BACKPACK PIVOT SYSTEM

1 . A backpack, comprising

a frame for supporting one or more bags;

a waist belt attached to the frame for supporting the frame around the waist of a backpack wearer; and

a pivot system for attaching the waist belt to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt with respect the frame.

2 . The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the pivot system comprises a bracket that is fixedly attached to the frame, and a single pivoting axle for attachment of the waist belt to the bracket.

3 . The backpack of claim 2 , wherein the pivoting axle comprises a bolt that passes through the waist belt and the bracket, and permits rotation therebetween.

4 . The backpack of claim 2 , wherein the bracket comprises a plate that is attached to the frame via a plurality of fasteners.

5 . The backpack of claim 4 , wherein the waist belt comprises first and second slots dimensioned to receive first and second fasteners, respectfully.

6 . The backpack of claim 5 , wherein the slots permit a predetermined amount of rotation between the waist belt and the frame.

7 . The backpack of claim 5 , wherein the waist belt further comprises first and second notches dimensioned to receive third and fourth fasteners, respectfully.

8 . The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the rotation of the waist belt with respect to the frame is in response to the backpack wearer's hip motion while carrying the backpack.

9 . The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the pivot system comprises a torso pivoting system that articulates lateral torso flex movements of the backpack wearer.

10 . The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the pivot system allows the backpack wearer to have independent lateral movement while wearing the backpack, yet still distributes the weight of the backpack on the backpack wearer's hips.

11 . The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the backpack wearer retains full independent lateral movement while wearing the backpack without compromising load stability while wearing the backpack.

12 . The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the backpack wearer's weight transmission remains substantially constant on the backpack wearer's hips during lateral movement.

13 . The backpack of claim 1 , further comprising a shoulder strap for supporting a portion of the weight of the backpack on the backpack wearer's shoulders.

14 . The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the backpack comprises an adjustable modular backpack for carrying a plurality of bags.

15 . The backpack of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of bags comprises a top pocket, a main bag, and a sleeping bag.

16 . A backpack, comprising

a frame for supporting one or more bags;

a waist belt attached to a lumbar pad panel that is rotatably attached to the frame for supporting the frame around the waist of a backpack wearer; and

a pivot system for attaching the lumbar pad panel to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt and lumbar pad panel with respect the frame, the pivot system comprising a spacer that offsets a top portion of the lumbar pad panel from the frame.

17 . The back pack of claim 16 , wherein the spacer comprises a bolt surrounded by one or more elastically deformable washers that reduces stress on the frame by allowing flexibility in otherwise rigid components.

18 . The back pack of claim 17 , wherein the bolt passes through the waist pad panel and the frame, and permits rotation therebetween

19 . The backpack of claim 16 , wherein:

the spacer creates a predetermined angle between the waist pad panel and the frame; and

the angle is selected to provide superior load transmission from the backpack to the backpack wearer.

20 . A backpack, comprising

a frame for supporting one or more bags;

a waist belt attached to the frame for supporting the frame around the waist of a backpack wearer; and

a pivot system for attaching the waist belt to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt with respect the frame;

wherein the pivot system comprises a torso pivoting system that articulates lateral torso flex movements of the backpack wearer.