HK1093665B - Backpack suspension system - Google Patents

Description

Backpack suspension system

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to backpacks and other load carrying systems, and more particularly to backpacks and load carrying systems that dynamically distribute load to the body of the wearer.

Background

Backpacks are commonly used in recreational activities, such as hiking, climbing, and skiing to carry clothing, food, water, shelter, equipment, and various other items, and backpacks are also used in everyday activities to carry items such as books, documents, and computers. Conventional backpacks typically employ shoulder straps that extend over one or both of the wearer's shoulders, along with a waist belt that encircles the wearer's waist. The shoulder straps and waist belt allow the load of the backpack (and its contents) to be distributed over the shoulders and waist of the wearer.

Different movements of the backpack wearer may cause the load of the backpack to be undesirably transferred to one side or the other of the body. For example, rocking of the wearer's hips during walking or hiking (due to the wearer's natural gait) may cause the backpack and/or the load to shift relative to the wearer's body, undesirably weighting the load on one of the hips, and/or on one or both of the shoulders. This transfer is often exacerbated where the wearer is ascending, descending, or traversing off-center vaulted, rough and/or uneven terrain.

Many backpack suspension systems have been developed to reduce the transfer of load on the body of the wearer. For example, backpacks have been developed with semi-rigid frames that flex along with the wearer's body to reduce load transfer. Additionally, backpacks have been developed with pivoting hip belts that pivot to compensate for the movement of the wearer's hips relative to other parts of their body. However, these bags do not adequately compensate for load shifting, and thus, there is a need in the art for a backpack suspension system that evenly distributes the load of the backpack throughout the various movements and movements of the body on the body of the wearer.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to a suspension system for a backpack including a swing arm pivotally connected to the backpack, a first hip stay having a first end connected to a first end of the broadcast arm and a second end opposite the first end, and a second hip stay having a first end connected to the second end of the swing arm and a second end opposite the first end, the first end of the first hip stay may be flexibly or substantially rigidly connected to the first end of the swing arm, the first end of the second hip stay may be similarly connected to the second end of the swing arm, and a waist belt connected to the second ends of the first and second hip stays. The load of the backpack and its contents may be dynamically transferred from the backpack to the waist belt by first and second hip stays, a first end of the first hip stay may be flexibly connected to a first end of the swing arm by a first resilient member, a first end of the second hip stay may be flexibly connected to a second end of the swing arm by a second resilient member, and the second end of the hip stay may be connected to the waist belt at points substantially adjacent opposite sides of the wearer's hips, and as a result, the backpack may exhibit a downward force on the wearer that is concentrated within a central region of the wearer's frame.

The suspension system may further include a mounting plate to which the rocker arm is pivotally connected. A tail stay may extend from the mounting plate to the waist belt intermediate the first hip stay and the second hip stay and serve to stabilize movement between the backpack and the waist belt.

The backpack may include shoulder straps spaced a vertical distance from the waist belt, wherein the first and second hip stays allow the vertical distance between the shoulder straps and the waist belt to be increased or decreased to compensate for changes in the length of the wearer's spine during bending movements.

The invention is also directed to a backpack incorporating the suspension system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a suspension system for a backpack comprising a swing arm pivotally connected to the backpack, the swing arm having a first end and a second end; a first hip stay having a first end connected to the first end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end; a second hip stay having a first end connected to the second end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end; and a waist belt connected to the second end of the first hip stay and the second end of the second hip stay; wherein the first hip stay and the second hip stay are each independently connected to the rocker arm; wherein the rocker arm pivots about a fixed pivot point; wherein the waist belt slides relative to the hip stay; and wherein the first end of the first hip stay is flexibly connected to the first end of the swing arm and the first end of the second hip stay is flexibly connected to the second end of the swing arm.

