Backpack load distribution pad

A load distribution pad for a backpack, comprising:

• a first cushioned layer having a perimeter edge portion defining a seam region;
• a second cushioned layer having a perimeter edge portion defining a seam region, the seam region of the second cushioned layer overlying the seam region of the first cushioned layer;
• and
• a fabric at least partially surrounding the first and second cushioned layers and having an edge portion defining a seam allowance aligned with the seam regions of the first and second cushioned layers, wherein at least one of the first and second cushioned layers defines an overall thickness and the seam region of the at least one cushioned layer is reduced in thickness relative to the overall thickness to accommodate the seam allowance of the fabric, wherein the thicknesses of the perimeter edge portions of both the first and second cushioned layers are reduced relative to the overall thicknesses of the first and second cushioned layers, and wherein the fabric includes a first seam allowance edge portion and a second seam allowance edge portion that overlie the perimeter edge portions of the first and second cushioned layers, respectively, the first seam allowance portion of the fabric and the perimeter edge portion of the first cushioned layer, and the second seam allowance portion of the fabric and the perimeter edge portion of the second cushioned layer, being folded inwardly between the first and second cushioned layers and being sewn together to define a cushioned layer and fabric seam allowance that is received between the first and second cushioned layers.

A load distribution pad for a backpack, comprising:

• a first cushioned layer having a perimeter edge portion defining a seam region;
• a second cushioned layer having a perimeter edge portion defining a seam region, the seam region of the second cushioned layer overlying the seam region of the first cushioned layer;
• and
• a fabric at least partially surrounding the first and second cushioned layers and having an edge portion defining a seam allowance aligned with the seam regions of the first and second cushioned layers, wherein at least one of the first and second cushioned layers defines an overall thickness and the seam region of the at least one cushioned layer is reduced in thickness relative to the overall thickness to accommodate the seam allowance of the fabric, and wherein the perimeter edge portion of at least one of the first and second cushioned layers defines first and second longitudinal edges, the perimeter edge portion being reduced in thickness and extending along both the first and second longitudinal edges;
• and
• the fabric comprises first and second fabric sheets overlying an exterior of each of the first and second cushioned layers, respectively, the edge portion of the fabric sheets defining a seam and seam allowance along each of the first and second longitudinal edges of the at least one of the first and second cushioned layers that is received by the reduced thickness perimeter edge portion of the at least one cushioned layer.

A load distribution pad for a backpack comprising:

• a first elastomeric cushioned layer defining a perimeter edge portion, the first cushioned layer having a substantially flat outer surface spanning across a majority of a width thereof;
• a second elastomeric cushioned layer defining a perimeter edge portion and overlying the first cushioned layer and having a substantially flat outer surface spanning across a majority of a width thereof, wherein at least one of the first and second cushioned layers is reduced in thickness at the perimeter edge portion;
• and
• a fabric sleeve at least substantially covering an exterior of each of the first and second cushioned layers and having an edge defining first and second overlapping seam allowance edge portions, the seam allowance edge portions being received between the perimeter edge portions of the first and second cushioned layers and being joined therealong, the reduced thickness perimeter edge portion of the at least one cushioned layer accommodating the seam allowance edge portions of the fabric.