BACKPACK FRAME INSERT

Abstract

A backpack suspension apparatus is provided. The backpack suspension apparatus includes a frame, a material suspended between elements of the frame, and means for releasably holding the frame between a back of a user and a backpack.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of international application no. PCT/US2015/014037, filed Feb. 2, 2015, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/935,333, filed Feb. 4, 2014, entitled “Breathable Backpack Frame Insert.” The entire contents of the aforementioned international and provisional applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to backpacks, and more particularly to a backpack frame insert which may be added to a backpack to increase the comfort of the backpack by providing improved ventilation, support, and padding.

BACKGROUND

Backpacks may be as simple as a pack for holding items, and straps used to hold the pack onto the body of a user. Many backpacks use foam padding on the straps and the portion of the pack which faces the back of the user to increase the comfort of the backpack when carried by the user. A common discomfort experienced when wearing a backpack is that the lack of breathability of the shoulder straps and back padding traps the user's perspiration, thereby creating a damp user experience. Some examples of the backpacks are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,171 to Gleason et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013/0206805 to Kim et al., 2012/0199624 to Howell, and 2012/0012629 to Buffington.

Some backpacks employ materials with increased breathability to increase the circulation of air to a user and decrease the dampness created by wearing the backpack. One such backpack utilizes a porous mesh-like material which is held in suspension by a frame to create an air space between the back of the user and the backpack body. Another backpack uses foams that have a varying topography and perforations to allow the circulation of air to the body of the user. These types of backpack architectures can be successful in increasing pack breathability. However to enjoy this level of breathability, a user is limited to a specific subset of backpacks and the specific set of features offered with those particular backpacks.

In addition to ventilation, some backpacks lack comfort in the areas of support and padding. Insufficient support can cause user fatigue when wearing a backpack, and insufficient padding can cause pressure points which irritate a user when wearing a backpack.

SUMMARY

The backpack frame insert described herein allows a user to enjoy improved comfort on any backpack. The backpack frame insert may be integrated with all backpacks, even if those backpacks were not originally designed to be used with the backpack frame insert. A user who has multiple backpacks may integrate the backpack frame insert with any of those backpacks to make wearing the backpack more comfortable. For example, a user who owns a backpack that is highly specialized to be ideal in a particular activity where breathability is not a top priority may wish to use that backpack in other activities where breathability is a top priority. With the use of the disclosed interchangeable and breathable backpack frame insert, a user may use a very specialized pack for a wider range of activities.

Similar to how a backpack rain cover can allow any backpack to be used successfully in wet conditions, certain embodiments of the backpack frame insert may be used to allow any backpack to be used successfully in conditions which would cause a user to perspire. Additionally, certain embodiments of the backpack frame insert may allow an ultra light backpack with minimal support to be worn comfortably with heavier loads due to increased padding and support.

An embodiment relates to a backpack suspension apparatus. The backpack suspension apparatus includes a frame, a material suspended between elements of the frame, and means for releasably holding the frame between a back of a user and a backpack.

Another embodiment relates to a backpack apparatus. The backpack apparatus includes a padded material and means for releasably holding the padded material between a user and a backpack. The padded material is disposed between a back of the user and a back facing panel of the backpack.

Another embodiment relates to a method for increasing the comfort of a backpack. The method includes placing a backpack frame insert having a structure and a breathable material coupled to the structure between a user and a backpack.

Another embodiment relates to an apparatus. The apparatus includes a structure configured to be removably attached to and detached from a backpack and disposed between a back of a user and the backpack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate examples of the disclosed devices and methods, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a backpack frame insert.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the apparatus the backpack frame insert.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the backpack frame insert that includes shoulder and hip straps coupled with a backpack.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a user wearing a backpack coupled with the backpack frame insert.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the backpack frame insert coupled with a backpack.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of an exemplary strap attachment fixture.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of an exemplary strap attachment fixture.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the backpack frame insert coupled with a backpack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an exemplary backpack frame insert 100 (also referred to as a suspension apparatus 100 or apparatus 100) that may be used with any backpack. The apparatus 100 may include a structure configured to be removably attached to and detached from a backpack and disposed between a back of a user and the backpack. The details of an example structure are discussed below. For example, the apparatus 100 may include a frame 110 and a front suspension 120 suspended between elements of the frame 110. The apparatus 100 may also include a back panel 130, and one or more attachment fixtures 140a and 140b.

