Backpack load carrying system

Abstract

A lightweight ergonomic backpack load carrying system adapted to anatomically distributes a backpack load from the shoulders of a user onto the waist region thereof. The backpack load carrying system includes a waist support contoured to fit the waist of a user. A waist support frame extends from the waist support to a return connection. A backpack support frame extends from the return connection forming an acute angle with the waist support frame. A securing mechanism is adapted to secure the backpack load carrying system onto a backpack.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to backpacks, and more particularly to a lightweight ergonomic backpack harness that anatomically distributes a portion of the load from the shoulders to the waist region of a user.

2. Description of the Related Art

Overloaded backpack usage is one of the most damaging injuries to the spine and the posture of a user frequently diagnosed by chiropractors and physicians alike. Backpacks have a myriad of different implementations and are typically used by various people, including, for example, students, military, hikers, and the like for carrying and transporting various items.

Conventionally, backpacks include an internally reinforced structure that is built into the lining of the backpack. A typical backpack includes shoulder straps which hook over the shoulders and a flat portion of the backpack lies flat up against the back of the user.

In use, the entire load from the backpack is directed vertically through the shoulder straps onto the shoulders of the user. The narrow construction of a shoulder strap creates a point stress at each shoulder strap on the user which can cause severe discomfort when the backpack is normally loaded. As a result of a heavily weighted backpack, the user attempts to compensate for the additional load by straining and irregularly contorting their back to lean forward with poor posturing. Various disadvantages have been deduced as a result of the unruly stress on the shoulders. Generally, a user will unnaturally hunch forward to overcompensate for the excessive load on the shoulders thereby subjecting themselves to ill posture and potentially bad back problems. Numerous painful consequences stem from the over-weight backpack including, head and neck aches, muscle spasms, and poor blood circulation to the arms and hands of the user resulting from blood constriction of the straps and the loaded backpack.

It is clear that this problem has not been solved and there is still a longstanding need for an adjustable backpack load carrying system that is ergonomic, lightweight, yet strong and simple in construction that promotes proper anatomic posture and healthy back alignment positioning while in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the shortcomings identified in providing an adjustable anatomic backpack load carrying system.

The backpack load carrying system includes a pair of shoulder straps, a waist belt, and a back pad. The suspension system should be adjustable to accommodate various torso shapes and should comfortably support the load on the backpacker. The backpack load carrying system includes a securing mechanism adapted to secure the backpack load carrying system to a backpack.

The backpack load carrying system is configured so that an angle between a backpack support frame and a waist support frame is provided to distribute the weight of the load in the backpack from being directly applied vertically to the shoulders through the shoulder straps and distributing a portion of the load to the waist support and onto the hips and lower back, promoting a natural upright standing position thereby enhancing the body's natural ability to properly carry weight. The backpack load carrying system reduces stress on the body by redistributing the weight from the shoulders to the hips and waist, and substantially lightens the effective load felt by the user.

The backpack load carrying system props the user's backpack slightly upward and away from the user's back forming an open area between the waist support frame and the backpack support frame in such a manner that this invention promotes proper anatomic posture and healthy back alignment positioning while in use.

