Abstract:
A backpack ventilator is described. An embodiment of the present invention includes a portion of mesh fabric that is attached to a conventional fabric and a spring wire perimeter frame is inserted between them. Stretched between various points on the frame is a plurality of springs. The resulting backpack ventilator is secured between a backpack and the wearer. The springs distribute the pressure from the backpack across a wide contact area to increase comfort for the wearer. The backpack ventilator significantly increases airflow ventilation between the wearer and the backpack. As the wearer moves, the frame and springs absorb some of the impact forces that would otherwise be directed towards the wearer. Furthermore, the movement also causes the ventilator to draw air in and out of the mesh fabric thereby reducing heat and sweat buildup.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to hiking and backpacking equipment, and more particularly to a backpack or backpack add-on device that facilitates ventilation between a wearer and a backpack. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Backpacks and other means for helping humans carry loads have been around for thousands of years. In relatively recent times, daypacks, fanny-packs, rucksacks, school book-bags, hunting-packs, and a plethora of like-devices (collectively, backpacks) have appeared on the market. The size, shape, color, carrying-capacity, etc. differ widely among backpacks, but they all have one thing in common: they are designed to be carried in such a way that they are positioned against the wearer&#39;s body. For example, common daypacks are designed to be worn against the back with shoulder straps securing the backpack in place. Some daypacks also utilize a waist-belt as well. In either case, the closeness of the backpack to the wearer&#39;s body causes heat and sweat to build-up between the backpack and the wearer&#39;s body. 
         [0003]    Obviously, such excess heat and sweat are uncomfortable for the wearer and can lead to more serious problems such as heat-exhaustion. If the backpack is not waterproof, excess sweat can soak through the pack and adversely affect the contents of the backpack. These problems are especially onerous when a backpack must be worn for extended periods and when walking significant distances. 
         [0004]    In order to address some of these issues, a number of existing products have been developed. For example, a number of backpacks utilize specialized pads that are placed between the backpack and the wearer (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,348). Such devices are designed to create pockets of increased airflow between the pads. However, the contact between the pads and the wearer&#39;s body still causes heat and sweat buildup—the contact area is focused into a smaller total area, but the pressure exerted by the pack on that area is consequently that much greater. 
         [0005]    Another common approach to addressing the excess heat and sweat buildup problems is to utilize internal rods or stiffening supports in a backpack to hold the pack up and off the wearer&#39;s body (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,414). However, as with the use of specialized pads discussed above, the rods or supports only serve to decrease the contact surface area and increase the pressure on that area. Furthermore, as the load-weight in the backpack is increased, the focused pressure caused by the pads or rods can become extremely uncomfortable for the wearer. 
         [0006]    There is therefore a need for a backpack or backpack add-on that can sufficiently ventilate the contact area in order to reduce the wearer&#39;s heat and sweat buildup. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Embodiments of the present invention described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems by application of a device that ensures adequate ventilation between a backpack and the wearer. Various embodiments are described and recited herein. Although materials and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the invention, suitable materials and methods are described below. Furthermore, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative and not intended to be limiting. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, a portion of stiff mesh fabric is attached to a like portion of conventional fabric and a spring wire perimeter frame is inserted between them. Stretched between various points on the frame is a plurality of springs. The resulting backpack ventilator is secured between a backpack and the wearer. The springs distribute the pressure from the backpack across a wide contact area to reduce pressure points and increase comfort for the wearer. The mesh fabric and the springs work together to significantly increase airflow ventilation between the wearer and the backpack. Furthermore, the frame can be shaped to more closely match the individual contours of the wearer. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the backpack ventilator is built into a backpack and is therefore non-removable. 
         [0010]    As the wearer walks, hikes, or otherwise moves, the motion of the wearer and the backpack causes the backpack ventilator to flex and move as well. The frame and springs absorb some of the impact forces that would otherwise be directed towards the wearer. Furthermore, the movement also causes the ventilator to draw air in and out of the mesh fabric thereby reducing heat and sweat buildup. 
