Backpack having framesheet assembly

Abstract

A backpack is provided incorporating a framesheet and having superior torsional flexibility and load support. The backpack includes a sack configured to be disposed on a user's back and having a first side adjacent to the user's back, when worn. The framesheet is attached to the first side of the sack, generally with the spine of the user. A surface contour is provided to the framesheet that facilitates load support and inhibits barreling. The framesheet has a first width in the upper region and a second width less than the first width, the second width residing in the intermediate between the scapulas and the hip bones of the user. Optionally, a stay can also be provided to the backside of the framesheet, preferably along the centerline thereof.

1 . A backpack, comprising: 
 a sack configured to be disposed on a user's back and having a first side adjacent to the user's back, when worn; and    a framesheet attached to the first side of the sack, the framesheet defining a longitudinal axis generally aligned with the spine of the user, the framesheet having an upper region configured to be disposed generally adjacent to the scapulas of the user and an intermediate region below the upper region, the framesheet having a surface contour defining at least one contoured section located in the upper region thereof, the framesheet having a first width in the upper region and a second width less than the first width, the second width residing in the intermediate between the scapulas and the hip bones of the user.    
   
   
       2 . A backpack as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the framesheet has a third width, greater than the second width, in a tail region below the intermediate region.  
   
   
       3 . A backpack as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the surface contour of the framesheet defines a channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the framesheet at least in the upper region thereof.  
   
   
       4 . A backpack as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion of the framesheet further defines an arcuate cutout along a top edge thereof.  
   
   
       5 . A backpack as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the framesheet is disposed in a pocket defined by the sack.  
   
   
       6 . A backpack as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the framesheet is formed of molded plastic.  
   
   
       7 . A backpack as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the framesheet is formed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material.  
   
   
       8 . A backpack as defined in  claim 6 , further comprising a stay attached to the framesheet along the centerline thereof.  
   
   
       9 . A backpack as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the surface contour of the framesheet defines a plurality of contoured sections in the upper portion of the framesheet, each contoured section delineated by curved side walls.  
   
   
       10 . A backpack as defined in  claim 9 , wherein the surface contour of the framesheet defines four contoured sections in the upper portion of the framesheet and a channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the framesheet at least in the upper region thereof.  
   
   
       11 . A backpack as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the sack further includes scapula pads and a lumbar pad that at least partially cover the framesheet, when fully assembled.  
   
   
       12 . A backpack as defined in  claim 11 , wherein the sack includes top and bottoms sleeves, into which top and bottom edges of the framesheet are received, respectively.  
   
   
       13 . A backpack as defined in  claim 11 , wherein the lumbar pad is hinged along its lower edge to the first side of the sack and includes straps aligned to extend through slits defined in the frame sheet.  
   
   
       14 . A backpack as defined in  claim 11 , wherein the scapula pads are hinged along respective outer edges to the first side of the sack and include attachments to hold the scapula pads against the framesheet.  
   
   
       15 . A backpack as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the scapula pads are sized to leave the channel of the framesheet uncovered.  
   
   
       16 . A backpack, comprising: 
 a sack configured to be disposed on a user's back and having a first side adjacent to the user's back, when worn; and    a molded plastic framesheet attached to the first side of the sack and having a curved side profile and defining a longitudinal axis generally aligned with the spine of the user, when worn, the framesheet having an upper region disposed generally adjacent to the scapulas of the user and intermediate region, the framesheet having a surface contour defining at least one contoured section and a channel located in the upper region thereof, the channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the framesheet at least in the upper region thereof, the framesheet having first width in the upper region and a second width less than the first width, the second width residing in the intermediate region between the scapulas and the hip bones of the user.    
   
   
       17 . A backpack as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the sack further includes scapula pads and a lumbar pad spaced about the first side of the sack thereby defining a ventilation path having an elongated central portion extending longitudinally along the first side and two side portions extending laterally from a bottom end of the central portion.  
   
   
       18 . A backpack as defined in  claim 17 , wherein the lumbar pad is hinged along its lower edge to the first side of the sack and includes attachments to hold the lumbar pad in place.  
   
   
       19 . A backpack as defined in  claim 17 , wherein the scapula pads are hinged along respective outer edges to the first side of the sack and include attachments to hold the scapula pads in place.  
   
   
       20 . A backpack as defined in  claim 19 , wherein the scapula pads are sized to leave the channel of the framesheet uncovered.  
   
   
       21 . A backpack, comprising: 
 a sack configured to be disposed on a user's back and having a first side adjacent to the user's back, when worn, the sack having; 
 a pair of scapula pads attached the first side of the sack, and  
 a lumbar pad attached to the first side of the sack below the scapula pads, the scapula pads and a lumbar pad defining a ventilation path having an elongated central portion extending longitudinally along the first side and two side portions extending laterally from a bottom end of the central portion; and  
   a framesheet attached to the first side of the sack, the framesheet having an upper region disposed generally adjacent to the scapulas of the user, the framesheet defining a longitudinal axis generally aligned with the spine of the user and a channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the framesheet at least in the upper region thereof, the framesheet having first width in the upper region and a second width less than the first width, the second width residing in the intermediate region between the scapulas and the hip bones of the user.    
   
   
       22 . A backpack as defined in  claim 21 , wherein the framesheet is disposed in a pocket defined by the sack.  
   
   
       23 . A backpack as defined in  claim 21 , wherein the framesheet is formed of molded plastic.  
   
   
       24 . A backpack as defined in  claim 23 , wherein the surface contour of the framesheet defines a plurality of contoured sections in the upper portion of the framesheet, each contoured section delineated by curved side walls.  
   
   
       25 . A backpack as defined in  claim 23 , wherein a pair of attachments are pivotally mounted to the upper portion of the framesheet and are aligned to receive upper portions of a pair of shoulder straps, each attachment defining a plurality of slots for attaching the shoulder straps to further facilitate a proper fitting for the user.