Backpack having framesheet assembly

Abstract

A backpack is provided incorporating a framesheet and having superior torsional flexibility and load support. The backpack includes a sack configured to be disposed on a user's back and having a first side adjacent to the user's back, when worn. The framesheet is attached to the first side of the sack, generally with the spine of the user. A surface contour is provided to the framesheet that facilitates load support and inhibits barreling. The framesheet has a first width in the upper region and a second width less than the first width, the second width residing in the intermediate between the scapulas and the hip bones of the user. Optionally, a stay can also be provided to the backside of the framesheet, preferably along the centerline thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 494,423, filed Aug. 12, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to backpacks and, more particularly, to a backpack having a framesheet. [0003] Backpacks having a frame support have long been used for carrying heavy, bulky loads. In the past, backpacks were commonly configured to have an external frame that supported a sack. The external frame typically included interconnected metal bars, forming a relatively rigid structure. Shoulder straps and often a hip belt were connected to the frame to distribute the load relatively evenly onto the user. Sacks, typically of nylon or canvas, were secured generally within the confines of the frame and, as such, the sack was relatively spaced apart from the back of the user. Such backpacks could support relatively heavy loads. However, due in part to frame rigidity and load positioning, s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] Briefly, and in general terms, the invention resides in a backpack incorporating a framesheet and having superior torsional flexibility and load support. The backpack includes a sack configured to be disposed on a user's back and having a first side adjacent to the user's back, when worn. The framesheet is attached to the first side of the sack, generally with the spine of the user, to include an upper region of the framesheet generally disposed adjacent to the scapulas of the user. The framesheet has a surface contour that facilitates load support and inhibits barreling.

[0009] In a detailed aspect of a preferred embodiment, the framesheet includes a channel extending down the centerline of the framesheet substantially at least in the upper region thereof. The framesheet preferably is formed of plastic such as thermo-formed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material and may further include a plurality of contoured sections generally located in the upper region thereof to further enhance rigidity and inhibit barreling.

Problems solved by technology

Such backpacks could support relatively heavy loads.

However, due in part to frame rigidity and load positioning, such backpacks could be relatively awkward, particularly in technically challenging terrain, such as, steep inclines and uneven hiking paths.

As a hiker traversed tough terrain, the load tended to shift, which, combined with the spaced location of the load, would to challenge the hiker's balance.

Moreover, such metal-frame backpacks are impractical for use in extreme sports.

Such internal frame backpacks tend to rely upon the sack to provide sufficient torsional flexibility to accommodate such twisting, typically at the expense of other performance factors such as load support.

For example, as the backpack pressed against the back of the user, ventilation can be an issue.

Inadequate ventilation between the pack and the user can cause excess heating, resulting in great discomfort.

Also, when the sack is substantially loaded, it tends to bulge outwardly, commonly referred to as “barreling,” which too can result in discomfort.

Efforts to combat such factors tend to inhibit torsional flexibility, as well as increase costs.

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