EP2618693A2

EP2618693A2 - Ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit

Info

Publication number: EP2618693A2
Application number: EP11827725.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sam Fisher; Scott C. Holt; Tory M. Cross
Original assignee: Nike International Ltd
Current assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Priority date: 2010-09-24
Filing date: 2011-09-26
Publication date: 2013-07-31
Also published as: EP2618693A4; CA2812478A1; WO2012040712A3; KR20140019771A; JP2013540506A; US20120074190A1; CN103228173A; WO2012040712A2

Abstract

An ergonomic backpack with an enhanced fit is provided. The backpack comprises a storage portion, primary left and right shoulder straps, and secondary left and right shoulder straps. The primary shoulder straps connect to the secondary shoulder straps to allow a user to wear the backpack over her shoulders. The dimensions and arrangement of the storage portion and primary and secondary shoulder straps are selected to optimize fit and comfort.

Description

ERGONOMIC BACKPACK WITH ENHANCED FIT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to US Nonpro visional Application Serial No. 12/890,303 entitled "ERGONOMIC BACKPACK WITH ENHANCED FIT," filed September 24, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks (also known as bags, packs, or rucksacks) are often worn to assist users in carrying loads. For example, in some instances, a user requires use of her hands and prefers to carry whatever items she needs on her back rather than in her hands. In other instances, the user must walk, run, cycle, or otherwise travel a long distance and can more easily carry items in a backpack than in her hands. Comfort while wearing a backpack is often of concern.

Various comfort-enhancing techniques have been embraced over the years, including padded shoulder straps, curved shoulder straps, lightweight materials, waist straps, and sternum straps. While these techniques have made backpacks more comfortable, especially for extremely heavy loads, conventional backpacks still do not provide the user with optimum comfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present invention relates to an ergonomic backpack with an enhanced fit. The backpack may comprise a storage portion having one or more compartments, the storage portion having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side such that when the backpack is worn by a user, the top side is nearer to the user's head than the bottom side, the bottom side is nearer to the user's legs than the top side, the left side is nearer to the user's left shoulder than the right side, and the right side is nearer to the user's right shoulder than the left side. A secondary left shoulder strap is attached at a first end to the bottom and left side of the storage portion, and a secondary right shoulder strap is connected at a first end to the bottom and right side of the storage portion. A primary left shoulder strap is connected at a first end to the top and left side of the storage portion along a first connection area and is connected at a second end to the secondary left shoulder strap. A primary right shoulder strap is connected at a first end to the top and right side of the storage portion along a second connection area and is connected at a second end to the secondary right shoulder strap.

The first and second connection areas are each spaced approximately the same distance from a substantially vertical bisecting line extending through the backpack from top to bottom. The first and second connection areas are substantially collinear with a substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack. The primary left and right shoulder straps are connected to the first and second connection areas at substantially equal angles relative to the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack.

When the primary left and right straps are not connected to the secondary left and right straps and are raised such that the primary left and right straps extend upward and away from the body of the user and are substantially parallel with a vertical plane extending through the user's body, the primary left strap, primary right strap, and the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack are all tangential to a first circle having a radius of approximately between 5 and 12 centimeters, the first circle substantially parallel to the vertical plane extending through the user's body. When the primary straps are raised vertically in this way, the primary left strap and primary right strap curve away from the substantially vertical bisecting line at between approximately one-third to two-thirds of the length of each strap, the curve being substantially equal to the curve of an arc of a second circle having a radius of approximately between 7 and 11 centimeters, the arc measuring approximately between 25 and 55 degrees.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit being worn by a user; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit being worn by a user with the primary left and right shoulder straps not connected to the secondary left and right shoulder straps and raised substantially vertical;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit shown in FIG. 3 with the primary shoulder straps raised substantially vertical and viewed facing the portion of the backpack that rests against a user's back;