The frame 110 may be a rigid or semi-rigid frame, which may include one or more tubes made of a suitable material, such as, for example, aluminum, composites such as carbon fiber, polymers such as high density polyethylene, and any other suitable material which provides structure to the apparatus 100. The frame 110 may include an element 111 that spans a distance in the roughly vertical direction, one or more elements 112a and 112b that span a distance in the roughly horizontal direction, and one or more elements 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d that create protrusions from these elements 111, 112a, and 112b (hereinafter elements 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d may also be referred to as protrusions). One or more of elements 111, 112a, 112b, and 113a-113d may include a tube discussed above. The elements 111, 112a, 112b, and 113a-113d may be made of an integral single piece (e.g., the frame 110 may be made of an integral single piece), or may be an assembly of a plurality of pieces (e.g., the frame 110 may be an assembly of a plurality of pieces 111-113d) connected together by any suitable connection means, such as welding, screws, bolts, nuts, clamps, etc.

The front suspension 120 may be attached to the frame 110. The front suspension 120 may include a material 121. The material 121 may be suspended between elements of the frame 110. The material 121 may be a breathable material, such as, for example, a lightweight fabric, a mesh, synthetic and natural fibers such as polyester, nylon, cotton, or any other material that allows fluid media to pass through (e.g., to pass from a first side of the material 121 to a second side of the material 121). The breathable material 121 may therefore increase the ventilation of the apparatus 100 when the apparatus 100 is used by a user to carry a backpack (e.g., when the apparatus 100 is disposed between a back of the user and the backpack). Fluid media may include gaseous as well as liquid media such as air, vaporous perspiration, liquid perspiration, and the like.

The front suspension 120 (which includes the material 121) may be removably (or detachably or releasably) affixed or attached to the frame 110 in at least one place through the use of one or more suitable attachment mechanisms 122a, 122b, and 122c. In some embodiments, one or more of the attachment mechanisms 122a, 122b, and 122c may include attachment loops 122a, 122b, and 122c. In some embodiments, one or more of the attachment mechanisms 122a, 122b, and 122c may include other suitable attachment means. For example, one or more of the attachment mechanisms 122a, 122b, and 122c may include an adjusting mechanism that allows a strap or cord to be tightened and loosened, a coupling mechanism that allows a strap or cord to be attached and detached, and/or an adjustable coupling mechanism that allows a strap or cord to be attached and detached as well as tightened and loosened. In some embodiments, one or more of the attachment mechanisms 122a, 122b, and 122c may include ladder lock buckles, three bar slides, line tensioners, side release buckles, front release buckles, belt style buckles, hook and loop closures, cords to be tied together, and the like.

Attaching the front suspension 120 to one or more of the protrusions 113a, 113b, 113c, and 113d as shown in FIG. 1 may create a space between the front suspension 120 and other frame elements such as 111, 112a, and 112b. The space may further improve ventilation when the apparatus 100 is used by the user to carry a backpack (e.g., when the apparatus 100 is disposed between a back of the user and the backpack). When the apparatus 100 is disposed between a back of the user and a backpack, the user's back may be separated from the backpack and may not directly touch the back facing side of the backpack, thereby providing a breathable space for the user's back.

The material 121 included in the front suspension 120 may include a constriction 123 in the middle portion of the apparatus 100, which may allow straps from a backpack to be pulled through the apparatus 100. A gap 124 may be present between the element 113d and the material 121 to allow hip straps from a backpack to be pulled through and worn around the user. In some embodiments, hip straps from a backpack may be worn to the outside of frame elements such as 113c and 113d as well. The front suspension 120 may include attachment fixtures 140a and 140b for releasably, detachably, or removably coupling, affixing, or attaching the apparatus 100 to a backpack. For example, the frame 110 may be releasably, detachably, or removably coupled, affixed, or attached to the backpack through the attachment fixtures 140a and 140b. The attachment fixtures 140a and 140b may hold the frame 110 (and thereby the apparatus 100) between a back of a user and a backpack, when the apparatus 100 is used to carry a backpack. When the attachment fixtures 140a and 140b are removed, detached, or released from the backpack, the apparatus 100 may be detached or released from the backpack.

