|HAI LAIMI MUA HATALIMALTA TAI MALAMAN

US010076177B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 10 ,076 ,177 B2

Li et al. (45) Date of Patent: Sep . 18 , 2018
(54) COMPRESSION SYSTEM FOR BACKPACK (56 ) References Cited
(71) Applicants:Kaitlynn Li, Plano , TX (US ); Pei Li, U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
Plano , TX (US ) 5 ,431,317 A * 7/ 1995 Kliot ....... A45F 3 /02
224 / 153
(72 ) Inventors: Kaitlynn Li, Plano , TX (US); Pei Li,
@ 5 ,503,314 A
5 ,567,084 A
4 /1996 Fiscus
10 / 1996 Oliver
Plano, TX (US ) 5 ,573 ,155 A * 11/1996 Sadler A45F 4 /02
224 / 153
( * ) Notice :
@ Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this 5 , 762 ,243 A 6 / 1998 McMaster
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 5 , 957, 355 A 9/1999 Swetish
U .S .C . 154 (b ) by 151 days . 6 ,070 ,776 A 1/2000 Furnary et al.
6 , 164,509 A * 12/ 2000 Gausling .. ... .... . A45F 3 /047
224 / 153
( 21 ) Appl. No.: 14 /815 ,048
@ 6 ,179 , 187 B1 * 1/2001 Lemire A45F 3 /04
224 / 153
(22 ) Filed : Jul. 31 , 2015
à 7 , 204 ,399 B2
7 ,726 ,530 B1
4 /2007 Collier
6 /2010 Exposito
2005 /0017041 A1* 1 /2005 Roberts .... A45F 3 / 04
(65 ) Prior Publication Data 224 /642
US 2016/0029775 A1 Feb. 4 , 2016 (Continued )
Primary Examiner — Adam Waggenspack
(74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Edwin S . Flores; Daniel
Related U .S . Application Data J. Chalker; Chalker Flores, LLP
(63 ) Continuation -in -part of application No. 13/ 931, 859 , (57 ) ABSTRACT
filed on Jun . 29 , 2013 , now Pat. No. 9 ,125 ,478. A compression system for an ergonomic backpack is dis
closed . The backpack includes a backpack body having a top
side , a bottom side , two lateral sides, a body side, an outer
(60 ) Provisional application No .61/742,728 , filed on Aug. side and a pair of shoulder straps . In the embodiment, each
17 , 2012 , provisional application No. 61/690 ,445, shoulder strap is connected at a junction of the top side and
filed on Jun . 29, 2012 . the body side, extended along the corresponding lateral side,
threaded through the D -ring with a distal end connected to
(51) Int . Cl. the backpack body at a junction of the outer side and the
A45F 3 /04 (2006 .01 ) lateral side. The invention also comprises an optional back
panel and an optional back support device , secured to the
(52) U .S . CI. body side . The back panel and support device may be filled
??? .............. A45F 3/04 (2013.01); A45F 37047 with padding material such as a gel, foam , rubber, fluid or
(2013. 01) the like. When the user ties the two straps, the backpack is
(58 ) Field of Classification Search automatically compressed and moves closer to the user' s
??? ......... ..... A45F 3/04 ; A45F 3/047 back The system , operated like a regular two -strap back
USPC ....... 224 /627 , 630 , 631, 642, 644, 645 , 586 , pack , allows the user to carry heavier loads for a longer
224 /578 - 579 period of time with less fatigue .
See application file for complete search history. 10 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets

110a 1106 100

102a 62 02b

323
1007
1005
635
 US 10,Page
076 ,2177 B2
( 56 ) References Cited
U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
2005/0092803 A15 / 2005 Collier et al.
2008 /0179364 AL 7 / 2008 Thatcher
2014 /0008404 A11 / 2014 Li
* cited by examiner
atent Sep. 18, 2018 Sheet 1 of 7 US 10 ,076 , 177 B2

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 US 10 ,076 ,177 B2
COMPRESSION SYSTEM FOR BACKPACK system and an optional back support device . The system
uses straps to reduce the sagging effect by pulling the
PRIORITY backpack closer to the user 's body . However, the compli
cated construction could increase manufacturing costs ,
This application claims priority to , and is a continuation - 5 which limits its implication in practice. Michael Collier et al.
in -part application of, U . S . Ser. No. 13 / 931, 859 , filed Jun . disclose a different compression system using straps in U . S .
