Patent ID: 6820783
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: A45F,Y10S

Abstract:
A backpack system for reinforceably supporting a user's back, said backpack having a front panel comprising a back-facing surface supporting a right and a left shoulder strap, extending downwardly from a right and a left upper attachment point, said backpack system comprising:a backpack having a front panel; a pair of elongated inflatable vertically oriented bladders spaced generally parallel to each other and separated by a gap space, said vertically oriented bladders being positioned so that said gap space overlies a vertical central axis of said front panel, said vertically oriented bladders each having an upper terminus extending upwardly at least as high as said right and left upper attachment point and the gap space being aligned over the user's spinal column said pair of elongated inflatable vertically oriented bladders each having a lower terminus and a midpoint halfway between said upper terminus and said lower terminus; means for vertically connecting said pair of vertically oriented bladders to the front panel of said backpack to provide cushioned back support on opposite sides of a user's spinal column along at least a thoracic region thereof when said backpack is carried on the user's back; an upper bridge conduit positioned between said pair of vertically oriented bladders conducting air between said bladders, said upper bridge conduit being positioned between said upper terminus and said midpoint; a lower bridge conduit positioned between said pair of vertically oriented bladders conducting air between said bladders, said lower bridge conduit being positioned between said lower terminus and said midpoint; means for inflating said pair of vertically oriented bladders; and means for deflating said pair of vertically oriented bladders.