Abstract:
A lightweight ergonomic backpack load carrying system adapted to anatomically distributes a backpack load from the shoulders of a user onto the waist region thereof. The backpack load carrying system includes a waist support contoured to fit the waist of a user. A waist support frame extends from the waist support to a return connection. A backpack support frame extends from the return connection forming an acute angle with the waist support frame. A securing mechanism is adapted to secure the backpack load carrying system onto a backpack.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to backpacks, and more particularly to a lightweight ergonomic backpack harness that anatomically distributes a portion of the load from the shoulders to the waist region of a user. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Overloaded backpack usage is one of the most damaging injuries to the spine and the posture of a user frequently diagnosed by chiropractors and physicians alike. Backpacks have a myriad of different implementations and are typically used by various people, including, for example, students, military, hikers, and the like for carrying and transporting various items. 
         [0005]    Conventionally, backpacks include an internally reinforced structure that is built into the lining of the backpack. A typical backpack includes shoulder straps which hook over the shoulders and a flat portion of the backpack lies flat up against the back of the user. 
         [0006]    In use, the entire load from the backpack is directed vertically through the shoulder straps onto the shoulders of the user. The narrow construction of a shoulder strap creates a point stress at each shoulder strap on the user which can cause severe discomfort when the backpack is normally loaded. As a result of a heavily weighted backpack, the user attempts to compensate for the additional load by straining and irregularly contorting their back to lean forward with poor posturing. Various disadvantages have been deduced as a result of the unruly stress on the shoulders. Generally, a user will unnaturally hunch forward to overcompensate for the excessive load on the shoulders thereby subjecting themselves to ill posture and potentially bad back problems. Numerous painful consequences stem from the over-weight backpack including, head and neck aches, muscle spasms, and poor blood circulation to the arms and hands of the user resulting from blood constriction of the straps and the loaded backpack. 
         [0007]    It is clear that this problem has not been solved and there is still a longstanding need for an adjustable backpack load carrying system that is ergonomic, lightweight, yet strong and simple in construction that promotes proper anatomic posture and healthy back alignment positioning while in use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention addresses the shortcomings identified in providing an adjustable anatomic backpack load carrying system. 
         [0009]    The backpack load carrying system includes a pair of shoulder straps, a waist belt, and a back pad. The suspension system should be adjustable to accommodate various torso shapes and should comfortably support the load on the backpacker. The backpack load carrying system includes a securing mechanism adapted to secure the backpack load carrying system to a backpack. 
         [0010]    The backpack load carrying system is configured so that an angle between a backpack support frame and a waist support frame is provided to distribute the weight of the load in the backpack from being directly applied vertically to the shoulders through the shoulder straps and distributing a portion of the load to the waist support and onto the hips and lower back, promoting a natural upright standing position thereby enhancing the body&#39;s natural ability to properly carry weight. The backpack load carrying system reduces stress on the body by redistributing the weight from the shoulders to the hips and waist, and substantially lightens the effective load felt by the user. 
         [0011]    The backpack load carrying system props the user&#39;s backpack slightly upward and away from the user&#39;s back forming an open area between the waist support frame and the backpack support frame in such a manner that this invention promotes proper anatomic posture and healthy back alignment positioning while in use. 