In other aspects, the first end of the first hip stay is flexibly connected to the first end of the rocker arm by a first resilient member, and the first end of the second hip stay is flexibly connected to the second end of the rocker arm by a second resilient member. The second end of the first hip stay is connected to the waist belt at a first point; and said second end of said second hip stay attached to said waist belt at a second point; wherein the first point and the second point are adjacent opposite sides of the wearer's buttocks. The first and second hip stays concentrate the downward force within a central area of the wearer's skeleton when the backpack is presenting the downward force. The suspension system also includes a mounting plate, wherein the rocker arm is pivotally connected to the mounting plate. Load is dynamically transferred from the backpack to the waist belt via the first and second hip stays. The rocker arm is pivotable about a pivot point located intermediate the first and second ends of the rocker arm.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a suspension system for a backpack comprising: a swing arm pivotally connected to the backpack, the swing arm having a first end and a second end; a first hip stay having a first end connected to the first end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end; a second hip stay having a first end connected to the second end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end; and a waist belt connected to the second end of the first hip stay and the second end of the second hip stay; wherein the first hip stay and the second hip stay are each independently connected to the rocker arm; wherein the rocker arm pivots about a fixed pivot point; wherein the waist belt slides relative to the hip stay; and the first end of the first hip stay is rigidly attached to the first end of the rocker arm and the first end of the second hip stay is rigidly attached to the second end of the rocker arm, the first end of the first hip stay and the first end of the second hip stay being spaced apart from the fixed pivot point.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a suspension system for a backpack comprising: a swing arm pivotally connected to the backpack, the swing arm having a first end and a second end; a first hip stay having a first end connected to the first end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end; a second hip stay having the first end connected to the second end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end; a waist belt connected to the second end of the first hip stay and the second end of the second hip stay; mounting a plate; and a tail stay extending from the mounting plate to the waist belt intermediate the first and second hip stays, wherein the tail stay is configured to stabilize movement between the pack and the waist belt; wherein the rocker arm is pivotally connected to the mounting plate; wherein the rocker arm pivots about a fixed pivot point; and wherein the waist belt slides relative to the hip stay;

in other aspects, the tail stay is a zero force component. The suspension system further includes a shoulder strap associated with the backpack and spaced a vertical distance from the waist belt, wherein the tail stay is slidably connected to the waist belt to allow the vertical distance between the shoulder strap and the waist belt to increase or decrease to compensate for changes in the effective length of the wearer's spine during bending movements.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a suspension system for a backpack, which includes a mounting plate; a first hip stay having a first end connected to the mounting plate and a second end opposite the first end; a second hip stay having a first end connected to the mounting plate and a second end opposite the first end; and a waist belt slidably connected to the second end of the first hip stay at a first point and slidably connected to the second end of the second hip stay at a second point; wherein the first and second hip stays are contoured such that the first and second points are adjacent the sides of the wearer's hips; wherein the first hip stay and the second hip stay are pivotable relative to a first fixed point on the mounting plate; and wherein the hip stay is allowed to move relative to the waist belt.

In other aspects, the first and second hip stays focus the downward force of the backpack within a central region of the wearer's chassis. The suspension system further includes a rocker arm pivotally connected to the mounting plate and having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the first hip stay is connected to the first end of the rocker arm and the first end of the second hip stay is connected to the second end of the rocker arm. The first end of the first hip stay is flexibly connected to the first end of the rocker arm, and the first end of the second hip stay is flexibly connected to the second end of the rocker arm. The first end of the first hip stay is rigidly connected to the first end of the rocker arm, and the first end of the second hip stay is rigidly connected to the second end of the rocker arm. The suspension system also includes shoulder straps associated with the backpack.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a backpack including a bag for carrying a load; a mounting plate associated with a portion of the bag; a rocker arm pivotally connected to the mounting plate at a fixed pivot point, the rocker arm having a first end and a second end; a first hip stay connected to the first end of the rocker arm; a second hip stay connected to the second end of the rocker arm; and a waist belt connected to the first hip stay at a first point and to the second hip stay at a second point; wherein the first hip stay and the second hip stay are each independently connected to the rocker arm; a first end of the first hip stay is flexibly connected to the first end of the swing arm, and a first end of the second hip stay is flexibly connected to the second end of the swing arm; wherein the load is transferred to the waist belt at least through the first and second hip stays; and wherein the waist belt is slidable relative to the hip stay.