         [0011]    The present invention provides many benefits over the prior art. Compared to a normal backpack having no special ventilation enhancements, the backpack ventilator significantly increases airflow and breathability between the backpack and the wearer. Excess sweat and heat buildup are virtually eliminated. Compared to other enhanced-airflow backpacks, the ventilator has a much larger contact surface area with the wearer, reducing the focused pressure and resultant heat and sweat buildup on the pads or rods used in other enhanced-airflow backpacks. Furthermore, because of the flexing and stress-absorbing nature of the frames and springs, the ventilator is able to flex and move with the wearer to reduce pressure-points and backpack-carrying fatigue. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator in position between a wearer and a backpack. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded front view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the internal frame and springs of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator integrated into a backpack. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates a close-up perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator with top attachment tabs. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates a close-up perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator with bottom attachment tabs. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    A backpack ventilator is described. In one embodiment, the backpack ventilator comprises a stand-alone, add-on device that can be attached to a similarly sized and shaped backpack. In another embodiment, the backpack ventilator is integrated into a backpack and together they comprise the entire backpack ventilator system. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, a portion of stiff mesh fabric is attached to a like portion of conventional fabric and a spring wire perimeter frame is inserted between them. Other types of breathable and conventional fabrics are contemplated. Also, the perimeter frame can be constructed using different materials than the spring wire. 
         [0025]    Stretched between various points on the frame is a plurality of springs. The springs can be standard metallic coil springs or any other suitable material that provides breathability, cushioning, support, etc. The springs are not necessarily attached to or stretched between points on the frame. Instead, any means of securing the spring materials to the backpack ventilator may be used. Suitable spring materials could include, but are not limited to: plastics, metals, woods, fibers, etc. Suitable spring shapes include, but are not limited to: balls, coil springs, corrugations, honeycombs, etc. 
         [0026]    The resulting backpack ventilator is secured between a backpack and the wearer. The springs distribute the pressure from the backpack across a wide contact area to reduce pressure points and increase comfort for the wearer. The mesh fabric and the springs work together to significantly increase airflow ventilation between the wearer and the backpack. Furthermore, the frame can be shaped to more closely match the individual contours of the wearer. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator  100  in position between a wearer and a backpack. Because the backpack ventilator  100  is in position between a wearer  105  and a backpack  170 , details concerning the components of the ventilator  100  can not be seen. Such details are shown and described in reference to  FIG. 2 , below. 
         [0028]    The backpack  170  shown in  FIG. 1  is an exemplary daypack-type pack. The ventilator  100  may, of course, be used with many other types and styles of backpacks. Furthermore, the placement of the ventilator  100  can vary from that shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator  200 . The primary components of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  include: a first fabric  210 ; a first top attachment tab  220  shown in the open, unattached position; a second top attachment tab  230  shown in the open, unattached position; a first bottom attachment tab  240  shown in the open, unattached position; a second bottom attachment tab  250  shown in the open, unattached position; and an internal frame  260 . 
         [0030]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the first fabric  210  is shown. The first fabric  210  is a breathable fabric that is placed towards the wearer  105  when the ventilator  200  is properly positioned between the wearer  105  and the backpack  170 . The first fabric  210  is shown as a stiff, mesh fabric. In other embodiments, other types of breathable coverings are contemplated. The first fabric  210  is designed to contain the interior structure of the ventilator  200  while being flexible and breathable so as to maximize the comfort of the wearer  105 . 
         [0031]    The first fabric  210  is basically flat, having an outer side facing the wearer  105 , an inner side facing the interior structure of the ventilator  200 , and a thin edge around its perimeter. The first fabric  210  plays a significant part in the functionality by allowing the ventilator  200  to freely circulate air around the contact area between the ventilator  200  and the wearer  105 . The first fabric  210  and the second fabric  315  (see  FIG. 3 ) are attached to one another around their perimeters forming an envelope containing the interior structure of the ventilator  200 . The second fabric  315  is not shown in  FIG. 2 . As the second fabric  315  is positioned against the backpack  170 , it does not need to be breathable and so can be constructed using conventional fabric or some other suitable material. In an alternate embodiment, the second fabric  315  is also made to be breathable. 
