AIR FRAME PACKS AND BACKPACKS

Abstract

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

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to outdoor packs and backpacks and frames associated with those packs and, more specifically, patterned frames comprised of air within chambers capable of bearing loads. The packs with these air frames are capable of providing other advantages to a carrier as well.

RELATED ART

As will be appreciated by any person who has ever used a backpack or pack with a frame, a typical or conventional pack (e.g., backpack) with frames or suspensions are most often ridged or soft. It is uncommon for a frame to be able to provide both the rigidity required to bear loads but also the softness to make the pack more comfortable.

Most packs are considered either day packs (i.e. non-framed packs) or framed packs. The day packs are made to be soft and comfortable and are typically not used for long excursions or for heavy weight because they are only intended for short term use, hence the term “day pack.” Framed packs are typically rigid and include some frame as part of the pack. There are multiple types of framed packs that include internal frames that are typically ridged structures that are covered within the pack itself. Covered within the pack may mean that the frame is encased within material that makes up the external part of the pack. Internal frames may be part of, or integrated, with the pack and non-removable.

External frame packs typically include a rigid frame that is exposed and typically external to the material that makes up the pack. The external frame pack usually has the pack secured to the frame by straps, screws, bolts or other means to secure the fabric of the pack to the rigid external frame.

The frames for both internal and external packs are typically made of a lightweight rigid material such as aluminum, carbon fiber, foam or the like. These frames create a rigid structure to allow a greater load to be carried with the packs for longer hikes or excursions that is more difficult to do with a day pack, or a pack that lacks a frame.

Argon Technologies, Inc. dba Klymit(“Klymit”) takes a different approach when it comes to frames for a pack. Klymit's approach is the ability to have both a soft pack with the rigidity of a frame using air as a primary frame component.

SUMMARY

This disclosure, in at least on aspect, relates to the use of air as a frame for a pack or backpack or more generally an inflatable pack. The pack may include an “air frame” or “airframe” which means a frame that includes chambers that allow air to pass through them, wherein the chambers are formed in a specific configuration to provide support and suspension to the pack. The air frame may be integrated into the pack. “Integrated” for purposes of this disclosure means part of the pack itself, non-removable and not separate from, or unitary.

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

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

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

The air frame may include a single air chamber or multiple chambers in multiple configurations to maximize rigidity of the air frame and the pack such that it gives the pack structure and support and allows the pack to carry more weight. It will be appreciated that the more vertically integrated the air chambers the stronger the pack. According to various embodiments, the air frame may be configured to protect gear within an associated pack. Further, the air frame may protect a user's back (i.e. an individual wearing the pack) from gear in the pack. In addition, the air frame may be configured for 360 degrees of compression when at least partially deflated. The air frame may act as a shock absorber and, thus may decrease, and possibly eliminate, pack bouncing. Further, the air frame may decrease pack movement. The air frame, which may conform to a user's body and may articulate shape, is customizable to various shapes such as the shape of a user's body or back due to being soft and flexible.

The pack with the air frame may be used as a flotation device. More specifically, the pack with the frame may float and if needed, a user may use the frame to assist or allow a user to float and may be used for either recreational or emergency use.

The pack with the air frame has a plurality of uses more than is set forth in this summary herein. Other aspects, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art form the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is perspective rear view of a pack with an air frame including an inflation device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the pack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an air frame or bladder with associated air chambers and terminations, wherein the air chambers may be V-shaped;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an air frame or bladder with air chambers and terminations wherein the terminations are substantially biased toward the top, wherein the air chambers may be substantially vertical and the air frame is substantially rectangle;

FIG. 5 is perspective view of an air frame with substantially vertical air chambers and terminations with a curved upper portion and wings extending laterally toward the bottom;

FIG. 6 is perspective view of the air frame of FIG. 4 with the terminations biased toward the bottom;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a substantially rectangular air frame with air chambers with tapers or cutouts toward the bottom;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an air frame with a single air chamber and a plurality of terminations;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an air frame with S-shaped chambers or zig-zag chambers, wherein the chambers include bends and curves in a vertical fashion.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an air frame with vertical air chambers and an inflation device or pump extending from the central portion;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an air frame with vertical air chambers and an inflation device or pump extending from the top portion;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the pack of FIG. 1 with an air frame and an inflation device; and