         [0012]    These and other objects, features, and/or advantages may accrue from various aspects of embodiments of the present invention, as described in more detail below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of an illustration of a backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  depicts a side view of a conventional backpack being carried by a user and the load experienced by the user&#39;s shoulders associated with the backpack. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a rear view of the backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  depicts a top view of the backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 8-9  illustrate a construction for a modular waist support bracket for an adjustable backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 10-12  illustrate various exemplary connections between a waist support frame, a backpack support frame and a return connection for the adjustable backpack load carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  illustrates a modular view of an exemplary connection for the return connection and the backpack support frame in accordance with this invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  illustrates an adjustable modular view of the connection for the waist support frame, the return connection and the backpack support frame in accordance with this invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of an illustration of a modular infant carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  illustrates a top view of an illustration of the modular infant carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  illustrates a front view of an illustration of the modular infant carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  illustrates a rear view of an illustration of the modular infant carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  illustrates an illustration of an exemplary fastener connection for the modular infant carrying system in accordance with this invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the figures. The use of the term “backpack” is intended to be broadly interpreted to cover various types of items, packs, and/or containers which may carry a substantial load by a user on their back. Likewise, the backpack may be a particular item having a substantial load which may be carried upon a user&#39;s back. For example, a backpack may include a tank, a child or animal carrier, a storage compartment for holding books, camping gear, a tent, a surfboard, a canoe, and/or any other type of item or container capable of possessing and/or supporting a load. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a modular backpack load carrying system  10  adapted for use with a backpack  4 .  FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the modular backpack load carrying system  10  without the backpack  4 . As shown, the straps  6  of the backpack  4  are carried over the shoulders  3  of the user  2 . The backpack load carrying system  10  includes a waist support  20  into which a portion of the load from the weight of the backpack  4  and its contents are biased onto the waist of the user  2 . The waist support frame  30  is connected through a return connection  50  to a backpack support frame  40 . The waist support frame  30  and the backpack support frame  40  are positioned relative to each other at an optimum predetermined angle θ that is selected to comfortably distribute the load of the backpack  4  to the hips and lumbar of the user  2  via the waist support  20 , and to the shoulders  3  of the user  2  through the backpack straps  6 . 
         [0032]    An angular range over which the waist support frame  30  and the backpack support frame  40  may be positioned may lie in the range between approximately 3 to 45 degrees, and preferably may be positioned at about 15 degrees for optimum distribution of the load. The angular range may vary based on the size, shape and configuration of the backpack load carrying system  10  and the backpack  4  being carried as well as the size and shape of the user  2 . 
         [0033]    The backpack load carrying system  10  is adapted for use in a variety of different implementations. For example, the backpack load carrying system  10  may be used with a student&#39;s backpack, a military backpack, a camping/hiking backpack, to carry large and small items, such as a tent or a surfboard and/or any other item that may be adapted and carried by the user. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  illustrates the normal use and wear of a conventional backpack  4 . As shown, the vertical force F V  and the resultant force F L  are the same. That is, the entire load F L  from the backpack  4  is directed vertically through the shoulder straps  6  onto the shoulders  3  of the user  2 . Traditionally, the force from the load F L  of the backpack  4  causes severe discomfort to the user  2 . The user  2  will attempt to compensate for the additional load by hunching forward to offset and balance the extreme load pulling backward by the weight of the backpack  4 . The consequence of the user&#39;s overcompensation results in poor posture and eventually can cause severe pain and/or discomfort to the spine of the user  2 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the waist support  20  includes a main section  22  that curls into side flaps  24  at its ends. The main section  22  is attached to the waist support frame  30 . As shown, the side flaps  24  are contoured to wrap around the waist  5  of the user  2 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  shows that the waist support  20  may be constructed of a material that is comfortable when placed against the waist  5  of the user  2 . The waist support  20  may be lined with a soft material fabric, such as for example, a foam cushioned material fabric, and/or any other type of cushioning suitable for providing comfort to the user  2 . Likewise, during manufacture and assembly, all rough edges and abrasions from the construction of the backpack load carrying system  10  may be smooth for safety and comfort. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  shows that the waist support  20  may be attached to the waist support frame  30  by a plurality of fasteners  26 . Various types of fasteners may be used, including but not limited to, screws, rivets, pins, snap-lock fasteners, and/or any other type of fastener capable of securing the waist support  20  to the waist support frame  30 , and/or other components to each other. The waist support  20  may be constructed so that the waist support  20  may be slidably guided into place and is locked into position adjacent to the waist support frame  30  at a predetermined location. Various mechanisms may be employed to slidably position the waist support  20  into position, such as by disposing a track on the waist support  20  and a mating rail on the waist support frame  30  for receiving the mating track and aligning the waist support  20 . 