         [0032]    A first top attachment tab  220  is illustrated in  FIG. 2  in an open, unattached position. The first top attachment tab  220  is used to secure the ventilator  200  to the backpack  170 . In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the top portion of a first backpack shoulder strap is placed within the first top attachment tab  220  and the tab  220  is closed. A second top attachment tab  230  is illustrated in  FIG. 2  in an open, unattached position. The second top attachment tab  230  is used to secure the ventilator  200  to the backpack  170 . In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the top portion of a second backpack shoulder strap is placed within the second top attachment tab  230  and the tab  230  is closed. 
         [0033]    A first bottom attachment tab  240  is illustrated in  FIG. 2  in an open, unattached position. The first bottom attachment tab  240  is used to secure the ventilator  200  to the backpack  170 . In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the bottom portion of a first backpack shoulder strap is placed within the first bottom attachment tab  240  and the tab  240  is closed. A second bottom attachment tab  250  is illustrated in  FIG. 2  in an open, unattached position. The second bottom attachment tab  250  is used to secure the ventilator  200  to the backpack  170 . In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the bottom portion of a second backpack shoulder strap is placed within the second bottom attachment tab  250  and the tab  250  is closed. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the attachment tabs  220 ,  230 ,  240 , and  250  are made of light nylon webbing. In another embodiment, shoe-lace type materials are utilized. In yet another embodiment, hook-and-loop materials can be used. Other means of attaching the ventilator  200  to the backpack  170  are contemplated and can be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0035]    It will readily be understood that the various attachment components of this embodiment could be implemented by the use of other equivalent snaps, ties, etc. and that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0036]    The perimeter frame  260  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is constructed using a spring wire shaped to match the perimeter of the chosen backpack  170 . The use of other suitable materials to construct the perimeter frame  260  is contemplated. The frame  260  functions to hold and define the outer shape of the ventilator  200 . In one embodiment, the frame  260  is shaped to match the backpack  170 . In another embodiment, the frame  260  is ergonomically shaped to conform to the wearer&#39;s  105  contours. In yet another embodiment, the frame  260  is shaped to conform to both the contours of the backpack  170  and of the wearer  105 . The frame  260  can also be used to hold the springs (not shown in  FIG. 2 ; see  FIG. 4 , springs  465 ) in place. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator  300 . The primary components of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  include: a first fabric  310 ; a second fabric  315 ; a first top attachment tab  320  shown in the open, unattached position; and a first bottom attachment tab  340  shown in the open, unattached position. 
         [0038]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first fabric  310  is shown. 
         [0039]    The first fabric  310  is a breathable fabric that is placed towards the wearer  105  when the ventilator  300  is properly positioned between the wearer  105  and the backpack  170 . The first fabric  310  is shown as a stiff, mesh fabric. In other embodiments, other types of breathable coverings are contemplated. The first fabric  310  is designed to contain the interior structure of the ventilator  300  while being flexible and breathable so as to maximize the comfort of the wearer  105 . 
         [0040]    The first fabric  310  is basically flat, having an outer side facing the wearer  105 , an inner side facing the interior structure of the ventilator  300 , and a thin edge around its perimeter. The first fabric  310  plays a significant part in the functionality by allowing the ventilator  300  to freely circulate air around the contact area between the ventilator  300  and the wearer  105 . The first fabric  310  and the second fabric  315  are attached to one another around their perimeters forming an envelope containing the interior structure of the ventilator  300 . As the second fabric  315  is positioned against the backpack  170 , it does not need to be breathable and so can be constructed using conventional fabric or some other suitable material. In an alternate embodiment, the second fabric  315  is also made to be breathable. 
         [0041]    A first top attachment tab  320  is illustrated in  FIG. 3  in an open, unattached position. The first top attachment tab  320  is used to secure the ventilator  300  to the backpack  170 . In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the top portion of a first backpack shoulder strap is placed within the first top attachment tab  320  and the tab  320  is closed. A first bottom attachment tab  340  is illustrated in  FIG. 3  in an open, unattached position. The first bottom attachment tab  340  is used to secure the ventilator  300  to the backpack  170 . In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the bottom portion of a first backpack shoulder strap is placed within the first bottom attachment tab  340  and the tab  340  is closed. 