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the secondary right shoulder strap attachment area to the storage portion of the ergonomic backpack shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit with the primary shoulder straps raised substantially vertical and viewed facing the portion of the backpack that rests against a user's back, the backpack having a "yoke" connection between the primary shoulder straps;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a women's ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit with the primary shoulder straps raised substantially vertical and viewed facing the portion of the backpack that rests against a user's back; and

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a women's ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit with the primary shoulder straps raised substantially vertical and viewed facing the portion of the backpack that rests against a user's back, the backpack having a "yoke" connection between the primary shoulder straps. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In conventional backpacks, comfort is not optimized even when comfort- enhancing features are incorporated into the backpack. The novel arrangement, positioning, and dimensions of features in the ergonomic backpacks with enhanced fit described in this application provide a user with optimal fit and comfort. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate examples of the present invention designed as unisex backpacks. FIGS. 7-8 illustrate examples of the present invention designed specifically for women.

FIG. 1 illustrates an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit 100. Backpack 100 includes a storage portion 102 that includes one or more compartments capable of storing cargo. Storage portion 102 has a top side 104, a bottom side 106, a left side 108, and a right side 110. When backpack 100 is worn by a user (as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3), top side 104 is nearer to the user's head than bottom side 106, bottom side 106 is nearer to the user's legs than top side 104, left side 108 is nearer to the user's left shoulder than right side 110, and right side 110 is nearer to the user's right shoulder than left side 108.

Storage portion 102 is connected to a first end 112 of a primary left shoulder strap 114 along a first connection area 116. First connection area 116 is on the top and left side of storage portion 102. Storage portion 102 is also connected to a first end (not shown) of a primary right shoulder strap 118 along a second connection area (not shown). The second connection area is on the top and right side of storage portion 102. Secondary left shoulder strap 120 is attached at a first end 122 to the bottom and left side of storage portion 102. Secondary left shoulder strap 120 is also connected to a second end 124 of primary left shoulder strap 114. Similarly, secondary right shoulder strap 126 is attached at a first end 128 to the bottom and right side of storage portion 102. Secondary right shoulder strap 126 is also connected to a second end 130 of primary right shoulder strap 118. FIG. 1 illustrates buckles 132 and 134 connecting primary left shoulder strap 114 and primary right shoulder strap 118 to their respective secondary shoulder straps. Any number of connecting devices or techniques may be used to facilitate these connections. In some examples, the connections are detachable and/or adjustable.

FIG. 2 illustrates ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit 100 while being worn by a user 200. Primary left shoulder strap 114 is worn over the user's left shoulder 202, and primary right shoulder strap 118 is worn over the user's right shoulder 204.

To better illustrate some of the novel features of the invention, FIGS. 3-8 show examples of an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit with the primary and secondary shoulder straps not connected and the primary straps raised such that they extend upward and away from the body of a user wearing the backpack. As stated above, in some examples the primary and secondary shoulder straps may be detachable. FIGS. 3-8 are also intended to illustrate examples in which the primary and secondary shoulder straps are not detachable, even though the primary and secondary straps are shown not connected for illustration purposes.

FIG. 3 illustrates a user 300 wearing ergonomic backpack 100. A dashed line represents a vertical plane 302 extending through the body of user 300. Primary right shoulder strap 118 and primary left shoulder strap 114 (not shown) are raised such that primary right shoulder strap 118 and primary left shoulder strap 114 extend upward from the body of user 300 and are substantially parallel with vertical plane 302. Primary right shoulder strap 118 and primary left shoulder strap 114 also extend away from the center of backpack 100 when the primary straps are in this position, as is clearly illustrated in FIGS. 4- 8.