FIG. 13 is a back perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a pack with an air frame with vertical air chambers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description sets forth separate embodiments of a pack, backpack, bag, sack or the like with an inflatable portion of the pack. The inflatable portion may include a frame, structure, channels or chambers that may receive air. The inflatable portion may comprise an air frame that includes patterns of channels such that the structure, when inflated, form a support structure or more rigid apparatus to allow a carrier or a user to carry greater weight in the pack. The air frame may also make it more comfortable and protect a carrier or user from the items within the pack as well as provide at least some shock absorption.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a pack 10, or backpack, with an air frame 12 extending from a base 14 of the pack 10 to a top 16 of the pack 10. The pack 10 may include straps 18 for ease in carrying on a user or carriers shoulders. The pack 10 may include an opening, which may be positioned toward the top 16 of the pack 10 and include a storage component adjacent to the air frame 12. An inflation device 20 may extend from the top 16 of the air frame 12 and may include a tube 22 that engages the air frame and a valve. The valve may be positioned within the air frame or positioned at an inflation point or both. The valve may allow for one-way airflow when in an inflation configuration or two-way air flow if a release is pressed allowing air to either enter or escape the air frame 12. The inflation device 20 may include a pump 26 (similar to those found in FIGS. 11 and 12) and a release 28. The pump 26 is compressed as many times to fill the air frame 12 to a desired pressure. The release 28 may be a push button release that allows air to escape from the air frame 12.

The straps 18 may include a pouch 30, or capture assembly, to house the inflation device 20 and hold it to prevent undue movement of the inflation device 20 and for ease of use. The tube 22 may include a protective sleeve that extends from the valve 24 to the air frame 12 to prevent undue wear on the tube. The protective sleeve may be of a fabric that easily slides over the tube 22. A mouth valve may also be used to inflate the air frame to a desired pressure and can be in addition to or in place of other inflation means. Alternatively a pump may be integrated into chambers of the air frame 12. It will be appreciated that a valve may be placed within the airframe 12 or the air chambers 32 just distal to the tube 22 and opposite the proximal end where the pump 26 may be positioned. The tube 22 may engage the valve within the air chamber 32 or just outside of the air frame 12.

The air frame 12 may include a bladder which maintains the air within the frame preventing air from escaping. The air frame may also include multiple chambers 32, or air channels, which extend from one end of the air frame to the other end of the air frame 12 either laterally or vertically. The channels or chambers 32 may aid in providing articulation in suspension and may be breathable to allow air to flow freely between chambers 32 for appropriate support and comfort. Between the chambers 32 may be terminations 34 which may comprise any shape including round, oval, circular or polygonal shape. In addition divisions 36, which divide the chambers 32 from each other, may extend from one termination 34 to another termination. Depending on the footprint of the air frame 12 the divisions 36 may extend horizontally, vertically, in curves or S-shapes, zig-zags, V-shape, W-shape, or any number of configurations.

Divisions 36 may be welds between first and second fabrics (which have been laminated and which may be the same fabrics) in a desired configuration in the air frame as set forth in the figures and description herein. Divisions 36 may also include stiff divisions which may comprise carbon fiber, aluminum, plastic or other rigid material. Ideally it is the intention to not compromise weight of the apparatus or system, therefore, the welding of the two fabrics in the desired configuration may provide the needed rigidity and support without adding other materials.

The air frame 12 is integrated into the pack 10 but may also be removable in separate embodiments. The pack 10 and the air frame 12 may comprise the same material or different materials. The bladder within the air frame 12 or the air frame 12 itself may be comprised of a nylon, microfleece, vinyl or polyester face fabric with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) laminate. Other materials may also be used such as a mesh fabric with TPU or even the TPE and TPU by themselves. Another possible material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) but may not be as high a quality as other plastics and materials. Essentially any material that can be laminated with an air tight membrane, such as woven and nonwoven goods maybe used herein and other possible fabrics, materials, plastics may also be considered and are contemplated.