29 , 2013 , which claims priority to U . S . Provisional Patent Pat. No. 7 ,204 ,399. In Collier's invention , each shoulder
Application Ser. No. 61/690 ,445 filed on Jun . 29 , 2012 and strap has a first end connected at a junction of the top side
U .S . Provisional Patent Application Ser. No . 61/742 ,728 , and the body side, and a second end connected to the
filed on Aug. 17 , 2012 , the entire contents of which are 10 backpack body at a junction of the bottom side and the body
incorporated herein by reference . side. Each of the straps extend through the bottom of the
backpack , thread through a D - ring attached to the lateral side
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION and the outside , pass through the lateral side , and then thread
1. Field of the Invention through a second D -ring attached to the lateral side and the
The present invention relates generally to backpacks, and body side . When the straps are tied , the backpack is lifted
more particularly , to ergonomic backpacks having a com - and moved toward the back of the user. However, due to the
pression system that compresses the contents of the back - extended strap being used in the process of lifting and
pack . The system , operating like a regular backpack , allows compression , the user has to further pull down the straps in
the user to carry heavier loads for a longer period of time 20 order to complete the process .
with less fatigue and discomfort . Reducing the sagging effect of a backpack may not
2 . Description of Related Art automatically bring adequate back support to the user. Both
The use of backpacks for carrying loads for different the inventions discussed above and many others in the prior
purposes is well known . In recent years , the popularity of the art do not provide a simple and effective way to jointly
backpack for daily use has increased significantly. Students, 25 address the sagging and back support issues .
for example , use backpacks to carry their school related The instant invention results from a methodical attempt to
materials . Hikers use backpacks to carry hiking gear , food resolve the above disadvantages of the backpack of the prior
and drinks Young professionals use backpacks to carry their art .
documents, computers , etc .
While regular backpacks are suitable for carrying loads, 30 SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
they are not suitable for carrying heavy loads. Even so ,
students have to use backpacks to carry heavy loads relative The principal object of present embodiment is to provide
to their body weights to school every day in order to bring an improved backpack that can carry a heavy load with
the necessary school supplies and books. minimal discomfort. This and other useful objectives are
A serious disadvantage of the backpacks normally used by 35 achieved by using a simple compression system for a
students when carrying heavy loads is discomfort to the backpack . The backpack includes a backpack body having a
user's lower back , which could potentially lead to body top side, a bottom side , two lateral sides, a body side , an
damage . In theory, the best placement of the load of a outer side and a pair of shoulder straps. In the embodiment,
backpack is immediately above the human body center of each shoulder strap is connected at a junction of the top side
the pelvis, as illustrated in FIG . 2B , which shows an 40 and the body side , extended along the corresponding lateral
ergonomic backpack with a load that is closer to the user 's side, threaded through the D - ring with a distal end connected
back and has a slightly higher center of gravity (“ CG ” ). to the backpack body at a junction of the outer side and the
However, a conventional backpack sags with the load , which lateral side .
causes the load not only to move further away from the When the user simply ties the two straps, the backpack is
user ' s back but also to shift the center of the gravity below 45 automatically compressed and moved closer to the user' s
the human body center of the pelvis as shown in FIG . 2A . back with the optional back support device that can be
This creates stronger downward moment and makes the pressed toward the user's back when pulling the straps, the
backpack feel much heavier to the user. Furthermore , the user feels even stronger support on the back after compress
sagging of the backpack , results in the user 's back loosing ing. The system allows the user to carry heavier loads for a
proper and comfortable support. As a result , the user cannot 50 longer period of time with less fatigue, thus reducing dis
maintain proper back position and has to lean forward when comfort, poor posture, and even musculo skeletal disorder
carrying heavy loads for a while. Anyone who has seen and injury .
students walking across a campus has witnessed the negative
sagging effect of the backpack on students ' postures. Once DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
the spine alignment is improper and the muscles become 55
stressed , the user feels discomfort, fatigue and pain , which For a better understanding of the present invention and
could even result in injury to the back Tills can be more further features thereof, reference is made to the following
harmful for younger students because frequent improper description which is to be read in conjunction with the
spine alignment caused by carrying heavy backpacks every accompanying drawing wherein .
day could potentially lead to poor posture problems. 60 FIG . 1 is a perspective view of a conventional backpack
Therefore , it is highly desirable to design an improved of prior art.
backpack , which is configured to be more comfortable when FIG . 2A is a side view of a conventional backpack shown
carrying a relatively heavy load . Whereas considerable as worn .
efforts have been emphasized on new technologies in manu - FIG . 2B is a side view of an ergonomic backpack shown
facturing backpacks, relatively less has been done to address 65 as worn .
the sagging effects of backpacks. U . S . Pat. No. 6 ,164,509 to FIG . 3 is a perspective view of a backpack according to
Gausling et al. discloses a backpack with a compression the embodiment of the present invention.
