Air frame packs and backpacks

Abstract

Apparatus and method of assembly of a pack, backpack or sack with an air frame. The air frame may include chambers or channels that hold air separated by divisions or dividers. The air may flow freely from one channel to the other without passing through the divisions. The air frame may provide both soft and rigid support and may be regulated by the user changing the amount of air and pressure within the air chambers. The air frame may be integrated into the pack or it may be removable.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 108,151 entitled AIR FRAMES AND PACKS INCLUDING ONE OR MORE AIR FRAMES filed Jan. 27, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This disclosure relates generally to outdoor packs and backpacks and frames associated with those packs and, more specifically, patterned frames comprised of air within chambers capable of bearing loads. The packs with these air frames are capable of providing other advantages to a carrier as well.RELATED ART[0003]As will be appreciated by any person who has ever used a backpack or pack with a frame, a typical or conventional pack (e.g., backpack) with frames or suspensions are most often ridged or soft. It is uncommon for a frame to be able to provide both the rigidity required to bear loads but also the softness to make the pack more comfortable.[0004]Most packs are considered either day pac...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The air frame is designed in a way to allow for adequate rigidity to a carrier such that a carrier may use the pack for long or short excursions. The pack may be inflated or deflated at the user's discretion.

[0010]This disclosure also relates to the method of manufacturing a pack with an air frame integrated into the pack. By integrating the air frame in the pack it allows a user flexibility of use of the pack for the carrier's discretion. The integration of the air frame into the back requires steps to ensure there is adequate pack space while allowing for maximum frame strength, with a pump or similar inflation device, at the user's desire and discretion.

[0011]The pack may include an inflation device; for example, the air frame may be inflated by compressed air, inflated by mouth, inflated by pump, inflated by fan, inflated with gas canisters, compressed air, or any combination thereof to inflate the air frame to a desired pressure. A valve portion of the inflation device will be secured to the air frame and prevents release of air from the air frame unless and until the user desires. A release valve ma

Problems solved by technology

Further, the air frame ma

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