These and other objects, features, and/or advantages may accrue from various aspects of embodiments of the present invention, as described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an illustration of a backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a conventional backpack being carried by a user and the load experienced by the user's shoulders associated with the backpack.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate a construction for a modular waist support bracket for an adjustable backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate various exemplary connections between a waist support frame, a backpack support frame and a return connection for the adjustable backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a modular view of an exemplary connection for the return connection and the backpack support frame in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an adjustable modular view of the connection for the waist support frame, the return connection and the backpack support frame in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of an illustration of a modular infant carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of an illustration of the modular infant carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of an illustration of the modular infant carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a rear view of an illustration of the modular infant carrying system in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates an illustration of an exemplary fastener connection for the modular infant carrying system in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the figures. The use of the term “backpack” is intended to be broadly interpreted to cover various types of items, packs, and/or containers which may carry a substantial load by a user on their back. Likewise, the backpack may be a particular item having a substantial load which may be carried upon a user's back. For example, a backpack may include a tank, a child or animal carrier, a storage compartment for holding books, camping gear, a tent, a surfboard, a canoe, and/or any other type of item or container capable of possessing and/or supporting a load.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a modular backpack load carrying system 10 adapted for use with a backpack 4. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the modular backpack load carrying system 10 without the backpack 4. As shown, the straps 6 of the backpack 4 are carried over the shoulders 3 of the user 2. The backpack load carrying system 10 includes a waist support 20 into which a portion of the load from the weight of the backpack 4 and its contents are biased onto the waist of the user 2. The waist support frame 30 is connected through a return connection 50 to a backpack support frame 40. The waist support frame 30 and the backpack support frame 40 are positioned relative to each other at an optimum predetermined angle θ that is selected to comfortably distribute the load of the backpack 4 to the hips and lumbar of the user 2 via the waist support 20, and to the shoulders 3 of the user 2 through the backpack straps 6.

An angular range over which the waist support frame 30 and the backpack support frame 40 may be positioned may lie in the range between approximately 3 to 45 degrees, and preferably may be positioned at about 15 degrees for optimum distribution of the load. The angular range may vary based on the size, shape and configuration of the backpack load carrying system 10 and the backpack 4 being carried as well as the size and shape of the user 2.

The backpack load carrying system 10 is adapted for use in a variety of different implementations. For example, the backpack load carrying system 10 may be used with a student's backpack, a military backpack, a camping/hiking backpack, to carry large and small items, such as a tent or a surfboard and/or any other item that may be adapted and carried by the user.

FIG. 3 illustrates the normal use and wear of a conventional backpack 4. As shown, the vertical force F_V and the resultant force F_L are the same. That is, the entire load F_L from the backpack 4 is directed vertically through the shoulder straps 6 onto the shoulders 3 of the user 2. Traditionally, the force from the load F_L of the backpack 4 causes severe discomfort to the user 2. The user 2 will attempt to compensate for the additional load by hunching forward to offset and balance the extreme load pulling backward by the weight of the backpack 4. The consequence of the user's overcompensation results in poor posture and eventually can cause severe pain and/or discomfort to the spine of the user 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the waist support 20 includes a main section 22 that curls into side flaps 24 at its ends. The main section 22 is attached to the waist support frame 30. As shown, the side flaps 24 are contoured to wrap around the waist 5 of the user 2.

FIG. 5 shows that the waist support 20 may be constructed of a material that is comfortable when placed against the waist 5 of the user 2. The waist support 20 may be lined with a soft material fabric, such as for example, a foam cushioned material fabric, and/or any other type of cushioning suitable for providing comfort to the user 2. Likewise, during manufacture and assembly, all rough edges and abrasions from the construction of the backpack load carrying system 10 may be smooth for safety and comfort.

FIG. 6 shows that the waist support 20 may be attached to the waist support frame 30 by a plurality of fasteners 26. Various types of fasteners may be used, including but not limited to, screws, rivets, pins, snap-lock fasteners, and/or any other type of fastener capable of securing the waist support 20 to the waist support frame 30, and/or other components to each other. The waist support 20 may be constructed so that the waist support 20 may be slidably guided into place and is locked into position adjacent to the waist support frame 30 at a predetermined location. Various mechanisms may be employed to slidably position the waist support 20 into position, such as by disposing a track on the waist support 20 and a mating rail on the waist support frame 30 for receiving the mating track and aligning the waist support 20.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the waist support frame 30 including a first waist support frame member 32 and a second waist support frame member 34 that extend from the waist support 20 to the return connection 50. As shown, the return connection 50 may be constructed as a rod 51 that spans across to secure upper ends of the first waist support frame member 32 and the second waist support frame member 34.

