Backpack frame system with slotted frame

Abstract

A backpack frame system having a slotted frame configured to be detachably and interchangeably connected with a backpack is provided. The frame can include a plurality of generally uniformly spaced-apart slats extending between at least two upright members or cross members. Slots are defined between the slats, which are adapted for connection with an attachment system such that one or more objects or cargo may be hung from or otherwise secured to the frame. A looping system is provided for connecting the frame to the backpack. The backpack may be provided with a looping system comprising first and second sets of loops that can be interconnected by a connector and encircle a portion of the frame, such as an upright member, thereby connecting the frame to the backpack.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A backpack frame system, said backpack frame system comprising:
 a frame including at least one of a generally upright member and a cross member; and   a backpack having at least one shoulder strap and a looping system for securing at least one of said frame upright member and said frame cross member to said backpack, said looping system including:
 a first set of loops; 
 a second set of loops; and 
 a connector adapted for being passed through at least some of the loops of said first set of loops and at least some of the loops of said second set of loops. 
   
     
     
         2 . The backpack frame system of  claim 1 , wherein said frame includes:
 a left upright member;   a right upright member;   a plurality of slats extending between said left and right upright members; and   a plurality of slots defined between said slats.   
     
     
         3 . The backpack frame system of  claim 2 , wherein at least some of the loops of said first set of loops are each positioned for passing through a respective said slot of said frame. 
     
     
         4 . The backpack frame system of  claim 2 , wherein at least some of the loops of said second set of loops are positioned for passing over an outer edge of said frame. 
     
     
         5 . The backpack frame system of  claim 2 , wherein at least some of the loops of said first set of loops are each aligned with a respective said slot of said frame and wherein at least some of the loops of said second set of loops are each aligned with a respective said slat of said frame. 
     
     
         6 . The backpack frame system of  claim 2 , wherein at least some of the loops of said first set of loops have a width approximately equal to a width of at least some of said slots and wherein at least some of the loops of said second set of loops have a width approximately equal to a width of at least some of said slats. 
     
     
         7 . The backpack frame system of  claim 6 , wherein the widths of said slots, said slats, said loops of said first set of loops and said loops of said second set of loops are each approximately 1 inch. 
     
     
         8 . The backpack frame system of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the loops of said first set of loops in combination with at least some of the loops of said first set of loops generally encircle at least a portion of at least one of said frame upright member and said frame cross member when said connector is passed through said loops. 
     
     
         9 . The backpack frame system of  claim 1 , wherein apertures of at least some of the loops of said first set of loops are at least partially aligned with apertures of at least some of the loops of said second set of loops when said connector is passed through said loops. 
     
     
         10 . The backpack frame system of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the loops of said first set of loops and at least some of the loops of said second set of loops at least partially overlie one of said frame upright member and said frame cross member when said connector is passed through said loops. 
     
     
         11 . The backpack frame system of  claim 1 , wherein said connector passes alternatingly through the loops of said first set of loops and the loops of said second set of loops. 
     
     
         12 . The backpack frame system of  claim 1 , wherein said connector is a strap. 
     
     
         13 . The backpack frame system of  claim 1 , wherein said backpack further includes a collar defining a pocket and wherein said frame is at least partially received in said pocket. 
     
     
         14 . The backpack frame system of  claim 1 , wherein said backpack further includes a membrane and wherein a gap is defined between a rearwardly facing surface of said membrane and a forwardly facing surface of said frame. 
     
     
         15 . The backpack frame system of  claim 14 , wherein said gap is defined between said membrane and at least one of said frame slats. 
     
     
         16 . The backpack frame system of  claim 14 , wherein said gap is adapted for receiving a sling therein. 
     
     
         17 . The backpack frame system of  claim 14  further comprising a sling wherein at least a portion of said sling is received in said gap. 
     
     
         18 . The backpack frame system of  claim 17 , wherein said sling includes an attachment device extending from a distal end of said sling, said attachment device being connected to at least one slat of said frame. 
     
     
         19 . The backpack frame system of  claim 17 , wherein said sling extends from a pack bag. 
     
     
         20 . A frame for connection with a backpack, said frame comprising:
 a left upright member;   a right upright member;   a plurality of slats extending between said left and right upright members; and   a plurality of slots defined between said slats, wherein at least a portion of said slots are adapted for receiving at least a portion of an attachment system therethrough for connecting objects to said frame.   
     
     
         21 . The frame of  claim 20 , wherein said slots each have a width generally equal to a width of said slats. 
     
     
         22 . The frame of  claim 20 , wherein the width of said slots is approximately 1 inch and the width of said slats is approximately 1 inch. 
     
     
         23 . The frame of  claim 20 , wherein said attachment system is a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) attachment system. 
     
     
         24 . The frame of  claim 20 , wherein said frame is adapted for being interchangeable with a second frame. 
     
     
         25 . The frame of  claim 20  further comprising multiple frame sheets, said frame sheets being selectively combined with one another to provide a desired frame stiffness. 
     
     
         26 . A connection system for attaching a frame to a backpack, said connection system comprising:
 a first set of loops;   a second set of loops; and   a connector adapted for being passed through at least some of the loops of said first set of loops and at least some of the loops of said second set of loops.