Abstract: A backpack system is provided including an external frame, and a separate pack bag. The external frame may include at least one adjustable pole member, wherein the at least one adjustable pole member has a height that is adjustable between a daypack position and an extended position, wherein the extended position is higher than the daypack position. The pack bag can have an adjustable height so that it can be configured complementary to the height of the adjustable pole members. The backpack system may include a sling configured for extending between the frame and pack bag providing a space between the frame and pack bag for accommodating heavy or bulky cargo therebetween. The sling can be extended or retracted in order to selectively adjust the distance between the pack bag and frame.

Abstract: A backpack system is provided including an external frame, and a separate pack bag. The external frame may include at least one adjustable pole member, wherein the at least one adjustable pole member has a height that is adjustable between a daypack position and an extended position, wherein the extended position is higher than the daypack position. The pack bag can have an adjustable height so that it can be configured complementary to the height of the adjustable pole members. The backpack system may include a sling configured for extending between the frame and pack bag providing a space between the frame and pack bag for accommodating heavy or bulky cargo therebetween. The sling can be extended or retracted in order to selectively adjust the distance between the pack bag and frame.

Abstract: Shoulder strap retention devices that are used to secure the shoulder straps of an article in position relative to a separate chest panel or protector so that they do not slip off the chest panel or the shoulders of a user carrying the article are disclosed. In one embodiment, the shoulder strap retention devices include a retention strap and anchoring strips that are secured to the retention strap and used to attach the shoulder strap retention device to an article having shoulder straps.

Abstract: Shoulder strap retention devices that are used to secure the shoulder straps of an article in position relative to a separate chest panel or protector so that they do not slip off the chest panel or the shoulders of a user carrying the article are disclosed. In one embodiment, the shoulder strap retention devices include a retention strap and anchoring strips that are secured to the retention strap and used to attach the shoulder strap retention device to an article having shoulder straps.

Abstract: Shoulder strap retention devices that are used to secure the shoulder straps of an article in position relative to a separate chest panel or protector so that they do not slip off the chest panel or the shoulders of a user carrying the article are disclosed. In one embodiment, the shoulder strap retention devices include a retention strap and anchoring strips that are secured to the retention strap and used to attach the shoulder strap retention device to an article having shoulder straps.

Abstract: A backpack includes a stabilizing and ventilating side bolsters coupled to a frame. The side bolsters are secured to the frame by being received in sleeves or by straps having clips disposed through slots in the side bolsters. A particular side bolster includes at least one channel to allow air flow away from the back side of the wearer. The side bolster is comprised of high-density foam to stabilize the backpack under load while providing improved ventilation. The side bolsters have a center axis that is spatially separated in a forward direction from a surface of the frame to allow the side bolsters to contour around the back side of the wearer. The side bolsters may be formed for a particular environment, body type, or loads to be carried in the backpack by changing the stiffness, density, material, dimensions or other aspects of the side bolsters.

Abstract: A backpack frame system having a slotted frame configured to be detachably and interchangeably connected with a backpack is provided. The frame can include a plurality of generally uniformly spaced-apart slats extending between at least two upright members or cross members. Slots are defined between the slats, which are adapted for connection with an attachment system such that one or more objects or cargo may be hung from or otherwise secured to the frame. A looping system is provided for connecting the frame to the backpack. The backpack may be provided with a looping system comprising first and second sets of loops that can be interconnected by a connector and encircle a portion of the frame, such as an upright member, thereby connecting the frame to the backpack.

Abstract: A backpack system is provided including an external frame, a pack bag and a sling configured for extending between the frame and pack bag providing a space between the frame and pack bag for accommodating heavy or bulky cargo therebetween. The sling can be extended or retracted in order to selectively adjust the distance between the pack bag and frame. The backpack system may also include a pouch for supporting a lower end of relatively long object therein, which may be carried in the space between the pack bag and frame. In one embodiment, the pack bag is equipped with stiffening members for supporting the pack bag when not mounted directly to the frame.

