Sam Trigg 8 years old Mississippi, USA The Backpack Saver Sam Trigg 8 years old Mississippi, USA

Step 1 – Think it! The problem is that people’s backpacks are too heavy, so I am going to make 3 straps that can hook to any backpack. Not all the weight will go to your back and some of the weight will go to your waist and your chest.

Step 2 – Explore it! I did not find many things that were similar to my invention. The difference with my invention is that it can be added to any backpack, and it will have a low cost. Other people have addressed this problem by making the rolling backpack. People have also tried to solve it by a one shoulder backpack, but it can cause neck or shoulder pain.

Documentation of Sources “Reducing the load”. The New York Times. March 20, 2014.

Step 3 – Sketch it!

Step 4 – Create it! My mom and I created three straps to add to any style book bag or backpack. One strap connects to the arm straps and Velcros in the middle. The other straps link through the arm straps and tightens at the waist. The straps are easy to attach to any backpack and they are easy for any child to use. I think it would especially be helpful for children with special needs also because it helps secure the backpack.

Other Ideas National Backpack Safety Week across the nation to promote backpack safety. Videos could be created to show students how to properly wear their backpack with straps tightened and high on their backs with weight sitting on their waist. There could be a demonstration at each school, and then flyers could be passed out as well as the straps that I have created.

Step 5 continued… My idea is cheap and effective and can be added to any style backpack.

Step 5 – Try it! Bailey Trigg reported the level of back pain for 1 week using her regular backpack on a scale of 0-10. 0 being no pain to 10 being extreme pain. I put this data into a spreadsheet. Joshua Lee reported the level of back pain for 1 week using his regular backpack on a scale of 0-10.Then, Bailey Trigg tried the backpack with added straps and followed the same procedure. I also followed the same procedure with Josh.

Step 6 – Tweak it! While I was making my invention I added a chest strap and the Velcro that goes on top of the straps. Now I am trying to think of a better way to hook it on to the arm strap. I am also going to change the fasteners to the click lock type.

Step 7 – Sell it!