The apparatus 100 may be used with different backpacks. For example, the apparatus 100 may be detached (or removed, released) from a first backpack and attached (or affixed, coupled) to a second backpack. Thus, the attachment fixtures 140a and 140b may enable easy assembly and disassembly of the apparatus 100 from the backpack, and quick switch from one backpack to another.

The back panel 130 may include a material 131 to which one or more attachment mechanisms 132 may be attached. The attachment mechanisms 132 may be similar to, the same as, or different from the attachment mechanisms 122a, 122b, and 122c discussed above. The material 131 may be comprised of any suitable materials, such as, for example, textile materials such as nylon and polyester, and/or any other material that may withstand the tension applied to the back panel 130. The attachment mechanisms 132 may attach to one or more straps 125 attached to the front suspension 120. By tightening one or more of the straps 125 through the use of one or more of the attachment mechanisms 132, tension may be placed on the front suspension 120 as well as the back panel 130. In some embodiments, one or more of the straps 125 may also attach directly to the frame 110 rather than to the back panel 130 with any suitable attachment mechanisms (e.g., 122a, 122b, 122c, and 132) discussed above. In some embodiments, the front suspension 120 may be attached directly to the back panel 130 without any attachment mechanisms (e.g., 122a, 122b, 122c, or 132). The back panel 130 may include the attachment fixtures 140 for coupling the apparatus 100 to a backpack. The material 131 may be suspended between the elements of the frame 110 through the attachment mechanisms 132 and/or the straps 125. The material 121 (e.g., first material 121) is closer to the user's back than the material 131 (e.g., second material 131).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the breathable apparatus 100 (i.e., the backpack frame insert 100) coupled to a backpack 200. The geometry of apparatus 100 creates a gap 101 between the frame 110 and the back panel 130. The geometry of the front suspension 120 may also be cut in such that it is narrower in the middle portion of the apparatus 100, as described above with respect to the constriction 123 shown in FIG. 1. These geometric features allow shoulder straps 220 of the backpack 200 to be pulled directly through the frame 100 such that the shoulder straps 220 rest to the inside of the frame 110, and to the outside of the back panel 130 as well as the front suspension 120.

The apparatus 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is only one example embodiment of the various ways that a removable, breathable backpack suspension apparatus 100 may be constructed. Other embodiments are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the frame 110 may be narrowed (e.g., frame 110 may include a constriction) in the middle portion of the apparatus 100 such that the gap 101 is small or nonexistant, in which case the shoulder straps 220 of the backpack 200 may rest to the outside of the back panel 130, the frame 110, and/or the front suspension 120. In some embodiments, a constriction in the frame 110 and/or the front suspension 120 may not be utilized at all, in which case the shoulder straps 220 of the backpack 200 may travel over the apparatus 100 in the vertical direction instead of through the apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the bottom portions of the shoulder straps 220 of the backpack 200 may be decoupled from the top portions of the shoulder straps 220, pulled through the apparatus 100, then recoupled. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the front suspension 120 may be decoupled from the front suspension 120, the frame 110, and/or any other portion of the apparatus 100 until the shoulder straps 220 of the backpack 200 are pulled through, at which point these portions may be recoupled.

A plurality of attachment fixtures 140a and 140b may be employed to releasably (or detachably, removably) couple (or affix, attach) the apparatus 100 with the backpack 200. For example, the attachment fixtures 140a and 140b may releasably (or detachably, removably) couple (or affix, attach) the frame 110 to the shoulder straps 220 of the backpack 200. The attachment fixtures 140a and 140b may both couple the shoulder straps 220 to the apparatus 100, such as, for example, to the frame 110. The attachment fixture 140a shown in FIG. 2 may be affixed to the upper portion of a shoulder strap 220. More than one attachment fixture 140a may be included, for example, one on each side of the apparatus 100 for each shoulder strap 220. The upper portion of the frame 110 (and hence the apparatus 100) may rest on the upper portions of the shoulder straps 220. The attachment fixture 140b may be affixed to the lower portion of a shoulder strap 220, or to a webbing material 221 employed in the backpack 200 for tightening the straps 220. More than one attachment fixture 140b may be included, for example, one on each side the apparatus 100 for each shoulder strap 220. The main pack body 210 of the backpack 200 may include a back facing side that is in contact with the back panel 130, as well as one or more elements of the frame 110. t In some embodiments, the width of the frame 110 may be smaller than the width of the backpack 200. In such embodiments, the backpack 200 may rest on the frame 110 rather than passing through the frame 110 to touch the back of the user. Thus, the frame 110 may substantially prevent the backpack 200 from touching the back of the user. In some embodiments, the width of the frame 110 may be greater than the width of the backpack 200. In such embodiments, the back panel 130 may be coupled with the frame 110 to prevent the backpack 200 from passing through the frame 110 and touching the back of the user. The frame 110 and the back panel 130 may hold the main pack body 210 away from the front suspension 120.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the backpack frame insert 100 (e.g., apparatus 100) that includes shoulder and hip straps coupled with the backpack 200. The apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3 may include any feature of the apparatus 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 and discussed above. In FIG. 3, the apparatus 100 is shown to include one or more straps 150. The straps 150 may include one or more hip straps 152 attached to the frame 110, the front suspension 120, the back panel 130, and/or any combination of these items. The hip straps 152 may be attached fixedly or removably to the rest of the apparatus 100 (e.g., the frame 110). For example, the hip straps 152 may utilize attachment mechanisms (e.g., any attachment mechanisms discussed above) that may allow the straps 152 to be released from and/or loosened from the rest of the apparatus 100 (e.g., the frame 110). In some embodiments, the hip straps 152 may include a continuous loop with both ends pulled through the hip strap gaps 124 described in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the hip straps 152 may include devices 156a and 156b that may function as attachment mechanisms and allow attachment and adjustment of the straps 152 around a user.

The straps 150 may also include one or more shoulder straps 151 that may be attached to the frame 110, the suspension 120, the back panel 130, and/or any combination of these items, through the use of attachment mechanisms (e.g., any attachment mechanism discussed above) or may be attached directly to one or more of these items. The apparatus 100 may include a structure 153 on each side that may function as an attachment point between the back panel 130 and the frame 110 to which a shoulder strap 151 may be attached. As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 110 may be coupled (or attached, affixed) to the shoulder straps 151 through the structure 153. The structure 153 may include one end having a hole slidably coupled to the frame 110, and another end coupled to the back panel 130 and/or the opposite side of the frame 110. In some embodiments, the one end slidably coupled to the frame 110 may alternatively be fixed at a place on the frame 110. In some embodiments, the structures 153 may rest over the shoulder straps 151. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps 151 may be attached to the bottom, the front, the top, or any other portion of the structures 153. In some embodiments, the structures 153 may be an extension piece of the shoulder straps 151. In such embodiments, the shoulder straps 151 include the structures 153 to allow the shoulder straps 151 to be attached to at least one of the frame 110, the front suspension 120, and the back panel 130. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps 151 may be releasably (or removably, detachably) coupled to the structures 153 through a suitable attachment mechanism (e.g., any attachment mechanism discussed above) such that the shoulder straps 151 may be removed and/or reattached.

The shoulder straps 151 may include a first device 155 that may function as an attachment mechanism allowing attachment and adjustment of the shoulder straps 151. The shoulder straps 151 may include a second device 157 that may include a strap and an attachment mechanism to connect a first shoulder strap 151 to a second shoulder strap 151. The second device 157 may be worn across a user's sternum or thereabouts. In the embodiments where the apparatus 100 includes shoulder straps 151, the backpack 200 may have its own shoulder straps 220 attached to the apparatus 100 rather than worn around a user. This may be achieved by running the straps 220 of the backpack 200 around the horizontal elements 112a of the frame 110. When the apparatus 100 is used to carry the backpack 200, the frame 110 may be held between a back of the user and the backpack 200 by various devices or structures discussed above, such as, for example, one or more of the structures 153, the attachment fixtures 140a, the shoulder straps 151, and/or the shoulder straps 220, etc.

Additionally attachment fixtures may be included in the apparatus 100 to hold the backpack 200 and the apparatus 100 together. For example, one or more attachment fixtures 140c may be attached to the frame 110, the front suspension 120, and/or the back panel 130, and may be placed in such a way as to circumscribe the main pack body 210 of the backpack 200. The one or more attachment fixtures 140c may utilize any attachment mechanism as described above and may be comprised of a flexible strap material such as nylon webbing and the like. By circumscribing the pack body 210 with the one or more attachment fixtures 140c, the backpack 200 may be securely attached to the apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the attachment fixtures 140c may be attached to the shoulder straps 220 of the backpack 200.