The return connection 50 may also secure the upper end of the backpack support frame 40. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6-7, the backpack support frame 40 includes an angular return portion 41 formed at the upper end of the backpack support frame 40 that connects to the return connection 50.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4-6, the backpack support frame 40 is constructed to include a first backpack support frame member 42 and a second backpack support frame member 44. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first backpack support frame member 42 and the second backpack support frame member 44 extend from the return connection 50 in an acute angular direction θ relative to the waist support frame 30 that provides a cantilever effect in which the weight of a load experienced by the backpack 4 is distributed, in part, through the backpack load carrying system 10 to the waist support frame 30 and onto the waist 5 of the user 2.

A first lateral backpack support frame member 46 extends across and connects the lower peripheral ends of the first backpack support frame member 42 and the second backpack support frame member 44. Likewise, an intermediate lateral backpack support frame member 48 extends across an intermediate portion of the first backpack support frame member 42 and the second backpack support frame member 44.

FIGS. 4 and 6 illustrate providing a securing mechanism 60 on at least one of the first lateral backpack support frame member 46 and the intermediate lateral backpack support frame member 48. The purpose of the securing mechanism 60 is to secure the backpack 4 to the backpack support frame 40. Various types of securing mechanisms 60 may be employed, including but not limited to: Velcro, snaps, a zipper, a sleeve or a pocket, and/or any other type of mechanism capable of securing the backpack 4 to the backpack support frame 40. By way of example, FIG. 1 depicts a lower portion of the backpack support frame 40 being secured to the backpack 4 by having at least one end of the backpack support frame 40 being tucked into a securing pocket 62 disposed on the backpack 4.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 4, an angle θ is defined by the relative positioning of the return connection 50 and the cantilevered angular return portion 41 of the backpack support frame 40. The object of providing an angle θ between the backpack support frame 40 and the waist support frame 30 is to comfortably distribute the weight of the load F_L of the backpack 4. Instead of having the entire load F_L being directly applied to the shoulders 3 of the user 2 through the shoulder straps 6, the load F_L is distributed in portions to the straps 6 of the backpack 4, and through the waist support 20 to the hips and waist 5 of the user 2.

Likewise, it is important to note that the material properties and composition of the waist support frame 30, the return connection 50, and the backpack support frame 40 influence the amount of resilient angular displacement the waist support frame 30 and the backpack support frame 40 will flex relative to each other. Softer materials will generally allow for greater flexibility, than will more rigid materials. The length of the waist support frame 30 and the backpack support frame 40 will also influence the amount of angular 0 displacement the backpack load carrying system 10 will incur.

Referring to FIG. 3, conventionally only one force F_L is evident. That is, the vertical force F_V and the resultant force F_L of the load are equal because the backpack 4 lies flat against the user's 2 back and no horizontal force component is produced. All of the weight F_L of the backpack 4 is directed downward and carried entirely onto the shoulder straps 6. Consequently, when the backpack is overloaded, severe discomfort is experienced by the user 2 from the strain by the weight at the shoulder straps 6.

Referring back to FIG. 1 in more detail, the force F_L represents the resultant gravitation force of the load of the backpack 4 and the contents therein. By employing the backpack load carrying system 10 in accordance with this invention, the backpack 4 is slightly elevated so that the resultant gravitation force F_L generated from the load of the backpack 4 produces two force components. A vertical force component F_V and a horizontal force component F_H.

In use, the bottom of the backpack 4 of the user 2 is propped angularly upward at an acute angle θ, slightly outward and away from the user's back. An open area 52 is formed between the waist support frame 30 and the backpack support frame 40. The acute angle θ is formed between the waist support frame 30 and the backpack support frame 40 which, as a result, causes the gravitational force of the resultant load F_L to produce a horizontal force component F_H and vertical force component F_V.

The horizontal force of the load F_H is translated through the frame (40, 50, 30, 20) of the backpack load carrying system 10 horizontally to the hips and waist 5 of the user 2. As a result, the vertical force component F_V is substantially reduced, and therefore less of the vertical force F_V is distributed to the user's 2 shoulders 3 through the straps 6. The advantage of this construction is that less force, and therefore less weight from the backpack 4 impinges vertically downward cutting into the user's 2 shoulders 3 through the shoulder straps 6 of the backpack 4.

