阅读说明：本技术 具有可展开框架的背包系统 (Backpack system with expandable frame ) 是由 约书亚·赖特 J·黎 于 2020-02-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了一种背包系统。该背包系统可以包括框架、承载部分和背包部分。框架能够展开到展开状态以及叠缩成叠缩状态,承载部分限定了上部袋区和下部袋区,所述上部袋区和下部袋区约束处在展开状态下的框架,并且背包部分以可移除的方式联接到承载部分。(A backpack system is disclosed. The backpack system may include a frame, a carrying portion, and a backpack portion. The frame is expandable to an expanded state and collapsible to a collapsed state, the load-bearing portion defines upper and lower pockets that restrain the frame in the expanded state, and the backpack portion is removably coupled to the load-bearing portion.)

1. A backpack system, the backpack system comprising:

a frame expandable to an expanded state and collapsible to a collapsed state;

a load-bearing portion defining an upper pocket and a lower pocket, wherein the upper pocket and the lower pocket restrain the frame in the expanded state; and

a backpack portion removably coupleable to the load-bearing portion.

2. The backpack system of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower pockets bend the frame into an arcuate state when the frame is inserted into the upper and lower pockets.

3. The backpack system of claim 1, wherein the frame defines a predetermined curvature such that the frame is in a predetermined arcuate state when inserted into the upper and lower pockets.

4. The backpack system of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein:

at least one upper access void is defined in the upper pocket and at least one lower access void is defined in the lower pocket; and

at least one section of the upper portion of the frame is exposed through the at least one upper access void, and at least one section of the lower portion of the frame is exposed through the at least one lower access void.

5. The backpack system of claim 4, wherein the backpack portion comprises:

at least one upper attachment mechanism positioned on the backpack portion to correspond with the at least one exposed section of the upper portion of the frame, each of the at least one upper attachment mechanisms removably securing the backpack portion to the exposed section of the upper portion of the frame; and

at least one lower attachment mechanism positioned on the backpack portion to correspond to the at least one exposed section of the lower portion of the frame, each of the at least one lower attachment mechanisms removably securing the backpack portion to the exposed section of the lower portion of the frame.

6. The backpack system of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of frame segments, and each frame segment:

adjacent frame segments coupled to the frame segments to form a continuous frame in the expanded state; and

decoupling from adjacent ones of the frame segments to form a set of frame segments in the collapsed state.

7. The backpack system of claim 1, wherein:

the carrier portion comprises an upper member; and

a sleeve is defined on an upper section of the backpack portion, the sleeve being adapted to receive the upper component of the carrying portion to releasably secure the upper section of the backpack portion to the upper component of the carrying portion.

8. The backpack system of claim 7, wherein:

the load-bearing portion also includes a lower member that includes one or more peg ring loops; and

one or more tethers are fixedly attached to a lower section of the backpack portion, the one or more tethers of the backpack portion being releasably insertable in the one or more tether loops of the carrying portion to releasably secure the lower section of the backpack portion to the lower member of the carrying portion and to retain the upper member of the carrying portion within the sleeve of the backpack portion.

9. The backpack system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein:

the bearing part also comprises a right shoulder belt and a left shoulder belt; and

the backpack portion includes a first right buckle element positioned to releasably couple with a second right buckle element attached to the right shoulder strap and a first left buckle element positioned to releasably couple with a second left buckle element attached to the left shoulder strap.

10. The backpack system according to claim 9, wherein the second right buckle element is adjustably attached to the right shoulder strap via a right shoulder tension strap and the second left buckle element is adjustably attached to the left shoulder strap via a left shoulder tension strap, the right and left shoulder tension straps being adjustable to distribute a portion of the weight carried in the backpack portion to the right and left shoulder straps, respectively.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a backpack system and, more particularly, to a backpack system including an expandable frame.

Background

Conventional backpack systems may include a rigid or semi-rigid frame. However, a problem with such backpack systems is that they are not easily stowed due to the rigid or semi-rigid nature of the frame. Further, the bag or pouch portion may be permanently affixed (e.g., sewn) to the rigid or semi-rigid frame during the manufacturing process. Accordingly, a backpack system is desired that: it comprises a frame which not only maintains the necessary structural rigidity during use, but is also easy to store when not in use.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a backpack system may include a frame, a carrying portion, and a backpack portion. The frame is expandable to an expanded state and telescoped to a collapsed state, the load-bearing portion defines upper and lower pockets that constrain the frame in the expanded state, and the backpack portion is removably coupled to the load-bearing portion.

In another aspect, a backpack system may include a frame. The frame is expanded to an expanded state, collapsed to a collapsed state, and removably inserted within the upper and lower pockets defined by the load-bearing portion to restrain the frame in the expanded state.

In another aspect, a backpack system may include: a backpack portion defining a surface that interfaces with a load-bearing portion having an expandable frame located in upper and lower pockets of the load-bearing portion; and removably coupling at least one of a sleeve defined on a surface of the backpack portion or one or more attachment mechanisms located on a surface of the backpack portion and the carrying portion.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments described herein will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments described herein and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an illustrative backpack system including an illustrative carrying portion and an illustrative backpack portion according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the illustrative load-bearing portion of FIG. 1 including an expandable frame in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3A depicts a rear perspective view of the backpack portion of FIG. 1 coupled to the carrying portion of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3B depicts a front perspective view of the backpack portion of FIG. 1 coupled to the carrying portion of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 4A depicts a front view of an illustrative expandable frame of the load bearing portion of fig. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 4B depicts a side view of the illustrative expandable frame of fig. 4A in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4C depicts an illustrative frame segment of the expandable frame of FIG. 4A in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4D depicts another illustrative frame segment of the expandable frame of FIG. 4A in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of another illustrative deployable frame of the load bearing portion of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 5B depicts an exploded view of the expandable frame of fig. 5A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 5C depicts a perspective view of the expandable frame of fig. 5A in a collapsed state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6A depicts a rear perspective view of another illustrative load bearing portion in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 6B depicts a rear perspective view of another illustrative backpack portion according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 6C depicts a side view of the backpack portion of fig. 6B when coupled to the carrying portion of fig. 6A according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7A depicts a front perspective view of the load bearing portion of FIG. 6A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7B depicts a rear perspective view of the load bearing portion of FIG. 6A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7C depicts a rear perspective view of the load bearing portion of FIG. 6A including a yoke, a right hip flap, a right waistband portion, a left hip flap, and a left waistband portion according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7D depicts a rear perspective view of the load bearing portion of FIG. 6A including a right shoulder strap and a left shoulder strap in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 7E depicts a rear perspective view of the carrying portion of fig. 6A releasably coupled to the backpack portion of fig. 6B in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 8A depicts a front perspective view of the backpack portion of fig. 6B according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 8B depicts a rear perspective view of the backpack portion of fig. 6B according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 9A depicts a detail view of an exemplary drawstring channel as defined in the drawstring portion of the backpack portion of fig. 6B, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 9B depicts a front perspective view of the drawstring section of the backpack portion of fig. 6B prior to defining the drawstring channel of fig. 9A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 9C depicts a side perspective view of the drawstring section of the backpack portion of fig. 6B prior to defining the drawstring channel of fig. 9A, in accordance with one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 9D depicts a rear perspective view of the drawstring section of the backpack portion of fig. 6B prior to defining the drawstring channel of fig. 9A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

fig. 10 depicts a rear perspective view of the backpack portion of fig. 6B including another sleeve according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

fig. 11 depicts a backpack system according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein, the backpack system comprising: the load carrying portion of fig. 2, and the backpack portion of fig. 6B including another lower connector.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to various backpack systems. Each backpack system may include a backpack portion and a carrying portion having a frame configured to be expandable and collapsible. According to various aspects, the frame may comprise a plurality of frame segments, wherein each frame segment is configured to be coupled to an adjacent frame segment. When in the deployed state (e.g., in use), each end of each frame segment may be removably coupled to its adjacent frame segment to form an overall rigid or semi-rigid frame. When in a collapsed state (e.g., not in use), each end of each frame segment may be uncoupled from its adjacent frame segment to form an assembly of frame segments. In some aspects, each end of each frame segment may be uniquely identified by a user to appropriately couple matching identifiers to form a rigid or semi-rigid frame. In other aspects, each end of each frame segment may be held in association with its appropriate adjacent frame segment by a strap or rope (e.g., when in an expanded state and when in a collapsed state). In some aspects, the length of the strap or cord may be longer, shorter, or equal to the combined length of the frame segments when the frame segments are coupled together (e.g., in an expanded state). According to aspects described herein, the strap or cord may be an elastic strap or cord (e.g., a bungee cord or shock cord) having a length that is shorter than the combined length of the frame segments when coupled together, thereby creating tension within the strap or cord to maintain the ends of the plurality of frame segments coupled together in a deployed state.

