Backpack

A backpack is provided with a cushioning, inflatable bladder, the lower part of which extends across the bottom and an upwardly extending part so as when inflated, it generally conforms to the shape of the curvature of the thoracic region of the spine. The bladder is enclosed within a zippered bag wrapped around it that is joined to the outer surface of the backpack. A pump is provided for inflating the bladder. The pump is hand operated with a bulb-shaped configuration and connected to the bladder by means of a tube. An air valve connected to the tube controls the amount of air flow into the bladder and maintains the bladder in inflated position after air has been pumped in, and also permits deflation of the bladder. The pump and valve may be stored in a side pocket of the backpack provided for that purpose. Optionally, the pump could be battery operated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to backpacks of the type used by, for example, students to carry books, hikers to carry gear and the like. The backpack normally contains a pack and one or more pockets for storing items. The backpack is then strapped to the back of a user and carried in that fashion. The backpack described herein is of the type that uses an inflatable bladder and positioned beneath the pack and between the forward panel of the backpack and the user's back and for the purpose of relieving stress, weight and pressure on the back.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is known that the abutting relation of the forward panel of the backpack against the back and spinal column can cause pain, fatigue and perhaps degeneration to affected areas of the back and spine. It is also known that most backpacks in use today place the majority of the weight of the backpack and its contents on the shoulders and on the middle and lower part of the back of the user.

In a number of cases, inflatable bladders have been utilized to provide support and/or avoid contact with particular areas of the back and spinal column.

Notwithstanding, there is still a need for a backpack employing an inflatable bladder for better distribution of the weight away from the user's back.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention is a backpack that when worn minimizes stress, weight and pressure on the back.

These and other objects, features and advantages are accomplished in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, one illustrative embodiment of which comprises a backpack provided with a cushioning, inflatable bladder, the lower part of which extends across the bottom and an upwardly extending part so as when inflated, it generally conforms to the shape of the curvature of the thoracic region of the spine. The bladder is enclosed within a zippered bag wrapped around it that is joined to the outer surface of the backpack. A pump is provided for inflating the bladder. The pump is hand operated with a bulb-shaped configuration and connected to the bladder by means of a tube. An air valve connected to the tube controls the amount of air flow into the bladder and maintains the bladder in inflated position after air has been pumped in, and also permits deflation of the bladder. The pump and valve may be stored in a side pocket of the backpack provided for that purpose. Optionally, the pump could be battery operated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIGS. 1 through 4of the drawing, a backpack10is shown having a forward panel11that faces a user's back when worn, adjustable straps12,13extending from the top of the backpack to the sides near the bottom of the pack for carrying the pack over the user's shoulders. A solid sheet14, as of plastic or a composite, is sewn into and across and forms, with the lower part of the backpack material, the bottom15of the backpack. Optionally, an adjustable waist belt16for securement about the user's waist is provided. The straps12,13are made thick, ¾ inches thick×3 inches wide to provide added cushioning.

Normally, the forward panel11forms one wall of a rearward-facing pack for carrying various articles. Typically, the backpack10will have a number of other pockets for receipt and carrying of items as well.

In a typical embodiment the backpack10is 20 inches high, 14 inches deep and 12 inches wide. However, the backpack10is to be made with differing dimensions, depending upon the size of the user. The backpack is made of canvas, typically, except for the solid sheet14of the bottom.

The backpack10is also provided with a strap18at its top for hanging the backpack when not being carried by a user.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the backpack is provided with a cushioning, inflatable bladder21, the lower part22of which extends across the bottom15beneath the pack, and an upwardly extending part23positioned entirely across the forward panel11and from near the bottom, typically four inches from the bottom of the panel11, extending upwardly, typically 8 to 10 inches, so as when inflated, it generally conforms to the shape of the curvature of the thoracic region of the spine. The bladder21is of flexible material such as rubber, elastomeric or polymeric material.

The bladder21is enclosed within a zippered bag24wrapped around it that is joined to the outer surface of the backpack.

A pump31is provided for inflating the bladder21. The pump31is hand operated with a bulb-shaped configuration. The pump31is connected to the bladder21by means of a tube32. An air valve33connected to the tube32controls the amount of air flow into the bladder21and maintains the bladder21in inflated position after air has been pumped in, and also permits deflation of the bladder21. The pump31and valve33may be stored in a side pocket34of the backpack10provided for that purpose. Optionally, the pump could be battery operated.

In use, the user straps the backpack10on his shoulders so it rests comfortably on same. The bladder21is then inflated, the amount of inflation being dependent on the individual's comfort level. The bladder21can expand up to four inches in width.

In partially inflated position (FIGS. 3 and 4), the bladder begins to expand as it is filled with air. In fully expanded condition (dotted area inFIG. 4), the lower part22of the bladder21will rest upon the user's buttocks. In fully inflated position, the upper part23of the bladder21conforms to the curvature of the thoracic region of the user's body and rests comfortably against the back. The solid sheet14at the bottom of the backpack prevents the expansion of the bladder21from taking up space in the pack. In this way it is assured that the lower part22of the bladder will expand under the pack and not into it. The feeling to the user is that a significant portion of the weight of the backpack and contents is removed. After or along with inflation, the shoulder straps may be adjusted so that the backpack finds itself in the desired position.

Instead of an air bladder, and with reference toFIG. 5, foam padding41can be used to fill the bag41, but with less desirable results. With an air bladder, there can be adjustment of the inflation level of the bladder to different levels for different uses.

The back is relieved from stress, weight and pressure. The inflation of the air bladder moves the pack away from the back, shifting some of the weight to now be borne by the shoulders and with part of the weight now being supported by the buttocks area.

The backpack can be made in different styles and sizes, for example, a student pack, one for hiking and one for military use.

It should be obvious that changes, additions and omissions may be made in the details and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.