The fabrics which may be used for the air frame 12 may be any of a 20 denier, 30 denier, 75 denier and 210 denier fabrics but may be even lighter weight fabrics such as 10 denier or 15 denier fabrics. In certain embodiments a heavier fabric is contemplated up to 500 denier and even 1,000 denier may be considered. The fabric thickness is variable depending on the thickness of the fabric itself and the addition of a laminate.

The air frames 12 as well as the packs 10 are variable in size; however the air frame 12 may complement the pack 10 at a specified size. The length on the air frame 12 may be within the range of 4 inches to 30 inches with the width ranging from 2 inches to 20 inches. The following ranges may be contemplated for the variable size packs 10 with the air frame 12 complement:

Width: (1) Big range: max 20 inches; min 2 inches; (2) Mid-range: max 16 inches; min 4 inches; or (3) Small range: max 12 inches; min 6 inches.

Length: Big range: max 30 inches; min 4 inches; (2) Mid-range: max 24 inches; min 6 inches; or (3) Small range: max 22 inches; min 8 inches.

The air chambers 32 may have variable thickness as well and may include the following ranges when inflated to 1 psi with a maximum cross-sectional diameter: (1) Big range: max 4 inches; min 0.5 inches; (2) Mid-range: max 2.5 inches; min 0.75 inches; and (3) Small range: max 1.75 inches; min 0.75 inches.

Pressures of the air chambers 32 may be variable to the standard lung output by mouth of 0.5 psi. However, with pumps or inflation means used to inflate the air chambers 32 of the air frame 12 pressures may range within the following: (1) Big Range 0.5-25 psi; (2) Mid-Range 0.5-10 psi; or (3) Low Range 0.5-4 psi.

Each of the dimensions recited herein are meant to examples, inclusive and not restrictive. The exact sizes, dimensions, pressure, etc. will depend on the shape of the air frame 12 the pattern of the air chambers 32 and the desired dimensions and pressure of the user.

In one embodiment the air frame 12 and the pack may be integrated into a single piece or single unit. The air frame 12 is inseparable from the pack 10 by any conventional means. Multiple methods may be used to secure the air frame 12 to the pack 10 such as welding the air frame 12 to the pack 10 such that they are one apparatus. A separate method may be to stitch the pack 10 to the air frame 12. Even further, and perhaps simpler, is to tape with a sealable tape that seals the pack 10 and the air frame 12 together. It will be appreciated that adhesives may also be used for this application.

When the air frame 12 and pack 10 are integrated this may be manufactured in a plurality of different ways. One method which may be used, specifically if the pack 10 and air frame 12 comprise the same base material, is to use a single, unitary piece of fabric with the laminate and laminate the back facing side of the pack 10 as well. Secondly, engaging the unitary piece to the back facing side of the pack wherein the single unitary piece when secured to the pack 10 includes terminations 34 and divisions 36 such that the structure of the air frame 12 is maintained in a pattern as set forth in this description. The terminations 34 and divisions 36 are created by heating, hot roller, ultrasonic, high frequency or other welding methods those portions of the unitary piece and the pack 10 to provide structure to the air frame.

A separate method of integrating the air frame 12 with the pack 10 may include creating an air frame 12 by itself and then welding it in place on the pack 10 with the same methods already disclosed herein for securing a unitary piece to the pack 10. To manufacture an air frame 12, or bladder, a valve may be added to a layer of the fabrics being utilized to create the air frame. At least pieces or layers of fabric are laminated and the at least two piece of laminated fabric are exposed to a press using heat, ultrasonic, radio frequency or hot roller or other welding methods. The two layers are welded or sealed together into the desired chamber designs by welding the perimeter of the air frame 12 and also the divisions 36 and terminations 34. Excess material may be used to allow the air frame 12, or bladder, to be secured to the pack 10. Removal of the outside selvage edge of one layer of the air frame 12 may occur prior to welding to the pack 10. Removal of this layer may expose the remaining layer such that it may be easily secured, through welding, tape, stitch or other securing method to the pack 10. In the event there is any excess fabric it may be easily removed from the now integrated air frame 12 and pack 10.