 US 10 ,076 ,177 B2
FIG . 4 is a front view of the backpack according to an bottom side 104 may be connected to the two lateral sides
alternate embodiment of the invention with an optional back 102 , the outer side 103 and the body side 105 . The two
support device; lateral sides 102 may be connected to the top side 101 , the
FIG . 5 illustrates a front view of the backpack according bottom side 104, the body side 105 and the outer side 103 .
to another embodiment of the present invention ; 5 The body side 105 may be connected to the two lateral sides
FIG . 6 illustrates a front view of the backpack according 102 , the top side 101 and the bottom side 104 and may be
to another embodiment of the present invention ; opposed to the outer side 103 . The outer side 103 may be
FIG . 7 illustrates a D ring of the present invention ; connected to the two lateral sides 102 , the top side 101, the
FIG . 8 illustrates a front view of the backpack with bottom side 104 and may be opposed to the body side 105 .
optional back panel and a pocket according to another 10 When connected , theses six sides or regions define an
embodiment of the present invention ; interior compartment called the body into which cargo such
FIG . 9 illustrates a front view of the backpack according as books, food, etc . can be stowed . It is understood that this
to another embodiment of the present invention ; region may be subdivided into or complemented with a
FIG . 10 illustrates a D ring of the present invention ; number of additional compartments or regions for keeping
FIG . 11 illustrates a front view of the backpack with 15 various items separate . Separating the two sides or regions
optional back panel and a pocket according to another are junctions or seams. Three junctions used later in the text
embodiment of the present invention ; are defined . The first junction 215 is defined between the top
FIG . 12 illustrates a front view of the backpack with side 101 and the body side 105 . The second junction 223 is
optional back panel according to another embodiment of the defined between the lateral side 102 and the outer side 103.
present invention ; and 20 The third junction 225 is defined between the lateral side 102
FIG . 13 illustrates a front view of the backpack with an and the body side 105. The defined junctionshelp readers in
optional back panel and a back support. understanding the relative location on the body being dis
cussed .
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED Although the six -side configuration of 100 is described ,
EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 25 the backpack body can have fewer sides or regions and
correspondingly fewer junctions or seams and still be within
A conventionalbackpack body 100 of the prior art, shown the scope of the invention . The particular six -side configu
in FIG . 1 , is formed by a top side or region 101, two lateral ration and junctions are described herein strictly to assist the
sides or regions 102 , an outer side or region 103 , a body side reader in understanding the embodiments of the invention .
or region 105 , a bottom side 104 and a pair of shoulder straps 30 The description of junctions 215 , 223 , 225 is meant to
110 . When connected , theses six sides or regions define an define a general transition region . One may move as many
interior compartment called the body into which cargo such as several inches away from the first junction 225 , for
as books , food , etc . can be stowed . It is understood that this example , into the region of the outer side or the lateral side
region may be subdivided into or complemented with a or anywhere along the line shown in the figure as defining
number of additional compartments or regions for keeping 35 the junction , and still be within the scope of invention .
various items separate . Separating the two sides or regions Each shoulder strap 110 is connected at a junction 215 of
are junctions or seams. Three junctions used later in the text the top side 101 and the body side 105 , extending along the
are defined . The first junction 215 is defined between the top corresponding lateral side 102 , threaded through the lower
side 101 and the body side 105 . The second junction 223 is D -ring 325 (with respect to the bag being worn by the user ),
defined between the lateral side 102 and the outer side 103 . 40 extending across the body side 105 and threaded through the
The third junction 225 is defined between the lateral side 102 D -ring 326 which may be higher than the D ring 325 . The
and the body side 105 . The defined junctions help readers in strap 110 may extend along the lateral side 102 and may
understanding the relative location on the body being dis terminate with a distal end 323 of the strap 110 being
cussed . The system , operated like a regular two -strap back - connected to the backpack body at a junction 223 of the
pack , allows the user to carry heavier loads for a longer 45 lateral side 102 and the outer side 103 at a higher position
period of time with less fatigue, thus reducing discomfort , than the D ring 326 . When the user simply ties the two straps
poor posture , and even musculoskeletal disorder and injury . 110 through a buckle 111 , the backpack 100 is automatically
Although the six - side configuration of 100 is described , compressed and moved closer to the user 's back .