         [0042]    A series of small loops  341 ,  342 ,  343 ,  344  and  345  are shown in  FIG. 3  which allow the first bottom attachment tab  340  to be threaded through at different heights and spacings, in order to accommodate different first shoulder strap  772  attachments on various backpacks  170 . Although not depicted in  FIG. 3 , a second series of small loops allows the second bottom attachment tab  250  to be threaded through at different heights and spacings, in order to accommodate different second shoulder strap  874  attachments on various backpacks  170 . 
         [0043]    It will readily be understood that the various attachment components and series of loops of this embodiment could be implemented by the use of other equivalent snaps, ties, etc. and that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded front view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator  400 .  FIG. 4  is meant to highlight the position of the interior structures of the ventilator  400 . Therefore,  FIG. 4  is very similar to  FIG. 2  and the two figures can be compared in order to illustrate the placement of the interior structures. The primary components of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  include those listed in  FIG. 2  plus the interior components: a first fabric  410 ; a first top attachment tab  420  shown in the open, unattached position; a second top attachment tab  430  shown in the open, unattached position; a first bottom attachment tab  440  shown in the open, unattached position; a second bottom attachment tab  450  shown in the open, unattached position; a perimeter frame  460 ; and a plurality of springs  465 . 
         [0045]    For a description of the first fabric  410  and the attachment tabs  420 ,  430 ,  440 , and  450  see the descriptions under  FIG. 2  above. The perimeter frame  460  illustrated in  FIG. 4  is constructed using a spring wire shaped to match the perimeter of the chosen backpack  170 . The use of other suitable materials to construct the perimeter frame  460  is contemplated. The frame  460  functions to hold and define the outer shape of the ventilator  400 . In one embodiment, the frame  460  is shaped to match the backpack  170 . In another embodiment, the frame  460  is ergonomically shaped to conform to the wearer&#39;s  105  contours. In yet another embodiment, the frame  460  is shaped to conform to both the contours of the backpack  170  and of the wearer  105 . 
         [0046]    The plurality of springs  465  are stretched between various points on the frame  460 . The springs  465  can be standard metallic coil springs or any other suitable material that provides breathability, cushioning, and support. The springs  460  distribute the pressure from the backpack  170  across a wide contact area to reduce pressure points and increase comfort for the wearer  105 . The first fabric  410  and the springs  465  work together to significantly increase airflow ventilation between the wearer  105  and the backpack  170 . 
         [0047]    It will readily be understood that the various springs  465  components of this embodiment could be implemented by the use of other equivalent materials (e.g., plastic springs, pocketed coil springs, a plurality of small balls, a series of corrugations, a structure of honeycombs, etc.) and that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. In one embodiment, the springs  465  and the frame  460  are separate components. In another embodiment, the functionality of the frame  460  is integrated into the springs  465 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the internal frame and springs  500  of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator. The primary components of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  include a perimeter frame  560 ; and a plurality of springs  565 . For a description of the perimeter frame  560  and the plurality of springs  565 , see the description given above in reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator  600 . The primary components of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  include: a first fabric  610 ; a second fabric  615 ; a first top attachment tab  620  shown in the open, unattached position; and a plurality of springs  665 . Also shown in dashed lines is a backpack  670  with a first shoulder strap  672 . 
         [0050]    Because the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6  is shown in cross-section, it is easy to see that the plurality of springs  665  is placed between the first fabric  610  and the second fabric  615 . For a description of the first top attachment tab  620  see the description for the first top attachment tab  220  in  FIG. 2 . The first fabric  610  and the second fabric  615  are attached to one another around their perimeters forming an envelope containing the plurality of springs  665  of the ventilator  600 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator integrated into a backpack  700 . As can be seen in this embodiment, the frame  760 , the springs  765 , and the first fabric  710  are integrated into the backpack  770  forming the complete backpack ventilator  700 . The first fabric  710  encloses the springs  765  and the frame  760  against the panel of the backpack  770  that is designed to be worn against the wearer&#39;s back. Because the panel of the backpack  770  is attached to the first fabric  710  and the two thereby enclose the frame  760  and the springs  765 , there is no need for a second fabric. Also shown in  FIG. 7  is a first shoulder strap  772 . 