In other aspects, the first and second hip stays allow the waist belt to pivot relative to the mounting plate. The first and second hip stays distribute the load between the left hip of the wearer and the right hip of the wearer. The first and second hip stays distribute the load evenly between the left hip of the wearer and the right hip of the wearer. The backpack also includes shoulder straps.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a backpack including a bag for carrying a load; a shoulder strap associated with an upper portion of the bag; a first hip stay having a first end connected to the bag and a second end opposite the first end; a second hip stay having a first end connected to the bag and a second end opposite the first end; and a waist belt movably associated with the second end of the first hip stay and the second end of the second hip stay and spaced a vertical distance from the shoulder straps, wherein the waist belt is movable relative to the first and second hip stays to vary the vertical distance between the shoulder straps and the waist belt to compensate for shortening or lengthening of the wearer's spine during a stooping motion; wherein the first hip stay and the second hip stay are independently coupled to a fixed pivot point and pivotable relative thereto; wherein the waist belt is movably associated with the second end of the first hip stay and the second end of the second hip stay; wherein the waist belt defines a first pocket for receiving the second end of the first hip stay and a second pocket for receiving the second end of the second hip stay.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a backpack including a bag for carrying a load; shoulder straps; a waistband; and a suspension system coupled to the waist belt, the suspension system including a pivot point for regulating movement of the waist belt relative to the pack and a hip stay component flexibly coupled to the pivot point and slidably associated with the waist belt, the hip stay component being pivotable in part along a fixed rotational path regulated by the pivot point and further pivotable solely about an elastic portion disposed proximate an end of the hip stay component closest to the pivot point.

In other aspects, the component includes a curved portion. The curved portion is generally oriented toward an area of the waist belt configured to be disposed adjacent the hips of the wearer. The backpack further comprises a back pad, wherein the vertical distance of the back pad relative to the waist belt is adjustable. The position of the shoulder straps is vertically adjustable. The waist belt includes a pocket for receiving the component. The bag is open.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a backpack including a bag for carrying a load; shoulder straps; mounting a plate; a waistband; and a suspension system coupled to the mounting plate and including a pivot point for movement of the waist belt relative to the mounting plate and a pivotable hip stay component slidably associated with the mounting plate and the waist belt; wherein the suspension system partially defines a fixed rotational path spaced from the pivot point and the ends of the pivotable hip stay components are pivotable along the rotational path; wherein the pivotable hip stay component includes a flexible portion for also allowing the pivotable hip stay component to move along a second path.

In other aspects, the component includes a curved portion. The curved portion is generally oriented toward an area of the waist belt configured to be disposed adjacent the hips of the wearer. The backpack further comprises a back pad, wherein the vertical distance of the back pad relative to the waist belt is adjustable. The shoulder straps are vertically adjustable in position. The waist belt includes a pocket for receiving the component. The bag is open.

Drawings

The detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a backpack incorporating the suspension system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the back of the backpack of FIG. 1 with portions of the suspension system shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the suspension system of FIG. 2 shown removed from the backpack;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the suspension system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of the backpack of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the suspension system of the present invention shown worn by a mannequin.

Detailed Description

Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a backpack incorporating the suspension system of the present invention is shown. Backpack 10 generally includes a bag 12 for storing carried items, and a cover 14 removably attached to bag 12 to provide access to the interior of bag 12. Backpack 10 may also include various other straps and accessories, such as compression straps 16 and/or bungee cords 18. It should be noted, however, that the principles of the present invention are not limited to any particular type of backpack configuration, and that the suspension system of the present invention may be used with backpacks or other load carrying devices of any shape, size or configuration known to those of ordinary skill in the art, e.g., the backpack 10 may have a zippered opening rather than the removable cover 14 shown in fig. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, a suspension system 20 is associated with a rear wall 22 of backpack 10 and connects a waist belt 24 to bag 12. The waist belt 24 is shaped and configured to be worn around the waist of a wearer and to support all or a portion of the load of the backpack 10 (and its contents) on the wearer's body. While belts of many different shapes, materials and constructions are known in the art, the suspension system of the present invention is not limited to use with any particular type of belt.