the backpack body can have fewer sides or regions and Due to the heavy force acting on the distal end 323 and the
correspondingly fewer junctions or seams and still be within 50 D -ring 325 , it is important that the points of connections be
the scope of the invention . The particular six -side configu - designed for durability and load -bearing functionality .
ration and junctions are described herein strictly to assist the Although the D - ring 325 is located along the junction 225 ,
reader in understanding the embodiments of the invention and the distal end 323 is located injunction 223 in FIG . 3 ,
The description of junctions is meant to define a general their positions can vary to meet needs. However, the position
transition region . One may move as many as several inches 55 of the distal end 323 should preferably be above the D -ring
away from the first junction 225 , for example , into the region 325 to maximize the efficiency of the compression system
of the outer side or the lateral side or anywhere along the line when pulling the straps . Of course , the D - ring 325 can be
shown in the figure as defining the junction , and still be replaced with other devices of different materials such as
within the scope of invention . plastic to serve the same purpose . All of these variations in
In FIG . 3 , backpack 100 with the compression system of 60 configurations such as those described above are within the
the embodiment of the invention is formed by a flexible or scope of the invention . It is important, however , that the
solid material such as plastic , canvas, cloth or other suitable devices are made for durability and load -bearing function
material and by a top side or region 101 , two opposed lateral ality with smoothly rounded edges that greatly reduce the
sides or regions 102, an outer side or region 103 , a body side wearing of the straps while still remaining aesthetically
or region 105 , a bottom side 104 and a pair of shoulder straps 65 pleasing .
110 . The top side may be connected to the two lateral sides In the alternative embodiment of the invention illustrated
102, the outer side 103 and the body side 105 , and the in FIG . 4 , each shoulder strap 110 is connected at a junction
 US 10 ,076 ,177 B2
215 of top side 101 and the body side 105 , extended along support 425 is placed inside the backpack and the back panel
the corresponding lateral side 102 , threaded through the first 625 placed on the outside of the backpack 100 . In this case ,
D - ring 335 and passed across the outside of the backpack the back support 425 is sewed directly on the body side 105
body and threaded through the second D - ring 336 to the from inside . After that, the two straps threaded through the
opposite lateral side 102 with a distal end 323 connected to 5 first D ring 336 and the second D ring 335 are attached on
the backpack body at a junction 225 of the lateral side 102 the back support 425 .
and the outer side 103 . The back support device 425 is All of the variations in configurations that include the core
placed outside the two straps 110 and covered with a piece compression system of this invention such as described
of material that matches the backpack to be aesthetically above are within the scope of the invention .
pleasing . 10 In FIGS. 6 -8 , backpack 100 with the compression system
When user pulls the straps and compresses the contents of of the embodiment of the invention is formed by a flexible
the backpack , the back support 425 provides comfortable or solid material such as plastic , canvas, cloth or other
support to user' s back and also maintains the shape of the suitable material and by a top side or region 101, two
back of the backpack without being squashed if no other opposed lateral sides or regions 102 , an outer side or region
means , such as designed back panel discussed below , are 15 103 , a body side or region 105 , a bottom side 104 and a pair
implemented to maintain the shape of the backpack . The of shoulder straps 110 . The top side may be connected to the
optional back support 425 can take the form of padding or two lateral sides 102 , the outer side 103 and the body side
cushion and can be filled with material such as a gel, foam , 105 , and the bottom side 104 may be connected to the two
rubber or fluid or the like . Any type of padding or support lateral sides 102 , the outer side 103 and the body side 105 .
device as is well-known in the art is appropriate . 20 The two lateral sides 102 may be connected to the top side
FIG . 5 depicts an embodiment of the invention containing 101, the bottom side 104 , the body side 105 and the outer
an optional back panel 625 . The optionalback panel625 can side 103. The body side 105 may be connected to the two
have at least one layer. It may have a rigid layer placed lateral sides 102, the top side 101 and the bottom side 104
inside the panel, a soft layer placed outside the rigid layer and may be opposed to the outer side 103 . The outer side 103
and another layer on the top of the soft layer for aesthetically 25 may be connected to the two lateral sides 102 , the top side
pleasing look . 101 , the bottom side 104 and may be opposed to the body
The rigid layer can serve two purposes when user pulls the side 105 .
