Backpack frame

Abstract

A backpack frame assembly for a user during activity is described. The frame includes a substantially flat panel configured to be attached to a back area of a backpack, a vented portion configured to allow air to reach a user's back, and a plurality of spacers positioned on the panel to contact the user's back and create a gap between the user's back and the frame/backpack. Preferably, the backpack frame assembly also includes at least one air diverter attached to the panel to direct air into the gap.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A frame for facilitating support of a backpack, the frame comprising:
 a panel having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is configured to contact a backpack; and   a plurality of raised spacer elements positioned on the second surface of the panel and configured to contact a user's back;   wherein, in use, the frame creates a space between the user's back and the backpack.   
     
     
         2 . The frame of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one ventilation opening extending through the panel. 
     
     
         3 . The frame of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one air diverter attached proximate to and extending beyond an edge of the panel, wherein the at least one air diverter directs an airflow to the plurality of spacer elements. 
     
     
         4 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the panel is comprised of a rigid plastic material. 
     
     
         5 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of spacer elements is comprised of a flexible plastic material. 
     
     
         6 . The frame of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of spacer elements is configured to channel the airflow in a direction toward a bottom edge of the second surface of the panel. 
     
     
         7 . The frame of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one fastener for attaching the panel to the backpack. 
     
     
         8 . The frame of  claim 7 , wherein in the at least one fastener comprises a 
     
     
         9 . A backpack and frame assembly comprising:
 a backpack having at least one shoulder strap and a back surface;   a frame fixed to the backpack and comprising:
 a panel having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is configured to contact the back surface of the backpack; and 
 a plurality of raised spacer elements positioned on the second surface of the panel and configured to contact a user's back; 
   wherein, in use, the plurality of raised spacer elements of the frame creates a space between the user's back and the backpack.   
     
     
         10 . The backpack and frame assembly of  claim 9 , further comprising at least one ventilation opening extending through the panel. 
     
     
         11 . The backpack and frame assembly of  claim 9 , further comprising at least one air diverter attached proximate to and extending beyond an edge of the panel, wherein the at least one air diverter directs an airflow to the plurality of spacer elements. 
     
     
         12 . The backpack and frame assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the panel is comprised of a rigid plastic material. 
     
     
         13 . The backpack and frame assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of spacer elements is comprised of a flexible plastic material. 
     
     
         14 . The backpack and frame assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of spacer elements is configured to channel the airflow in a direction toward a bottom edge of the second surface of the panel. 
     
     
         15 . The backpack and frame assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of spacer elements is configured to deform to absorb forces on impact. 
     
     
         16 . The backpack and frame assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the frame is removable from the backpack. 
     
     
         17 . A frame for creating space between a user's back and a device carried on the user's back, the frame comprising:
 a panel having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is configured to contact a device to be carried by a user; and   a plurality of raised spacer elements positioned on the second surface of the panel and configured to contact a user's back;   wherein, in use, the frame creates a space between the user's back and the device.