As also shown in fig. 2, backpack 10 may include one or more adjustable shoulder straps 26 (or a harness system), if shoulder straps 26 are provided, shoulder straps 26 working in conjunction with waist belt 24 to support the load of backpack 10 (and its contents) on the wearer's body. Shoulder straps 26 may extend from an upper region of backpack 10 and loop over the shoulders of the wearer and connect with a lower region of backpack 10, for example, shoulder straps 26 may connect to an upper region of backpack 10 via adjustable frame pieces 67 (shown in fig. 6) associated with rear wall 22 of backpack 10 and to a lower region of backpack 10 via rear wall 22. Alternatively, shoulder straps 26 may be attached directly to the upper region of backpack 10 through rear wall 22. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will know and appreciate that the present invention is not limited to any particular connection between shoulder straps 26 and backpack 10. Moreover, many different types of shoulder straps and harness systems are known in the art, and the suspension system of the present invention is not limited to use with any particular type of shoulder strap or harness system, nor is it limited to use with shoulder straps or harness systems at all.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the suspension system 20 includes a mounting plate 28 attached to the rear wall 22 of the bag 12. the mounting plate 28 may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as ABS plastic, polyethylene, nylon, delrin, reinforced thermoset plastics (such as epoxy and fiberglass), aluminum or titanium, although any other suitable material known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be used. Mounting plate 28 may be attached to rear wall 22 of bag 12 by a fabric strip 30 (shown in FIG. 2) and by snap connectors 34 attached to rear wall 22, with webbing strip 30 being sewn to rear wall 22 and extending over tabs 32 formed on mounting plate 28. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting plate 28 may also be attached to the rear wall 22 by riveting, sewing, bonding, stapling, stitching, or any other technique known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The suspension system 20 also includes a rocker arm 36 pivotally connected to the mounting plate 28 and pivoting about a pivot axis P, with a bolt 38 extending through aligned holes in the mounting plate 28 and the rocker arm 36 along the pivot axis P and resulting in a pivotal connection between the two parts. Suitable materials for rocker arm 36 include, for example, nylon, reinforced nylon, polyacetal, sheet molding compound, monolithic molding compound, composite, and metal.

To smooth the pivoting action between the mounting plate 28 and the rocker arm 36, the rocker arm 36 may have a bearing 40 (e.g., a cartridge-type rolling bearing) surrounding the bolt 38, as shown in FIG. 4. Optionally, a bushing or other element may also surround the bolt 38 to provide some resistance to pivoting of the rocker arm 36 relative to the mounting plate 28 and to provide a degree of damping to the suspension system 20. The mounting plate 28 may include raised areas, such as raised areas 28a and 28b, that may engage the rocker arm 36 to prevent over-rotation of the rocker arm 36.

Still referring to fig. 3 and 4, the suspension system 20 further includes first and second hip stays 50, 52, each having a first end 50a, 52a, respectively, the first ends 50a, 52a being connected to the opposite first and second ends 36a, 36b of the swing arm 36. As shown in fig. 4, first end 50a of first hip stay 50 may be flexibly connected to first end 36a of rocker arm 36 by a resilient member 54, and similarly, first end 52a of second hip stay 52 may be flexibly connected to second end 36b of rocker arm 36 by a resilient member 56. Suitable materials for the elastic members 54, 56 may include, for example, polyurethane or nitrile rubber, or any other elastomeric material known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Still referring to fig. 4, one end 54a of the resilient member 54 may be received in a hole 58 in the first end 36a of the rocker arm 36 and the other end 54b may be located in a hole 60 in the first end 50a of the first hip stay 50 with a central portion 54c of the resilient member 54 exposed to provide the flexible connection. The resilient member 56 may be attached to the second end 36b of the rocker arm 36 and the first end 52a of the second hip stay 52 in the same manner. The resilient members 54, 56 may be secured in the respective bores by co-molding, adhesive bonding, press fitting, pinning, threading, or other techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Optionally, the flexible connection between the first and second ends 36a, 36b of the rocker arm 36 and the first and second hip stays 50, 52 may also be provided by a ball and socket joint or a pivot connection (as described above with respect to the rocker arm 36), however, preferably there is a certain amount of resistance to movement between the hip stays 50, 52 and the ends 36a, 36b of the rocker arm 36 to prevent the suspension system 20 from being overly flexible or collapsing under heavy loads. According to another alternative embodiment, the rocker arm 36 and the first and second hip stays 50, 52 may be integrally formed, with the flexible connection being provided by a thinned area in the component, such as is commonly referred to as a "living hinge". According to yet another alternative embodiment, the first ends 50a, 52a of the first and second hip stays 50, 52 may be substantially rigidly affixed to the first and second ends 36a, 36b, respectively, of the rocker arm 36, which may be accomplished, for example, by forming the rocker arm 36 and the first and second hip stays 50, 52 as a single piece structure or alternatively by any rigid coupling method known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