straps and compresses the contents of the backpack . First, it FIG . 6 illustrates a strap 1005 which may be attached to
maintains the shape of the back of the backpack without the backpack 100 on the lateral side 102 and may be
being squashed . Second, it provides better fit due to its 30 positioned substantially vertically . Each shoulder strap 110
flexibility that allows the back of the backpack to bend is connected at a junction 215 of the top side 101 and the
slightly toward the user 's back . The rigid layer can take the body side 105 , extending along the corresponding lateral
form of foam , plastic or rubber or the like. Any type of side 102 , threaded through a D -ring 326 or aperture , extend
padding or support device that serves the purposes as is ing across the outside of the backpack body side 105 and
well -known in the art is appropriate . All of these variations 35 threaded through the D -ring 1007 on the opposite side . The
in configurations such as those described above are within strap 110 may extend along the lateral side 102 and may
the scope of the invention . terminate with a distal end 323 of the strap 110 being
The soft layer can make the user comfortable to wear the connected to the backpack body at a junction 223 of the
backpack . The special pattern design with cavity 635 helps lateral side 102 and the outer side 103 at a higher position
air circulation and reduces the temperature and in turn , 40 than the D ring 1007 . When the shoulder strap 110 is
reduces sweating on the user 's back . In this case , the back tightened , the backpack 100 is compressed and pulls the
panel 625 is sewed directly on the body side 105 from backpack closer to the back of the user, providing back
outside . The soft layer of optional back panel 625 can take support for the user.
the form of padding or cushion and can be filled with FIG . 7 illustrates the single D ring 1007 connected to the
material such as a gel, foam , rubber or fluid or the like. Any 45 strap 1005 and illustrates the shoulder strap 110 extending
type of padding or support device as is well-known in the art through the single D ring 1007 . Due to the heavy force
is appropriate . All of these variations in configurations such acting on the D -ring, it is important that the points of
as those described above are within the scope of the inven connections be designed for durability and load bearing
tion . functionality . In addition , since the D ring is located near the
FIG . 5 shows an optionalback panel 625 placed on the top 50 bottom of the lateral side, it makes easier for the user to wear
of the two straps 110 attached on the outer side 103 of the the straps.
backpack 100 . When pulling the straps through a buckle 111 , FIG . 8 depicts an embodimentof the invention containing
the compression system brings the backpack 100 closer to an optional back panel 625 and a pocket 1100 . Some
the user ' s back . Optional back support 425 ( not shown for numbers and features are not shown for clarity .
clarity ) can be added to the configuration by placing the back 55 The pocket 1100 may be netting or other types of material
support 425 outside of the back panel 625 . This configura - that can match the color, material or style of the backpack .
tion can also achieve the benefits of the invention . The pocket 1100 design serves two primary purposes . First,
The variations include a configuration where the first it can be used to carry small objects , such as water bottle,
embodiment (FIG . 3 ) is modified . The second D -ring 336 is etc . Second , it covers the straps for aesthetically pleasing
mounted inside instead of the outside of the backpack on the 60 look .
junction 225 of the lateral side 102 and the body side 105 . In FIGS. 9 - 11, backpack 100 with the compression system
Each strap is threaded through the first D ring 335 and then of the embodiment of the invention is formed by a flexible
the second D ring 336 and secured the distal end 323 from or solid material such as plastic , canvas, cloth or other
inside to the backpack body 100 at a junction 225 of the suitable material and by a top side or region 101, two
outer side 103 and the lateral side 102 . 65 opposed lateral sides or regions 102 , an outer side or region
The variations of the embodiment also include a configu - 103 , a body side or region 105 , a bottom side 104 and a pair
ration where the embodiment ( FIG . 4 ) is modified. The back of shoulder straps 110 . The top side may be connected to the
 US 10 ,076 , 177 B2
two lateral sides 102 , the outer side 103 and the body side from outside of the backpack 100 . The pocket 1100 may be
105 , and the bottom side 104 may be connected to the two netting or other types of material that can match the color,
lateral sides 102 , the outer side 103 and the body side 105 . material or style of the backpack .