         [0038]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show the waist support frame  30  including a first waist support frame member  32  and a second waist support frame member  34  that extend from the waist support  20  to the return connection  50 . As shown, the return connection  50  may be constructed as a rod  51  that spans across to secure upper ends of the first waist support frame member  32  and the second waist support frame member  34 . 
         [0039]    The return connection  50  may also secure the upper end of the backpack support frame  40 . As shown in FIGS.  4  and  6 - 7 , the backpack support frame  40  includes an angular return portion  41  formed at the upper end of the backpack support frame  40  that connects to the return connection  50 . 
         [0040]    Referring to FIGS.  2  and  4 - 6 , the backpack support frame  40  is constructed to include a first backpack support frame member  42  and a second backpack support frame member  44 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the first backpack support frame member  42  and the second backpack support frame member  44  extend from the return connection  50  in an acute angular direction θ relative to the waist support frame  30  that provides a cantilever effect in which the weight of a load experienced by the backpack  4  is distributed, in part, through the backpack load carrying system  10  to the waist support frame  30  and onto the waist  5  of the user  2 . 
         [0041]    A first lateral backpack support frame member  46  extends across and connects the lower peripheral ends of the first backpack support frame member  42  and the second backpack support frame member  44 . Likewise, an intermediate lateral backpack support frame member  48  extends across an intermediate portion of the first backpack support frame member  42  and the second backpack support frame member  44 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 4 and 6  illustrate providing a securing mechanism  60  on at least one of the first lateral backpack support frame member  46  and the intermediate lateral backpack support frame member  48 . The purpose of the securing mechanism  60  is to secure the backpack  4  to the backpack support frame  40 . Various types of securing mechanisms  60  may be employed, including but not limited to: Velcro, snaps, a zipper, a sleeve or a pocket, and/or any other type of mechanism capable of securing the backpack  4  to the backpack support frame  40 . By way of example,  FIG. 1  depicts a lower portion of the backpack support frame  40  being secured to the backpack  4  by having at least one end of the backpack support frame  40  being tucked into a securing pocket  62  disposed on the backpack  4 . 
         [0043]    Referring back to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , an angle θ is defined by the relative positioning of the return connection  50  and the cantilevered angular return portion  41  of the backpack support frame  40 . The object of providing an angle θ between the backpack support frame  40  and the waist support frame  30  is to comfortably distribute the weight of the load F L  of the backpack  4 . Instead of having the entire load F L  being directly applied to the shoulders  3  of the user  2  through the shoulder straps  6 , the load F L  is distributed in portions to the straps  6  of the backpack  4 , and through the waist support  20  to the hips and waist  5  of the user  2 . 
         [0044]    Likewise, it is important to note that the material properties and composition of the waist support frame  30 , the return connection  50 , and the backpack support frame  40  influence the amount of resilient angular displacement the waist support frame  30  and the backpack support frame  40  will flex relative to each other. Softer materials will generally allow for greater flexibility, than will more rigid materials. The length of the waist support frame  30  and the backpack support frame  40  will also influence the amount of angular  0  displacement the backpack load carrying system  10  will incur. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , conventionally only one force F L  is evident. That is, the vertical force F V  and the resultant force F L  of the load are equal because the backpack  4  lies flat against the user&#39;s  2  back and no horizontal force component is produced. All of the weight F L  of the backpack  4  is directed downward and carried entirely onto the shoulder straps  6 . Consequently, when the backpack is overloaded, severe discomfort is experienced by the user  2  from the strain by the weight at the shoulder straps  6 . 
         [0046]    Referring back to  FIG. 1  in more detail, the force F L  represents the resultant gravitation force of the load of the backpack  4  and the contents therein. By employing the backpack load carrying system  10  in accordance with this invention, the backpack  4  is slightly elevated so that the resultant gravitation force F L  generated from the load of the backpack  4  produces two force components. A vertical force component F V  and a horizontal force component F H . 
         [0047]    In use, the bottom of the backpack  4  of the user  2  is propped angularly upward at an acute angle θ, slightly outward and away from the user&#39;s back. An open area  52  is formed between the waist support frame  30  and the backpack support frame  40 . The acute angle θ is formed between the waist support frame  30  and the backpack support frame  40  which, as a result, causes the gravitational force of the resultant load F L  to produce a horizontal force component F H  and vertical force component F V . 