The apparatus 100 may be utilized to increase the comfort of the backpack as experienced through increased ventilation, increased padding, and increased support. Many backpacks utilize a rigid or semi-rigid frame in conjunction with hip straps to transfer some of a backpacks weight from a user's shoulders to the user's hips. The apparatus 100 may achieve that same goal on a backpack which lacks rigidity and hip straps, by adding pack structure with the frame 110, and by transferring some of the load to the user's hips through the use of hip straps 152, thereby allowing that backpack to comfortably carry a greater load.

A plurality of structures 115 may be included on the frame 110 to facilitate the assembly and/or disassembly of the frame 110. The structures 115 may include a telescoping slip fit utilized in collapsible tent poles and the like (hereinafter the structures 115 may also be referred to as the telescoping frame sections 115). The structures 115 that allow the frame 110 to be compactly collapsed or disassembled may be desirable if the apparatus 100 is to be collapsed and packed away into the backpack 200 when the backpack 200 is to be used over certain terrains or whenever a closer center of gravity might be desirable. By loosening the tension in the material 121 of the front suspension 120 and/or the material 131 of the back panel 130, the telescoping frame sections 115 may be pulled apart to disassemble the apparatus 100, and then later put back together to re-assemble the apparatus 100 by increasing the tension in the material 121 of the front suspension 120 and/or the material 131 of the back panel 130.

Attachment mechanisms such as 154 may couple the straps 150 to the apparatus 100. These mechanisms may be utilized on hip straps 152, shoulder straps 151 and any combination thereof. These attachment mechanisms may be utilized to releasably (or detachably, removably) couple (or affix, attach) the straps 150 with the apparatus 100. This may allow the embodiment described herein to be altered by a user such that it is more similar to the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 and 2 discussed above if a user desires a more lightweight version of the apparatus or plans to use the apparatus with a backpack that already has satisfactory hip and/or shoulder straps.

The apparatus 100 may also be utilized to carry a pannier and other containers that may be affixed or attached to the frame 110. Many bicycle panniers utilize a rigid panel with hooks for attaching the pannier to the rack mounted on a bicycle. That hard surface with protrusions such as hooks may be uncomfortable to carry on one's back, but with the space created between the user and the pannier by the apparatus 100, these uncomfortable features need not touch the user's back. Additionally, the frame 110 of the apparatus 100 may provide a similar attachment structure to the attachment structure on a bicycle rack that is used when attaching the pannier to a bicycle.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a user wearing the backpack 200 coupled with the backpack frame insert 100 (e.g., apparatus 100). In FIG. 4, the apparatus 100 and the backpack 200 are shown being worn by a user 300. The user 300 has pulled the straps 220 through the apparatus 100 and is wearing them around shoulders 310. In this embodiment, the front suspension 120 of the apparatus 100 is the sole element from the apparatus 100 in contact with the user's back 320, although the apparatus 100 may alternatively have padding material such as foam and the like attached at various places on the frame 110 and the front suspension 120 (which includes the material 121 suspended between the elements of the frame 110), which may contact the user as well. The protrusions 113 (which may include 113a, 113b, 113c and/or 113d as exemplarily shown in FIG. 1) may create a space 102 between the front suspension 120 and the backpack 200 facing the apparatus 100. The back panel 130 and the frame 110 may keep the main pack body 210 of the backpack 200 from contacting the front suspension 120 and the user's back 320. The space 102 created by the apparatus 100 allows ventilation of the user's back 320. The ventilation created by the apparatus 100 may increase the rate at which heat and perspiration are transferred away from the user 300 when wearing the backpack 200. Additionally, the apparatus 100 may add structure and comfort to the backpack 200.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be coupled to the backpack 200 through the use of attachment fixtures 140 (which may include 140a, 140b as exemplarily shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) as described above in connection with other figures. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be sandwiched between the user 300 and the backpack 200. The geometry of the front suspension 120 may create an area 126 that lies above the shoulder straps 220, which may aid in keeping the apparatus 100 from slipping down while being worn by the user 300. Similarly, the upper horizontal frame element 112a may aid in preventing the apparatus 100 from sliding down while being worn. In some embodiments, the frame 110 may at least partially rest on the shoulder straps 220. For example, the upper horizontal frame element 112a may rest on the shoulder straps 220, thereby preventing the frame 110 from slipping down.

