Pivotable pack frame apparatus

Abstract

A pack frame apparatus having first and second frame portions configured to be secured to a backpack, wherein the first and second frame portions provide structural rigidity to the backpack when secured to the backpack. The first frame portion is configured to be secured to shoulder straps of the backpack, and the second frame portion is configured to be secured adjacent to a waist strap of the backpack. A joint joins the first and second frame portions to allow relative pivotal movement around a first axis and to allow resilient relative pivotal movement around a second axis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pack frame apparatus, comprising:
 a first frame portion configured to be secured to a backpack, the first frame portion providing structural rigidity to the backpack when secured to the backpack, the first frame portion being configured to be secured to shoulder straps of the backpack;   a second frame portion configured to be secured to the backpack, the second frame portion providing structural rigidity to the backpack when secured to the backpack, the second frame portion being configured to be secured adjacent to a waist strap of the backpack;   a joint joining the first and second frame portions to allow relative pivotal movement of the first and second frame portions around a first axis and to allow resilient relative pivotal movement around a second axis.   
     
     
         2 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first axis is oriented about normal to a coronal plane. 
     
     
         3 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the second axis is about parallel to the coronal plane. 
     
     
         4 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the joint comprises a resilient member positioned between the first and second frame portions. 
     
     
         5 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the joint further comprises a rigid member, wherein the resilient member is positioned between the rigid member and at least one of the first and second frame portions. 
     
     
         6 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the joint further comprises a rigid member positioned between the resilient member and at least one of the first and second frame portions. 
     
     
         7 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the joint is biased to orient the first and second frame portions in a default relative orientation due to resilience of the resilient member. 
     
     
         8 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the resilient member is configured as a shock absorber between the first and second frame portions. 
     
     
         9 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the joint is removably attached to the first and second frame portions. 
     
     
         10 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the joint is biased to orient the first and second frame portions in a default relative orientation. 
     
     
         11 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the joint has uneven thickness around the first axis. 
     
     
         12 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the joint has even thickness around the first axis. 
     
     
         13 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least two portions of the joint interlock in a default relative orientation of the first and second frame portions. 
     
     
         14 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the joint interlocks with at least one of the first and second frame portions in a default relative orientation of the first and second frame portions. 
     
     
         15 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the joint is configured to selectively tighten and loosen the joining of the first and second frame portions. 
     
     
         16 . The pack frame apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the joint is further configured to allow resilient relative pivotal movement of the first and second frame portions around a third axis. 
     
     
         17 . A flexible pack, comprising:
 an upper frame configured to be positioned in the pack adjacent to a torso portion of a user above the user's waist;   a pair of shoulder straps configured to attach to the upper frame and wrap around the shoulders of the user;   a lower frame configured to be positioned in the pack adjacent to a torso portion of a user adjacent to the user's waist;   a waist strap configured to attach to the backpack adjacent to the lower frame;   a storage pouch portion attached to at least one of the upper and lower plates, the storage pouch portion adapted to removably hold equipment;   a flexible joint joining the upper and lower frames, the flexible joint allowing relative motion of the upper and lower frames in a pivot direction and allowing resilient relative motion in a torsional direction.   
     
     
         18 . The flexible backpack of  claim 17 , wherein the flexible joint is positioned in the backpack relative to a lumbar area of the user. 
     
     
         19 . The flexible backpack of  claim 17 , wherein the flexible joint comprises an elastic portion positioned between the upper and lower frames. 
     
     
         20 . The flexible backpack of  claim 19 , wherein the flexible joint comprises a rigid portion positioned between at least one of the upper and lower frames and the elastic portion. 
     
     
         21 . The flexible backpack of  claim 19 , wherein the flexible joint is selectively tightenable to adjust a range of relative motion of the upper and lower frames in at least the torsional direction. 
     
     
         22 . The flexible backpack of  claim 17 , wherein the flexible joint permits relative pivotal motion of the upper and lower frames of at least about 45 degrees in the pivot direction and permits relative torsional motion of at least about 20 degrees in the torsional direction. 
     
     
         23 . The flexible backpack of  claim 17 , wherein the flexible joint is biased to orient the upper and lower frames in an upright position. 
     
     
         24 . The flexible backpack of  claim 17 , wherein the upper and lower frames are shaped to conform to a rear portion of a human body. 
     
     
         25 . A method of providing a pack frame apparatus, the method comprising:
 providing a first plate and a second plate, the first and second plates adapted to provide structural support to a pack frame, the first plate being positioned for support of an upper back portion of a user through attachment to a shoulder strap, the second plate being positioned for support of a lower back portion of the user through attachment to a waist strap;   pivotally joining the first plate with the second plate, the first and second plates being relatively rotatable in a first direction, the first and second plates being resiliently relatively rotatable in a second direction.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein joining the first plate with the second plate comprises:
 inserting a resilient member between the first and second plates;   joining the first and second plates around the resilient member for pivotal movement along the first direction.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising:
 attaching the joined first and second plates with a backpack having shoulder straps and a storage compartment.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising:
 adjusting the range of relative rotation of the first and second plates in at least the second direction by tightening or loosening a member joining the first and second plates.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the relative rotation between the first and second plates is biased to assume a default position in at least one of the first and second directions.