         [0048]    The horizontal force of the load F H  is translated through the frame ( 40 ,  50 ,  30 ,  20 ) of the backpack load carrying system  10  horizontally to the hips and waist  5  of the user  2 . As a result, the vertical force component F V  is substantially reduced, and therefore less of the vertical force F V  is distributed to the user&#39;s  2  shoulders  3  through the straps  6 . The advantage of this construction is that less force, and therefore less weight from the backpack  4  impinges vertically downward cutting into the user&#39;s  2  shoulders  3  through the shoulder straps  6  of the backpack  4 . 
         [0049]    The distribution of force to the waist support  20 , alleviating the entire load off of the shoulders  3  makes wearing the backpack  4  more comfortable. The weight of the backpack  4  is not entirely felt on the shoulders  3 , but instead a distributed portion of the load is transferred instead to the waist  5  of the user  2 . Redistributing a portion of the load to the waist  5  also acts to counteract the weight of the bag which conventionally caused the user  2  to hunch forward. Therefore, the user is comfortable standing upright and prone to maintaining better spinal alignment. Proper anatomical alignment is promoted thereby enabling the user  2  to walk naturally upright and with good posture. 
         [0050]    Another advantage of the backpack load carrying system  10  is that the open gap  52  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) formed between waist support frame  30  and the backpack support frame  40  allows for ample aeration of heat and perspiration that would otherwise build up in the open area gap. As such, the user  2  may keep cooler carrying their backpack  4  and will not suffer from unsightly sweaty and/or drenched back to their garment when removing their backpack  4  as is characteristic of wearing a backpack in a conventional manner. 
         [0051]    Various constructions may be used in accordance with this invention. It is to be understood that the backpack load carrying system  10  may be made as a single integral piece construction, or made be made of various modular components in construction. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 8-14  illustrate the modular adjustable construction of various components of the backpack load carrying system  10 . In particular,  FIGS. 8-9  depict a modular waist support bracket  120  including a first adjustable waist support  20   a  and a second adjustable waist support  20   b.  The modular waist support bracket  120  may be made of any suitable number of pieces. As shown, the modular waist support bracket  120  includes a center plate  21  adjustably connected to intermediate plates  23  disposed on either side of the center plate  21 . The intermediate plates  23  are connected at their peripheral edge to a pivot joint  27 , which in turn is connected to an adjustable outer plate  25 . 
         [0053]    The center plate  21  and the intermediate plates  23  include an adjustable mechanism comprising of a variety of slots  28  through which adjustable fasteners  26  are disposed. The adjustable fasteners  26  slide within the adjustable slots  28  thereby permitting the modular waist support bracket  120  to adjust to a variety of users having a number of different sizes and shapes. The outer plates  25  are curved and may be hinged at the pivot joint  27  to adjust to users of different sizes. The outer plates  25  may be pivoted inward and outward for adjustment purposes. 
         [0054]    In use, for a smaller waist  5  person, the center plate  21  and the intermediate plates  23  may be adjusted in close alignment together, and the outer plates  25  may be brought more inward to support the smaller waist  5  of the user  2 . However, for a larger waist  5  person, the center plate  21  and the intermediate plates  23  would be adjusted farther from each other, and the outer plates  25  may be pushed outward to support the larger waist  5  of the user  2 . 
         [0055]      FIGS. 10-12  show various modular constructions for an adjustable connection made by the waist support frame  30 , the backpack support frame  40  and the return connection  50 . For example,  FIG. 10  illustrates a first exemplary connection between the waist support frame  30  and the backpack support frame  40  at the return connection  50 . As shown, the angular return portion  41  of the backpack support frame  40  surrounds the return connection  50 . The peripheral edge of the return connection  30  is positioned within the return connection  50 . The backpack support frame  40 , the return connection  30  and the return connection  50  are all fastened together by securing an adjustable fastener  26  thereto. 