Various backpack systems are shown in the figures. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Fig. 1 depicts an exploded view of an illustrative backpack system 100 including a carrying portion 102A and a backpack portion 104A according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As described more fully herein, the backpack portion 104A is configured to be removably coupled to the carrying portion 102A via a plurality of attachment points. As shown in fig. 1, the plurality of attachment points may include a first set of attachment mechanisms 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D, etc. and/or a second set of attachment mechanisms 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D, 128E, 128F, etc. associated with the backpack portion 104A as described herein. The backpack portion 104A as shown in fig. 1 is illustrative and may include other features such as a zipper closure, snap closure, interior pocket, exterior pocket, kettle holder, accessory holder, ear port, and the like.

Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of the illustrative load bearing portion 102A of fig. 1, the load bearing portion 102A including a deployable frame 202A, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 2, the bearing portion 102A may define a frame cavity 204, the frame cavity 204 being configured to constrain the frame 202A in its deployed state. In some aspects, the frame cavity 204 may be configured to not only constrain the frame 202A, but also to bend the frame 202A into an arcuate or curved state, as described herein. The frame cavity 204 may extend from an upper pocket 206 and a lower pocket 208, the upper pocket 206 being positioned relative to a shoulder area of the backpack user (e.g., positioned toward the + y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 2), the lower pocket 208 being positioned relative to a hip area of the backpack user (e.g., positioned toward the-y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 2). The middle section 210 of the load bearing portion 102A may connect the upper pocket 206 and the lower pocket 208. According to various aspects, the frame cavity 204 of the load bearing portion 102A may be defined by at least one material. In some aspects, the upper pocket 206 and the lower pocket 208 may be defined by the same first material. In such an aspect, upper pocket 206 and/or lower pocket 208 may be formed by folding over a flap of a first material and fixedly attaching (e.g., sewing) the first material to itself (e.g., thereby forming upper pocket 206 and/or lower pocket 208 as shown in fig. 2). According to other aspects, the upper pocket 206 and/or the lower pocket 208 may comprise more than one (e.g., different) material. For example, in such an aspect, upper pocket 206 and/or lower pocket 208 may be formed by fixedly attaching (e.g., sewing) a first material to a second material (e.g., thereby forming upper pocket 206 and/or lower pocket 208 as shown in fig. 2).

The intermediate section 210 connecting the upper pocket 206 and the lower pocket 208 may comprise the same or different material as the upper pocket 206 and/or the lower pocket 208. Referring to fig. 2, the middle section 210 may include a rear middle section 210A (e.g., positioned toward the-z direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 2) and a front middle section 210B (e.g., positioned toward the + z direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 2). The front middle section 210B may include at least one strap configured to removably couple the upper pocket 206 and the lower pocket 208. In some aspects, the front middle section 210B may include an upper band 216A (e.g., oriented in the + y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 2) and a lower band 216B (e.g., oriented in the-y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 2). In such an aspect, the upper strap 216A may include a first end fixedly coupled to the upper pocket 206, and a second end fixedly or adjustably coupled to a first buckle element 218A of the buckle 218; and the lower strap 216B may include a first end fixedly or adjustably coupled to a second buckle element 218B of the buckle 218 (e.g., removably inserted within the first buckle element 218A) and a second end fixedly coupled to the lower pocket 208. According to various aspects described herein, the rear mid-section 210A and/or the front mid-section 210B may include one or more materials having elasticity configured (e.g., in conjunction with the upper pocket 206 and the lower pocket 208) to bend the frame 202A into an arcuate or curved state, as depicted in fig. 2 (e.g., in the + z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 2). In such an aspect, the upper frame portion 212 of the frame 202A may be positioned within the upper pocket 206, the lower frame portion 214 of the frame 202A may be positioned within the lower pocket 208, and the first buckle element 218A may be removably coupled to the second buckle element 218B. According to various aspects, when the frame 202A is positioned within the frame cavity 204, the frame 202A may be configured to hold the rear midsection 210A in tension to create a semi-rigid tensile structure of the rear midsection 210A. In such aspects, the semi-rigid tensile structure may create airflow for comfort, create a structure that maintains the shape of the backpack, and/or create a structure that maintains spacing between the backpack and the backpack user (e.g., so that the object(s) in the backpack cannot poke behind to the backpack user). According to various aspects, the frame 202A may be bent from the unbent state by a predetermined amount. According to various aspects, the upper strap 216A may be adjustable via a first buckle element 218A, and/or the lower strap 216B may be adjustable via a second buckle element 218B, thereby changing the amount of bending of the frame 202A.

Still referring to fig. 2, the load-bearing portion 102A may further include shoulder straps 220A, 220B, a waist strap 222, and/or a chest strap 224, as described more fully herein. In some aspects, a front surface (e.g., in the + z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 2) of the upper pocket 206 and/or the lower pocket 208 may include one or more attachment mechanisms 226A, 226B, 226C, 226D (e.g., male and/or female snaps, hooks and/or loops, etc.) to removably couple the backpack portion 104A and the carrying portion 102A. In such an aspect, referring briefly to fig. 1, the backpack portion 104A may include one or more corresponding attachment mechanisms 126A, 126B, 126C, 126D (e.g., male and/or female snaps, loops and/or hooks, etc.) that may be positioned to mate with each of the one or more attachment mechanisms 226A, 226B, 226C, 226D of the carrying portion 102A. Further, at least one upper access void 228A, 228B may be defined in the upper pocket 206, and at least one lower access void 228C, 228D may be defined in the lower pocket 208. Each upper access void 228A, 228B may expose a section of the upper frame portion 212 positioned within the upper pocket 206, and each lower access void 228C, 228D may expose a section of the lower frame portion 214 positioned within the lower pocket 208. Referring briefly back to fig. 1, the backpack portion 104A may include one or more attachment mechanisms 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D, the attachment mechanisms 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D positioned and configured to be coupled to each respective exposed section of the frame 202A. In some aspects, the backpack portion 104A may include one or more additional attachment mechanisms 128E, 128F, the additional attachment mechanisms 128E, 128F being positioned (e.g., + x-direction and/or-x-direction, respectively, along the coordinate axes of fig. 2) and configured to be coupled to the exposed portion of the frame 202A. According to various aspects, the one or more attachment mechanisms 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D, 128E, and/or 128F may each comprise a strap that: wherein a first attachment portion (e.g., a male snap portion, a hook tongue, and/or the like) is positioned on a first end of the strap, a corresponding second attachment portion (e.g., a female snap portion, a loop tongue, and/or the like) is positioned on a second end of the strap, and wherein the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap are configured to wrap around an exposed section of the frame 202A such that the first attachment portion can be coupled to the corresponding second attachment portion to couple to the frame 202A. According to other aspects, the one or more attachment mechanisms 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D, 128E, and/or 128F may each include such a strap: wherein a first attachment portion (e.g., a male snap portion, a knuckle, and/or the like) is positioned on the first end of the strap and on the second end of the strap, and wherein the first attachment portion positioned on the first end of the strap and on the second end of the strap may be coupled with a corresponding second attachment portion (e.g., a female snap portion, a loop tongue, and/or the like) positioned on an exposed section of the frame 202A, thereby being coupled to the frame 202A. According to further aspects, the one or more attachment mechanisms 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D, 128E, and/or 128F may each comprise a strap having a first attachment portion (e.g., a male snap portion, a knuckle, and/or the like) positioned thereon or only a first attachment portion (e.g., a male snap portion, a knuckle, and/or the like) itself (e.g., no strap), and wherein the first attachment portion positioned on the strap or the first attachment portion itself may be coupled with a corresponding second attachment portion (e.g., a female snap portion, a knuckle, and/or the like) positioned on an exposed section of the frame 202A, thereby being coupled to the frame 202A. According to yet another aspect, the one or more attachment mechanisms 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D, 128E, and/or 128F can each comprise a molded clip, wherein each molded clip is sized and/or shaped to clip to an exposed section of the frame 202A, thereby coupling to the frame 202A.

Fig. 3A-3B depict a backpack portion 104A coupled to the carrying portion 102A of fig. 1 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some aspects, each attachment mechanism 128A, 128B, 128C, 128D, 128E, 128F may comprise a piece of material (e.g., a strap) having a first component of the attachment mechanism (e.g., a male snap, hook, and/or the like) on one end and a second mating component of the attachment mechanism (e.g., a female snap, loop, and/or the like) on the other end. According to such an aspect, each piece of material may be of sufficient length to wrap around the frame 202A to removably couple each respective first and second mating component and to adjustably secure (e.g., tightly fit) the backpack portion 104A to the carrying portion 102A.

