Backpack frame

Abstract

A backpack having a forked frame with curved flat members that are shaped to conform to the curvature of a wearer's back. The flat members are connected together torsionally by a handle portion that allows each flat member to shift relative to the other to accommodate weight shifts in the backpack load. The forked frame is a single-piece structure that is preferably made of carbon fiber. Although the frame is external relative to the pack, the flat construction of the frame allows it to mate with the pack in a way such that the frame is integrated with the inner sidewall of the pack.

1 . A backpack having a forked frame with thin but curved flat members that are shaped to conform to and press against the curvature of a wearer's back, the flat members being torsionally flexible relative to each other to accommodate weight shifts in the load carried by the backpack.  
   
   
       2 . The backpack of  claim 1 , wherein the flat members are connected together by a handle portion of the frame, the handle portion and the flat members being formed from a single piece of material.  
   
   
       3 . The backpack of  claim 1 , wherein the flat members have lower portions that flare outwardly with respect to portions of the flat members that are connected to the handle portion.  
   
   
       4 . The backpack of  claim 2 , including a scapular pad connected to the flat members near the handle portion and a pair of lumbar pads connected, one each, to the outwardly flared portion of the flat members.  
   
   
       5 . The backpack of  claim 3 , including a scapular pad connected to the flat members near the handle portion and a pair of lumbar pads connected, one each, to the outwardly flared portion of the flat members.  
   
   
       6 . The backpack of  claim 2 , wherein the frame is made of carbon fiber.  
   
   
       7 . The backpack of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is external of the backpack but substantially integrated with the surface of a packsack portion of the backpack that rides on the wearer's back, so that the frame and packsack portion together press against the wearer's back, the curvature of the curved flat members causing the surface of the packsack portion to likewise conform to the curvature of the wearer's back.  
   
   
       8 . The backpack of  claim 1 , including at least one shoulder strap having an elastic section that permits the strap to elastically stretch when the backpack is worn, the amount of elastic stretch being limited by a separate strap that has opposite ends connected to the shoulder strap outside and on opposite sides of the elastic section, the length of the separate strap being greater than the length of the elastic section when it is in a non-stretched condition.  
   
   
       9 . A backpack having a forked frame with thin but flat members that are connected together by a handle portion, the flat members and handle portion being integrally formed from a single piece of material, wherein the frame is also substantially integrated with the surface of a packsack portion of the backpack so that the frame and packsack together press against the wearer's back, and wherein the handle portion extends above the packsack in a way so as to provide a carrying handle.