Since the apparatus 100 may be worn sandwiched between the backpack 200 and the user 300, the attachment fixtures 140a and 140b may not be necessary for successful operation of the apparatus 100. These attachment fixtures 140a and 140b may be used for aligning the backpack 200 with the apparatus 100, as well as coupling the apparatus 100 and the backpack 200 when not being worn by the user 300.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the backpack frame insert 100 coupled with the backpack 200. The apparatus 100 may include any feature discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. Similar to other embodiments, the apparatus 100 of this embodiment may include the frame 110 and a material (e.g., a material similar to the material 121) included in the front suspension 120 attached to the frame 110. This particular embodiment is shown without a back panel 130, although it may include a back panel 130 as in other embodiments. This embodiment does not have a constriction of the front suspension 120, although it may include a constriction as in other embodiments. The apparatus 100 may include an attachment mechanism 146 coupled to a strap 149. The attachment mechanism 146 and the strap 149 may allow for the coupling and decoupling as well as tightening and loosening of the front suspension 120. A strap 147 and other fixtures may be utilized to capture the straps 220 of the backpack 200. A strap 148 may be employed to prevent the strap 149 from slipping down the frame 110. In this embodiment, the straps 147, 149, and 148 may be considered as attachment fixtures as well as parts of the front suspension 120 since these features play a somewhat mixed role.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of an exemplary strap attachment fixture 140a depicted in other figures for use in affixing the backpack 200 to the apparatus 100 shown in any of the FIGS. 1-5. A cord 141 attached to the back panel 130 may include a segment 141a that travels on the side of the shoulder strap 220 of the backpack 200 furthest from the user. The cord 141 may be comprised of a relatively static material such as nylon paracord and the like, and/or dynamic materials such as shock cord and the like as well. The cord 141 may wrap around the frame element 111 after passing behind a strap 220 (e.g., a shoulder strap 220) of the backpack 200. A segment 141b may pass in front of the strap 220. A knot 142b may be tied in the cord 141 such that a loop 141c is created. The loop 141c may be attached and detached from a cord hook 143 in order to secure the strap 220 between the front side of the segment 141b and the back side of the segment 141a. A knot 142a tied around the frame element 111 may aid in keeping the segment 141a in place even when the loop 141c is not attached to the cord hook 143.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of an exemplary strap attachment fixture 140b depicted in other figures for use in affixing the backpack 200 to the apparatus 100 shown in any of the FIGS. 1-5. A cord loop 144, which may be comprised of similar materials to the cord 141 described above, may be attached to the front suspension 120 and/or the frame 110. The cord loop 144 may include one or more loop elements 144a, 144b, 144c, and 144d. The cord loop 144 may be wrapped around a strap 220 of the backpack 200, or the lower webbing material 221 of the strap 220. The cord loop 144 may be wrapped such that as the loop completes a full wrap of the lower webbing material 221, the cord loop 144 is drawn through itself in the fashion of a girth hitch or prusik hitch. This configuration results in the loop elements 144a and 144b, which may be permanently or removably attached to the apparatus 100, laying to the outside of the loop elements 144c and 144d which in turn are attached to a cord hook 145.

The attachment fixtures 140 described by FIGS. 6 and 7 represent only one set of fixtures for attaching the apparatus 100 to the straps 220 of the backpack 200, although numerous variations of these embodiments may exist, and numerous variations dissimilar from these embodiments may exist as well. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7 may be replaced with a cord that is tied around the straps 220. Either embodiment in FIG. 6 or 7 may employ a rigid clip that may squeeze and capture the straps 220 of the backpack 200. Either embodiment in FIG. 6 or 7 may utilize straps that use a hook and loop type fastener to attach the apparatus 100 to the straps 220 of the backpack 200, just to name a few variations.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the backpack frame insert (referred to as a backpack ventilation apparatus 400 in this embodiment) coupled with the backpack 200. The backpack ventilation apparatus 400 may include a structure configured to be removably attached to and detached from a backpack and disposed between a back of a user and the backpack. The details of the structure are discussed below. The backpack ventilation apparatus 400 may include one or more padded materials. For example, the backpack ventilation apparatus 400 may include a padded material 411, such as a closed cell foam, an open cell foam, flexible polymers and the like. The padded material 411 may be breathable, allowing the air and moisture to pass through (e.g., from a first side of the padded material 411 to a second side of the padded material 411). The apparatus 400 may include various panels that contact different portions of a user's body, such as a back panel 440 that may contact a user's back, shoulder panels or straps 420a and 420b that may contact a user's shoulders, and hip panels or straps 430 that may contact a user's hips. In some embodiments, the back panel 440 may include the padded material 411 as a component.