Fig. 4A depicts a front view of an illustrative expandable frame 202A of the carrier portion 102A of fig. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 4A, a plurality of frame segments may be coupled to form one continuous expandable frame 202A. In various aspects, a plurality of frame segments can be coupled to form one continuous expandable frame 202A having "x" sides (e.g., an expandable frame having four sides, an expandable frame having three sides, an expandable frame having zero sides [ e.g., a circular expandable frame, an elliptical or oval expandable frame, etc.), and/or the like). According to various aspects, each frame segment may be a hollow tube frame segment (e.g., having a circular or non-circular cross-section). The expandable frame 202A may include a first frame segment 402 (e.g., one piece), a second frame segment 404 (e.g., two pieces), a third frame segment 406 (e.g., four pieces), and a fourth frame segment 408 (e.g., one piece). Each frame segment (e.g., 402, 404, 406, 408, and/or the like) may include a first end and a second end. According to various aspects described herein, the first end of each frame segment may comprise a male connector end or a female connector end, and the second end of each frame segment may comprise a male connector end or a female connector end. In such an aspect, the male connector end of a given frame segment is configured (e.g., sized, dimensioned, and/or the like) to couple with the female connector end of an adjacent frame segment, and the female connector end of the given frame segment is configured (e.g., sized, dimensioned, and/or the like) to couple with the male connector end of an adjacent frame segment. According to aspects described herein, the male connector end may correspond to a first diameter tube (e.g., fig. 4D, "D1"), while the female connector end may correspond to a second diameter tube (e.g., fig. 4D, "D2"), and the frame segment body may correspond to a third diameter tube (e.g., fig. 4D, "D3"). In one aspect, each male connector end comprises a tube having a diameter of 5mm and each female connector end comprises a tube having a diameter of 7 mm. In some aspects, the first end and/or the second end of a given frame segment may not include a separate female connector end. That is, the female connector end may correspond to the diameter of the tubing used to form the expandable frame 202A (e.g., without a separate connector end) ("d 2" may be equal to "d 3", e.g., 7mm diameter tubing). In such an aspect, a given frame segment may have only one individual connector end (one male connector end, e.g., third frame segment 406), two individual connector ends (e.g., two male connector ends, e.g., first frame segment 402, fourth frame segment 408), or no individual connector end (two female connector ends, e.g., second frame segment 404). In other aspects, the female connector end corresponds to a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the tubing used to form the expandable frame ("d 2" is greater than "d 3"). According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the first or second ends of each frame segment (e.g., 402, 404, 406, 408, and/or the like) may include a sleeve connector (not shown) corresponding to (e.g., in size, dimension, etc.) a diameter of the first or second end, respectively, and extending from each frame segment. In such an aspect, each sleeve connector may be configured to couple a given frame segment to an adjacent frame segment. In various aspects, the sleeve connector may couple a given frame segment to an adjacent frame segment at a corner (e.g., the sleeve connector defines a corner of the frame 202A). Further, in such an aspect, each sleeve connector may include a locking mechanism that not only secures the sleeve connector to the first end or the second end, respectively, but also releasably couples a given frame segment to an adjacent frame segment. In some aspects, the locking mechanism may comprise a spring-loaded locking device. In one aspect, for example, a first sleeve connector associated with a given frame segment may include a spring-loaded locking protrusion, while a second mating sleeve connector associated with an adjacent frame segment may include at least one aperture defined therein. In this regard, a spring within the first sleeve connector may allow its locking projection to be selectively moved in and out of an aperture defined in the first sleeve connector such that the first sleeve connector may be inserted into the second mating sleeve connector and the locking projection is selectively moved in and out of at least one aperture defined in the second mating sleeve connector to releasably lock a given frame segment to an adjacent frame segment. According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the first or second ends of each frame segment (e.g., 402, 404, 406, 408, and/or the like) may include a hinge to couple a given frame segment to an adjacent frame segment. In such an aspect, each hinge can be swung to lock to couple multiple frame segments to form the frame 202A in the expanded state, and each hinge can be swung to unlock to decouple multiple frame segments to the collapsed state. Further, in such aspects, one or more of the hinges may be selectively separated to place the plurality of frame sections in another collapsed state. According to other aspects, each frame segment (e.g., 402, 404, 406, 408, and/or the like) may telescope within each other (e.g., telescoping the frame segments). In such an aspect, the plurality of frame segments may be extended and the first end of the telescoping segment may be coupled to the second end of the telescoping segment to form the frame 202A in the expanded state, and the first end of the telescoping segment may be uncoupled from the second end of the telescoping segment and the plurality of frame segments may be retracted to place the plurality of frame segments in the collapsed state. According to various aspects described herein, the frame 202A may be formed from a metal, a metal alloy, a fiber-reinforced polymer, and/or the like. In an aspect, for example, the frame 202A may be formed of aluminum.

Fig. 4B depicts a side view of the illustrative expandable frame 202A of fig. 4A. Referring to fig. 4B, the second frame segment 404 may include a predetermined curvature "r 2". In such an aspect, the frame 202A may include a predetermined bowed or curved state due to the predetermined curvature "r 2". According to various aspects, the curvature "r 2" may cause a curvature "k" as shown in fig. 4B (e.g., in the + z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 4B). When the expandable frame 202A is positioned within the load-bearing portion 102A, the bending "k" may create a comfortable airflow, and/or create a structure for maintaining the spacing between the backpack portion 104A and the backpack user (e.g., so that the object(s) in the object backpack portion 104A cannot poke the backpack user behind). In one aspect, for example, the bend "k" can be about 4 cm. According to various aspects, the first end 414 of each third frame segment 406 may include an alignment feature (e.g., a notch) that engages with an alignment feature (e.g., a protrusion) on each end of each second frame segment 404 to avoid twisting and to maintain the bowed or curved state of the expandable frame in the expanded state as shown in fig. 4B.

Fig. 4C depicts an illustrative first frame segment 402 of the expandable frame 202A of fig. 4A. Referring to fig. 4C, the first frame segment 402 includes a first end 410 having a male connector end and a second end 412 having a male connector end. According to various aspects, each of the length "a" of the first end portion 410 and the length "b" of the second end portion 412 may correspond to a length associated with a suitable fixation strength. In one aspect, for example, each of length "a" and length "b" can be about 2.5 cm. The length "c" of the first frame segment 402 may correspond to a length associated with a shoulder region of a backpack user (e.g., an average width between scapulae, etc.). In one aspect, for example, the length "c" can be about 12 cm.

Fig. 4D depicts an illustrative third frame segment 406 of the expandable frame 202A of fig. 4A. Referring to fig. 4D, the third frame segment 406 may include a first end 414 having a male connector end and a second end 416 having a female connector end (e.g., corresponding to the diameter of the tubing itself). Similar to the above, the length "e" of the first end 414 and the length "f" of the second end 416 may correspond to a length associated with a suitable fixation strength (e.g., about 2.5 cm). Referring to fig. 4D, each third frame segment 406 may include a curvature "r 1" to define a corner of the expandable frame 202A. In one aspect, the curvature "r 1" may be about 4 cm. The length "g" may correspond to a length: when length "g" is doubled and added to length "c" (e.g., fig. 4A), the corresponding length corresponds to the length associated with the shoulder area of the backpack user (e.g., average shoulder width and/or the like), and/or when length "g" is doubled and added to length "h" (e.g., fig. 4A), the corresponding length corresponds to the length associated with the hip area of the backpack user (e.g., average hip width and/or the like). In one aspect, for example, length "g" can be about 6.5cm, length "c" can be about 12cm, and length "h" can be about 10 cm. Thus, in such an aspect (e.g., according to fig. 4A), the length associated with the shoulder area of the backpack user may be about 25cm (e.g., length "g" equal to about 6.5cm, plus length "c" equal to about 12cm, plus length "g" equal to about 6.5 cm), and the length associated with the hip area of the backpack user may be about 23cm (e.g., length "g" equal to about 6.5cm, plus length "h" equal to about 10cm, plus length "g" equal to about 6.5 cm). Similarly, the length "i" may correspond to a length: when length "i" is doubled and added to length "j", the corresponding length corresponds to a length related to the back length of the backpack user (e.g., average back length, etc.). In one aspect, for example, the length "i" can be about 15cm, and the length "j" can be about 15 cm. Thus, in such an aspect, (e.g., according to fig. 4A), the length associated with the length of the back of a backpack user may be about 45cm (e.g., a length "i" equal to about 15cm, plus a length "j" equal to about 15cm, plus a length "i" equal to about 15 cm).

In some aspects, referring briefly to fig. 2, where second frame segment 404 includes a predetermined curvature "r 2" (e.g., fig. 4B), upper pocket 206 and lower pocket 208 of frame cavity 204 may constrain frame 202A without causing frame 202A to bend to an arched or curved state. In other aspects, where second frame segment 404 includes a predetermined curvature "r 2," upper pocket 206 and lower pocket 208 of frame cavity 204 may not only constrain frame 202A, but may also bend frame 202A to another bowed or curved state. Similarly, according to fig. 2, where second frame segment 404 includes a predetermined curvature "r 2," posterior medial section 210A and/or anterior medial section 210B may not be configured to cause frame 202A to bend into an arcuate or curved state as described herein. In other aspects, where the second frame segment 404 includes the predetermined curvature "r 2," the posterior medial section 210A and/or the anterior medial section 210B may be configured to bend the frame 202A into another bowed or curved state.