Abstract: A backpack includes a stabilizing and ventilating side bolsters coupled to a frame. The side bolsters are secured to the frame by being received in sleeves or by straps having clips disposed through slots in the side bolsters. A particular side bolster includes at least one channel to allow air flow away from the back side of the wearer. The side bolster is comprised of high-density foam to stabilize the backpack under load while providing improved ventilation. The side bolsters have a center axis that is spatially separated in a forward direction from a surface of the frame to allow the side bolsters to contour around the back side of the wearer. The side bolsters may be formed for a particular environment, body type, or loads to be carried in the backpack by changing the stiffness, density, material, dimensions or other aspects of the side bolsters.

Abstract: The present invention involves the provision of a backpack frame assembly and associated load carrying devices. The backpack frame includes a plurality of stays having flexible joints therebetween. A membrane is secured to certain of the stays and helps resist flexing of joints between adjacent stay end portions. Load carrying devices may be provided and are releasably mounted to the frame assembly. The distance between the assembly's shoulder straps and hip belt can be adjusted to accommodate user's having different torso lengths by using an adjuster sheet to separate hook and look members attaching a shoulder strap assembly to a frame assembly. The adjuster sheet can operate as a support element when not operating as an adjuster. The adjuster sheet can be constructed of a laminated composite material and include reinforcing ribs formed therein.

Abstract: A backpack system is provided including an external frame, a pack bag and a sling configured for extending between the frame and pack bag providing a space between the frame and pack bag for accommodating heavy or bulky cargo therebetween. The sling can be extended or retracted in order to selectively adjust the distance between the pack bag and frame. The backpack system may also include a pouch for supporting a lower end of relatively long object therein, which may be carried in the space between the pack bag and frame. In one embodiment, the pack bag is equipped with stiffening members for supporting the pack bag when not mounted directly to the frame.

Abstract: Shoulder strap retention devices that are used to secure the shoulder straps of an article in position relative to a separate chest panel or protector so that they do not slip off the chest panel or the shoulders of a user carrying the article are disclosed. In one embodiment, the shoulder strap retention devices include a retention strap and anchoring strips that are secured to the retention strap and used to attach the shoulder strap retention device to an article having shoulder straps.

Abstract: A backpack system is provided including an external frame, a pack bag and a sling configured for extending between the frame and pack bag providing a space between the frame and pack bag for accommodating heavy or bulky cargo therebetween. The sling can be extended or retracted in order to selectively adjust the distance between the pack bag and frame. The backpack system may also include a pouch for supporting a lower end of relatively long object therein, which may be carried in the space between the pack bag and frame. In one embodiment, the pack bag is equipped with stiffening members for supporting the pack bag when not mounted directly to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention involves the provision of a backpack frame assembly and associated load carrying devices. The backpack frame includes a plurality of stays having flexible joints therebetween. A membrane is secured to certain of the stays and helps resist flexing of joints between adjacent stay end portions. Load carrying devices may be provided and are releasably mounted to the frame assembly. The distance between the assembly's shoulder straps and hip belt can be adjusted to accommodate user's having different torso lengths by using an adjuster sheet to separate hook and look members attaching a shoulder strap assembly to a frame assembly. The adjuster sheet can operate as a support element when not operating as an adjuster. The adjuster sheet can be constructed of a laminated composite material and include reinforcing ribs formed therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a backpack having a pack bag and a modular pack frame. The modular pack frame includes a generally flexible frame sheet that is fixed to a rigid support bar at the center of the frame that is contoured to mimic the shape of a user's backbone. The frame sheet is similarly curved and adapts to fit the remainder of the user's back. A pad overlies the sheet and extends throughout the pack frame. Reinforcement members are positioned in the pack frame and pack bag to prevent distortion of the pack frame and to concentrate the load of the pack toward the lumbar region and comfortably distribute the remainder of the load to the user's shoulders, hips, and other portions of the back.