         [0056]      FIG. 11  illustrates a second exemplary connection between the waist support frame  30 , the backpack support frame  40  at the return connection  50 . As shown, the backpack support connection  30  includes an adjustment fastener  26  disposed between the backpack return connection  30  and a second backpack return connection  30   a.  The backpack return connection  30  and the second backpack return connection  30   a  are adjustable, for example by a slot  28  (as shown in  FIG. 9 ), and connected to each other at an adjustable fastener portion  26  disposed there between. As such, the backpack return connection  30  may be slidably adjusted relative to the second backpack return connection  30   a  for optimum sizing of the user  2 . In use, the angular return portion  41  of the backpack support frame  40  surrounds the return connection  50 . The peripheral edge of the second return connection  30   a  is fastened by fastener  26  to the return connection  50 . The backpack return connection  30  is secured to the second backpack return connection  30   a  by an adjustable fastener  26 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 12  illustrates another exemplary connection between the waist support frame  30  and the backpack support frame  40  at the return connection  50 . According to this embodiment, the waist support frame  30  is integrated as part of the return connection  50 . In use, the angular return portion  41  of the backpack support frame  40  is returned at a predetermined angle inwardly and positioned within the return connection  50 . The angular return portion  41  is then secured to the return connection  50  by an adjustable fastener  26 . The peripheral edge of the angular return portion  41  may be suitably adjusted into a preferred position according to the user&#39;s preference. 
         [0058]      FIG. 12  also shows the integration of a belt strap fastener for securing the backpack load carrying system  10  to the waist  5  of the user  2 . In this exemplary embodiment, the belt strap fastener is depicted as a snap-lock buckle fastener  242 . The snap-lock buckle fastener  242  includes a first strap  243  attached to a first end of a side flap  24  and a second strap  244  attached to a second end of the other side flap  24 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 12  illustrates that the design of the backpack load carrying system  10  is flexible and may be constructed in a variety of different ways. For example, and as shown, a first lateral waist support frame member  33  may be disposed laterally across the waist support frame  30 . Likewise, a second lateral waist support frame member  35  may also be disposed laterally across the waist support frame  30  for added support and stability. 
         [0060]      FIG. 12  shows the first lateral backpack support frame member  46  and the intermediate lateral backpack support frame member  48  being disposed on a side adjacent to the open gap  52 . A plurality of button snap fasteners  43  are shown disposed on an outside of the backpack support frame  40 . The button snap fasteners  43  may be used to affix, various items, such as the backpack  3  and/or infant seat  160  as will be discussed in more detail later. Likewise, it is also within the scope of this invention to adapt the backpack load carrying system  10  for carrying various types of items, small and large, such as a surfboard, a skateboard, and/or any other object, 
         [0061]      FIGS. 13-14  show that the backpack support frame  40  may also be modularly constructed. The backpack support frame  40  is attached to a return connection  51  made as a single piece construction. The return connection  51  includes receiving apertures  51   a,    51   b  adapted to receive the peripheral ends  30   b  of the waist support frame  30 , and the peripheral ends  40   b  of the backpack support frame  40 , respectively. The receiving apertures  51   a,    51   b  are spaced apart at a predetermined angle θ suitable to space the waist support frame  30  from the backpack support frame  40 . 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , the backpack support frame  40  includes a first backpack support frame member  42   c,  and a second backpack support frame member  44   c  whose peripheral ends  40   b  connect into the return connection  51 . The backpack support frame  40  further includes a first lateral backpack support frame member  46   c  whose peripheral ends  46   a  connect into a pair of snap-lock housings  43  disposed at the lower end of the first backpack support frame member  42   c  and the second backpack support frame member  44   c  respectively. Likewise, the backpack support frame  40  includes an intermediate lateral backpack support frame member  48   c  whose peripheral ends  48   a  connect into another pair of snap-lock housings  43  disposed at an intermediate position on the first backpack support frame member  42   c,  and at an intermediate position on the second backpack support frame member  44   c.    