FIG. 3 is intended for illustration purposes. It should be appreciated that gravitational force would cause backpack 100 to fall off of user 300 if user 300 attempted to wear backpack 100 with the primary straps in a raised, substantially vertical position as shown. FIG. 3 establishes a frame of reference for a more complete discussion of the novel features of backpack 100 in subsequent figures.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of backpack 100 looking at the surface of backpack 100 that rests against a user's back. Primary shoulder straps 114 and 118 are raised to a substantially vertical position as shown in FIG. 3. Secondary shoulder straps 120 and 126 are also shown, and storage portion 102 is shown as a dotted line so as to not distract from the explanation of novel features of backpack 100.

As discussed with regard to FIG. 1, first end 112 of primary left shoulder strap

114 is connected to storage portion 102 along first connection area 116. First end 402 of primary right shoulder strap 118 is connected to storage portion 102 along second connection area 404. First connection area 116 and second connection area 404 are each spaced approximately the same distance from a substantially vertical bisecting line 406 extending through backpack 100 from top side 104 to bottom side 106. First connection area 116 and second connection area 404 are substantially collinear with a substantially horizontal line 408 extending across top side 104 of backpack 100. Primary left shoulder strap 114 connects to first connection area 116 and primary right shoulder strap 118 connects to second connection area 404 at substantially equal angles relative to substantially horizontal line 408.

In some examples, the material comprising primary shoulder straps 114 and

118 extends beyond connection areas 116 and 404 and along the surface of storage portion 102 and may meet at approximately substantially vertical bisecting line 406, as indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 4. In other examples, primary straps 114 and 118 end at connection areas

116 and 404 or extend a different length and/or geometry along storage portion 102.

Primary left shoulder strap 114, primary right shoulder strap 118, and substantially horizontal line 408 are all tangential to a first circle 410 having a radius 412 of approximately between 8 and 12 centimeters. First circle 410 is substantially parallel to vertical plane 302 shown in FIG. 3. In one example, radius 412 measures approximately 10 centimeters. Primary left shoulder strap 114 and primary right shoulder strap 118 curve away from substantially vertical bisecting line 406 at between approximately one-third to two-thirds of the length of each strap, the curve being substantially equal to the curve of an arc 414 of a second circle 416 having a radius 418 of approximately between 7 and 11 centimeters. Arc 414 measures approximately between 25 and 45 degrees. In one example, radius 418 measures approximately 9.5 cm. In another example, arc 414 measures approximately 36 degrees. As used herein, an arc measurement of a certain number of degrees is defined by the angle whose sides are extended until the circumference of the circle is intersected. For example, when a 36-degree angle's sides are extended to the circumference of a circle from the center, the portion of the circumference between the extended sides is a 36-degree arc. FIG. 4 shows primary shoulder straps 114 and 118 as having the same amount of curve. In other examples, the curve could vary slightly to account for an individual's physique.

Primary shoulder straps 114 and 118 may be of varying width. A range of desirable widths is shown in FIG. 4, with the white areas representing the minimum desired width of each strap and the gray areas representing the maximum desired extent for optimal comfort. As illustrated, the width of each strap may vary within the range of approximately 2 centimeters and approximately 12 centimeters. As noted in some examples below, however, variation to greater and/or lesser widths do not depart from the scope of the present invention. In one example, at the area where the straps attach to storage portion 102, the minimum desired width of each strap is approximately 3 centimeters, and the maximum desired width is approximately 8 centimeters. In another example, at the second ends of the primary shoulder straps where the primary straps connect to the secondary straps, the minimum desired width of each strap is approximately 1 centimeter, and the maximum desired width is approximately 5 centimeters. In a further example, at the area where the straps attach to storage portion 102, the minimum desired width of each strap is approximately 4.125 (4 and 1/8) centimeters, and the maximum desired width is approximately 4.75 (4 and 3/4) centimeters. In still a further example, at the second ends of the primary shoulder straps where the primary straps connect to the secondary straps, the minimum desired width of each strap is approximately 1.375 (1 and 3/8) centimeters, and the maximum desired width is approximately 3.5 (3 and 1/2) centimeters.