The two lateral sides 102 may be connected to the top side W hen the first and second support members 110a , 110b
101, the bottom side 104 , the body side 105 and the outer 5 are tightened , the weight of the backpack exerts pulling
side 103. The body side 105 may be connected to the two pressure on the other ends attached to the lateral panels
lateral sides 102, the top side 101 and the bottom side 104 102a , 102b , of the two shoulder members , resulting in the
and may be opposed to the outer side 103 . The outer side 103 contents of the backpack , the back support 425 , and the back
may be connected to the two lateral sides 102 , the top side panel 625 are pulled closer to the back of the user. As a
101, the bottom side 104 and may be opposed to the body 10 result, backpack 100 is compressed towards the user. In
side 105 . addition , the back panel 625 is bent slightly toward the user
FIG . 9 illustrates that the shoulder strap 110 from each to better fit the shape of the user 's entire back . The variations
side extends through the inside cavity of the backpack 100 . of the embodiment also include a configuration that theother
A strap 1005 may be attached to the backpack 100 on the ends attached to the lateral panels 102a , 102b , of the two
lateral side 102 and may be positioned substantially verti- 15 shoulder members, are connected together to enhance the
cally . Each shoulder strap 110 is connected at a junction 215 durability of the design .
of the top side 101 and the body side 105 , extending along As a well-known art, the holes left by the straps when
the corresponding lateral side 102 , threaded through the passed through the body of the backpack need to be covered
D - ring 1007, extending across the inside of the backpack with appropriate material of the backpack for functionality
body side 105 and threaded through the D - ring 1007 on the 20 and aesthetically pleasing look .
opposite side. The strap 110 may extend along the lateral The variations of the embodiment described above
side 102 and may terminate with a distal end 323 of the strap include a configuration that connects the two distal ends 323
110 being connected to the backpack body at a junction 223 together to enforce the durability of the design , which is not
of the lateral side 102 and the outer side 103 at a higher shown for clarity. The variations also include a configuration
position than the D ring 1007. When the shoulder strap 110 25 that has an optional back support device. All of the varia
is tightened , the backpack 100 is compressed and pulls the tions in configurations that include the core compression
backpack closer to the back of the user, providing back system of this invention such as described above , are within
support for the user. the scope of the invention .
FIG . 10 illustrates one shoulder strap 110 extending While the preferred embodiments of the invention have
through the single D ring 1007 and another should strap 110 30 been described ,modification can bemade and other embodi
passing through the D - ring 1007 that may terminate with a ments may be devised without departing from the spirit of
distal end 323 of the strap 110 being connected to the the invention and the scope of the appended claims.
backpack body at a junction 223 of the lateral side 102 and What is claimed is:
the outer side 103 at a higher position than the D ring. 1 . A backpack comprising:
FIG . 11 depicts an embodiment of the invention contain - 35 a backpack body having a body panel, a top panel, a
ing an optional back panel 625 and a pocket 1100 . bottom panel, a first lateral panel, a second lateral
In FIGS . 12 - 13 , backpack 100 is another embodiment panel, and an outer panel;
wherein the top panel 101, the first lateral panel 102a and a first support attachment on or about the first lateral
second lateral panel 102b , the outer panel 103 , the body panel;
panel 105 , the bottom panel 104 , and the first shoulder 40 a second support attachment on or about the second lateral
support member 110a and second shoulder support member panel;
110b are equivalent to the top side or region 101, the two wherein the first and second support attachments are
opposed lateral sides or regions 102 , the outer side or region designed for load -bearing functionality ;
103, the body side or region 105 , the bottom side 104 and the a first shoulder supportmember, wherein the first shoulder
pair of shoulder straps 110 of backpack 100 in FIGS. 1 - 11. 45 support member has a first end connected to a junction
are formed by a flexible or solid material such as plastic , of the top panel and the body panel, and a second end
canvas, cloth or other suitable material. slidably passing through the first support attachment
FIG . 12 depicts an embodiment of backpack 100 also and attaching to the first lateral panel on or about a
containing an optional back panel 625 . Optionalback panel junction of the first lateral panel and the outer panel;
625 is attached to the outside of body panel 105 . A strap 50 a second shoulder support member, wherein the second
1005 is attached vertically or at an angle on the first and shoulder support member has a first end connected at a
second lateral panel 102a , 102b . Support attachment 1007, junction of the top panel and the body panel, and a
equivalent to D -ring 1007 in FIG . 7 is attached to strap 1005 . second end slidably passing through the second support
First shoulder support member 110a has one end connected attachment and attaching to the second lateral panel on
to a junction 215 between top panel 101 and body panel 105 . 55 or about a junction of the second lateral panel and the
The other end of first shoulder support member 110a slides outer panel , wherein the first ends of the first shoulder
through the support attachment 1007 located on first lateral support member and the second shoulder support mem
panel 102a and attaches to the first lateral panel 102a . ber are not connected ; and
Second shoulder support member 110b also has one end wherein the position of the first and second ends is higher
attached to junction 215 , and the other end sliding through 60 than the corresponding first and second support attach
the support attachment 1007 located on second lateral panel ments in the lateral panels such that the backpack body
102b and attaches to the second lateral panel 102b . can be compressed downward by tightening the first
FIG . 13 depicts an embodiment of backpack 100 as in and second shoulder support members .