First and second back braces 64, 66 may be connected to the mounting plate 28, as shown in FIG. 3, and extend upwardly along the path of the wearer's back. The first and second back stays 64, 66 function to reinforce and/or strengthen the rear wall 22 of the pack bag 12. A frame sheet 67 (shown in fig. 6) of rigid or semi-rigid material may be placed over the back straps 64, 66 to further reinforce and/or strengthen the rear wall 22 and/or prevent objects stored in the pack bag 12 from poking the back of the wearer. If frame tabs 67 are provided, the frame tabs 67 may also serve as anchor points for optional shoulder straps 26, as shown in FIG. 6. The tail stay 68 may extend downward from the mounting plate 28, as will be discussed in more detail below. The back braces 64, 66 and tail brace 68 may be connected to the mounting plate 28 by riveting, screwing, stapling, sewing, bonding, or other techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art; alternatively, the back braces 64, 66 and the tail brace 68 may be integrally formed with the mounting plate 28.

Suitable materials for the first and second hip stays 50, 52, back stays 64, 66 and tail stay 68 may include, for example, composites such as fiberglass, carbon fiber or other reinforced fibers along with epoxies, acrylics and nylons, and metals such as aluminum and titanium, although other materials may be used instead.

Referring back to fig. 2, the second ends 50b, 52b of the first and second hip stays 50, 52 are connected to the waist belt 24 at first and second attachment points 70, 72, respectively. Preferably, when the waist belt 24 is worn, the attachment points 70, 72 are located substantially adjacent opposite right and left sides of the wearer's hips, thereby transferring the load of the backpack (and its contents) to the sides of the wearer's hips and distributing the load evenly therefrom. The swing arms 36 together with the first and second hip stays 50, 52 provide a suspension between the pack bag 12 and the waist belt 24 by which the load of the pack bag 12 is dynamically transferred to the waist belt 24. The system evenly transfers the load to both sides of the body (e.g., to the right and left hips) throughout various movements and movements of the wearer's body and prevents the load from being pushed into an unstable position. As a result, the backpack's movement matches the wearer's movement, substantially preventing undesirable weight transfer from the waist belt 24 to the one or more shoulder straps 26, and maintaining the load on both sides of the wearer's hips regardless of movement. Backpack 10 may also include an optional back pad 73 (dark gray in fig. 2), the back pad 73 extending over the mounting plate 28, the swing arm 36, and at least a portion of the first and second hip stays 50, 52 to provide a cushion layer between the wearer's back and the suspension system 20. As shown in fig. 2, the back pad 73 may be integrally formed with the shoulder straps 26 to form an integral back pad/shoulder strap assembly. If a back pad/shoulder strap assembly is provided, its vertical position on the rear wall 22 of the pack bag 12 may be adjusted by the buckle 74 to adjust the vertical distance between the shoulder straps 26 and the waist belt 24 to accommodate wearers having different torso lengths.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the end of the tail stay 68 is attached to the waist belt 24 at a third attachment point 76 intermediate the first and second attachment points 70, 72. The tail stay 68 functions to stabilize movement between the pack 12 and the waist belt 24 (e.g., to control or dampen rocking of the pack 12 relative to the waist belt 24 during rapid or over-excited movement), and the tail stay 68 may be a zero-force element, meaning that little or no load of the backpack (and its contents) is directed from the pack 12 to the waist belt 24 through the tail stay 68. This may be accomplished due to a slidable connection between the tail stay 68 and the waist belt 24 as will be described in more detail below.