Referring to fig. 4A in conjunction with fig. 1, each backpack system 100 may include a backpack portion 104A and a carrying portion 102A having a frame 202A. According to aspects described herein, the frame 202A may be configured to expand when in use and collapse when not in use. In such aspects, when in a deployed state (e.g., in use), each end of each frame segment can be quickly and removably coupled to its adjacent frame segment to form an overall rigid or semi-rigid frame 202A (e.g., via male and/or female connector ends, as described herein). Further, in such aspects, when in a collapsed state (e.g., not in use), each end of each frame segment may be quickly uncoupled from its adjacent frame segment to form a unitized frame segment. In some aspects, each end of each frame segment may be uniquely identified (e.g., by numbers, letters, and/or the like, stamped, engraved, etc. on each end) for the backpack user to appropriately couple matching identifiers to form the rigid or semi-rigid frame 202A. In other aspects, each end of each frame segment may be held in association with its appropriate adjacent frame segment (e.g., when in an expanded state and when in a collapsed state) by a strap or cord passing through each hollow tube frame segment. In some aspects, the length of the cord or rope may be longer, shorter, or equal to the combined length of the frame segments when the frame segments are coupled together (e.g., in the deployed state). According to aspects described herein, the strap or cord may be an elastic strap or cord (e.g., a bungee cord or shock cord) having a length that is shorter than the combined length of the frame segments when coupled together, thereby creating tension within the strap or cord to maintain the ends of the plurality of frame segments coupled together in a deployed state. As described herein, according to various aspects, each frame segment may be a hollow tube having at least one diameter (e.g., fig. 4D, "D1" for male connector end, "D2" for female connector end, "D3" for frame segment body, etc.). Thus, the diameter "D0" (e.g., fig. 5B) of the cord or rope may be less than "D1", "D2", and/or "D3" (e.g., fig. 4D). In some aspects, "d 0" may be a diameter that allows for the formation of a knot within any frame segment (e.g., fourth frame segment 408). In one aspect, for example, the diameter "d 0" of the strap or cord may be 2 mm.

Fig. 5A depicts a perspective view of another illustrative deployable frame 202B of the load bearing portion 102A of fig. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 5A, similar to the expandable frame 202A of fig. 4A-4D, multiple frame segments may be coupled to form one continuous expandable frame 202B. Fig. 5B depicts an exploded view of the expandable frame 202B of fig. 5A, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 5B, for example, the expandable frame 202B may include: a fifth frame segment 502 (e.g., two pieces), a sixth frame segment 504 (e.g., two pieces), a seventh frame segment 506 (e.g., two pieces), and an eighth frame segment 508 (e.g., two pieces). Similar to that described herein, each frame segment (e.g., 502, 504, 506, 508, and/or the like) can include a first end comprising a male or female connector and a second end comprising a male or female connector, wherein the male connector end of a given frame segment is configured (e.g., sized, dimensioned, etc.) to couple with the female connector end of an adjacent frame segment and the female connector end of the given frame segment is configured (e.g., sized, dimensioned, etc.) to couple with the male connector end of an adjacent frame segment. Still further, and similar to that described herein, each frame segment (e.g., 502, 504, 506, 508, etc.) may be coupled via a sleeve connector, a hinge, and/or telescoping frame segments to form frame 202B.

Referring to fig. 5B, according to aspects described herein, each male connector end can correspond to a first diameter tube (e.g., "d 4"), and each female connector end can correspond to a second diameter tube (e.g., "d 5"), and the frame segment body can correspond to a third diameter tube (e.g., "d 6"). In one aspect, each male connector end comprises a tube having a diameter of 5mm and each female connector end comprises a tube having a diameter of 7 mm. In some aspects, the first end and/or the second end of a given frame segment may not include a separate female connector end. That is, the female connector end may correspond to the diameter of the tubing used to form the expandable frame 202B (e.g., without a separate connector end) ("d 5" may be equal to "d 6", e.g., 7mm diameter tubing). In such an aspect, a given frame segment may have only one individual connector end (e.g., one male connector end, sixth frame segment 504, eighth frame segment 508), two individual connector ends (e.g., two male connector ends, seventh frame segment 506), or no individual connector end (e.g., two female connector ends, fifth frame segment 502). In other aspects, the female connector end corresponds to a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubing used to form the expandable frame ("d 5" is greater than "d 6").

Similar to that described herein, the first and second ends of each frame segment (e.g., 502, 504, 506, 508, etc.) have a length that is related to a suitable fixation strength. In one aspect, for example, the length of the first end and/or the second end can be about 2.5 cm. Further, similar to that described herein, the overall length "l" (e.g., fig. 5A) may correspond to a length associated with the back length (e.g., average back length, etc.) of a backpack user, and the overall length "m" (e.g., fig. 5A) may correspond to: a length associated with a shoulder area of a backpack user (e.g., an average shoulder width, etc.), a length associated with a hip area of a backpack user (e.g., an average hip width, etc.), or a length in between. In various aspects, the length "m" may be the same at the upper and lower frame portions 512, 514 (e.g., fig. 5A). In one aspect, for example, the length "l" can be about 45cm, and the length "m" can be about 25cm, about 23cm, or a length between about 23cm and about 25 cm.

According to fig. 5A, the expandable frame 202B may not include a frame segment having a predetermined curvature (see, e.g., "r 2" of the second frame segment 404 of fig. 4B). Thus, the expandable frame 202B may not have a predetermined bowed or curved state when not inserted into the load-bearing portion 102A. In such an aspect, referring briefly to fig. 2, upper pocket 206 and lower pocket 208 of frame cavity 204 may not only constrain frame 202B, but may also bend frame 202B into an arcuate or curved state. Similarly, the rear intermediate section 210A and/or the front intermediate section 210B may be configured to bend the frame 202B into another bowed or curved state, as described herein.

Referring to fig. 5A in conjunction with fig. 1, each backpack system 100 may include a backpack portion 104A and a carrying portion 102A having a frame 202B. According to aspects described herein, the frame 202B may be configured to expand when in use and collapse when not in use. In such an aspect, when in the deployed state (e.g., in use), each end of each frame segment can be removably coupled to its adjacent frame segment to form an overall rigid or semi-rigid frame 202B (e.g., with male and/or female connector ends, as described herein). Further, in such aspects, each end of each frame segment may be uncoupled from its adjacent frame segment to form a unitized frame segment when in a collapsed state (e.g., not in use). Fig. 5C depicts a perspective view of the expandable frame 202B of fig. 5A in a collapsed state, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 5C, the frame 202B in the collapsed state is easier to stow than the frame 202B in the expanded state because less storage volume is required in its collapsed state. In some aspects, the storage volume in the collapsed state may be similar in size to an umbrella. According to fig. 5B, each end of each frame segment may be retained in association with its appropriate adjacent frame segment (e.g., when in an expanded state and when in a collapsed state) via a strap or rope 510 passing through a plurality of hollow tube frame segments of the frame 202B. In some aspects, the length of the strap or cord 510 may be greater than, less than, or equal to the combined length of the frame segments when coupled together (e.g., in the deployed state). According to aspects described herein, the strap or cord 510 may be an elastic strap or cord (e.g., a bungee cord or shock cord) having a length that is shorter than the combined length of the frame segments when coupled together, thereby creating tension within the strap or cord 510 to maintain the ends of the plurality of frame segments coupled together in a deployed state. As described herein, according to various aspects, each frame segment may be a hollow tube having at least one diameter (e.g., fig. 5B, "d 4" for the male connector end, "d 5" for the female connector end, and "d 6" for the frame segment body, etc.). Thus, the tether or rope 510 may have a diameter "d 0" (fig. 5B) that is less than "d 4", "d 5", and/or "d 6". In some aspects, "d 0" may be a diameter that allows for the formation of a knot within any frame segment. In one aspect, for example, the diameter "d 0" of the strap or cord 510 may be 2 mm.