Alternatively the air frame 12 may be stamped with the appropriate chamber 32 configuration with appropriate divisions 36 and terminations 34. The individual sheets of fabric are laminated. The laminated sheets are then stamped and may be reciprocals or mirror images. The two sheets are secured to each other through welding to create the air frame with the desired configuration creating an airtight air frame 12.

In a separate embodiment, the air frame 12 may be removable from the pack 10. In the removable embodiment, the air frame 12 may engage the pack such that the air frame 12, when a user is wearing the pack 10, is positioned to face the back of a user. In a removable configuration any suitable means to engage the air frame 12 to the pack 10 may be used. For example, in one embodiment, the air frame may be attached to the storage component via one or more snaps, by sliding into a pouch, storage component, compartment, sleeve or the like, by clips, by adhesives or by other reversible securing means.

Referring to FIG. 3, an air frame 100 is depicted similar to the integrated air frame of FIGS. 1 and 2. The air frame 100 may include a plurality of air channels or chambers 102, wherein adjacent air channels 102 are separated by a division 104, which includes one or more terminations 106 as previously disclosed herein. The divisions 104 may extend from one termination 106 to another termination running a V-shaped pathway. The air frame 100 is sealed or welded along the perimeter 108 of the air frame preventing escape of any air from the air frame 100. Likewise the divisions 204 and terminations 206 prevent free flow of air across the divisions 204 and terminations 206 forcing the air to move solely within the channels or chambers 102 thus providing structure and support to the air frame. When inflated, the present embodiment creates greater structure to the air frame 100 while keeping the pressure in the air frame relatively low.

The number of divisions 104, terminations 106 and chambers or channels 102 is variable. The greater the number of channels 102 the lower the pressure of air is required; however, to create optimum comfort, support and structure the dimensions set forth previously should be used.

Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of an air frame 200 is depicted. The air frame 200 may include a plurality of chambers or channels 2 oriented in a vertical fashion. Similar to the previous embodiments the chambers or channels 202 are separated by divisions 204 which may terminate at a termination 206 or may terminate at a perimeter 208 of the air frame 200. Toward the top of the air frame 200 the divisions 204 may run substantially parallel to one another. As the divisions 204 extend toward the bottom of the air frame 200 they may intersect one another by biasing toward the center of the air frame diagonally until intersecting another division 204.

Similarly to the previous embodiment, this embodiment is sealed or welded along the perimeter 208 to prevent escape of air from the air frame 200. As shown, the divisions 204 in this embodiment terminate at the perimeter 208 of the air frame 200 thus requiring the air to circulate toward the top of the air frame 200 and not allowing the flow of air toward the bottom of the air frame 200. When inflated, the present embodiment creates greater structure to the air frame 200 while keeping the pressure in the air frame relatively low.

An alternate embodiment of an air frame 300 is illustrated in FIG. 5. This air frame 300 may be similar to the previous embodiment including vertically integrated chambers or channels 302, including divisions 304 that run vertically with the chambers 302. The chambers or channels 302 may run adjacent and substantially parallel to one another. The divisions 304 may likewise terminate toward the top of the air frame 300 at terminations 306. The divisions 304 may run substantially parallel; however non-perpendicular would also suffice. This embodiment may include wings 310 which may extend laterally from the bottom of the air frame 300. The wings 310 may provide adequate comfort for the user. Additionally, single terminations 306 may be positioned toward the top of the air frame 300 as well as in the wings 310. The single terminations 306 may be circular, semi-circular, round or other polygonal shape.

FIG. 6 depicts a separate embodiment of an air frame 400 wherein the air frame 400 is substantially rectangular with rounded corners. The air frame 400 includes channels or chambers 402 configured to hold air running substantially parallel to one another and separated by divisions 404. Each division 404 may be alternate in length with longer divisions 404 being closer to the lateral edges of the air frame and then alternating between shorter and longer divisions 404 toward the center. Terminations 406 may be positioned toward each end of the division 404 toward the bottom of the air frame 400. The divisions 404 may terminate at a top of a perimeter 408 of the air frame 400. Separate terminations 410 may extend from the bottom of the perimeter 408 of the air frame 400. Wherein the separate terminations 410 extending toward the top of the air frame 400 may be semi-circular, round, or other polygonal shape.