Referring to fig. 2, 5 and 6, the interconnection (or docking location) between the first and second hip stays 50, 52 and the waist belt 24 is shown. The second ends 50b, 52b of the first and second hip stays 50, 52 may be slidably connected to the waist belt 24 at first and second attachment points 70, 72, respectively, to allow for substantially vertical movement between the waist belt 24 and the first and second hip stays 50, 52. For example, as shown in fig. 2, 5 and 6, first and second pockets 80, 82 may be formed on the waist belt 24 at the first and second attachment points 70, 72 for slidably receiving the second ends 50b, 52b of the first and second hip stays 50, 52, respectively. The pockets 80, 82 may be formed by sewing lengths of nylon webbing to the waist belt 24 at the first and second attachment points 70, 72, although the invention is not limited to any particular configuration of the pockets 80, 82. The first and second pockets 80, 82 can have ends 80a, 82a, the ends 80a, 82a being closed (e.g., by stitching) to prevent the second ends 50b, 52b of the first and second hip stays 50, 52 from sliding past, or alternatively, the ends 80a, 82a can be opened to allow the second ends 50b, 52b of the first and second hip stays 50, 52 to slide past. As shown in fig. 2 and 6, the tail stay 68 may be similarly attached to the waist belt 24 at the third attachment point 76 by a third pocket 86 (constructed in the same or similar manner as the first and second pockets 80, 82 described above). Preferably, the end 86a of the third pocket 86 is sufficiently open to allow the tail stay 68 to slide freely therethrough so that little or no load of the backpack is directed from the pack pocket 12 to the waist belt 24 via the tail stay 68.

The slidable connection of the first and second hip stays 50, 52 and the tail stay 68 to the waist belt 24 allows the backpack to increase or decrease in length to accommodate the effective elongation of the spine (and torso) that occurs during bending movements (e.g., the effective length of the wearer's spine increases as the wearer bends forward). That is, the first and second hip stays 50, 52 and the tail stay 68 are slidable relative to the pockets 80, 82, 86 to allow the vertical distance Y (shown in fig. 2) from a predetermined point on the shoulder straps 26 to a predetermined point on the waist belt 24 to vary in order to accommodate changes in the effective length of the wearer's spine. This helps to eliminate the waist belt 24 riding up the wearer's hips during bending movements, which is common in conventional backpack designs.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the hip stays 50, 52 may be curved forwardly toward the front of the wearer such that the first and second attachment points 70, 72 (where the hip stays 50, 52 are attached to the waist belt 24) are substantially adjacent the sides of the wearer's hips, which causes the downward force or load of the backpack 10 to be applied to the wearer at the sides of his or her hips, as opposed to being concentrated at points offset toward the back of the wearer's torso, resulting in the downward force or load being concentrated on a central region of the wearer's skeleton (e.g., toward the center of the circle defining the wearer's waist), where the concentration at points offset toward the back of the wearer's torso would result in a moment that is off-center toward the skeleton.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.

Claims (37)

1. A suspension system for a backpack comprising:

a swing arm pivotally connected to the backpack, the swing arm having a first end and a second end;

a first hip stay having a first end connected to the first end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end;

a second hip stay having a first end connected to the second end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end; and

a waist belt connected to the second end of the first hip stay and the second end of the second hip stay;

wherein the first hip stay and the second hip stay are each independently connected to the rocker arm;

wherein the rocker arm pivots about a fixed pivot point;

wherein the waist belt slides relative to the hip stay; and

wherein the first end of the first hip stay is flexibly connected to the first end of the rocker arm and the first end of the second hip stay is flexibly connected to the second end of the rocker arm.

2. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein said first end of said first hip stay is flexibly connected to said first end of said rocker arm by a first resilient member, and said first end of said second hip stay is flexibly connected to said second end of said rocker arm by a second resilient member.