The back panel 440, the shoulder panels 420a and 420b, and the hip panels 430 may or may not be connected to one another. In some embodiments, the back panel 440, the shoulder panels 420a and 420b, and the hip panels 430 are connected to one another. In such embodiments, they may be attached directly to one another and/or through the use of an attachment mechanism as described above to allow for adjustment and removable coupling of these panels/portions from one another. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the shoulder panels 420a and 420b are not connected to the back panel 440, but instead are connected to the shoulder straps 220a and 220b. The hip panels 430 are connected directly to the back panel 440. The backpack 200 may include the shoulder straps 220, but not preexisting hip straps. The shoulder panels 420 may include a suitable attachment mechanism configured for coupling and decoupling as well as tightening and loosening of the shoulder panels 420. The hip panels 430 may employ a suitable attachment mechanism, such as devices 431a and 431b, which is configured for coupling and decoupling as well as tightening and loosening of the hip panels 430.

The apparatus 400 may be attached to the backpack 200 through various attachment fixtures. For example, one or more attachment fixtures 415a, 415b, 415c, 415d, 415e, and 415f may be included in the apparatus 400. The attachment fixtures 415a, 415b, 415c, 415d, 415e, and 415f may be configured to removably (or detachably, releasably) fasten (or attach, affix, connect) the apparatus 400 (e.g., the padded material 411 and/or the back panel 440) to the shoulder straps 220 and/or the hip panels 430 of the backpack 200. These attachment fixtures 415a, 415b, 415c, 415d, 415e, and 415f may be affixed to the shoulder panels 420, the hip panels 430, the back panel 440, and/or any combination of these panels. In some embodiments, the attachment fixtures 415a, 415b, and 415c are attached to the back panel 440 as in 415a, 415b, 415c, and attachment fixtures 415d, 415e, and 415f are attached to the shoulder panels 420a and 420b, while no attachment fixtures 415a, 415b, 415c, 415d, 415e, or 415f are shown on the hip panels 430. In some embodiments, the attachment fixtures 415a, 415b, and 415c may be attached to the padded material 411 to releasably hold the padded material between a user and a backpack.

The attachment fixtures 415a, 415b, 415c, 415d, 415e, and 415f may utilize a wide range of attachment mechanisms, such as any suitable attachment mechanism described above. In some embodiments, the apparatus 400 may be attached to the backpack 200 through the use of one or more straps 416, which are affixed to the back panel 440 and circumscribes the main pack body 210. The straps 416 may be similar to or different from the attachment fixture 140c described above in connection with FIG. 3.

The panel 440 may include a panel 412 that may be rigid or semi-rigid. The panel 412 may include a polymer material such as high density polyethylene, a metal such as aluminum, a composite such as carbon fiber, and/or any other suitable material that may add rigidity to the apparatus 400. The level of rigidity of the panel 412 may be increased or decreased by various means, such as, for example, by choosing a more or less rigid material composition, combining various materials, and changing the geometry of the panel 412. Such geometric changes may include, but are not limited to, changing thickness, and including ridges.

The apparatus 400 may have varied thicknesses to reduce the volume specific weight, to increase the padding softness, and/or to increase ventilation as experienced by a user. The varied thicknesses may be created by the padded material 411, the more rigid panel 412, or any combination of the padded material 411 and the panel 412. The varied thicknesses may be achieved by including in the apparatus 400 a plurality of protrusions 413a and 413b, which extend toward a user from the average thickness of apparatus 400. In some embodiments, the panel 440 may include a plurality of voids or cavities 414a that may reduce the proximity of the padded material 411 to a user's body. The voids 414a may create holes that permeate or extend throughout the entirety of the thickness of the apparatus 400. The voids 414a may create divots and channels of decreased thickness in the apparatus 400. The varied thicknesses of the apparatus 400 achieved through the use of protrusions 413a and 413b, and voids 414a may increase the circulation of fluid media such as air and perspiration present at the interface between the apparatus 400 and the user.

