Backpack having distributed-load shoulder strap system
View Patent ↗A backpack is provided, having a pack body and a shoulder strap system configured to hold the pack body securely against the user even during periods of high activity. The strap system includes two shoulder straps each having a lower portion attached to a coupler having an extended interface with the pack body, to inhibit sagging and secure the pack body to the user.
1. A backpack, comprising:
a pack body configured to be disposed on a user's back, the pack body having an upper region and a lower region and further having a first side adjacent to the user's back, when the backpack is worn; and
a shoulder strap system including a pair of shoulder straps configured to extend over both shoulders of the user, the strap system further including two couplers, each coupler attached to a lower portion of a corresponding shoulder strap and having an extended interface with the pack body, to inhibit sagging and secure the pack body to the user
wherein each coupler includes a panel having a first edge attached to the pack body;
wherein each shoulder strap includes:
a padded portion extending over a respective shoulder of the user,
a fixing strap having both ends coupled at spaced locations to the corresponding panel,
a ring configured to slide along the fixing strap, and
a lower webbing portion extending between the padded portion and the ring.
2. A backpack as defined in claim 1 , wherein the pack body includes an internal frame.
3. A backpack as defined in claim 1 , wherein the pack body excludes a frame.
4. A backpack as defined in claim 1 , wherein each panel includes a stiffener formed of rigid material.
5. A backpack as defined in claim 1 , wherein each coupler includes
a stiffening wand secured to the pack body, and
the shoulder strap system includes a lower strap portion for each shoulder strap attached to the corresponding wand.
6. A backpack, comprising:
a pack body configured to be disposed on a user's back, the sack having an upper portion and a lower portion and further having a first side adjacent to the user's back, when the backpack is worn;
a pair of couplers, each including a panel having first edge attached to the pack body to provide an extended interface with the pack body; and
a pair of shoulder straps, each having an upper end coupled to the upper portion of the pack body, a padded portion, and a fixing strap disposed between the padded portion and the corresponding coupler;
wherein each fixing strap is pivotally attached to the corresponding panel at two spaced locations.
7. A backpack as defined in claim 6 , wherein the pack body excludes a frame.
8. A backpack as defined in claim 6 , further comprising a loop disposed about each fixing strap for coupling the padded portion of the shoulder strap to the fixing strap.
9. A backpack as defined in claim 8 , further comprising a webbing strap extending between each loop and the corresponding padded portion.
10. A backpack, comprising:
a pack body configured to be disposed on a user's back, the sack having an upper portion and a lower portion and further having a first side adjacent to the user's back, when the backpack is worn;
a pair of couplers, each including a panel having first edge attached to the pack body to provide an extended interface with the pack body;
a pair of shoulder straps, each having an upper end coupled to the upper portion of the pack body, a padded portion, and a fixing strap disposed between the padded portion and the corresponding coupler; and
a loop disposed about each fixing strap for coupling the padded portion of the shoulder strap to the fixing strap;
wherein a first end of each fixing strap is permanently affixed to the panel and a second end is adjustably attached to the panel.