The distribution of force to the waist support 20, alleviating the entire load off of the shoulders 3 makes wearing the backpack 4 more comfortable. The weight of the backpack 4 is not entirely felt on the shoulders 3, but instead a distributed portion of the load is transferred instead to the waist 5 of the user 2. Redistributing a portion of the load to the waist 5 also acts to counteract the weight of the bag which conventionally caused the user 2 to hunch forward. Therefore, the user is comfortable standing upright and prone to maintaining better spinal alignment. Proper anatomical alignment is promoted thereby enabling the user 2 to walk naturally upright and with good posture.

Another advantage of the backpack load carrying system 10 is that the open gap 52 (as shown in FIG. 1) formed between waist support frame 30 and the backpack support frame 40 allows for ample aeration of heat and perspiration that would otherwise build up in the open area gap. As such, the user 2 may keep cooler carrying their backpack 4 and will not suffer from unsightly sweaty and/or drenched back to their garment when removing their backpack 4 as is characteristic of wearing a backpack in a conventional manner.

Various constructions may be used in accordance with this invention. It is to be understood that the backpack load carrying system 10 may be made as a single integral piece construction, or made be made of various modular components in construction.

FIGS. 8-14 illustrate the modular adjustable construction of various components of the backpack load carrying system 10. In particular, FIGS. 8-9 depict a modular waist support bracket 120 including a first adjustable waist support 20a and a second adjustable waist support 20b. The modular waist support bracket 120 may be made of any suitable number of pieces. As shown, the modular waist support bracket 120 includes a center plate 21 adjustably connected to intermediate plates 23 disposed on either side of the center plate 21. The intermediate plates 23 are connected at their peripheral edge to a pivot joint 27, which in turn is connected to an adjustable outer plate 25.

The center plate 21 and the intermediate plates 23 include an adjustable mechanism comprising of a variety of slots 28 through which adjustable fasteners 26 are disposed. The adjustable fasteners 26 slide within the adjustable slots 28 thereby permitting the modular waist support bracket 120 to adjust to a variety of users having a number of different sizes and shapes. The outer plates 25 are curved and may be hinged at the pivot joint 27 to adjust to users of different sizes. The outer plates 25 may be pivoted inward and outward for adjustment purposes.

In use, for a smaller waist 5 person, the center plate 21 and the intermediate plates 23 may be adjusted in close alignment together, and the outer plates 25 may be brought more inward to support the smaller waist 5 of the user 2. However, for a larger waist 5 person, the center plate 21 and the intermediate plates 23 would be adjusted farther from each other, and the outer plates 25 may be pushed outward to support the larger waist 5 of the user 2.

FIGS. 10-12 show various modular constructions for an adjustable connection made by the waist support frame 30, the backpack support frame 40 and the return connection 50. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a first exemplary connection between the waist support frame 30 and the backpack support frame 40 at the return connection 50. As shown, the angular return portion 41 of the backpack support frame 40 surrounds the return connection 50. The peripheral edge of the return connection 30 is positioned within the return connection 50. The backpack support frame 40, the return connection 30 and the return connection 50 are all fastened together by securing an adjustable fastener 26 thereto.

FIG. 11 illustrates a second exemplary connection between the waist support frame 30, the backpack support frame 40 at the return connection 50. As shown, the backpack support connection 30 includes an adjustment fastener 26 disposed between the backpack return connection 30 and a second backpack return connection 30a. The backpack return connection 30 and the second backpack return connection 30a are adjustable, for example by a slot 28 (as shown in FIG. 9), and connected to each other at an adjustable fastener portion 26 disposed there between. As such, the backpack return connection 30 may be slidably adjusted relative to the second backpack return connection 30a for optimum sizing of the user 2. In use, the angular return portion 41 of the backpack support frame 40 surrounds the return connection 50. The peripheral edge of the second return connection 30a is fastened by fastener 26 to the return connection 50. The backpack return connection 30 is secured to the second backpack return connection 30a by an adjustable fastener 26.