An alternate embodiment of an air frame 500 is illustrated in FIG. 7. This air frame 500 may be similar to previous embodiments including vertically integrated chambers or channels 502, including divisions 504 that run vertically with the chambers 502. Toward a bottom of the air frame 500 the body of the air frame 500 may extend inwardly creating concave indentations or cutouts 512 that taper, thus creating a smaller width at the bottom of the air frame 500 than at a top of the air frame 500.

The chambers or channels 502 of the air frame 500 may run adjacent and substantially parallel to one another. The divisions 504 may likewise terminate toward the top of the air frame 500 at terminations 506. The divisions 504 may run substantially parallel; however non-perpendicular would also suffice. The divisions 504 may taper outwardly toward the bottom of the air frame 500 creating a larger division 504 and smaller chamber 502 toward the bottom of the air frame 500. The divisions 504 may terminate at the bottom of a perimeter 508 of the air frame 500.

Separate terminations 510 may extend from the top of the perimeter 508 of the air frame 500. Wherein the separate terminations 510 extending toward the bottom of the air frame 500 may be semi-circular, round, or other polygonal shape.

Referring to FIG. 8, a substantially rectangular air frame 600 with rounded corners is depicted. Air chamber or chambers 602 may be regions of the air frame rather than channels. The chambers 602 function similar to previous embodiments in that they receive and store air; however, the chambers 602 is a depiction of an air chamber 600, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Air chamber includes region 602, which is configured to receive and store air. Further, air chamber 600 includes a plurality of terminations 604, which may be positioned throughout air chamber 600 according to any desired design. The terminations may be circular, round, semicircular, or any other polygonal shape.

An alternate embodiment of an air frame 700 is illustrated in FIG. 9. This air frame 700 may include a plurality chambers or channels 702 which may extend substantially vertically from a top of the air frame 700 to a bottom of the air frame 700. The channels 702 may be separated by divisions 704 that run along the same design as the chambers 702. The chambers 702 and the divisions 704 may comprise a plurality of S-shaped curves or zig-zags along the length of the air frame 700. The divisions 704 may terminate at terminations 706 toward the top of the air frame 700 and the divisions may terminate at a perimeter 708 of the bottom of the air frame 700. However, a termination may be positioned toward the bottom of the divisions 704 instead of the division terminated at the perimeter.

Referring to FIG. 10, the air frame 400 of FIG. 6 is depicted in an inflated state with the inflation device 20 including the tube 22 extending from the air frame 400 and at least one valve 24 toward the end of the tube adjacent to the release 28 and the pump 26. The inflation device may extend from a center of the air frame 400 wherein a valve is within the air frame 400 that allow air to flow into the air frame but not out. Alternatively the valve 24 may be an airflow valve that allows one-way airflow until the release 28 is actuated releasing the air from the air frame 400. The other air frames disclosed herein may have similar inflation devices in similar locations.

FIG. 11 illustrates the air frame 200 of FIG. 4 is depicted in an inflated state. Similar to the FIG. 10, an inflation device 20 extends from the body of the air frame 200; however the device is positioned toward the top of the air frame 200. It will be appreciated that the inflation device 20 may be positioned anywhere that is convenient, including the bottom of the air frame, to allow ease in inflating the air frame 200. The other air frames disclosed herein may have similar inflation devices in similar locations.

Referring to FIG. 12, the pack 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is depicted from a front perspective view. The opening is toward the top of the pack 10 with the straps 18 facing toward the back or a carrier or user and the tubing extending from the top of the air frame 12 of the pack 10.

FIG. 13 illustrates a separate embodiment pack 810 with an air frame 812 with a separate configuration than that depicted in FIGS. 1,2 and 12. The air frame 812 may be any number of the previous disclosed embodiments of air frames with vertically integrated air chambers. The pack 810 includes shoulder straps 818 for a user and may further include a waist strap 814 to wrap around a user's waist to further secure the pack to the user.