Abstract: An external frame backpack (10) includes a frame (14), a hipbelt (32), two flexible stays (50, 52), back panel (38), and a lower panel (40). The frame is external and substantially rigid. It includes upper, middle, and lower frame members (22, 24, 26) secured between frame side rails (18, 20). The hipbelt is attached to the frame adjacent the lower frame member. The flexible stays are elongate with upper and lower ends. The upper ends are attached to the upper frame member. The lower ends are attached to the sides of the hipbelt. The stays are flexible to allow movement of the hipbelt as the stays bend while transmitting at least a portion of the weight held on the frame to the lower end of the stays. The back panel is vertically and horizontally tensioned and secured to the frame. The lower panel is secured between the side rails of the frame. The lower panel includes a support sheet (66) to maintain the shape thereof when tensioned between the side rails.

Abstract: A pack for holding articles and providing fluid hydration is provided. The pack includes a bladder compartment having an opening for securing a fluid bladder therein for hydration with a hose attached thereto. The bladder has a front side adapted to be positioned against the user's back and a back side opposite the front side. The pack bag is sewn onto the back of the bladder compartment and is larger than the bladder compartment. The bladder compartment provides a cushion between the pack bag and the user and contours the back of the user. Shoulder straps are attached from the top of the bladder compartment to the bottom of the pack bag. A hip belt also extends from the bottom of the pack bag around the hips of the user. The top of the bladder compartment is at least partially separated from the top of the pack bag to allow the contouring of the bladder compartment along the upper portion of the back of the user. A lift strap extends between the top of the shoulder pad and the top of the pack bag.

Abstract: Load distribution shoulder pads (12, 14) for a backpack (10). Each shoulder pad is constructed from a first cushioned layer (16) and a second cushioned layer (18). Each cushioned layer is covered by a corresponding fabric layer (20, 22). The cushioned layers are contoured by the formation of a skived longitudinal recess (66) cut into the interior surface (62) of each cushioned layer along the perimeter edge (64) of the cushioned layer, defining a reduced thickness perimeter lip (70) around each cushioned layer. For assembly, the cushioned layers are placed exterior fabric side against exterior fabric side and a cushioned layer/fabric seam allowance (74) is sewn with stitching (76). The shoulder pad is then reversed inside-out, such that the seam allowances are received between the cushioned layers within a cavity (78) defined by the opposing skived recesses. The shoulder pad has a uniform thickness and density across the entire width, and uncomfortable pressure ridges are avoided.

Abstract: An external frame backpack (10) includes a frame (14), a hip belt (32), two flexible stays (50, 52), a back panel (38), and a lower panel (40). The frame is external and substantially rigid. It includes upper, middle, and lower frame members (22, 24, 26) secured between frame siderails (18, 20). The hip belt is attached to the frame adjacent the lower frame member. The flexible stays are elongate with upper and lower ends. The upper ends attach to the upper frame member. The lower ends attach to the sides of the hip belt. The stays are flexible to allow movement of the hip belt as the stays bend while transmitting at least a portion of the weight held on the frame to the lower end of the stays. The back panel is vertically and horizontally tensioned and secured to the frame. The lower panel is secured between the siderails of the frame. The lower panel includes a support sheet (66) to maintain the shape thereof when tensioned between the siderails.

Abstract: An external frame backpack includes a frame (14), a hipbelt (32), two flexible stays (50, 52), a back panel (38), and a lower panel (40). The frame is external and substantially rigid. It includes upper, middle, and lower frame members (22, 24, 26) secured between frame side rails (18, 20). The hipbelt is attached to the frame adjacent the lower frame member. The flexible stays are elongate with upper and lower ends. The upper ends are attached to the upper frame member. The lower ends are attached to the sides of the hipbelt. The stays are flexible to allow movement of the hipbelt as the stays bend while transmitting at least a portion of the weight held on the frame to the lower end of the stays. The back panel is vertically and horizontally tensioned and secured to the frame. The lower panel is secured between the side rails of the frame. The lower panel includes a support sheet (66) to maintain the shape thereof when tensioned between the side rails.