FIG . 12 , further comprising an optional back support 425 , 2 . The backpack of claim 1, wherein the first support
and pocket 1100 . The optional back support 425 is attached 65 attachment is on a junction of the first lateral panel and the
to the body panel 105 from inside of the backpack 100 . The body panel, and the second support attachment is on a
optional back panel 625 is attached to the body panel 105 junction of the second lateral panel and the body panel.
 US 10 ,076 , 177 B2
10
3. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the first and second bend toward the user 's back when compressed , or a back
support attachments are comprised of a strap and a ring. support attached to the body panel of the backpack to
4 . The backpack of claim 1, further comprising at least provide fit and support to the user 's back .
one of a back panel attached to the body panel of the 8 . A backpack comprising:
backpack , wherein the back panel is formed such that the 5 a backpack body having a body panel, a top panel, a
shape of the backpack can be maintained with flexibility and bottom panel, a first lateral panel, a second lateral
is capable of bending toward a user ' s back when com panel, and an outer panel;
pressed , or a back support attached to the body panel of the a first support attachment on or about the first lateral
backpack and capable to provide fit and support to the user' s panel;
back . a second support attachment on or about the second lateral
5 . A backpack comprising: panel ;
a backpack body having a body panel , a top panel, a wherein the first and second support attachments are
bottom panel, a first lateral panel, a second lateral designed for load -bearing functionality ; and
panel, and an outer panel;
a first aperture on or about the first lateral panel; 15 a first and second shoulder support member, wherein each
a second aperture on or about the second lateral panel; shoulder support member has a first end connected at a
wherein the first and second apertures are designed for junction of the top panel and the body panel, and a
load -bearing functionality ; and second end slidably passing through the first or second
a first and second shoulder supportmember , wherein each support attachment and attaching to the first or second
shoulder support member has a first end connected at a 20 lateral panel on or about a junction of the first lateral
junction of the top panel and the body panel, and a panel and the outer panel or on or about a junction of
second end slidably passing through the first or second the second lateral panel and the outer panel , wherein
aperture and attaching to the first or second lateral the position of the first and second ends is higher than
panel on or about a junction of the first lateral panel and the corresponding first and second support attachments
the outer panel or on or about a junction of the second 25 in the lateral panels such that the backpack body can be
lateral panel and the outer panel, wherein the position compressed downward by tightening the first and sec
of the first and second ends is higher than the corre ond shoulder support members, and wherein the first
sponding first and second apertures in the lateral panels ends of the first shoulder support member and the
such that the backpack body can be compressed down second shoulder support member are not connected .
9 . The backpack of claim 8 , wherein the first and second
ward by tightening the first and second shoulder sup- 30 attachments
port members, and wherein the first ends of the first and second lateral further comprise a ring integral with the first
shoulder support member and the second shoulder and support . panel to provide load bearing functions
support member are not connected . 10 . The backpack of claim 8 , further comprising at least
6 . The backpack of claim 5 , wherein the first and second
aperture further comprise a ring integral with the first and 3535 backpack
one of a back panel attached to the body panel of the
, wherein the back panel is formed such that the
second lateral panel to provide load bearing functions and shape of the backpack can be maintained with flexibility to
support.
7. The backpack of claim 5 , further comprising at least bend toward the user ' s back when compressed , or a back
support attached to the body panel of the backpack to
one of a back panel attached to the body panel of the
backpack , wherein the back panel is formed such that the 40 provide fit and support to the user 's back .
shape of the backpack can be maintained with flexibility to * * * *