The specific strap width selected can vary depending upon the activity for which backpack 100 is designed, anticipated size of the user, mobility concerns, anticipated clothing that will be worn under the backpack, and other considerations. As shown in FIG. 4, the minimum desired strap width tapers from widest at connection areas 116 and 404 to narrowest where primary shoulder straps 114 and 118 connect to secondary shoulder straps 120 and 126.

Although not shown in the figures, a sternum strap and/or waist strap may be included in backpack 100. In examples including a sternum strap, the sternum strap may attach to primary shoulder straps 114 and 118 from approximately where primary shoulder straps 114 and 118 begin to curve to second ends 124 and 130 of primary shoulder straps 114 and 118.

The maximum desired extent 420 of bottom side 106 of storage portion 102 is approximately 55 centimeters in the vertical direction from substantially horizontal line 408. In one example, maximum desired extent 420 is approximately 50 centimeters. The first ends 122 and 128 of secondary shoulder straps 120 and 126 attach to storage portion 102 at a minimum desired vertical distance 422 of approximately 35 centimeters from substantially horizontal line 408. In one example, minimum desired vertical distance 422 is approximately 39 centimeters. In another example, minimum desired vertical distance 422 is approximately 38.8 centimeters. It is appreciated that approximately 38.8 centimeters can be considered to be approximately 39 centimeters.

The vertical distance 424 between substantially horizontal line 408 and both the midpoint of second end 124 of primary left shoulder strap 114 and the midpoint of second end 130 of primary right shoulder strap 118 is approximately between 20 and 35 centimeters. In one example, vertical distance 424 measures 28 centimeters.

The horizontal distance 426 between the midpoint of second end 124 of primary left shoulder strap 114 and the midpoint of second end 130 of primary right shoulder strap 118 is approximately between 65 and 85 centimeters. In one example, horizontal distance 426 is approximately 75 centimeters.

The attachment of secondary right shoulder strap 126 to storage portion 102 is detailed in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 illustrates the attachment of first end 128 of secondary right shoulder strap 126 to storage portion 102. Dashed lines 502 and 504 indicate the desired attachment angle range of first end 128. That is, when first end 128 is perpendicular to the sides of secondary right shoulder strap 126 such that it appears rectangular, the maximum desired angle for connection is to have first end 128 parallel to dashed line 502. In some examples, dashed line 502 is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees measured to the left (and down) from vertical. In other examples, dashed line 502 is at an angle of approximately 22 degrees measured to the left of vertical. Dashed line 504 is substantially vertical, indicating the extent of the desired range for attachment of first end 128. Thus, in examples where dashed line 502 is approximately 22 degrees as measured to the left of vertical, secondary right shoulder strap 126 attaches to storage portion 102 at an angle of approximately between zero and 22 degrees as measured to the left from vertical.

It should be appreciated that FIG. 5 illustrates first end 128 attached at an angle between the angles represented by dashed lines 502 and 504. Solid lines 506 and 508, along with dashed lines 502 and 504 represent an approximate area of storage portion 102 on which it is desirable to attach first end 128. As discussed above, minimum desired vertical distance 422 in FIG. 4 indicates the minimum desired vertical distance between substantially horizontal line 408 of FIG. 4 and the midpoint of first end 128 when attached to storage portion 102. In some examples, the attachment illustrated in FIG. 5 is mirrored for secondary left shoulder strap 120.

FIG. 6 illustrates ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit 600 that has a "yoke" strap configuration. Backpack 600 is substantially similar to backpack 100 of FIGS. 1-5 except for the connection of the primary shoulder straps to the storage portion. Primary left shoulder strap 614 attaches to storage portion 602 along first connection area 620, and primary right shoulder strap 618 connects to storage portion 602 along first connection area 622. In FIG. 4, the primary straps were shown as being tangential, along with a substantially horizontal line, to a circle.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the area between the points along primary shoulder straps 614 and 618 that first touch circle 624 is filled in with material to form a yoke connection. Primary left shoulder strap 614 and primary right shoulder strap 618 are connected to each other and to storage portion 602 adjacent to first and second connection areas 620 and 622 with one or more pieces of material such that the one or more pieces of material form a curve between primary left shoulder strap 614 and primary right shoulder strap 618 substantially the same as the curve of circle 624.

Many backpacks, such as the backpacks illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, are designed to be "unisex" and fit both men and women. Women often still prefer backpacks designed especially for the female physique. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate ergonomic backpacks with enhanced fit similar to the backpacks shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 but that are specifically designed for women. FIG. 7 illustrates an ergonomic backpack with enhanced fit 700. As with backpack 100 of FIGS. 1-6, backpack 700 includes primary left shoulder strap 702, primary right shoulder strap 704, storage portion 706, and secondary shoulder straps 708 and 710. In contrast to circle 410 of FIG. 4, the circle 712 tangential to primary left shoulder strap 702, primary right shoulder strap 704, and substantially horizontal line 714 has a smaller radius 716 of between approximately 5 and 10 centimeters. In one example, radius 716 measures approximately 7.5 centimeters.

The vertical distance 718 between substantially horizontal line 714 and both the midpoint of second end 720 of primary left shoulder strap 702 and the midpoint of second end 722 of primary right shoulder strap 704 is approximately between 20 and 35 centimeters. In one example, vertical distance 718 measures approximately 28 centimeters. In another example, vertical distance 718 measures approximately 27.3 centimeters.

The horizontal distance 724 between the midpoint of second end 720 of primary left shoulder strap 702 and the midpoint of second end 722 of primary right shoulder strap 704 is approximately between 65 and 85 centimeters. In one example, horizontal distance 724 is approximately 75 centimeters. In another example, horizontal distance 724 is approximately 75.1 centimeters.

Backpack 700 also differs from backpack 100 in the amount of curvature of primary shoulder straps 702 and 704 as represented by circle 726. Arc 728 of circle 726 is between approximately 35 and 55 degrees. In one example, arc 728 measures approximately 45 degrees. Radius 730 is approximately between 7 and 11 centimeters. In one example, radius 730 measures approximately 9.5 centimeters. Other dimensions, such as the maximum extent of storage portion 706 relative to substantially horizontal line 714, may be the same as for backpack 100 or may be smaller to account for the smaller size of the average woman relative to the average man.

FIG. 8 illustrates an ergonomic backpack 800 with enhanced fit having a yoke connection between primary left shoulder strap 802, primary right shoulder strap 804, and storage portion 806, similar to that discussed with regard to claim 6.

The present invention has been described in relation to particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative examples will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope. From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An ergonomic backpack, comprising: a storage portion having one or more compartments, the storage portion having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side such that when the backpack is worn by a user, the top side is nearer to the user' s head than the bottom side, the bottom side is nearer to the user's legs than the top side, the left side is nearer to the user' s left shoulder than the right side, and the right side is nearer to the user's right shoulder than the left side; a secondary left shoulder strap attached at a first end to the bottom and left side of the storage portion; a secondary right shoulder strap connected at a first end to the bottom and right side of the storage portion; a primary left shoulder strap connected at a first end to the top and left side of the storage portion along a first connection area and connected at a second end to the secondary left shoulder strap; and a primary right shoulder strap connected at a first end to the top and right side of the storage portion along a second connection area and connected at a second end to the secondary right shoulder strap, the first and second connection areas each spaced approximately the same distance from a substantially vertical bisecting line extending through the backpack from top to bottom, and the first and second connection areas substantially collinear with a substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack, the primary left and right shoulder straps connected to the first and second connection areas at substantially equal angles relative to the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack such that when the primary left and right straps are not connected to the secondary left and right straps and are raised such that the primary left and right straps extend upward and away from the body of the user and are substantially parallel with a vertical plane extending through the user's body: the primary left strap, primary right strap, and the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack are all tangential to a first circle having a radius of approximately between 8 and 12 centimeters, the first circle being substantially parallel to the vertical plane extending through the user's body, and the primary left strap and primary right strap curve away from the substantially vertical bisecting line at between approximately one-third to two-thirds of the length of each strap, the curve being substantially equal to the curve of an arc of a second circle having a radius of approximately between 7 and 11 centimeters, the arc measuring approximately between 25 and 45 degrees.