Fig. 6A depicts a rear perspective view of another illustrative load bearing portion 102B in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6A, the load-bearing portion 102B may include a right shoulder strap 602, a left shoulder strap 604, a right lap belt portion 606A, and a left lap belt portion 606B (only a portion of the right shoulder strap 602, a portion of the left shoulder strap 604, a portion of the right lap belt portion 606A, and a portion of the left lap belt portion 606B are shown in FIG. 6A). Each of right and left shoulder straps 602, 604 may include first and second ends 602A, 602B, 604A, 602B (fig. 7D), the first ends 602A, 604A being fixedly attached to an upper piece 608 of load-bearing portion 102B (e.g., in the + y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 6A), the second ends 602B, 604B being coupled to a lower piece 610 of load-bearing portion 102B (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 6A). Referring to fig. 6A, according to various aspects, a first end 602A of right shoulder strap 602 and a first end 604A of left shoulder strap 604 may be fixedly attached to a yoke (yoke)612, yoke 612 being fixedly attached to a seam 614 defined on a lower end (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 6A) of upper member 608 of load-bearing portion 102B. According to various aspects, the seams described herein may not use seam tape. Second end 602B (fig. 7D) of right shoulder strap 602 may be coupled to a right hip flap 616 via right shoulder strap connector 603, the right hip flap 616 fixedly attached to a seam 618 defined on the right side of load-bearing portion 102B (e.g., in the + x direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 6A), and second end 604B (fig. 7D) of left shoulder strap 604 may be coupled to a left hip flap 620 via left shoulder strap connector 605, the left hip flap 620 fixedly attached to a seam 622 defined on the left side of load-bearing portion 102B (e.g., in the-x direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 6A). In some aspects, the carrier portion 102B can include a handle 648 fixedly attached to a seam 650 defined on a top side of the carrier portion 102B (e.g., in the + y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 6A). The handle 648 may be used to carry the carrying portion 102B (e.g., by itself) and/or to carry the carrying portion 102B and the backpack portion 104B (e.g., when the backpack portion 104B is releasably coupled or secured to the carrying portion 102B). In one aspect, for example, the handle 648 may be a 20mm nylon strap carrying handle. According to various aspects, the seam 618, the seam 622, and the seam 650 may be part of a seam 624 that extends around a perimeter of the load-bearing portion 102B.

Still referring to fig. 6A, the upper member 608 of the load-bearing portion 102B may comprise a first material, the lower member 610 of the load-bearing portion 102B may comprise a second material, and the middle member 626 of the load-bearing portion 102B (e.g., in the-z direction relative to the rear middle section 210A of the coordinate axes of fig. 6A) may comprise a third material. In some aspects, the yoke 612, the right hip flap 616, and the left hip flap 620 may similarly comprise a first material. Additionally, first end 602A of right shoulder strap 602 and first end 604A of left shoulder strap 604 may similarly comprise a second material. According to various aspects, the upper member 608, the lower member 610, the middle member 626, the right shoulder strap 602, and/or the left shoulder strap 604 may be padded.

As further seen in fig. 6A, the lower member 610 of the carrying portion 102B may include one or more peg ring loops 628A, 628B. As discussed herein, each tether loop 628A, 628B may be configured to releasably retain a tether 632A, 632B (fig. 6B).

Fig. 6B depicts a rear perspective view of another illustrative backpack portion 104B in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The backpack portion 104B as depicted in fig. 6B is illustrative and may include other features, such as a zipper closure, a snap closure, an interior pocket, an exterior pocket, a kettle holder, an accessory holder, an ear port, and the like. Referring to fig. 6B, backpack portion 104B may include a top section 633, an upper section 634, and a lower section 635. As shown in fig. 6B, the sleeve 630 may be defined on an upper section 634 (e.g., in the + y direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 6B) of the rear surface (e.g., in the-z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 6B) of the backpack portion 104B. According to aspects described herein, the sleeve 630 may be configured to fittingly receive the upper piece 608 of the carrying portion 102B of fig. 6A (e.g., shown by dashed lines in fig. 6B for illustrative purposes) to releasably secure the upper section 634 of the backpack portion 104B to the upper piece 608 of the carrying portion 102B. According to various aspects, after inserting the upper piece 608 of the carrying portion 102B into the sleeve 630 of the backpack portion 104B, one or more tethers 632A, 632B fixedly attached to the lower section 635 (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 6B) of the rear surface (e.g., in the-z direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 6B) of the backpack portion 104B may be releasably inserted into one or more tether loops 628A, 628B (fig. 6A) defined on the carrying portion 102B, thereby releasably securing the lower section 635 of the backpack portion 104B to the lower piece 610 of the carrying portion 102B.

Still referring to fig. 6B, the backpack portion 104B may further include a first right buckle element 636A and a first left buckle element 636B fixedly or adjustably attached to a (e.g., double stitched) seam 638 defined on a rear surface (e.g., in the-z direction along the coordinate axes of fig. 6B) of the backpack portion 104B. The first right buckle element 636A may be fixedly or adjustably attached to the seam 638 via a right connector strap 640A, and the first left buckle element 636B may be fixedly or adjustably attached to the seam 638 via a left connector strap 640B. The first right buckle element 636A may be positioned and configured to be releasably coupled to a second right buckle element (see fig. 7E, 760A) coupled proximate to the first end 602A of the right shoulder strap 602, and the first left buckle element 636B may be positioned and configured to be releasably coupled to a second left buckle element (see fig. 7E, 760B) coupled proximate to the first end 604A of the left shoulder strap 604. In one aspect, for example, the first right buckle element 636A and the second right buckle element 760A may be parts of a 20mm side release buckle, and the first left buckle element 636B and the second left buckle element 760B may be parts of a 20mm side release buckle. Similarly, the backpack portion 104B may further include a first intermediate buckle element 642, the first intermediate buckle element 642 being fixedly or adjustably attached to the seam 638 via an intermediate connector strap 644. The first intermediate buckle element 642 may be positioned and configured to be releasably coupled to a second intermediate buckle element (not shown) that is fixedly or adjustably attached to the load-bearing portion 102B. The first intermediate buckle element 642 and the second intermediate buckle element may be components of a 20mm side release buckle. In some aspects, the first right buckle element 636A, the first left buckle element 636B, and/or the first intermediate buckle element 642 may be positioned and configured for use by a backpack user to attach an accessory (e.g., a climbing rope and/or the like) to the backpack portion 104B (e.g., when the backpack portion 104B is decoupled from the load-bearing portion 102B) via an accessory buckle element (e.g., an accessory buckle element removably insertable within the first right buckle element 636A, the first left buckle element 636B, and/or the first intermediate buckle element 642).

Still referring to fig. 6B, the backpack portion 104B may further include a handle 646 fixedly attached to the seam 638 defined on the rear surface of the backpack portion 104B (e.g., in the-z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 6B). When the backpack portion 104B is uncoupled from the carrying portion 102B, the handle 646 may be positioned and configured for use by a backpack user. Thus, the backpack portion 104B is configured to be used by a backpack user without the carrying portion 102B. In one aspect, for example, the handle 646 can be a 20mm nylon strap carrying handle. In some aspects, according to fig. 6A, the handle 646 of the backpack portion 104B and/or the handle 648 of the carrying portion 102B may include an attachment mechanism (e.g., a hook and loop strap) to removably couple the handle 646 and the handle 648 when the backpack portion 104B is removably coupled or secured to the carrying portion 102B.

Further in accordance with the illustration of fig. 6B, the access end 652 of the backpack portion 104B may be opened and/or closed by a drawstring 654. The access end 652 shown in fig. 6B is illustrative only. In some aspects, the access end 652 can be positioned in alternative locations of the backpack portion 104B (e.g., the sides, the front, and/or the like). Referring to fig. 6B, the pull cord 654 may be pulled out through the eyelet 656 to close the access end 652, and the pull cord 654 may be pulled in through the eyelet 656 to open the access end 652. According to various aspects, the cord lock 658 may be coupled with the backpack portion 104B via a cord lock connector strap 660, the cord lock connector strap 660 fixedly attaching (e.g., sewing in) an opening seam 662 located at an upper rear portion of the backpack portion 104B (e.g., in the + y direction and the-z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 6B). The cord lock 658 may include a pull wire 664 configured to open the cord lock 658 to adjustably draw the pull cord 654 into and/or out of the eyelet 656. In one aspect, for example, the pull cord 654 may be a 3 millimeter polypropylene cord, the eyelet 656 may be a 15 millimeter to 20 millimeter matte black eyelet of zinc alloy, the cord lock connector tie 660 may be a 10 millimeter nylon tie loop, and the pull cord 664 may be a 10 millimeter nylon tie loop. According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the access end 652 of the backpack portion 104B may be opened and/or closed by a closure mechanism other than a pull cord 654. In some aspects, the closure mechanism may include a zipper, a snap, a tie, a cap, or the like.