3. The suspension system of claim 1,

the second end of the first hip stay is connected to the waist belt at a first point; and

said second end of said second hip stay attached to said waist belt at a second point;

wherein the first point and the second point are adjacent opposite sides of the wearer's buttocks.

4. The suspension system of claim 3, wherein said first and second hip stays concentrate said downward force within a central region of a wearer's skeleton when said backpack presents said downward force.

5. The suspension system of claim 1, further comprising a mounting plate, wherein the rocker arm is pivotally connected to the mounting plate.

6. The suspension system of claim 1 wherein load is dynamically transferred from said backpack to said waist belt via said first and second hip stays.

7. The suspension system of claim 1 wherein said rocker arm is pivotable about a pivot point intermediate said first and second ends of said rocker arm.

8. A suspension system for a backpack comprising:

a swing arm pivotally connected to the backpack, the swing arm having a first end and a second end;

a first hip stay having a first end connected to the first end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end;

a second hip stay having a first end connected to the second end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end; and

a waist belt connected to the second end of the first hip stay and the second end of the second hip stay;

wherein the first hip stay and the second hip stay are each independently connected to the rocker arm;

wherein the rocker arm pivots about a fixed pivot point;

wherein the waist belt slides relative to the hip stay; and

the first end of the first hip stay is rigidly attached to the first end of the rocker arm and the first end of the second hip stay is rigidly attached to the second end of the rocker arm, the first ends of the first and second hip stays spaced apart from the fixed pivot point.

9. A suspension system for a backpack comprising:

a swing arm pivotally connected to the backpack, the swing arm having a first end and a second end;

a first hip stay having a first end connected to the first end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end;

a second hip stay having a first end connected to the second end of the rocker arm and a second end opposite the first end;

a waist belt connected to the second end of the first hip stay and the second end of the second hip stay;

mounting a plate; and

a tail stay extending from the mounting plate to the waist belt intermediate the first and second hip stays, wherein the tail stay is configured to stabilize movement between the pack and the waist belt;

wherein the rocker arm is pivotally connected to the mounting plate;

wherein the rocker arm pivots about a fixed pivot point; and

wherein the waist belt slides relative to the hip stay.

10. The suspension system of claim 9 wherein the tail stay is a zero force component.

11. The suspension system of claim 9, further comprising a shoulder strap associated with the backpack and spaced a vertical distance from the waist belt, wherein the tail stay is slidably connected to the waist belt to allow the vertical distance between the shoulder strap and the waist belt to increase or decrease to compensate for changes in the effective length of the wearer's spine during bending movements.

12. A suspension system for a backpack comprising:

mounting a plate;

a first hip stay having a first end connected to the mounting plate and a second end opposite the first end;

a second hip stay having a first end connected to the mounting plate and a second end opposite the first end; and

a waist belt slidably connected to the second end of the first hip stay at a first point and slidably connected to the second end of the second hip stay at a second point;

wherein the first and second hip stays are contoured such that the first and second points are adjacent the sides of the wearer's hips;

wherein the first hip stay and the second hip stay are pivotable relative to a first fixed point on the mounting plate; and

wherein the hip stay is allowed to move relative to the waist belt.

13. The suspension system of claim 12 wherein said first and second hip stays focus the downward force of said backpack within a central region of the wearer's frame.

14. The suspension system of claim 12, further comprising a rocker arm pivotally connected to the mounting plate and having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the first hip stay is connected to the first end of the rocker arm and the first end of the second hip stay is connected to the second end of the rocker arm.

15. The suspension system of claim 14, wherein said first end of said first hip stay is flexibly connected to said first end of said rocker arm and said first end of said second hip stay is flexibly connected to said second end of said rocker arm.

16. The suspension system of claim 14, wherein said first end of said first hip stay is rigidly connected to said first end of said rocker arm and said first end of said second hip stay is rigidly connected to said second end of said rocker arm.