FIG. 12 illustrates another exemplary connection between the waist support frame 30 and the backpack support frame 40 at the return connection 50. According to this embodiment, the waist support frame 30 is integrated as part of the return connection 50. In use, the angular return portion 41 of the backpack support frame 40 is returned at a predetermined angle inwardly and positioned within the return connection 50. The angular return portion 41 is then secured to the return connection 50 by an adjustable fastener 26. The peripheral edge of the angular return portion 41 may be suitably adjusted into a preferred position according to the user's preference.

FIG. 12 also shows the integration of a belt strap fastener for securing the backpack load carrying system 10 to the waist 5 of the user 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the belt strap fastener is depicted as a snap-lock buckle fastener 242. The snap-lock buckle fastener 242 includes a first strap 243 attached to a first end of a side flap 24 and a second strap 244 attached to a second end of the other side flap 24.

FIG. 12 illustrates that the design of the backpack load carrying system 10 is flexible and may be constructed in a variety of different ways. For example, and as shown, a first lateral waist support frame member 33 may be disposed laterally across the waist support frame 30. Likewise, a second lateral waist support frame member 35 may also be disposed laterally across the waist support frame 30 for added support and stability.

FIG. 12 shows the first lateral backpack support frame member 46 and the intermediate lateral backpack support frame member 48 being disposed on a side adjacent to the open gap 52. A plurality of button snap fasteners 43 are shown disposed on an outside of the backpack support frame 40. The button snap fasteners 43 may be used to affix, various items, such as the backpack 3 and/or infant seat 160 as will be discussed in more detail later. Likewise, it is also within the scope of this invention to adapt the backpack load carrying system 10 for carrying various types of items, small and large, such as a surfboard, a skateboard, and/or any other object,

FIGS. 13-14 show that the backpack support frame 40 may also be modularly constructed. The backpack support frame 40 is attached to a return connection 51 made as a single piece construction. The return connection 51 includes receiving apertures 51a, 51b adapted to receive the peripheral ends 30b of the waist support frame 30, and the peripheral ends 40b of the backpack support frame 40, respectively. The receiving apertures 51a, 51b are spaced apart at a predetermined angle θ suitable to space the waist support frame 30 from the backpack support frame 40.

As shown in FIG. 13, the backpack support frame 40 includes a first backpack support frame member 42c, and a second backpack support frame member 44c whose peripheral ends 40b connect into the return connection 51. The backpack support frame 40 further includes a first lateral backpack support frame member 46c whose peripheral ends 46a connect into a pair of snap-lock housings 43 disposed at the lower end of the first backpack support frame member 42c and the second backpack support frame member 44c respectively. Likewise, the backpack support frame 40 includes an intermediate lateral backpack support frame member 48c whose peripheral ends 48a connect into another pair of snap-lock housings 43 disposed at an intermediate position on the first backpack support frame member 42c, and at an intermediate position on the second backpack support frame member 44c.

In use, and as shown in FIG. 13, the peripheral end 40b of the backpack support frame 40 is inserted and locked into the receiving aperture 51b. Likewise, the peripheral end 30b of the waist support frame 30 is inserted and locked into the receiving aperture 51a.

As shown in FIG. 13, the peripheral end 40b of the backpack support frame 40 is constructed in combination with the receiving aperture 51b as a snap-lock fastener. When the snap-lock fastener end 46c is positioned within the receiving aperture 51b, flared portions of the snap-lock fastener 46c are captivated by protrusions 52b such that the backpack support frame 40 is locked into position for use. The same locking operation is similar for the peripheral end 30b of the waist support frame 30 when it is inserted and into the receiving aperture 51a.

