Ergonomic backpack

Abstract

A pressure relief system for a bag including a backplate having a first end and a second end, opposing front and back sides, first and second sides, and a central region between the first and second sides. A first strap is mounted adjacent the first end of the backplate on the front side and adjacent the first side. A second strap is mounted adjacent the first end of the backplate on the front side and adjacent the second side. The first strap and the second strap cross one another on the back side of the backplate between the first end and the second end. The first strap and the second strap exert a force on the back side of the backplate where the first strap and the second strap cross one another.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A pressure relief system for a bag, comprising:
 a backplate having a first end and a second end, opposing front and back sides, first and second sides, and a central region between the first and second sides;   a first strap mounted adjacent the first end of the backplate on the front side and adjacent the first side; and   a second strap mounted adjacent the first end of the backplate on the front side and adjacent the second side;   wherein the first strap and the second strap cross one another on the back side of the backplate between the first end and the second end; and   wherein the first strap and the second strap exert a force into the back side of the backplate where the first strap and the second strap cross one another.   
     
     
         2 . The pressure relief system of  claim 1 , wherein the first strap and the second strap exert forces on the shoulders of a user of the bag that counteracts the force into the back side of the backplate. 
     
     
         3 . The pressure relief system of  claim 1 , wherein the backplate is curved along a spline within a central plane. 
     
     
         4 . The pressure relief system of  claim 3 , further comprising a first strap release mounted to the backplate and through which the first strap passes and a second strap release mounted to the backplate and through which the second straps passes, wherein the first and second strap releases each have a locked configuration in which movement of the first strap and the second strap is restricted to a single direction. 
     
     
         5 . The pressure relief system of  claim 4 , further comprising that the first and second strap releases each comprise a release pull that allow the first strap and the second strap to move in two directions. 
     
     
         6 . The pressure relief system of  claim 2 , wherein the backplate is symmetrical about the central plane. 
     
     
         7 . The pressure relief system of  claim 1 , wherein the backplate further comprises a lower back extension between the second end and where the first strap and the second strap cross one another on the back side of the backplate. 
     
     
         8 . The pressure relief system of  claim 1 , wherein the first strap releasably mates with the second strap spaced apart from the cross. 
     
     
         9 . The pressure relief system of  claim 1 , wherein the backplate flexes to provide increased comfort. 
     
     
         10 . The pressure relief system of  claim 1 , wherein the backplate has a shape and/or a size that is adjustable. 
     
     
         11 . The pressure relief system of  claim 1 , further comprising a chest strap releasably secure to the first strap and the second strap between the mounting points of each of the first strap and the second strap on the backplate and the cross. 
     
     
         12 . The pressure relief system of  claim 1 , further comprising that the first 
     
     
         13 . A method of securing a bag to a user's back to promote pressure relief, the method comprising:
 mounting a first strap and a second strap to a firm backplate;   passing the first strap and the second strap around a first and second shoulder, respectively, of the user;   wrapping the first strap and the second strap around a back side of the backplate; and   crossing the first strap and the second strap on the back side of the backplate;   wherein the first strap and the second strap generate forces on the first and second shoulders, respectively, that counteract a force generated where the first strap crosses the second strap on the back side of the backplate.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising locking the first strap and the second strap in position on the backplate after crossing the first strap and the second strap. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising adjusting the backplate to fit the user. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising releasably mating the first strap to the second strap after crossing the first strap and the second strap. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising buckling a chest strap releasably secured to the first shoulder and second shoulder after crossing the first strap and the second strap.