         [0052]    Although not shown in  FIG. 7 , the panel of the backpack  770  that is designed to be worn against a portion of the wearer is often padded and/or shaped to be more comfortable for the wearer. Any such padding or shaping can be applied to the first fabric  710 , springs  765  and frame  760  in order to preserve the benefits thereof for the wearer. 
         [0053]    It will readily be understood that the shape, size, style, contours, and type of backpack  770  shown in this embodiment could be implemented by the use of other equivalent backpacks (e.g., fanny-packs, day-packs, rucksacks, etc.) and that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0054]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator  800 . The primary components of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  include: a first fabric  810 ; a first top attachment tab  820  shown in the closed, attached position; a second top attachment tab  830  shown in the closed, attached position; a first bottom attachment tab  840  shown in the closed, attached position; and a second bottom attachment tab  850  shown in the closed, attached position. 
         [0055]    A first top attachment tab  820  is illustrated in  FIG. 8  in a closed, attached position. The first top attachment tab  820  is used to secure the ventilator  800  to the backpack  870 . In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the top portion of a first backpack shoulder strap  872  is placed within the first top attachment tab  820  and the tab  820  is closed. A second top attachment tab  830  is illustrated in  FIG. 8  in a closed, attached position. The second top attachment tab  830  is used to secure the ventilator  800  to the backpack  870 . In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the top portion of a second backpack shoulder strap  874  is placed within the second top attachment tab  830  and the tab  830  is closed. 
         [0056]    A first bottom attachment tab  840  is illustrated in  FIG. 8  in a closed, attached position. The first bottom attachment tab  840  is used to secure the ventilator  800  to the backpack  870 . In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the bottom portion of a first backpack shoulder strap  872  is placed within the first bottom attachment tab  840  and the tab  840  is closed. A second bottom attachment tab  850  is illustrated in  FIG. 8  in a closed, attached position. The second bottom attachment tab  850  is used to secure the ventilator  800  to the backpack  870 . In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the bottom portion of a second backpack shoulder strap  874  is placed within the second bottom attachment tab  850  and the tab  850  is closed. 
         [0057]    It will readily be understood that the various attachment components of this embodiment could be implemented by the use of other equivalent snaps, ties, etc. and that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  illustrates a close-up perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator  900  with top attachment tabs. A first top attachment tab  920  is illustrated in  FIG. 9  in a closed, attached position. In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the top portion of a first backpack shoulder strap  972  is placed within the first top attachment tab  920  and the tab  920  is closed to secure the ventilator  900  to the backpack  970 . A second top attachment tab  930  is illustrated in  FIG. 9  in a closed, attached position. In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the top portion of a second backpack shoulder strap  974  is placed within the second top attachment tab  930  and the tab  930  is closed to secure the ventilator  900  to the backpack  970 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 10  illustrates a close-up perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a backpack ventilator  1000  with bottom attachment tabs. A first bottom attachment tab  1040  is illustrated in  FIG. 10  in a closed, attached position. A series of small loops  1043 ,  1044 , and  1045  are shown in  FIG. 10  which allow the first bottom attachment tab  1040  to be threaded through at different heights and spacings, in order to accommodate different shoulder strap  1072  attachments on various backpacks  1070 . Additional small loops not shown in  FIG. 10  can further enhance the flexibility of positioning the first bottom attachment tab  1040 . In a standard configuration for one embodiment, the bottom portion of a first backpack shoulder strap  1072  is placed within the first bottom attachment tab  1040  and the tab  1040  is closed to secure the ventilator  1000  to the backpack  1070 . 
         [0060]    The descriptions above illustrate exemplary components that can make up an exemplary backpack ventilator. The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims, including those hereinafter appended. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated.