Patent Description:
Various embodiments of the technology described herein relate to backpacks, for example, backpacks used to carry items on a person's back, for instance, while hiking. Specific embodiments relate to lumbar pads (e.g., for backpacks). Further, some embodiments concern ventilation, 3D printing, lattice structures, flexible structures, or a combination thereof (e.g., associated with backpacks, lumbar pads, or both), as examples.

Various backpacks have been designed and used including backpacks with lumbar pads that support a portion of the weight of the pack on the user's lumbar region of the user's back. In addition, it has been known that perspiration can accumulate between the backpack and various parts of the user's body, including the user's back, for example, particularly while the user is exercising (e.g., hiking). Furthermore, backpacks have been designed and used that provide for airflow between the body of the backpack and the user's body to provide ventilation to the user's body, including for the user's back. Moreover, backpacks have been designed and used that provide surfaces that contact the user's body, including lumbar pads, that are flexible, for example, to provide comfortable force distribution to the user's body (e.g., back or lumbar region thereof). Further, in the past, manufacturing techniques have limited beneficial results that could be achieved, including in backpacks and lumbar pads, and including results that include providing ventilation, providing flexibility, and providing comfortable force distribution to the user's body.

Room for improvement exists over the prior art, however, in these areas including in the design and manufacture of backpacks and lumbar pads and providing ventilation, flexibility, and comfortable force distribution to the user's body. Needs or potential areas for benefit exist in these areas individually as well as in various combinations of these areas, as further examples. Moreover, room for improvement exists over the prior art in the use of various manufacturing techniques including 3D (or additive) printing. Potential for benefit or improvement exists in these and other areas that may be apparent to a person of skill in the art having studied this document. The prior document <CIT> illustrates a backpack having a shoulder line that can be hung and ironed on a front surface of a back plate for accommodating a portable item, and a waist band, for holding trembling of the backpack, formed in a lower side of the back plate.

The backpack of the present invention is defined in claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the backpack are defined in the dependent claims. Various embodiments are or include backpacks, lumbar pads, backpacks with lumbar pads (e.g., components that support a significant portion of the weight of the pack on the user's lumbar region of the user's back), and various manufacturing techniques, for example, that include 3D printing or other forms of additive manufacturing. Further, various embodiments address perspiration that can accumulate between the backpack and various parts of the user's body, including the user's back, for example, particularly while the user is exercising (e.g., hiking or climbing). Still further, various embodiments provide for airflow between the body of the backpack and the user's body, for example, to provide ventilation to the user's body. Further still, in a number of embodiments, ventilation is provided specifically for the user's back. Even further, various backpacks provide surfaces that contact the user's body. Even further still, various embodiments include lumbar pads for example, that are flexible, provide comfortable force distribution to the user's body (e.g., back or lumbar region), or both. Further, various embodiments include manufacturing techniques that have beneficial results, including techniques used in the manufacture of backpacks, lumbar pads, or a combination thereof. Moreover, some manufacturing techniques provide ventilation, flexibility, comfortable force distribution to the user's body, or a combination thereof, as examples. Even further, certain embodiments include 3D printing or components made using 3D printing (e.g., backpack components, for instance, lumbar pads).

Specific embodiments include various backpacks for carrying items on the back of a user. In a number of embodiments, for example, the backpack includes at least one component that has been manufactured using 3D printing. In different embodiments, this component may be or include a lumbar pad, at least part of a shoulder harness, at least part of a hip belt, at least part of a back panel, or a combination thereof, as examples. Further, various embodiments include (e.g., whether made using 3D printing or not) a lumbar pad, a shoulder harness, a hip belt, a back panel, or a combination thereof. Further still, some embodiments include a (e.g., three-dimensional) back panel, a body (e.g., for containing the items), a mesh panel, a plastic sheet, multiple foam pads, or a combination thereof. For example, in certain embodiments the three-dimensional back panel creates a space between the mesh panel and the plastic sheet, for instance, using the multiple foam pads to separate the body of the backpack from the user's back.

Other specific embodiments include a lumbar pad for supporting a load on the lumbar region of a user where the lumbar pad has been manufactured using 3D printing. Further, in various embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is shaped like an isosceles trapezoid or like a rounded isosceles trapezoid. Still further, in some embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is mounted on a stiff foam framesheet or on a suspended trampoline back panel, as examples. Even further, in a number of embodiments, the component or lumbar pad provides variable resistance, cushioning, weight transfer, or a combination thereof, for example, to the lower back of the user.

The component or lumbar pad includes a lattice structure. Further, the lattice structure allows airflow (e.g., for ventilation), for instance, between the backpack or lumbar pad and the user's body. Still further, the lattice structure provides cushioning. Even further, the component or lumbar pad includes multiple layers of lattice structure. For example, in various embodiments, the component or lumbar pad includes at least three layers of lattice structure, at least four layers of lattice structure, or at least five layers of lattice structure. Further still, in particular embodiments, the component or lumbar pad includes two layers of lattice structure, three layers of lattice structure, four layers of lattice structure, or five layers of lattice structure, as examples.

The the component or lumbar pad includes a network of beams and nodes, for example, that create cells. Further, in some embodiments, the beams connect to each other at the nodes, the beams and nodes are monolithic, or both. Still further, in various embodiments, the cells are triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal, as examples. Even further, in a number of embodiments, the cells are (e.g., regular) polygons. Further still, the component or lumbar pad includes multiple layers of lattice structure and the cells substantially line up in the multiple layers of lattice structure. Even further still, in particular embodiments, cells that substantially line up have equal numbers of sides or, in certain embodiments, at least a majority of cells that substantially line up have equal numbers of sides or at least <NUM> percent of cells that substantially line up have equal numbers of sides, as examples.

In many embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is anatomically shaped to match and fit the shape of the user's body. Further, in a number of embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is attached to a rigid plate. Further still, in some embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is attached to an open mesh. Still further, in particular embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is attached to a foam base. Even further, in various embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is attached with adhesive, lugs, buttons, at least one strap, or a combination thereof, as examples. Even further still, in some embodiments, the component or lumbar pad includes a center with an elongated hole in the center. Moreover, in particular embodiments, the elongated hole in the center is oriented vertically (e.g., when the backpack is being worn by the user and the user is standing upright).

Still further specific embodiments include various systems for providing custom (e.g., size) backpacks. In various embodiments, for example, the system for providing custom (e.g., size) backpacks provides backpacks or lumbar pads, as examples. Further, in a number of embodiments, the system includes a website, for instance, where consumers enter through the website at least one consumer body dimension. Still further, in various embodiments, the system fabricates at least one component of a custom backpack using the at least one consumer body dimension (e.g., entered by the consumer). Even further, in particular embodiments, consumers enter (e.g., via the website) a desired load capacity of the backpack and the system fabricates at least one component of the custom backpack using the desired load capacity of the backpack (e.g., provided by the consumer). In various embodiments, the system fabricates the at least one component of the custom backpack using 3D printing. Even further still, in a number of embodiments, the at least one component of the custom backpack comprises a lumbar pad. In addition, various other embodiments of the technology are also described herein, and other benefits of certain embodiments are described herein or may be apparent to a person of skill in this area of technology.

The drawings provided herewith illustrate, among other things, examples of certain aspects of particular embodiments. Other embodiments may differ. Some embodiments include a portion of the components or acts illustrated. Further, various embodiments may include aspects shown in the drawings, described in the specification (including the claims), known in the art, or a combination thereof, as examples.

This patent application describes, among other things, examples of certain embodiments, and certain aspects of the technology relating to pads for backpacks and other articles of manufacture thereof. Other embodiments may differ from the particular examples described in detail herein. Various embodiments of the technology are or concern backpacks, lumbar supports or lumbar pads, backpacks with lumbar pads (e.g., components that support a significant portion of the weight of the pack on the user's lumbar region of the user's back). Further, various embodiments include, or are produced using, certain manufacturing techniques, for example, that include 3D printing or similar additive manufacturing processes. Further, various embodiments remove or reduce the accumulation of perspiration, for example, that can accumulate between the backpack and part of the user's body, for example, the user's back, for instance while the user is exercising (e.g., hiking, walking, riding, or climbing). Various embodiments provide airflow between the body of the backpack and the user's body, , which may provide ventilation to the user's body (e.g., to the user's back). Various embodiments include lumbar pads or supports that are flexible, provide force distribution to the user's body (e.g., back or lumbar region), or both. Moreover, various manufacturing techniques provide ventilation, flexibility, force distribution to the user's body, or a combination thereof, as examples. Certain embodiments include 3D printing, additive manufacturing methods, or components made using 3D printing, additive manufacturing methods, or the like (e.g., backpack components, for instance, lumbar pads).

In some embodiments, a backpack includes a lumbar pad that sits at the base of a back panel of the pack. In a number of embodiments, the lumbar pad carries at least a portion of the load of the pack on the base of the user's back, for example, in conjunction with the hip belt and harness. Further, in particular embodiments, the lumbar pad has a lattice-style structure that allows airflow, provides cushioning, or both. Various shapes and designs of a lumber pad are contemplated. Two exemplary backpacks <NUM> and <NUM> are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Each have a pattern <NUM> of holes <NUM> in the surface and are shaped like an isosceles trapezoid. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the corners and sides of the lumbar pad <NUM> are rounded. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the lumbar pad <NUM> has straighter sides and angled corners. In various embodiments, the lumbar pad may sit on a stiff foam framesheet <NUM> (<FIG>) or a suspended or trampoline back panel <NUM> (<FIG>) but may be a separate plastic sheet, as examples. While described with reference to a framesheet <NUM> or a trampoline back panel <NUM>, the lumbar pads of the present application may be coupled directly to a back panel of the backpack extending vertically between the harness and the hip belt. <FIG> shows an example of the lumbar pad <NUM> on a back panel <NUM> sitting in top of a stiff foam framesheet <NUM> of an example of a backpack <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example of the back pack <NUM> with the lumbar pad <NUM> on a back panel <NUM> that is held onto a suspended or trampoline back panel <NUM> but has a separate plastic sheet. <FIG> shows an example of a three-dimensional back panel construction with the backpack <NUM> that creates a space between a mesh panel <NUM> proximal a user's back and a plastic sheet <NUM> distal the user's back, by use of foam pads to separate the body of the backpack from the user's back and thus create airflow. <FIG> shows an example of a three-dimensional back panel construction for the backpack <NUM> that creates a tensioned mesh panel <NUM> to separate the body of the backpack from the user's back and thus create airflow and weight/load distribution across the user's back. Also at least partially shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are examples of harnesses <NUM> (i.e., shoulder harnesses), which are the straps that secure the user's shoulders to the backpack; and the hip belt, which includes the straps that secure the user's waist to the backpack. <FIG> illustrate an example of the backpack framesheet <NUM>, for example, that can be used with the backpack of <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example of a lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM>, which may be shaped to fit a lumbar region of a backpack, such as the backpacks <NUM> and <NUM> above. The lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> may form the area or component of a backpack that is in contact with the user's back, such as the lumbar area. The lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> are made using 3D printing or additive manufacturing. The lumbar pad in <FIG> and <FIG> is an example of a three-dimensional pad that is used to pad the lumbar area of a wearer of a backpack. Various embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated, allow ventilation and provide variable resistance and cushioning and weight transfer to the lower back of the user. The lumbar pads <NUM> and in <FIG> and <FIG> is an example of lumbar pads with a lattice structure <NUM> that includes a network of beams <NUM> and nodes <NUM> that create cells in a three dimensional form. The beams <NUM> and nodes <NUM> are formed into layers <NUM>. The material from which the lumbar pads <NUM>, <NUM> are constructed, the density of the layers <NUM>, and the construction of the beams <NUM> and nodes <NUM> all may be designed to provide a hardness or flexibility for the foam. The hardness may be, for example, measured by the amount of force required to compress the foam <NUM>% of its original size, which in this case would be in the front to back direction. <FIG> and <FIG> show lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM> with hardness measurement points A-F, which will be referred to as <NUM>a-f and <NUM>a-f to distinguish between the two pads. The measurements, as shown, are taken symmetrically around the lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM>. The hardness values differ based on location on the pads as well as thickness. Generally, the hardness values increase from the top to the bottom, for lumbar pad <NUM>. For the lumbar pad <NUM> the hardness values increase from the top to the bottom and from the outer regions to the center regions. In other words, the pressure gradient may be increasing top to bottom and decreasing inside out. The lumbar pad <NUM> may have exemplary hardness as shown by table A for a <NUM> thick pad and a <NUM> thick pad. The lumbar pad <NUM> may have hardness as shown by table B for a <NUM> thick pad and <NUM> thick pad respectively.

As indicated, the force, or newtons, necessary to compress the lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM><NUM>% are shown. The measurements are, in this case, obtained using a <NUM> circular pressure instruments. Also, the tolerance of the readings is <NUM>%. Thus, to the extent a specific newton measurement is referenced as, for example, about <NUM>. 0N or approximately <NUM>. 0N (see point <NUM>a, d at <NUM> mms) means within a plus or minus <NUM>% of <NUM>. 0Ns, or in this case <NUM> to <NUM> newton. The lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM> may also be defined by specific hardness by measuring the indention deflection, a durometer of the foam, or other hardness indications. Further, the lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are examples of lumbar pads that are anatomically shaped to match and fit the shape of the user's body. \Still further, in various embodiments, the lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., including the pad shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) can be positioned on top of a plastic sheet <NUM> (e.g., the backpack of <FIG>) or on a mesh panel <NUM> (e.g., the backpack of <FIG>), for instance, between the user's back and the lower portion of the backpack's back panel. As can now be appreciated on reading the disclosure, the lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM> may have similar hardness distributions to the lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the internal structure of the lumbar pad <NUM> through a side view (29A), a perspective top view (29B), and a bottom view (29C). The lumbar pad <NUM> has a ribbon base surface <NUM> extending around a perimeter edge of the lumbar pad <NUM>, which also defines the outer dimensions of the lumbar pad <NUM>, see <FIG>. The ribbon base surface <NUM> has a width sufficient to allow attachment to framesheet or trampoline back panel as described above. The attachment may be via a stitch, weld (sonic, fusion, etc), adhesive, or the like. The lumbar pad <NUM> has an internal structure <NUM> formed by a series of interconnected beams <NUM>, which forms the lattice structure. The beams <NUM> form circular (or curved) portions <NUM> and straight portions <NUM>. Generally, the circular portions <NUM> form nodes and the straight portions <NUM> form interconnecting branches. The beams <NUM> are formed by additive manufacturing and are bonded directly to the ribbon base surface <NUM>. The ribbon base surface <NUM> is shown best in <FIG>. <FIG> shows an exemplary dimensional lumbar pad <NUM> for a backpack consistent with the technology of the present application. A backpack <NUM> having lumbar pad <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> show the internal structure of the lumbar pad <NUM> through a perspective top view (30A) and a bottom view (30B). The lumbar pad <NUM> has a ribbon base surface <NUM> extending around a perimeter edge of the lumbar pad <NUM>, which also defines the outer dimensions of the lumbar pad <NUM>, see <FIG>. Similar to the above lumbar pad <NUM>, the ribbon base surface <NUM> has a width sufficient to allow attachment to the framesheet or trampoline back panel of the backpack, which attachment may be by any of the identified means above. The lumbar pad <NUM> has an internal structure <NUM> formed by a series of interconnected beams <NUM>, which form the lattice structure. The beams <NUM> form circular (or curved) portions <NUM> and straight portions <NUM>. The beams <NUM> are formed by additive manufacturing and are bonded directly to the ribbon base surface <NUM>, which is best shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows an exemplary dimensional lumbar pad <NUM> for a backpack consistent with the technology of the present application. A backpack <NUM> having lumbar pad <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

In various embodiments, the lumbar pad is attached to a rigid plate, such as the framesheet <NUM> described above, open mesh, such as the trampoline back panel <NUM> described above, a foam base, or the like, or combinations thereof, as examples. The lumbar pads <NUM> and <NUM> may be attached using adhesive, stitching, fusion welds, sonic welds, lugs, buttons, or straps and elements wrapping over the component, as examples, to hold the lumbar pad in position (e.g., on the backpack). Still further, various embodiments are breathable, allow air to move within the lattice structure, or both. Even further, various embodiments are non-porous, quick drying, UV resistant, or a combination thereof. Some embodiments, for example, are made from a flexible polymer. Further still, various embodiments are abrasion resistant. Moreover, in a number of embodiments, the surface texture is lightly textured yet perforated (e.g., to provide grip and air and moisture movement). Even further still, various embodiments are sweat and salt resistant, hydrophobic or hydrophilic, flexible at a range of temperatures (e.g., minus <NUM> to <NUM>), flexible and supportive under loads (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>), or a combination thereof. Still further, various embodiments are REACH, PROP <NUM>, and Bluesign Compliant.

Various embodiments include a harness <NUM>, a hip belt <NUM>, or both (e.g., shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The backpack has a backpanel that extends vertically between the harness <NUM> and the hip belt <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the body contact area of the harness <NUM> can have any combination of the features described herein for a lumbar pad. For example, in some embodiments, the body contact area of a harness is 3D printed, for example, to add ventilation, variable resistance, cushioning and weight transfer, or a combination thereof, for instance, to the shoulders of the wearer. Further, in particular embodiments, the hip belt <NUM> can have any combination of the features described herein for a lumbar pad. For example, in some embodiments, the body contact area of a hip belt may be 3D printed, for example, to add ventilation, variable resistance, cushioning, weight transfer to the pelvis, or a combination thereof, as examples. Even further, in certain embodiments, the back panel or body contact area to the lower side of the harness can be 3D printed, for example, to add ventilation, variable resistance and cushioning and weight transfer to the back, for example.

Certain embodiments are customizable to the consumer (e.g., mass customization), for example, by having consumers provide (e.g., into a website) certain of their body dimensions and then fabricating one or more components (e.g., of the backpack for instance, the lumbar pad, harness, hip belt, etc.) based on those body dimensions, for example, using 3D printing. Various embodiments are customizable to the consumer's shape, desired load capacity (e.g., entered by the consumer into the website), or both.

In particular embodiments, specific performance characteristics are provided. For example, some embodiments provide variable stiffness or flexibility, for instance, across the surface of the component, for example, to allow the load transfer to be supported with areas of higher resistance and for more comfort (more flex and cushioning) to be afforded in areas under lower loads. <FIG> illustrates an example of a pressure map of a lumbar pad <NUM> showing an example of how the resistance may be distributed on a lumbar pad. This illustrates the relative stiffness of the lumbar pad, for example, to provide comfortable force distribution to the user's body (e.g., back or lumbar region). As shown, the lumbar pad <NUM> has a center region <NUM> with a relatively high resistance or firmness, which corresponds to tables A and B above. The center region <NUM> is surrounded by a first boundary area <NUM>, which is surrounded by a second boundary area <NUM>, which is surrounded by a third boundary area <NUM>, etc. As can be appreciated, any number of boundary areas are possible, from <NUM> to n. Generally, the force decreases from the center region <NUM> to the outermost boundary area, which is the third boundary area <NUM> in this example. <FIG> illustrates another example of a pressure map of a lumbar pad <NUM> showing another example of how the resistance may be distributed on a lumbar pad. As can be appreciated, lumbar pad <NUM> also has the center region <NUM>, which the first, second, and third boundary areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. As can now be appreciated, the center region and boundary areas are generally shaped consistently with the outer periphery <NUM> of the lumbar pad <NUM>, <NUM>. This illustrates another example of the relative stiffness of a lumbar pad, for example, to provide comfortable force distribution to the user's body (e.g., back or lumbar region).

<FIG> illustrate another example of a lumbar pad. These Figures illustrate the external shape or envelopes of a lumbar pad. The internal structure may be similar to that shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example. The pressure maps of <FIG> may apply to the shape of the lumbar pad shown in <FIG> show a lumbar pad <NUM>. The lumbar pad <NUM> is shaped somewhat like a trapezoid pinched about the midline <NUM>. The lumbar pad <NUM> has an elongated hole <NUM>, arranged vertically when on the backpack, at the midline <NUM> of the lumbar pad <NUM>. The lumbar pad <NUM> also comprises a flanged surface <NUM> about the perimeter <NUM> of the lumbar pad <NUM>. The elongated hole <NUM> is oriented vertically when the backpack is being worn by a user who is standing upright. As shown in some of the figures herein, additional ventilation may be provided by additional elongate holes. Thus, in some embodiments, there are a plurality of elongated holes92 in the lumbar pad. The elongated holes <NUM> may have the same or different dimensions and shapes. <FIG> shows a bottom view of the lumbar pad <NUM> and <FIG> shows a side view of the lumbar pad <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lumbar pad <NUM> has a undulating curvature <NUM> proximal the user's back. As shown in <FIG>, the lumbar pad <NUM> has a convex shape <NUM> towards the user's back. <FIG> is a view of the lumbar pad <NUM> from the backpack side. <FIG> illustrate an example of a lumbar pad <NUM> that may be similar to the lumbar pad(s) illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a view from the user's back of lumbar pad <NUM>. <FIG> shows a top view of the lumbar pad <NUM>. The lumbar pad <NUM> has an overhang <NUM> forming a channel <NUM> between a base <NUM> and outer surface <NUM>. <FIG> shows a side view of lumbar pad <NUM>. <FIG> show perspective view line drawings of the lumbar pad <NUM>. Further, <FIG> shows a backpack 1with the lumbar pad <NUM> of <FIG>. The backpack of <FIG> may be similar to the backpack of <FIG> described above, for instance. Further still, <FIG> illustrate an example of the lumbar pad <NUM> that may be similar to the lumbar pad(s) shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a plan view of the lumbar pad <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cross sectional view through the elongate hole <NUM>. Lumbar pad <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, is provided with an overhang <NUM> forming a perimeter channel <NUM> between the overhang <NUM> and base <NUM>. The perimeter channel <NUM> allows for some edge flexibility, which may provide comfort against the user's back. <FIG> shows a backpack <NUM> with the lumbar pad <NUM> of <FIG>. The backpack shown in <FIG> may be similar to the backpack <NUM> of <FIG>, for example. The backpack <NUM> shows the harness straps <NUM> and hip belt <NUM> in more detail. Each of the harness straps <NUM> and hip belt <NUM> may include pads formed using 3d printing or other additive manufacturing methods.

Various embodiments include backpacks, as described above, for carrying items on the back of a user. Examples of backpacks are shown the Figures. In a number of embodiments, for example, the backpack includes at least one component that has been manufactured using 3D printing, such as, for example, the lumbar pads as described herein. In different embodiments, the component may be or include a lumbar pad as well as at least part of a shoulder harness, at least part of a hip belt, at least part of a back panel, or a combination thereof, as examples. Examples of shoulder harnesses and hip belts, or at least part thereof, are shown in the figures also. 3D printed parts thereof, however, may have certain aspects in common with the lumbar pad as shown and described herein. Further, various embodiments include (e.g., whether made using 3D printing or not) a lumbar pad, a shoulder harness, a hip belt, a back panel, or a combination thereof. Further still, some embodiments include a (e.g., three-dimensional) back panel, a body (e.g., for containing the items), a mesh panel, a plastic sheet, multiple foam pads, or a combination thereof. For example, in certain embodiments the three-dimensional back panel creates a space between the mesh panel and the plastic sheet, for instance, using the multiple foam pads to separate the body of the backpack from the user's back.

Some embodiments are specifically, or include, a lumbar pad, for example, for supporting a load on the lumbar region of a user. In certain embodiments, for example, the lumbar pad has been manufactured using 3D printing. An example is the lumbar pad shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Further, in various embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is shaped like an isosceles trapezoid (e.g., <FIG>) or like a rounded isosceles trapezoid (e.g., shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). Still further, in some embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is mounted on a stiff foam framesheet (e.g., shown in <FIG>) or on a suspended trampoline back panel, as examples. Even further, in a number of embodiments, the component or lumbar pad provides variable resistance, cushioning, weight transfer, or a combination thereof, for example, to the lower back of the user. <FIG> illustrate examples of pressure maps of lumbar pads. These lumbar pads may have multiple harnesses or densities within the layered lattice structure.

The component or lumbar pad includes a lattice structure. An example is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Further, the lattice structure allows airflow (e.g., for ventilation), for instance, between the (e.g., body of the) backpack or lumbar pad and the user's body. Still further, the lattice structure provides cushioning. For example, as mentioned, <FIG> illustrate examples of pressure maps of lumbar pads. Even further, the component or lumbar pad includes multiple layers of lattice structure. An example is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for instance, which shows four layers of lattice structure. In various embodiments, the component or lumbar pad includes at least three layers of lattice structure, at least four layers of lattice structure, or at least five (or more) layers of lattice structure, as examples. Further still, in particular embodiments, the component or lumbar pad includes two layers of lattice structure, three layers of lattice structure, four layers of lattice structure (e.g., shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), or five layers of lattice structure, or even more layers of lattice structure, as examples. Other embodiments have <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> layers of lattice structure, as other examples.

The component or lumbar pad includes a network of beams and nodes, for example, that create cells. An example is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Further, in some embodiments, including in the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the beams connect to each other at the nodes. Moreover, in a number of embodiments, the beams and nodes are monolithic meaning they are all fabricated from the same piece of (e.g., 3D printed) material (e.g., plastic or polymer). Again, an example is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, multiple different layers of lattice structure are monolithic. Further, in particular embodiments, all layers of the lattice structure are monolithic. Still further, in various embodiments, the cells (e.g., cells not at the edge of the component or lumbar pad) are triangular, rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal, as examples. An example is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> where most of the cells are hexagonal. In this embodiment, some cells at the edge have fewer sides than cells that are not at the edge. Even further, in a number of embodiments, the cells are (e.g., regular) polygons. An example is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> where (e.g., interior) cells are hexagonal. Further still, in some embodiments, the component or lumbar pad includes multiple layers of lattice structure and the cells substantially line up in the multiple layers of lattice structure. As used herein, cells are considered to substantially line up if they line up to within the thickness of the beams. In other embodiments, cells line up to within one half, two times, three times, or four times the thickness of the beams, as other examples. Even further still, in particular embodiments, cells that substantially line up have equal numbers of sides or, in certain embodiments, at least a majority of cells that substantially line up have equal numbers of sides or at least <NUM> percent of cells that substantially line up have equal numbers of sides, as examples. Again an example is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> where (e.g., interior) cells are hexagonal, substantially line up, and have equal numbers of sides (i.e., in the multiple layers of lattice structure).

In many embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is anatomically shaped, for example, to match and fit the shape of the user's body. Examples of such lumbar pads are shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Further, in a number of embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is attached to a rigid plate, to an open mesh, or to a foam base, as examples. Examples are shown and described herein. Even further, in various embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is attached with adhesive. <FIG> shows examples of glue areas for a lumbar pad, for instance. In a number of embodiments, the component or lumbar pad is attached (e.g., in addition to or instead of adhesive) with, for example, lugs, buttons, at least one strap, multiple straps, or a combination thereof, as examples. In still other aspects, the lumbar pad may be attached using welds, such as, sonic welds or fusion welds. Examples of lugs are shown at the top of <FIG>, for instance. Even further still, in some embodiments, the component or lumbar pad includes a center with an elongated hole in the center. <FIG> and <FIG> show lumbar pads with such a hole. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, in particular, illustrate examples of this hole. Moreover, in particular embodiments, the elongated hole in the center is oriented vertically (e.g., when the backpack is being worn by the user and the user is standing upright). Again, <FIG> and <FIG> show examples with such a hole.

Claim 1:
A backpack (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
at least one adjustable harness (<NUM>) coupled to the backpack (<NUM>, <NUM>),
at least one hip belt (<NUM>) coupled to the backpack (<NUM>, <NUM>),
a back panel coupled to backpack (<NUM>; <NUM>) and extending in a vertical direction from the at least one adjustable harness (<NUM>) to the at least one hip belt (<NUM>), and
a lumbar pad (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) coupled to the back panel (<NUM>) of the backpack (<NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the lumbar pad (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is located proximal to the at least one hip belt (<NUM>) and distal the at least one harness (<NUM>),
wherein the lumbar pad (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is constructed of a lattice formed by additive manufacturing, wherein the lattice comprises a plurality of beams (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the plurality of beams (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a plurality of curved beams forming nodes (<NUM>) and a plurality of straight beams forming branches to interconnect the plurality of beams (<NUM>, <NUM>), the beams (<NUM>) and the nodes (<NUM>) being formed into layers (<NUM>), the lattice formed by additive manufacturing having a plurality of hardnesses such that a top portion of the lumbar pad (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) has a first hardness and the bottom portion of the lumbar pad (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) has a second hardness wherein the second hardness is greater than the first hardness.