         [0063]    In use, and as shown in  FIG. 13 , the peripheral end  40   b  of the backpack support frame  40  is inserted and locked into the receiving aperture  51   b.  Likewise, the peripheral end  30   b  of the waist support frame  30  is inserted and locked into the receiving aperture  51   a.    
         [0064]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , the peripheral end  40   b  of the backpack support frame  40  is constructed in combination with the receiving aperture  51   b  as a snap-lock fastener. When the snap-lock fastener end  46   c  is positioned within the receiving aperture  51   b,  flared portions of the snap-lock fastener  46   c  are captivated by protrusions  52   b  such that the backpack support frame  40  is locked into position for use. The same locking operation is similar for the peripheral end  30   b  of the waist support frame  30  when it is inserted and into the receiving aperture  51   a.    
         [0065]      FIG. 13  also shows that lateral backpack support frame members  46   c,  and intermediate lateral backpack support frame member  48   c  may also be secured into place using similarly constructed peripheral ends  46   a  and  48   a,  respectively. By way of example,  FIG. 13  depicts in detailed cross-section, the peripheral end  48   a  of the intermediate lateral backpack support frame member  48   c  disposed and secured within a snap-lock housing  43 . The snap-lock housing  43  may be secured via flanges  45  and a fastener  26  to various positions on the backpack support frame  40 . The snap-lock housing  43  includes a receiving aperture  48   b  into which the peripheral end  48   a  is disposed. When the snap-lock fastener  48   d  is positioned within the receiving aperture  48   b,  flared portions  48   d  of the snap-lock fasteners  48   d  are captivated by protrusions  52   b  and the intermediate lateral backpack support frame member  48   c  is locked into position for use. The same applies for the lateral backpack support frame member  46   c.    
         [0066]    Although various snap-lock fasteners are shown in  FIG. 13 , it is to be understood that various connections may used throughout this invention to attach the various components to each other, and/or any other type of connection now known, or later discovered, in accordance with this invention. 
         [0067]    These embodiments demonstrate the flexibility in which the backpack load carrying system  10  and the modular infant carrying system  100  as will be described below may be designed and constructed in accordance with this invention. It is to be understood that a variety of different configurations may be used without departing from the scope of this invention and these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 15-19  illustrate another exemplary embodiment in which the backpack load carrying system  10  may be adapted for use as a modular infant carrying system  100 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the modular infant carrying system  100  includes a waist support  20  connected to a waist support frame  30 . The waist support frame  30  is connected to an infant support frame  140  through a return connection  50 . The infant support frame  140  is attached to an infant seat  160 . 
         [0069]    The infant seat  160  includes a seat  162  with legs cut-outs  164  through which an infant  7  may rest their legs and be supported. The infant seat  160  includes a seat backing  166  and side panels  168  for securing the infant  7  within the infant seat  160 . The infant seat  160  may be lined with a soft material to comfortably cushion the infant  7  during transport. 
         [0070]      FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate an exemplary embodiment for securing the infant seat  160  to the infant support frame  140  via a plurality of fasteners  142 ,  142   a.  In this embodiment, the fasteners  142 ,  142   a  may be integrated as part of the infant seat  160 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the fasteners  142  include a hook-like return  143  portion that hooks around the infant support frame member  44   a  and is secured to a portion of the infant support frame  140 . The fasteners  142  may be clamped to the infant support frame  140  in a variety of different ways, such as with a screw  142   b  and/or employing any other locking mechanism. The fasteners  142  may be constructed in a number of different ways, including but not limited to, a clamp, a clasp, a hook, a claw, and any other suitable means for the fastening the infant seat  160  to the infant support frame  140 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 17  is a front side view of the modular infant carrying system  100 . The infant support frame  140  includes a first infant support frame member  42   a  and a second infant support frame member  44   a.  Similar to the backpack load carrying system  10  (and as shown in  FIG. 15 ), the first infant support frame member  42   a  and the second infant support frame member  44   a  extend from the return connection  50  in an acute angular direction θ relative to the waist support frame  30 . 