FIG. 13 also shows that lateral backpack support frame members 46c, and intermediate lateral backpack support frame member 48c may also be secured into place using similarly constructed peripheral ends 46a and 48a, respectively. By way of example, FIG. 13 depicts in detailed cross-section, the peripheral end 48a of the intermediate lateral backpack support frame member 48c disposed and secured within a snap-lock housing 43. The snap-lock housing 43 may be secured via flanges 45 and a fastener 26 to various positions on the backpack support frame 40. The snap-lock housing 43 includes a receiving aperture 48b into which the peripheral end 48a is disposed. When the snap-lock fastener 48d is positioned within the receiving aperture 48b, flared portions 48d of the snap-lock fasteners 48d are captivated by protrusions 52b and the intermediate lateral backpack support frame member 48c is locked into position for use. The same applies for the lateral backpack support frame member 46c.

Although various snap-lock fasteners are shown in FIG. 13, it is to be understood that various connections may used throughout this invention to attach the various components to each other, and/or any other type of connection now known, or later discovered, in accordance with this invention.

These embodiments demonstrate the flexibility in which the backpack load carrying system 10 and the modular infant carrying system 100 as will be described below may be designed and constructed in accordance with this invention. It is to be understood that a variety of different configurations may be used without departing from the scope of this invention and these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

FIGS. 15-19 illustrate another exemplary embodiment in which the backpack load carrying system 10 may be adapted for use as a modular infant carrying system 100. As shown in FIG. 15, the modular infant carrying system 100 includes a waist support 20 connected to a waist support frame 30. The waist support frame 30 is connected to an infant support frame 140 through a return connection 50. The infant support frame 140 is attached to an infant seat 160.

The infant seat 160 includes a seat 162 with legs cut-outs 164 through which an infant 7 may rest their legs and be supported. The infant seat 160 includes a seat backing 166 and side panels 168 for securing the infant 7 within the infant seat 160. The infant seat 160 may be lined with a soft material to comfortably cushion the infant 7 during transport.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an exemplary embodiment for securing the infant seat 160 to the infant support frame 140 via a plurality of fasteners 142, 142a. In this embodiment, the fasteners 142, 142a may be integrated as part of the infant seat 160. As shown in FIG. 19, the fasteners 142 include a hook-like return 143 portion that hooks around the infant support frame member 44a and is secured to a portion of the infant support frame 140. The fasteners 142 may be clamped to the infant support frame 140 in a variety of different ways, such as with a screw 142b and/or employing any other locking mechanism. The fasteners 142 may be constructed in a number of different ways, including but not limited to, a clamp, a clasp, a hook, a claw, and any other suitable means for the fastening the infant seat 160 to the infant support frame 140.

FIG. 17 is a front side view of the modular infant carrying system 100. The infant support frame 140 includes a first infant support frame member 42a and a second infant support frame member 44a. Similar to the backpack load carrying system 10 (and as shown in FIG. 15), the first infant support frame member 42a and the second infant support frame member 44a extend from the return connection 50 in an acute angular direction θ relative to the waist support frame 30.

A first lateral infant support frame member 46a extends across and connects the lower peripheral ends of the first infant support frame member 42a and the second infant support frame member 44a. Likewise, an intermediate lateral infant support frame member 48a extends across an intermediate portion of the first infant support frame member 42a and an intermediate portion of the second infant support frame member 44a.

Various fasteners 142, 142a are depicted to demonstrate the different ways that the infant seat 160 may be attached to the infant support frame 140. Fasteners 142 are adapted to be secured to the first infant support frame member 42a and the second infant support frame member 44a by constructing the fasteners 142 with a return 143 portion.

FIG. 19 depicts the fastener 142 being constructed in a hook-like shape to surround the infant support at least one of the frame members 42a, 44a, 46a, 48a. The fasteners 142, 142a may be constructed to be flexibly stretched around the various infant support members 42a, 44a, 46a, 48a on the infant support frame. Likewise, and as shown in FIG. 19, the fasteners 142, 142a may include a pivot point 144 adapted to allow the return 143 to close over the various infant support members 42a, 44a, 46a, 48a.