17. The suspension system of claim 12, further comprising a shoulder strap associated with the backpack.

18. A backpack, comprising:

a bag for carrying a load;

a mounting plate associated with a portion of the bag;

a rocker arm pivotally connected to the mounting plate at a fixed pivot point, the rocker arm having a first end and a second end;

a first hip stay connected to the first end of the rocker arm;

a second hip stay connected to the second end of the rocker arm; and

a waist belt connected to the first hip stay at a first point and to the second hip stay at a second point;

wherein the first hip stay and the second hip stay are each independently connected to the rocker arm;

a first end of the first hip stay is flexibly connected to the first end of the swing arm, and a first end of the second hip stay is flexibly connected to the second end of the swing arm;

wherein the load is transferred to the waist belt at least through the first and second hip stays; and

wherein the waist belt is slidable relative to the hip stay.

19. The backpack of claim 18, wherein the first and second hip stays allow the waist belt to pivot relative to the mounting plate.

20. The backpack of claim 18, wherein the first and second hip stays distribute the load between the left hip of the wearer and the right hip of the wearer.

21. The backpack of claim 18, wherein the first and second hip stays distribute load evenly between the left hip of the wearer and the right hip of the wearer.

22. The backpack of claim 18, further comprising shoulder straps.

23. A backpack, comprising:

a bag for carrying a load;

a shoulder strap associated with an upper portion of the bag;

a first hip stay having a first end connected to the bag and a second end opposite the first end;

a second hip stay having a first end connected to the bag and a second end opposite the first end; and

a waist belt movably associated with the second end of the first hip stay and the second end of the second hip stay and spaced a vertical distance from the shoulder straps, wherein the waist belt is movable relative to the first and second hip stays to vary the vertical distance between the shoulder straps and the waist belt to compensate for shortening or lengthening of the wearer's spine during a stooping motion;

wherein the first hip stay and the second hip stay are independently coupled to a fixed pivot point and pivotable relative thereto;

wherein the waist belt is movably associated with the second end of the first hip stay and the second end of the second hip stay;

wherein the waist belt defines a first pocket for receiving the second end of the first hip stay and a second pocket for receiving the second end of the second hip stay.

24. A backpack, comprising:

a bag for carrying a load;

shoulder straps;

a waistband; and

a suspension system coupled to the waist belt, the suspension system including a pivot point for regulating movement of the waist belt relative to the pack and a hip stay component flexibly coupled to the pivot point and slidably associated with the waist belt, the hip stay component being pivotable in part along a fixed rotational path regulated by the pivot point and further being pivotable solely about an elastic portion disposed proximate an end of the hip stay component closest to the pivot point.

25. The backpack of claim 24, wherein the member includes a curved portion.

26. The backpack of claim 25, wherein said curved portion is generally oriented toward an area configured to be disposed on said waist belt adjacent the wearer's hips.

27. The backpack of claim 24, further comprising a back pad, wherein a vertical distance of the back pad relative to the waist belt is adjustable.

28. The backpack of claim 24, wherein the position of the shoulder straps is vertically adjustable.

29. The backpack of claim 24, wherein the waist belt includes a pocket for receiving the component.

30. The backpack of claim 29, wherein the bag is open.

31. A backpack, comprising:

a bag for carrying a load;

shoulder straps;

mounting a plate;

a waistband; and

a suspension system coupled to the mounting plate and including a pivot point for movement of the waist belt relative to the mounting plate and a pivotable hip stay component slidably associated with the mounting plate and the waist belt;

wherein the suspension system partially defines a fixed rotational path spaced from the pivot point and the ends of the pivotable hip stay components are pivotable along the rotational path;

wherein the pivotable hip stay component includes a flexible portion for also allowing the pivotable hip stay component to move along a second path.

32. The backpack of claim 31, wherein the member includes a curved portion.

33. The backpack of claim 32, wherein said curved portion is generally oriented toward an area configured to be disposed on said waist belt adjacent the wearer's hips.

34. The backpack of claim 31, further comprising a back pad, wherein a vertical distance of the back pad relative to the waist belt is adjustable.

35. The backpack of claim 31, wherein said shoulder straps are vertically adjustable in position.

36. The backpack of claim 31, wherein the waist belt includes a pocket for receiving the component.

37. The backpack of claim 36, wherein the bag is open.