder strap supports the backpack on a user’s shoulders. A hook is incorporated into the shoulder strap to carry cargo, such as a rifle, bow, binoculars, or the like. The hook and associated cargo provide a counterbalance for weight of the backpack on the user’s shoulders. In certain embodiments, the hook is designed to universally connect to different types of backpacks and shoulder straps. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a coupling mechanism to couple the hook to the shoulder strap and/or prevent swaying of the hook relative to the shoulder strap. The hook may foldable to enable the hook to be stowed away and/or prevent cargo from coming off the hook. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a shoulder strap for use with a backpack, the shoulder strap supporting the backpack on a user’s shoulders; and   a hook incorporated into the shoulder strap for carrying cargo, the hook and associated cargo providing a counterbalance for weight of the backpack on the user’s shoulders, wherein the hook locks in an upwardly folded position to retain an item in the hook.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the hook is designed to universally connect to different types of backpacks and shoulder straps. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the hook snaps in an upwardly folded position to retain an item in the hook. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a shape of the hook is configured to substantially conform to a contour of the shoulder strap when in a folded position. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a hinge incorporated into the hook to make the hook foldable. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the hinge is spring-loaded. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the hinge is a friction hinge. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a coupling mechanism to couple the hook to the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the coupling mechanism extends at least partly around a back side of the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling mechanism prevents or reduces sway of the hook relative to the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         11 . A method comprising:
 providing a shoulder strap for use with a backpack, the shoulder strap supporting the backpack on a user’s shoulders; and   incorporating a hook into the shoulder strap in order to carry cargo, the hook and associated cargo providing a counterbalance for weight of the backpack on the user’s shoulders, wherein the hook locks in an upwardly folded position to retain an item in the hook.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the hook is designed to universally connect to different types of backpacks and shoulder straps. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the hook snaps in an upwardly folded position to retain an item in the hook. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein a shape of the hook is configured to substantially conform to a contour of the shoulder strap when in a folded position. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising a hinge incorporated into the hook to make the hook foldable. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the hinge is spring-loaded. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the hinge is a friction hinge. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising a coupling mechanism to couple the hook to the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the coupling mechanism extends at least partly around a back side of the shoulder strap. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the coupling mechanism prevents or reduces sway of the hook relative to the shoulder strap.