         [0072]    A first lateral infant support frame member  46   a  extends across and connects the lower peripheral ends of the first infant support frame member  42   a  and the second infant support frame member  44   a.  Likewise, an intermediate lateral infant support frame member  48   a  extends across an intermediate portion of the first infant support frame member  42   a  and an intermediate portion of the second infant support frame member  44   a.    
         [0073]    Various fasteners  142 ,  142   a  are depicted to demonstrate the different ways that the infant seat  160  may be attached to the infant support frame  140 . Fasteners  142  are adapted to be secured to the first infant support frame member  42   a  and the second infant support frame member  44   a  by constructing the fasteners  142  with a return  143  portion. 
         [0074]      FIG. 19  depicts the fastener  142  being constructed in a hook-like shape to surround the infant support at least one of the frame members  42   a,    44   a,    46   a,    48   a.  The fasteners  142 ,  142   a  may be constructed to be flexibly stretched around the various infant support members  42   a,    44   a,    46   a,    48   a  on the infant support frame. Likewise, and as shown in  FIG. 19 , the fasteners  142 ,  142   a  may include a pivot point  144  adapted to allow the return  143  to close over the various infant support members  42   a,    44   a,    46   a,    48   a.    
         [0075]      FIG. 19  further depicts securing the fastener  142  to an infant support frame member  42   a  by a threaded fastener  142   b.  The threaded fastener  142   b  may be included to provide additional support to secure the fastener  142  to the infant support frame member  42   a.    
         [0076]    As shown in  FIG. 17 , the fasteners  142 ,  142   a  may be configured to snugly sit adjacent to, and/or be supported on top of at least one of the lateral infant support frame members  46   a,    48   a  and/or on the infant support members  42   a,    44   a.  For example, the fastener  142   a  is shown in an elongated construction which hooks onto the lateral infant support frame member  48   a.  Another elongated fastener may be provided to hook onto the lateral infant support frame member  46   a  to provide additional security of the infant seat  160 . It is to be understood that various configurations for providing a number of different fasteners  142  to the infant support frame  140  may be provided. 
         [0077]      FIG. 18  depicts another exemplary embodiment in which the fasteners  142  include adjustable arms  146  which may be extended so that the fasteners  142 ,  142   a  may be secured to the various infant support members  42   a,    44   a,    46   a,    48   a.  Likewise, and as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , any combination of fasteners  142 ,  142   a  may be employed to secure the infant seat  160  to the infant support frame  140 . 
         [0078]    The frame for the modular infant carrying system  100  is constructed similar in design to the modular backpack load carrying system  10 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the straps  6  are also adapted for use with the infant carrying system  100 . The straps  6  of the backpack  4  are also carried over the shoulders  3  of the user  2 . The infant carrying system  100  includes a waist support  20  into which a distributed portion of the load of the backpack  4  is directed onto the waist  5  of the user  2 . The waist support frame  30  is connected to the infant support frame  140  through a return connection  50 . The waist support frame  30  and the infant support frame  140  are positioned relative to each other at a predetermined angle θ that is conducive for comfortably distributing the load of the infant  7  to both, the hips and waist  5  by the waist support  20 , and to the shoulders  3  of the user  2  by the straps  6 . 
         [0079]    Another advantage realized by the infant carrying system  100  is that the connection between the waist support frame  30  and the infant support frame  140  may be constructed of resilient materials capable of resiliently flexing (without fatigue) and thereby absorbing shock generated by the steps taken by the user  2 . Likewise, the return connection  50  may be constructed with a bias element (not shown) capable of absorbing the shock from the user&#39;s step, thereby dissipating the shock experienced by the infant  7 . As a result, the infant  7  will experience a smoother, more comfortable ride while seated in the infant carrying system  100 . 
         [0080]    Various materials may be used for the various components in accordance with this invention, including, but not limited to metal, a polymer, fabric, and the like. 
         [0081]    According to this invention, the modular infant carrying system  100  also promotes good posture and an anatomical spinal alignment is ensured thereby enabling the user  2  to walk naturally upright with good posture. 
         [0082]    It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It is understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments which are described, but is intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention.