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.

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.