FIG. 19 further depicts securing the fastener 142 to an infant support frame member 42a by a threaded fastener 142b. The threaded fastener 142b may be included to provide additional support to secure the fastener 142 to the infant support frame member 42a.

As shown in FIG. 17, the fasteners 142, 142a may be configured to snugly sit adjacent to, and/or be supported on top of at least one of the lateral infant support frame members 46a, 48a and/or on the infant support members 42a, 44a. For example, the fastener 142a is shown in an elongated construction which hooks onto the lateral infant support frame member 48a. Another elongated fastener may be provided to hook onto the lateral infant support frame member 46a to provide additional security of the infant seat 160. It is to be understood that various configurations for providing a number of different fasteners 142 to the infant support frame 140 may be provided.

FIG. 18 depicts another exemplary embodiment in which the fasteners 142 include adjustable arms 146 which may be extended so that the fasteners 142, 142a may be secured to the various infant support members 42a, 44a, 46a, 48a. Likewise, and as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, any combination of fasteners 142, 142a may be employed to secure the infant seat 160 to the infant support frame 140.

The frame for the modular infant carrying system 100 is constructed similar in design to the modular backpack load carrying system 10. As shown in FIG. 15, the straps 6 are also adapted for use with the infant carrying system 100. The straps 6 of the backpack 4 are also carried over the shoulders 3 of the user 2. The infant carrying system 100 includes a waist support 20 into which a distributed portion of the load of the backpack 4 is directed onto the waist 5 of the user 2. The waist support frame 30 is connected to the infant support frame 140 through a return connection 50. The waist support frame 30 and the infant support frame 140 are positioned relative to each other at a predetermined angle θ that is conducive for comfortably distributing the load of the infant 7 to both, the hips and waist 5 by the waist support 20, and to the shoulders 3 of the user 2 by the straps 6.

Another advantage realized by the infant carrying system 100 is that the connection between the waist support frame 30 and the infant support frame 140 may be constructed of resilient materials capable of resiliently flexing (without fatigue) and thereby absorbing shock generated by the steps taken by the user 2. Likewise, the return connection 50 may be constructed with a bias element (not shown) capable of absorbing the shock from the user's step, thereby dissipating the shock experienced by the infant 7. As a result, the infant 7 will experience a smoother, more comfortable ride while seated in the infant carrying system 100.

Various materials may be used for the various components in accordance with this invention, including, but not limited to metal, a polymer, fabric, and the like.

According to this invention, the modular infant carrying system 100 also promotes good posture and an anatomical spinal alignment is ensured thereby enabling the user 2 to walk naturally upright with good posture.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It is understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments which are described, but is intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A backpack load carrying system comprising:

a waist support contoured to fit the waist of a user;

a waist support frame extending from the waist support to a return connection;

a backpack support frame extending from the return connection forming a predetermined angle with the waist support frame; and

a securing mechanism adapted to secure the backpack load carrying system to a backpack, wherein the predetermined angle between the support frame and the waist support frame is provided to distribute a portion of the weight applied by backpack straps on the shoulders of a user, to the hips and waist through the waist support frame.

2. The backpack load carrying system recited in claim 1, wherein the waist support includes a main section extending at its ends into side flaps, and wherein the waist support is constructed of a soft material and attached to the waist support frame by at least one fastener.

3. The backpack load carrying system recited in claim 1, wherein the waist support frame comprises:

a first waist support frame member extends from the waist support to a first end of the return connection; and

a second waist support frame member extends from the waist support to a second end of the return connection.

4. The backpack load carrying system recited in claim 3, wherein the backpack support frame comprises:

a first backpack support frame member having a first curved end that extends from a first end of the return connection; and

a second backpack support frame member having a second curved end that extends from a second end of the return connection, and

wherein the waist support frame extends outward from the backpack support frame from the return connection at the predetermined angle producing a cantilever force in which a portion of the weight of the backpack is distributed to the waist support.