The hip panels 430 and/or the shoulder panels 420a and 420b may also include voids. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the shoulder panels 420a and 420b also include voids such as 414c. The hip panels 430 include voids 414b. In some embodiments, the protrusions 413a and 413b may also be included in the shoulder panels 420a and 420b, and the hip panels 430. Although the protrusions 413a and 413b are shown to include separate pieces distributed in more than one places, in other embodiments, the protrusions 413a and 413b may include a single piece extending from near the top of the apparatus 400 to near the bottom of the apparatus 400 or at a suitable place (e.g., a central place) of the apparatus 400.

In some embodiments, the panel 412, the padded material 411, and the protrusions 413a and 413b may be arranged in such an order that the panel 412 is closest to the backpack 200, and the protrusions 413a and 413b are closest to the user, and the padded material 411 is sandwiched between the panel 412 and the protrusions 413a and 413b. The order in which these elements are arranged may be different. For example, the padded material 411 may switch its position with the panel 412 and/or the protrusions 413a and 413b.

The apparatus 400 may employ a wide range of covering materials such as meshes and light fabrics that may be disposed between the furthest padded material 411 of the apparatus 400 and a user's body.

The apparatus 400 depicted in FIG. 8 may increase the comfort of a backpack as experienced through increased ventilation, increased padding, and increased support. Through the use of the apparatus 400, a backpack which is not originally designed to carry heavy loads may be used to do so more comfortably with increased padded material 411, added structure to the pack frame afforded by the panel 412, and the ability to transfer some of the load from the shoulders to the hips through the use of hip straps 430.

It should be understood that the apparatus disclosed herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, however additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Additionally, any feature described in a particular embodiment may be applied to other embodiments. The embodiments disclosed herein shall be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A pack suspension apparatus, comprising:

a frame;

a first material and a second material suspended between elements of the frame; and

one or more attachment configured to hold the frame between a back of a user and a pack such that the pack may still be worn by the user when the pack suspension apparatus is detached from the pack,

wherein the first material is suspended between the elements of the frame such that it contacts the back of the user and the second material is suspended between the elements of the frame such that it contacts the pack, and

wherein the frame creates a space between the first material and the second material such that a main body of the pack does not contact the first material and the back of the user.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more attachment comprises at least one fixture releasably attaching the frame to at least one shoulder strap of the pack.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more attachment comprises at least one strap circumscribing the pack.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a padded material coupled in at least one place to one or more of the frame, the first material, and the second material.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first material suspended between the elements of the frame is configured to permit the passage of fluid media from a first side of the first material to a second side of the first material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one strap on the frame selected from the group consisting of hip straps and shoulder straps.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one releasable attachment configured to attach at least one portion of the first material and the second material suspended between the elements of the frame to the frame in at least one place.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first material is closer to the user's back than the second material.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame is collapsible.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a protrusion and wherein the protrusion creates the space between the first material and the second material.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first material and the second material are suspended between the elements of the frame under tension and the first material is a mesh.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pack includes shoulder straps.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the pack is a backpack.

14. A method for increasing comfort of a pack, comprising:

providing a separate pack and a separate pack frame insert, the pack frame insert having a frame and a first breathable material and second material coupled to the frame;

placing the pack frame insert between a user and the pack,

wherein the pack may still be worn by the user when the pack frame insert is detached from the pack;

wherein the first breathable material is coupled to the frame such that it contacts the back of the user and the second material is coupled to the frame such that it contacts the pack, and

a space is provided between the first breathable material and the second material such that a main body of the pack does not contact the first material and the back of the user.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

detaching the pack frame insert from the pack; and

attaching the pack frame insert to another pack.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the frame includes a protrusion and wherein the protrusion creates the space between the first breathable material and the second material, and

wherein the first breathable material and the second material are coupled to the frame under tension.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the pack is a backpack.

18. A pack frame insert, comprising:

a structure configured to be removably attached to and detached from a pack and disposed between a back of a user and the pack such that the pack may still be worn by the user when the pack frame insert is detached from the pack; and

a first material and a second material suspended between elements of the structure,

wherein the first material is suspended between the elements of the structure such that it contacts the back of the user and the second material is suspended between the elements of the structure such that it contacts the pack, and

wherein the structure creates a space between the first material and the second material such that a main body of the pack does not contact the first material and the back of the user.

19. The pack frame insert of claim 18, wherein:

the structure includes a protrusion;

the protrusion creates the space between the first material and the second material;

the first material and the second material are suspended between the elements of the structure under tension; and

the pack is a backpack.