2. The ergonomic backpack of claim 1, wherein the radius of the first circle is approximately 10 centimeters.

3. The ergonomic backpack of claim 1, wherein the radius of the second circle is approximately 9.5 centimeters.

4. The ergonomic backpack of claim 1, wherein the primary shoulder straps are detachably connected to the secondary shoulder straps.

5. The ergonomic backpack of claim 1, wherein the primary left shoulder strap and the primary right shoulder strap are connected to each other and to the storage portion adjacent to the first and second connection areas with one or more pieces of material such that the one or more pieces of material form a curve between the primary left shoulder strap and the primary right shoulder strap substantially the same as the curve of the first circle.

6. The ergonomic backpack of claim 1, wherein the secondary left shoulder strap and the secondary right shoulder strap attach to the storage portion at an angle of approximately between zero and 45 degrees, measured to the left from vertical.

7. The ergonomic backpack of claim 1, wherein the first ends of the secondary shoulder straps attach to the storage portion at a minimum desired vertical distance of approximately 35 centimeters from the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack.

8. The ergonomic backpack of claim 1, wherein the extent of the bottom side of the storage portion is approximately 55 centimeters from in the vertical direction from the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack.

9. The ergonomic backpack of claim 1, wherein the vertical distance between the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack and both the midpoint of the second end of the primary left strap and the midpoint of the second end of the primary right strap is approximately between 20 and 35 centimeters.

10. The ergonomic backpack of claim 9, wherein the vertical distance is approximately 28 centimeters.

11. The ergonomic backpack of claim 1, wherein the horizontal distance between the midpoint of the second end of the primary left strap and the midpoint of the second end of the primary right strap is approximately between 65 and 85 centimeters.

12. The ergonomic backpack of claim 11, wherein the horizontal distance is approximately 75 centimeters.

13. An ergonomic backpack, comprising: a storage portion having one or more compartments, the storage portion having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side such that when the backpack is worn by a user, the top side is nearer to the user' s head than the bottom side, the bottom side is nearer to the user's legs than the top side, the left side is nearer to the user' s left shoulder than the right side, and the right side is nearer to the user's right shoulder than the left side; a secondary left shoulder strap attached at a first end to the bottom and left side of the storage portion; a secondary right shoulder strap connected at a first end to the bottom and right side of the storage portion; a primary left shoulder strap connected at a first end to the top and left side of the storage portion along a first connection area and connected at a second end to the secondary left shoulder strap; and a primary right shoulder strap connected at a first end to the top and right side of the storage portion along a second connection area and connected at a second end to the secondary right shoulder strap, the first and second connection areas each spaced approximately the same distance from a substantially vertical bisecting line extending through the backpack from top to bottom, and the first and second connection areas substantially collinear with a substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack, the primary left and right shoulder straps connected to the first and second connection areas at substantially equal angles relative to the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack such that when the primary left and right straps are not connected to the secondary left and right straps and are raised such that the primary left and right straps extend upward and away from the body of the user and are substantially parallel with a vertical plane extending through the user's body: the primary left strap, primary right strap, and the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack are all tangential to a first circle having a radius of approximately between 5 and 10 centimeters, the first circle being substantially parallel to the vertical plane extending through the user's body, and the primary left strap and primary right strap curve away from the substantially vertical bisecting line at between approximately one-third to two-thirds of the length of each strap, the curve being substantially equal to the curve of an arc of a second circle having a radius of approximately between 7 and 11 centimeters, the arc measuring approximately between 35 and 55 degrees.

14. The ergonomic backpack of claim 13, wherein the radius of the first circle is approximately 7.5 centimeters, and wherein the radius of the second circle is approximately 9.5 centimeters.

15. The ergonomic backpack of claim 13, wherein the primary left shoulder strap and the primary right shoulder strap are connected to each other and to the storage portion adjacent to the first and second connection areas with one or more pieces of material such that the one or more pieces of material form a curve between the primary left shoulder strap and the primary right shoulder strap substantially the same as the curve of the first circle.

16. The ergonomic backpack of claim 13, wherein the secondary left shoulder strap and the secondary right shoulder strap attach to the storage portion at an angle of approximately between zero and 45 degrees, measured to the left from vertical.

17. The ergonomic backpack of claim 13, wherein the first ends of the secondary shoulder straps attach to the storage portion at a minimum desired vertical distance of approximately 35 centimeters from the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack, and wherein the extent of the bottom side of the storage portion is approximately 55 centimeters from in the vertical direction from the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack.

18. The ergonomic backpack of claim 13, wherein the vertical distance between the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack and both the midpoint of the second end of the primary left strap and the midpoint of the second end of the primary right strap is approximately 28 centimeters, and wherein the horizontal distance between the midpoint of the second end of the primary left strap and the midpoint of the second end of the primary right strap is approximately 75 centimeters.

19. An ergonomic backpack, comprising: a storage portion having one or more compartments, the storage portion having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, and a right side such that when the backpack is worn by a user, the top side is nearer to the user' s head than the bottom side, the bottom side is nearer to the user's legs than the top side, the left side is nearer to the user' s left shoulder than the right side, and the right side is nearer to the user's right shoulder than the left side; a secondary left shoulder strap attached at a first end to the bottom and left side of the storage portion; a secondary right shoulder strap connected at a first end to the bottom and right side of the storage portion, the secondary left shoulder strap and the secondary right shoulder strap each attaching to the storage portion at an angle of approximately between zero and 45 degrees, measured to the left from vertical; a primary left shoulder strap connected at a first end to the top and left side of the storage portion along a first connection area and connected at a second end to the secondary left shoulder strap; and a primary right shoulder strap connected at a first end to the top and right side of the storage portion along a second connection area and connected at a second end to the secondary right shoulder strap, the first and second connection areas each spaced approximately the same distance from a substantially vertical bisecting line extending through the backpack from top to bottom, and the first and second connection areas substantially collinear with a substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack, the primary left and right shoulder straps connected to the first and second connection areas at substantially equal angles relative to the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack such that when the primary left and right straps are not connected to the secondary left and right straps and are raised such that the primary left and right straps extend upward and away from the body of the user and are substantially parallel with a vertical plane extending through the user's body: the primary left strap, primary right strap, and the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack are all tangential to a first circle having a radius of approximately 10 centimeters, the first circle being substantially parallel to the vertical plane extending through the user's body, and the primary left strap and primary right strap curve away from the substantially vertical bisecting line at between approximately one-third to two-thirds of the length of each strap, the curve being substantially equal to the curve of an arc of a second circle having a radius of approximately 9.5 centimeters, the arc measuring approximately 36 degrees.

20. The ergonomic backpack of claim 19, wherein the first ends of the secondary shoulder straps attach to the storage portion at a minimum desired vertical distance of approximately 39 centimeters from the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack, wherein the extent of the bottom side of the storage portion is approximately 50 centimeters from in the vertical direction from the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack, wherein the vertical distance between the substantially horizontal line extending across the top side of the backpack and both the midpoint of the second end of the primary left strap and the midpoint of the second end of the primary right strap is approximately 28 centimeters, and wherein the horizontal distance between the midpoint of the second end of the primary left strap and the midpoint of the second end of the primary right strap is approximately 75 centimeters.