Referring to fig. 6A and 6B, an illustrative process for coupling the backpack portion 104B with the carrying portion 102B is described. According to various aspects, the process of coupling the backpack portion 104B and the carrying portion 102B may include inserting the upper piece 608 of the carrying portion 102B into the sleeve 630 of the backpack portion 104B. Further, the process of coupling the backpack portion 104B and the carrying portion 102B may include releasably inserting a first tether 632A of the backpack portion 104B into a first tether loop 628A of the carrying portion 102B and inserting a second tether 632B of the backpack portion 104B into a second tether loop 628B of the carrying portion 102B. According to various aspects described herein, releasably coupling the first tether 632A to the first tether loop 628A and releasably coupling the second tether 632B to the second tether loop 628 not only secures the lower section 635 of the backpack portion 104B to the lower piece 610 of the carrying portion 102B (e.g., in the-z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 6B), but also generates a downward force (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 6B) to retain the upper piece 608 of the carrying portion 102B within the sleeve 630 of the backpack portion 104B. Additionally, releasably coupling the first tether 632A to the first tether loop 628A and releasably coupling the second tether 632B to the second tether loop 628 may distribute or redistribute a portion of the weight to be carried within the backpack portion 104B from the upper piece 608 of the carrying portion 102B to the lower piece 610 of the carrying portion 102B. Still further, the process of coupling the backpack portion 104B and the carrying portion 102B may include: the first right buckle element 636A of the backpack portion 104B is releasably coupled to the second right buckle element (fig. 7E, 760A) of the carrying portion 102B, the first left buckle element 636B of the backpack portion 104B is releasably coupled to the second left buckle element (fig. 7E, 760B) of the carrying portion 102B, and/or the first intermediate buckle element 642 is releasably coupled to the second intermediate buckle element of the carrying portion 102B. Still further, the process of coupling the backpack portion 104B and the carrying portion 102B may include: tensioning a right shoulder tensioning strap 762 (fig. 7E) that adjustably couples the second right buckle element 760A (fig. 7E) to the right shoulder strap 602 and a left shoulder tensioning strap 764 that adjustably couples the second left buckle element 760B (fig. 7E) to the left shoulder strap 604 to respectively distribute or redistribute a portion of the weight to be carried within the backpack portion 104B to the right shoulder strap 602 and/or the left shoulder strap 604. In some aspects, the tensioning can further include tensioning an intermediate shoulder tensioning strap (not shown) that adjustably couples the second intermediate strap section to the load-carrying portion 102B to pull the backpack portion 104B onto the load-carrying portion and distribute or redistribute a portion of the weight to be carried within the backpack portion 104B to the frames 202A, 202B.

Fig. 6C depicts a side view of the backpack portion 104B when coupled to the carrying portion 102B. Referring to fig. 6C, the frames 202A, 202B may be configured to control lateral (e.g., in the + x direction and/or the-x direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 6C) movement of the backpack portion 104B when the backpack portion 104B is coupled to the carrying portion 102B. More specifically, as shown in fig. 6C, the frames 202A, 202B in their flexed condition may interface in a controllable manner with the sides of the backpack portion 104B (e.g., in the + x direction and/or the-x direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 6C) to resist lateral movement. Further, according to fig. 6C, the carrying portion 102B is shown inserted within the sleeve 630 of the backpack portion 104B. In FIG. 6C, various components of the load-bearing portion 102B have been removed for convenience (see FIG. 6A, e.g., right shoulder strap 602, left shoulder strap 604, right lap belt portion 606A, left lap belt portion 606B, etc.).

Fig. 7A-7E show further details regarding the bearing portion 102B of fig. 6A. Fig. 7A depicts a front perspective view of the load bearing portion 102B of fig. 6A, in accordance with various aspects described herein. Referring to fig. 7A, the load-bearing portion 102B (e.g., similar to the load-bearing portion 102A of fig. 2) can define a frame cavity 704, the frame cavity 704 configured to constrain the expandable frame 202A, 202B (e.g., an aluminum frame) in its expanded state as described herein. The frame cavity 704 may define an upper pocket 706 positioned with respect to the shoulder area of the backpack user (e.g., positioned in the + y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 7A) and a lower pocket 708 positioned with respect to the hip area of the backpack user (e.g., positioned in the-y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 7A). Referring to fig. 7A, the frame cavity 704 may be defined by at least one material. According to various aspects, the upper pocket 706 may be defined by a double layer of apparel fabric (e.g., to hold the frames 202A, 202B in place), while the lower pocket 708 may be defined by a single layer of apparel fabric with an adhesive (e.g., to hold the frames 202A, 202B in place). In one aspect, for example, the upper pocket 706 and the lower pocket may be N70D Ripstop Liongxiang (1.9 ounce woven nylon) with WR C6 (fluorinated hydrophobe with 6 carbons in the perfluoroalkyl chain) and PU 2000mm (polyurethane coated, waterproof rated to withstand 2000mm water column pressure for a specified period of time before a single drop of water penetrates into the material). The middle section 710 of the load bearing portion 102B may connect the upper pocket 706 and the lower pocket 708.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the middle section 710 may include a rear middle section 710A (e.g., oriented in the-z direction of the coordinate axis of FIG. 7A) and a front middle section 710B (e.g., oriented in the + z direction of the coordinate axis of FIG. 7A). The posterior medial section 710A may comprise the same or different material as the upper pocket 706 and/or the lower pocket 708. According to various aspects, the rear mid-section 710A may be defined by an air net cushion having a garment fabric liner. In one aspect, for example, the rear mid-section 710A may be a strong nylon mesh that is soft to the touch and has a see-through feel.

The front middle section 710B may include at least one strap configured to removably couple the upper pocket 706 and the lower pocket 708. In some aspects, the front middle section 710B can include a buckle 718 and a strap 716. In these aspects, the buckle 718 can include a first buckle element 718A and a second buckle element 718B. In one aspect, for example, the buckle 718 can be a 20mm side release buckle. According to fig. 7A, a first buckle element 718A may be fixedly attached to the upper pocket 706, and a second buckle element 718B may be adjustably coupled to the lower pocket 708 via a strap 716. More specifically, the strap 716 may include a first end fixedly attached to the lower pocket 708 and a second end adjustably coupled to the second buckle element 718B. The first buckle element 718A may be fixedly attached to the upper pocket 706 by a hitch 720A, and the first end of the strap 716 may be fixedly attached to the lower pocket 708 by a hitch 720B for reinforcement. In one aspect, for example, strap 716 can be a 20mm nylon strapping. Referring to fig. 7, after removably positioning the frames 202A, 202B within the upper pocket 706 and the lower pocket 708 of the frame cavity 704 and removably inserting the second buckle element 718B within the first buckle element 718A, the second end of the strap 716 may be pulled (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 7A) to tighten the front middle section 710B, thereby securing the frames 202A, 202B within the frame cavity, and/or changing the amount of bending of the frames 202A, 202B, as described herein.

Referring to fig. 7A, according to various aspects, one or more upper entry voids 728A, 728B can be defined in the upper pocket 706 and one or more lower entry voids 728C, 728D can be defined in the lower pocket 708 of the carrier portion 102B. Each upper access void 728A, 728B may expose the upper frame portion 712, as positioned within the upper pocket 706, and each lower access void 728C, 728D may expose the lower frame portion 714, as positioned within the lower pocket 708. In such aspects, the same load-bearing portion 102B may be configured to accommodate more than one type of backpack portion (e.g., backpack portion 104B of fig. 6B, backpack portion 104A of fig. 1, etc.).

Still referring to fig. 7A, the carrying portion 102B may further include one or more peg ring 628A, 628B. Each tether loop 628A, 628B may be configured to releasably retain one or more tether straps 632A, 632B of backpack portion 104B, as described herein. In an aspect, for example, each tether loop 628A, 628B may be a 10mm nylon strapping loop, and each tether 632A, 632B may be a Woojin Large Closing Bone 1086 (e.g., a tether for a 15mm wide nylon strapping). Additionally, the carrier portion 102B may include a handle 648, a right waistband portion 606A, and a left waistband portion 606B, as described herein. In some aspects, the handle 648 may be fixedly attached to the seam 650 by the hitches 720C, 720D for reinforcement. According to various aspects, the right belt portion 606A may include a first end fixedly coupled to the seam 618 of the load-bearing portion 102B, and a second end adjustably coupled to a right belt buckle element of a belt buckle (not shown), and the left belt portion 606B may include a first end fixedly coupled to the seam 622 of the load-bearing portion 102B, and a second end adjustably coupled to a left belt buckle element of the belt buckle (not shown). In one aspect, for example, each of the right and left belt portions 606A, 606B may be 20mm nylon strapping, and the belt buckle may be a 20mm double-adjusted side release buckle.

Fig. 7B-7D depict progressive perspective views showing sequential addition of parts to the carrier portion 102B of fig. 6A.