According to another embodiment, a pack, including an air frame, may be used as a flotation device. More specifically, a pack that includes the air frame may float, and, if needed, a user may use the air frame as a flotation device. It is noted that the air frame may act as a flotation device for recreational and/or emergency use.

According to other embodiments, the air frame may be configured to couple to a detachable pump.

In various embodiments, the air chamber may be configured to function as, for example only, a seat pad, a changing pad, a pillow, a fan, a dog pad, etc.

Although the foregoing disclosure provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope any of the ensuing claims. Other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scopes of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed separately or in combination. Accordingly, all additions, deletions and modifications to the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims are to be embraced thereby. The scope of each claim is indicated and limited only by its plain language and the full scope of available legal equivalents to its elements.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a pack with an opening and a storage component;an air frame integrated into the pack, the air frame comprising: at least one channel wherein the air may pass there through:at least one division extending along the at least one channel;at least one termination positioned toward at least one end of the one division; andat least one strap configured for a user to carry the pack.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel comprises a plurality of channels.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one division comprises a plurality of divisions.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one termination comprises a plurality of terminations.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of channels are in a V-shape.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of channels are vertically positioned and run substantially parallel to each other within the air frame.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of divisions run in conjunction with the plurality of channels and are substantially parallel to each other within the air frame.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising an inflation device comprising: a valve to allow air to enter in a single direction;a pump; anda release to allow air to escape from the air frame.

9. A system comprising: a pack with a first opening configured for storage;an air frame, wherein the air frame and the pack are a unitary piece, the air frame comprising: at least one chamber wherein the air may pass there through:at least one divider extending along the at least one chamber;at least one termination positioned toward at least one end of the one divider; andat least one strap configured for a user to carry the pack.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one chamber comprises a plurality of chambers.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one divider comprises a plurality of dividers.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one termination comprises a plurality of terminations.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of chambers are in a V-shape.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of dividers are in a V-shape and in a parallel configuration with the chambers.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of chambers are vertically positioned and run substantially parallel to each other within the air frame.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of dividers run in conjunction with the plurality of chambers and are substantially parallel to each other within the air frame.

17. The system of claim 1 further comprising an inflation device comprising: a valve to allow air to enter in a single direction;a mouthpiece for a user to blow air into; anda release to allow air to escape from the air frame.

18. A system comprising: a pack with a first opening configured for storage and a second opening;an air frame, configured to slide into the second opening, the air frame comprising: at least one channel wherein the air may pass there through:at least one division extending along the at least one chamber;at least one termination positioned toward at least one end of the one division; andat least one strap configured for a user to carry the pack.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the second opening comprises a narrow sleeve configured to securely and reversibly hold the air frame.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one channel comprises a plurality of channels.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one division comprises a plurality of divisions.

22. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one termination comprises a plurality of terminations.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein the plurality of channels are in a V-shape.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the plurality of channels are vertically positioned and run substantially parallel to each other within the air frame.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the plurality of divisions run in conjunction with the plurality of channels and are substantially parallel to each other within the air frame.

26. The system of claim 18 further comprising an inflation device comprising: a valve to allow air to enter in a single direction;a pump; anda release to allow air to escape from the air frame.

27. A method of assembly comprising: providing a first fabric in a first shape;providing a second fabric in a second shape;laminating the first fabric and second fabric, wherein laminating the first fabric and the second fabric creates an airtight seal;welding at least one division into the first and second fabrics;welding at least one termination into the first and second fabrics;positioning a valve between the first fabric and the second fabric; andwelding the first fabric to the second fabric around a perimeter of the first shape.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first shape and the second shape are the same wherein providing the first and second fabrics comprises: cutting excessive fabric around the perimeter of the first and second shapes.

29. The method of claim 28 further comprising, welding the first and second fabrics to a pack with at least one storage compartment.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the second fabric is the back facing side of a pack with at least one storage compartment.