Ergonomic bookpack

Abstract

An ergonomic bookpack having an automatic suspension system is disclosed. A series of top straps, side straps, bottom straps and optional support members serve to move the bookpack center of gravity higher in the bookpack and closer to the wearer's body, significantly redistributing the load borne by the wearer's shoulders along a longer portion of the body and back. The body of the bookpack can be made so that the interior compartment of the bookpack body is transparent and the contents of the bookpack are visible to the human eye. The invention also comprises an optional yoke and lumbar pad. This bookpack of allows the wearer to bear heavier loads for a longer period of time with less fatigue, thus reducing the possibility of debilitating musculoskeletal difficulties.

1 . A backpack for a wearer with shoulders and a back comprising: 
 a backpack body having an outer region and a center of gravity, and    strapping adapted to form shoulder support members at least partially supporting the backpack body with the wearer's shoulders and to support the backpack body from a lower portion of the backpack body and wherein the shoulder support members shift the center of gravity towards the wearer's back when the backpack is worn by that wearer.    
     
     
         2 . The backpack of  claim 1  where the shoulder support members are connected to the lower portion of the backpack body.  
     
     
         3 . The backpack of  claim 1  where the backpack body includes a top region and a body region and the shoulder support members have a proximal end each connected to the backpack body at a first juncture between the top region and the body region.  
     
     
         4 . The backpack of  claim 1  wherein the strapping is further adapted to cooperatively support the backpack body at an upper portion of the outside region.  
     
     
         5 . The backpack of  claim 1  wherein the strapping is adjustable in length.  
     
     
         6 . The backpack of  claim 1  where the backpack body includes a top region, a body region, and lateral regions and further comprising at least one side support member adjacent one of the lateral regions and having a proximal end connected to the backpack body at a second juncture between the outer region and one of the lateral regions and a distal end connected to a shoulder support member.  
     
     
         7 . The backpack of  claim 1  where the backpack body includes a top region and a bottom region and additionally comprising a bottom member having 
 (a) a proximal end connected to the backpack body at a third juncture between the outer region and said bottom region, and  
 (b) two distal ends, each distal end connected to the strapping.  
 
     
     
         8 . The backpack of  claim 7  additionally comprising at least one bottom support member having a proximal end connected to the bottom region and a distal end connected to the bottom member.  
     
     
         9 . The backpack of  claim 8  additionally comprising a guide adapted to direct the bottom member along a lateral region.  
     
     
         10 . The backpack of  claim 9  where the guide adapted to direct the bottom member along a lateral region comprises a D ring.  
     
     
         11 . The backpack of  claim 1  additionally comprising a top member having 
 (a) a proximal end connected to the backpack body at a fourth juncture between the top region and the outer region, and  
 (b) two distal ends, each distal end connected to one of each of the shoulder support members.  
 
     
     
         12 . The backpack of  claim 11  additionally comprising a guide adapted to direct the top member along a lateral region.  
     
     
         13 . The backpack of  claim 12  where the guide adapted to direct the top member along a lateral region comprises a D ring.  
     
     
         14 . The backpack of  claim 11  further comprising a guide adapted to direct the top member along a lateral region and further comprising at least one top support member having a proximal end connected to the top region and a distal region connected to the top member.  
     
     
         15 . The backpack of  claim 1  where the backpack body includes a body region and further comprising a lumbar support member disposed adjacent the body region.  
     
     
         16 . The backpack of  claim 1  further comprising a yoke connected to the backpack body and positioned along the shoulder support members.