Fig. 7B depicts a rear perspective view (e.g., in the-z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 7B) of the load bearing portion 102B of fig. 6A in accordance with various aspects described herein. Referring to fig. 7B, the upper member 608 of the load-bearing portion 102B may comprise a first material, the lower member 610 of the load-bearing portion 102B may comprise a second material, and the middle member 626 of the load-bearing portion 102B (e.g., in the + z direction relative to the rear middle section 710A of fig. 7A) may comprise a third material. In one aspect, for example, the upper component 608 may be N70D Ripstop Liongxiang with WR C6 and PU 2000mm, the lower component 610 may be an air mesh, and the middle component 626 may be a large pore and strong nylon mesh, i.e., non-stretched, that is soft to the touch and see-through. According to various aspects, the air net of the lower member 610 may not include a cushion to minimize stowable or packable volume. Further, as shown in fig. 7B, the handle 648 may be fixedly attached to a seam 650 defined on a top side (e.g., in the + y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 7A) of the carrier portion 102B by hitches 720C, 720D for reinforcement. Similarly, at a lower end portion of the upper member 608 of the bearing portion 102B (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 7A)) The upper defined seam 614 may be fixedly attached to the seam 618 defined on the right side of the load-bearing portion 102B (e.g., in the + x direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 7A) by a hitch 720E for reinforcement, and the seam 614 may be fixedly coupled to the seam 622 defined on the left side of the load-bearing portion 102B (e.g., in the-x direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 7A) by a hitch 720F for reinforcement. With further reference to fig. 7B, in some aspects, the connector band 770 may be fixedly attached (e.g., sewn) into the seam 650 such that the connector band 770 extends a length "v" downward (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 7A). In some aspects, the connector strap 770 may be fixedly attached to the seam 650 within the upper pocket 206 of the load bearing portion 102B. In one aspect, for example, the connector band 770 may comprise a 20mm hook-and-loop fastener (e.g.,) Which extends downwards by about 6 cm. According to various aspects, the connector band 770 may be configured and positioned to hold a water bladder (e.g., a water bladder handle).

FIG. 7C depicts a rear perspective view 6A of the load bearing portion 102B of FIG. 6A further including a yoke 612, a right hip flap 616, a right waist belt portion 606A, a left hip flap 620, and a left waist belt portion 606B. According to fig. 7C, the yoke 612 may be fixedly attached (e.g., sewn) to the seam 614. In some aspects, yoke 612 may be further coupled to seam 614 by a hitch 720G and a hitch 720H for reinforcement. According to various aspects, the yoke 612 may define a right shoulder seam 730 and a left shoulder seam 732. Further, the right hip flap 616 and the right waist belt portion 606A may be fixedly attached (e.g., sewn) into the seam 618, and the left hip flap 620 and the left waist belt portion 606B may be fixedly attached (e.g., sewn) into the seam 622.

FIG. 7D depicts a rear perspective view of load bearing portion 102B further including right shoulder strap 602 and left shoulder strap 604. As shown in fig. 7C, first end 602A of right shoulder strap 602 may be fixedly attached (e.g., sewn) into right shoulder seam 730 of yoke 612, and first end 604A of left shoulder strap 604 may be fixedly attached (e.g., sewn) into left shoulder seam 732 of yoke 612. Further, as shown in fig. 6A, second end 602B of right shoulder strap 602 may be coupled to right hip flap 616 by right shoulder strap connector 603, and second end 604B of left shoulder strap 604 may be coupled to left hip flap 620 by left shoulder strap connector 605. Still referring to fig. 7D, second end 602B of right shoulder strap 602 may include a right buckle element 736 and second end 604B of left shoulder strap 604 may include a left buckle element 738. In these aspects, the right shoulder strap connector 603 may include a first end fixedly attached to the right hip flap 616 and a second end adjustably coupled to the right strap buckle element 736. Similarly, the left shoulder strap connector 605 may include a first end fixedly attached to the left hip flap 622 and a second end adjustably coupled to the left strap buckle element 738. Still referring to fig. 7D, right shoulder strap 602 may include an upper loop 734A and a lower loop 734B, and left shoulder strap 604 may include an upper loop 734C and a lower loop 734D. According to various aspects, each ring 734A, 734B, 734C, 734D may be positioned to constrain an accessory item (e.g., a water bladder tube and/or the like). In one aspect, for example, each ring 734A, 734B, 734C, 734D may be a 20mm elastic band ring.

Still referring to fig. 7D, right shoulder strap 602 may include right chest strap portion 224A and left shoulder strap 604 may include left chest strap portion 224B. According to various aspects, the right chest strap portion 224A and the left chest strap portion 224B may be configured to be releasably coupled to form the chest strap 224 (e.g., fig. 2). The right chest strap portion 224A may include a right chest strap connector 740. A first end of the right chest strap connector 740 may be adjustably coupled to the right chest buckle element 742, and a second end of the right chest strap connector 740 may be adjustably coupled to the slidable right part 744. Similarly, the left chest strap portion 224B may include a left chest strap connector 750. A first end of the left chest strap connector 750 may be adjustably coupled to the left chest strap buckle element 752, and a second end of the left chest strap connector 750 may be adjustably coupled to the slidable left component 754. According to various aspects, when the right chest buckle element 742 is releasably coupled with the left chest buckle element 752, the slidable right part 744 may be translated along the right adjustment strap 746 and the slidable left part 754 may be translated along the left adjustment strap 756 to comfortably position the chest capture 224 relative to the chest of the backpack user.

Fig. 7E depicts a rear perspective view of the carrying portion 102B of fig. 6A releasably coupled to the backpack portion 104B of fig. 6B, in accordance with various aspects described herein. Referring to fig. 7E, first right buckle element 636A may be releasably coupled to second right buckle element 760A, second right buckle element 760A coupled to right shoulder strap 602, and first left buckle element 636B may be releasably coupled to second left buckle element 760B, second left buckle element 760B coupled to left shoulder strap 604. As shown in fig. 7E, second right buckle element 760A may be coupled to right shoulder strap 602 via a right shoulder tensioning strap 762, and second left buckle element 760B may be coupled to left shoulder strap 604 via a left shoulder tensioning strap 764. Still referring to fig. 7D, a first end of right shoulder tensioning strap 762 may be fixedly attached to right shoulder strap 602, and a second end of right shoulder tensioning strap 762 may be adjustably coupled to second right buckle element 760A. Similarly, a first end of left shoulder tensioning strap 764 may be fixedly attached to left shoulder strap 604, and a second end of left shoulder tensioning strap 764 may be adjustably coupled to second left buckle element 760B. According to various aspects described herein, after releasably coupling the first right buckle element 636A to the second right buckle element 760A and the first left buckle element 636B to the second left buckle element 760B, the second ends of the right and left shoulder tensioning straps 762, 764 may be pulled (e.g., by a backpack user) to releasably secure the backpack portion 104B to the carrying portion 102B.

Fig. 8A depicts a front perspective view of the backpack portion 104B of fig. 6B, in accordance with various aspects described herein. In various aspects, the backpack portion 104B may define a pull cord section 802 and a body section 804. In some aspects, the pull cord segment 802 and the body segment 804 may be defined by a first material. In other aspects, the pull cord segment 802 and the body segment 804 may be defined by different materials. In one aspect, for example, the first material may be a material having WR C6 and PU2000 mm N70D Ripstop Liongxiang. In another aspect, for example, the first material may be a waterproof or water-resistant material. According to various aspects, a front portion of the body section 804 (e.g., in the + z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 8A) may be defined as having no seams or a minimum seam. Referring to fig. 8A, the backpack portion 104B may further define a front pocket 806. In some aspects, the front pocket 806 may be defined by a first material. In other aspects, the front pocket 806 can be defined by a material different from the first material. According to various aspects, the front bag 806 may be closed via a closure mechanism 808. In some aspects, the material (e.g., the first material or a different material) may form a lid or reservoir for the closure mechanism 808. In one aspect, for example, the closure mechanism 808 can be an approximately 2.6cm zipper pull. In other aspects, the closure mechanism 808 can be #5(YKK Group, tokyo, japan) reverse slide fastener having a short metal puller of a cord pull. Still referring to fig. 8A, the access end 652 of the backpack portion 104B is depicted as closed. According to various aspects, when the backpack portion 104B is filled and the access end 652 is closed, the top section 633 of the backpack portion 104B (e.g., in the + y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 8A) may have a length "n" above a seam 638 (e.g., a double stitched seam) defined on the front surface of the backpack portion 104B (e.g., in the + z direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 8A). In one aspect, for example, the length "n" can be about 8.5 cm. According to various aspects, the width of the top section 633 of the backpack portion 104B may be "o", and the width of the lower section 635 of the backpack portion 104B (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 8A) may be "p", and the length of the backpack portion 104B may be "q". In one aspect, for example, the width "o" can be about 26cm, the width "p" can be about 24cm, and the length "q" can be about 45 cm. Referring briefly to FIG. 6C, the lower section 635 of the backpack portion 104B (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 6C) may be angled to define a dynamic profile. According to various aspects, the depth of the lower section 635 of the backpack portion 104BMay be "r" and the depth of the top section 633 of the backpack portion 104B may be "s". In one aspect, for example, the depth "r" may be about 10cm, and the depth "s" may be about 16 cm.