5. The backpack load carrying system recited in claim 1, wherein the backpack support frame includes a first backpack support frame member and a second backpack support frame member extending from the return connection in an acute angular direction relative to the waist support frame so that a cantilever force is produced in which a portion of the weight of the backpack is distributed to the waist support.

6. The backpack load carrying system recited in claim 1, wherein the backpack support frame further includes:

a first lateral backpack support frame member extends across the peripheral ends of the first backpack support frame member and the second backpack support frame member; and

an intermediate lateral backpack support frame member that extends across the an intermediate location on the first backpack support frame member and the second backpack support frame member.

7. The backpack load carrying system recited in claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism is disposed on at least one of: the first lateral backpack support frame member, and the intermediate backpack support frame member.

8. The backpack load carrying system recited in claim 1, wherein the angle between the backpack support frame and the waist support frame is provided to distribute the weight of the load in the backpack and the contents thereof from being directly applied to the shoulders through the shoulder straps and distributing a portion of the load to the waist support.

9. The backpack load carrying system recited in claim 8, wherein the weight of the load in the backpack and the contents thereof define a load force having a vertical force component and a horizontal force component, wherein the horizontal force component is distributed to the waist support thereby reducing the vertical force.

10. The backpack load carrying system recited in claim 1, wherein the backpack load carrying system causes the backpack to be propped upward and away from the user's back forming an open area between the waist support frame and the backpack support frame.

11. A modular load carrying system comprising:

a waist support contoured to fit the waist of a user;

a waist support frame extending from the waist support to a return connection;

a support frame extending from the return connection forming an angle with the waist support frame; and

a securing mechanism adapted to secure the modular load carrying system to a backpack,

wherein the angle between the support frame and the waist support frame is provided to distribute a portion of the weight applied by the backpack on the shoulders of a user, to the waist through the waist support frame.

12. The modular load carrying system recited in claim 11, wherein the backpack is constructed as at least one of: a carrier pack; an infant carrier; a pet carrier and an item carrier.

13. The modular load carrying system recited in claim 11, wherein the waist support frame is modular and is comprised of:

a center plate including an adjustable guide;

intermediate plates adjustably connected to either side of the center plate and adapted to slide on the adjustable guide of the center plate; and

a pair of outer plates adjustably connected to the intermediate plates; and

at least one adjustable fastener for securing.

14. The modular load carrying system recited in claim 13, wherein the pair of outer plates are pivotally connected to the intermediate plates and pivot inward and outward.

15. The modular load carrying system recited in claim 11, wherein a peripheral edge of the waist support frame is disposed within the return connection, and wherein the backpack support frame, the waist support frame, and the return connection are all fastened together by an adjustable fastener.

16. The modular load carrying system recited in claim 11, wherein at least one of the waist support frame and the backpack support frame, includes modular legs which are slidably adjustable relative to each other.

17. The modular load carrying system recited in claim 11, wherein the backpack support frame is integrally connected to the return connection, and a peripheral edge of the backpack support frame is curled into the return connection, such that the backpack support frame, the waist support frame, and the return connection are all fastened together by an adjustable fastener.

18. The modular load carrying system recited in claim 11, wherein the return connection includes receiving apertures adapted to receive peripheral ends of the waist support frame and the backpack support frame, and wherein the receiving apertures are spaced apart at a predetermined angle.

19. A modular infant carrying system comprising:

a waist support contoured to fit the waist of a user;

a waist support frame extending from the waist support to a return connection;

a seat support frame extending from the return connection forming an angle with the waist support frame; and

a securing mechanism adapted to secure an infant seat to the seat support frame,

wherein the angle between the seat support frame and the waist support frame is provided to distribute a portion of the weight applied by the infant and the infant seat on the shoulders of a user, to the waist through the waist support frame.

20. The modular infant carrying system recited in claim 19, wherein the securing mechanism adapted to secure the infant seat to the seat support frame is at least one fastener adapted to secure at least one of the infant support members to the seat support frame.