Fig. 8B depicts a rear perspective view of the backpack portion of fig. 6B, in accordance with various aspects described herein. Referring to fig. 8B, as discussed herein, the sleeve 630 may be defined on an upper section 634 (e.g., in the + y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 8B) of the rear surface (e.g., in the-z direction of the coordinate axis of 8B) of the backpack portion 104B. The sleeve 630 may be sized and configured to fittingly receive the upper piece 608 of the load-bearing portion 102B of fig. 6A, as described herein. According to various aspects, the sleeve 630 may have a width "t" and a length "u". In one aspect, for example, the width "t" can be about 26cm, and the length "u" can be about 6 cm. In other aspects, the width "t" can correspond to the length "m" (e.g., fig. 5A), and/or the sum of the lengths "g", "c", and "g" (e.g., fig. 4A), whereby the expandable frames 202A, 202B achieve a tight or interference fit within the sleeve 630. According to various aspects, the sleeve 630 may be defined by a double layer of the first material. In one aspect, for example, the first material may be N70D Ripstop Liongxiang with WR C6 and PU 2000 mm. In some aspects, hitches 720I, 720J may be added to reinforce the open end of the sleeve 630.

Fig. 9A depicts a detailed view of an illustrative pull-cord channel 902 as defined in the pull-cord segment 802 of the backpack portion 104B of fig. 6B, in accordance with various aspects described herein. Referring to fig. 9A, the material 904 (e.g., the first material described herein) of the pull cord segment 802 may be folded over and fixedly attached to itself to define a double layer of material 906. In some aspects, the material 904 of the pull cord segment 802 may be fixedly attached to itself by first transverse stitches 908 (e.g., -x and + x directions in the coordinate axes of fig. 9A) and/or second transverse stitches 910 (e.g., -x and + x directions in the coordinate axes of fig. 9A). In some aspects, the width of bilayer material 906 may be "w". In one aspect, for example, the width "w" can be about 1.5 cm. Still referring to fig. 9A, the bi-layer material 906 may then be folded over to define the pull-cord channel 902. According to aspects described herein, the pull cord channel 902 may be sized such that the pull cord 654 is easily slidable within the pull cord channel 902 (e.g., in the-x and + x directions of the coordinate axes of fig. 9A). In some aspects, the bi-layer material 906 can be folded to define a drawstring channel 902 having a width "x". In one aspect, for example, the width "x" can be about 3 cm. According to further aspects, the hitch 912 can fixedly attach the bi-layer material 906 to the material 904 of the pull cord segment 802. In one aspect, for example, the hitch 912 can be a hitch that is about 1cm wide. In such an aspect, the first lateral stitches 908 and/or the second lateral stitches 910 may not fixedly attach the double layer of material 906 to the material 904 of the pull cord segment 802.

Fig. 9B depicts a front perspective view of the drawstring section 802 of the backpack portion 104B of fig. 6B prior to defining the drawstring channel 902 of fig. 9A, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 9B depicts an illustrative hitch position for defining the pull cord channel 902 of fig. 9A. Referring to fig. 9B, a front portion of pull cord segment 802 (e.g., in the + z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 9B) may include a hitch 720K and a hitch 720L. Fig. 9C depicts a side perspective view of the drawstring section 802 of the backpack portion 104B of fig. 6B prior to defining the drawstring channel 902 of fig. 9A, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 9C depicts an illustrative hitch position for defining the pull cord channel 902 of fig. 9A. Referring to fig. 9C, the left side of the pull cord segment 802 (e.g., in the + x direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 9C) may include a hitch 720M. Here, it should be understood that the right side of the pull cord segment 802 (e.g., in the-x direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 9C) may similarly include such a hitch. Fig. 9D depicts a rear perspective view of the drawstring section 802 of the backpack portion 104B of fig. 6B prior to defining the drawstring channel 902 of fig. 9A, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 9D depicts an illustrative hitch position for defining the pull cord channel 902 of fig. 9A. Referring to fig. 9D, the back side of pull cord segment 802 (e.g., in the-z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 9D) may include a hitch 720N and a hitch 720P.

Fig. 10 depicts a rear perspective view of the backpack portion 104B of fig. 6B including another sleeve according to aspects of the present disclosure. For ease of illustration, other components of backpack portion 104B have been removed as described herein. Referring to FIG. 10, a sleeve 1002 may be defined on a lower section 635 (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 10) of a rear surface (e.g., in the-z direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 10) of the body section 804 of the backpack portion 104B. In some aspects, the sleeve 1002 may be defined by a first material. In other aspects, the sleeve 1002 can be defined by a material different from the first material. According to various aspects, the sleeve 1002 may be defined by a single layer of apparel fabric. In one aspect, for example, the first material may be N70D Ripstop Liongxiang with WR C6 and PU 2000 mm. With further reference to fig. 10, an edge joint 1004 may be defined at the top of the sleeve 1002 (e.g., in the + y direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 10). According to various aspects, the edge joint 1004 may be elastic. In such an aspect, the resilient edge joint 1004 may retain any object positioned within the sleeve 1002. According to various aspects, the sleeve 1004 may extend a length "y" (e.g., in the + y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 10) from the lower section 635 of the backpack portion 104B. In one aspect, for example, the length "y" can be about 30 cm.

According to fig. 10, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a sleeve 1002 may be defined on a rear surface (e.g., in the-z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 10) between the lower section 635 (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 10) and the upper section 634 (e.g., + y direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 10) of the body section 804 of the backpack portion 104B. More specifically, in such an aspect, sleeve 1002 may be defined inside (e.g., of backpack portion 104B) rather than outside of the rear surface. Further, in this aspect, the sleeve 1002 may be configured such that the expandable frame 202A, 202B as described herein may be further inserted into the sleeve 1002 within the backpack portion 104B. After insertion, frames 202A, 202B and sleeve 1002 may function in a manner similar to carrier portion 102B described herein (e.g., no separate carrier portion is required). According to various aspects, the backpack portion 104B of fig. 10 may include similar components to those described herein in fig. 7B-7E (e.g., handles, shoulder straps, waist straps, chest straps, and/or the like). According to various aspects, the sleeve 1002 may be configured such that when the frames 202A, 202B are in a collapsed state, the frames 202A, 202B may be collapsed within the sleeve 1002.

Fig. 11 depicts the backpack system 1100 of the backpack portion 104B of fig. 6B and the carrying portion 102A of fig. 2 including an additional lower connector 1102 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As described herein, the backpack portion 104B may include a sleeve 630 defining an upper section 634 (e.g., in the + y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 11) at a rear surface (e.g., in the-z direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 11) of the backpack portion 104B. The sleeve 630 may be configured to fittingly receive the upper member 608 of the carrier portion 102A (e.g., shown via arrow 1112 and dashed lines of fig. 11 for illustrative purposes). Referring to fig. 11, the lower connector 1102 of the backpack portion 104B may include a first lower connector buckle element 1104. In some aspects, the lower connector 1102 may be of an elastomeric material. In other aspects, the lower connector 1102 can be a first material or a material different from the first material described herein. Further, referring to fig. 11, the lower pocket 208 of the carrier portion 102A may include a lower connector ring 1106, the lower connector ring 1106 fixedly attached to and positioned on a front surface (e.g., in the + z direction of the coordinate axes of fig. 1) of the lower pocket 208. The front middle section 210B of the load bearing portion 102A may include an additional second lower connector buckle element 1108, the second lower connector buckle element 1108 being fixedly or adjustably coupled to a lower connector strap 1110 of the front middle section 210B. According to various aspects, after inserting the upper piece 608 of the carrying portion 102A into the sleeve 630 of the backpack portion 104B, the lower connector 1102 may be positioned downward (e.g., in the-y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 11) on a front surface (e.g., in the + z direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 11) of the lower connector ring 1106 and inserted upward (e.g., in the + y direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 11) between a rear surface (e.g., in the-z direction of the coordinate axis of fig. 11) of the lower connector ring 1106 and the lower pocket 208 (e.g., depicted by arrow 1114 of fig. 11), and the first lower connector buckle element 1104 of the lower connector 1102 may be releasably coupled to the second lower connector buckle element 1108 of the carrying portion 102A to releasably secure the backpack portion 104B to the carrying portion 102A. In some aspects, when the lower connector 1102 is an elastic material, coupling the first lower connector buckle element 1104 to the second lower connector buckle element 1108 may create tension to retain the upper piece 608 of the load bearing portion 102A in the sleeve 630 of the backpack portion.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, referring to fig. 11 and 2, the backpack portion 104B and the carrying portion 102A may be coupled by inserting the backpack portion 104B into a frame cavity 204 extending between an upper pocket 206 and a lower pocket 208 of the carrying portion 102A. Referring to fig. 2, this aspect may include disengaging the buckles 218, inserting the backpack portion 104B into the frame cavity 204, the upper pocket 206, and/or the lower pocket 208, and re-coupling the buckles 218.

It should now be appreciated that a backpack system comprising the backpack portion, carrying portion, and/or deployable frame described herein is adapted to maintain a desired structural rigidity during use, while being easily stowed when not in use. In particular, as described herein, the frame, which is deployable to a deployed state during use, interacts with various features of the backpack portion and/or the load-bearing portion to allow for a variety of versatile backpack system configurations and functions, and the frame is collapsible to a collapsed state when not in use, effectively reducing the overall storage volume of the backpack system, thereby improving stowability.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, these aspects may not need to be used in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.