U.S. patent application number 11/735361 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for backpack pivot system.
Invention is credited to Wayne B. Gregory.
Application Number | 20080035686 11/735361 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39049670 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080035686 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gregory; Wayne B. |
February 14, 2008 |
BACKPACK PIVOT SYSTEM
Abstract
The present invention provides a backpack comprising a frame for
supporting one or more bags, a waist belt attached to the frame for
supporting the frame around the waist of a backpack wearer, and a
pivot system for attaching the waist belt to the frame to permit
rotation of the waist belt with respect the frame, the pivot system
comprising a bracket that is fixedly attached to the frame, and a
single pivoting axle for attachment of the waist belt to the
bracket.
Inventors: |
Gregory; Wayne B.;
(Fallbrook, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER & HAMPTON LLP
333 SOUTH HOPE STREET
48TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90071-1448
US
|
Family ID: |
39049670 |
Appl. No.: |
11/735361 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60791974 |
Apr 14, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/262 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/10 20130101; A45F
2003/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/262 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/10 20060101
A45F003/10 |
Claims
1. A backpack, comprising a frame for supporting one or more bags;
a waist belt attached to the frame for supporting the frame around
the waist of a backpack wearer; and a pivot system for attaching
the waist belt to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt
with respect the frame.
2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the pivot system comprises a
bracket that is fixedly attached to the frame, and a single
pivoting axle for attachment of the waist belt to the bracket.
3. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the pivoting axle comprises a
bolt that passes through the waist belt and the bracket, and
permits rotation therebetween.
4. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the bracket comprises a plate
that is attached to the frame via a plurality of fasteners.
5. The backpack of claim 4, wherein the waist belt comprises first
and second slots dimensioned to receive first and second fasteners,
respectfully.
6. The backpack of claim 5, wherein the slots permit a
predetermined amount of rotation between the waist belt and the
frame.
7. The backpack of claim 5, wherein the waist belt further
comprises first and second notches dimensioned to receive third and
fourth fasteners, respectfully.
8. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the rotation of the waist belt
with respect to the frame is in response to the backpack wearer's
hip motion while carrying the backpack.
9. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the pivot system comprises a
torso pivoting system that articulates lateral torso flex movements
of the backpack wearer.
10. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the pivot system allows the
backpack wearer to have independent lateral movement while wearing
the backpack, yet still distributes the weight of the backpack on
the backpack wearer's hips.
11. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the backpack wearer retains
full independent lateral movement while wearing the backpack
without compromising load stability while wearing the backpack.
12. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the backpack wearer's weight
transmission remains substantially constant on the backpack
wearer's hips during lateral movement.
13. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a shoulder strap
for supporting a portion of the weight of the backpack on the
backpack wearer's shoulders.
14. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the backpack comprises an
adjustable modular backpack for carrying a plurality of bags.
15. The backpack of claim 14, wherein the plurality of bags
comprises a top pocket, a main bag, and a sleeping bag.
16. A backpack, comprising a frame for supporting one or more bags;
a waist belt attached to a lumbar pad panel that is rotatably
attached to the frame for supporting the frame around the waist of
a backpack wearer; and a pivot system for attaching the lumbar pad
panel to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt and lumbar
pad panel with respect the frame, the pivot system comprising a
spacer that offsets a top portion of the lumbar pad panel from the
frame.
17. The back pack of claim 16, wherein the spacer comprises a bolt
surrounded by one or more elastically deformable washers that
reduces stress on the frame by allowing flexibility in otherwise
rigid components.
18. The back pack of claim 17, wherein the bolt passes through the
waist pad panel and the frame, and permits rotation
therebetween
19. The backpack of claim 16, wherein: the spacer creates a
predetermined angle between the waist pad panel and the frame; and
the angle is selected to provide superior load transmission from
the backpack to the backpack wearer.
20. A backpack, comprising a frame for supporting one or more bags;
a waist belt attached to the frame for supporting the frame around
the waist of a backpack wearer; and a pivot system for attaching
the waist belt to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt
with respect the frame; wherein the pivot system comprises a torso
pivoting system that articulates lateral torso flex movements of
the backpack wearer.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/791,974, the content of which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention broadly relates to backpacks and more
particularly to a pivot system for a backpack that permits rotation
between a waist belt and a backpack frame.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Backpacks often cause discomfort and pain on the part of the
backpack wearer resulting from pressure points at any of a number
of locations. This is especially so for heavy-load backpacks, such
as those used by Special Forces and other military personnel in
field missions. Typical areas of backpack wearer discomfort include
the shoulders, hips and the back itself, which may become strained
if too much of a load has been carried on the shoulders rather than
on the hips, for an extended period of time.
[0004] Conventional heavy-load backpacks feature a frame member,
shoulder straps and a waist belt that are formed in a single unit.
It has been found that pressure points may develop due to a lack of
flexibility between the waist belt and the frame member, which
results in the pack not fitting as well as desirable. An additional
problem associated with heavy-load backpacks is that conventional
frame and suspension systems that are strong enough to support very
heavy loads (e.g., in excess of 70 lbs) do not provide the
flexibility necessary to follow the backpack wearer's body
movements. Moreover, such frames do not provide for the natural
motion of hips and shoulders to reduce fatigue.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a pivot system for a
backpack that permits rotation between a waist belt and a backpack
frame, whereby the pivot system allows the backpack wearer to have
independent lateral movement, yet still carry the pack load
distributed on the backpack wearer's hips. Accordingly, while
wearing the backpack, the backpack wearer retains independent
lateral movement without compromising load stability, and the
wearer's weight transmission remains substantially constant on the
hips during the normal range of lateral movement.
[0006] In accordance with the principles of the invention, a
preferred backpack comprises a frame for supporting one or more
bags, a waist belt attached to the frame for supporting the frame
around the waist of a backpack wearer, and a pivot system for
attaching the waist belt to the frame to permit rotation of the
waist belt with respect the frame. The pivot system may comprise a
bracket that is fixedly attached to the frame, and a single
pivoting axle for attachment of the waist belt to the bracket. The
pivoting axle may comprise a bolt that passes through the waist
belt and the bracket, and permits rotation therebetween. The
bracket may comprise a plate that is attached to the frame via a
plurality of fasteners. According to the invention, the waist belt
may include first and second slots dimensioned to receive first and
second fasteners, respectfully, wherein the slots permit a
predetermined amount of rotation between the waist belt and the
frame. The waist belt may further comprise first and second notches
dimensioned to receive third and fourth fasteners,
respectfully.
[0007] In operation, the rotation of the waist belt with respect to
the frame is in response to the backpack wearer's hip motion while
carrying the backpack. In this regard, the pivot system of the
invention comprises a torso pivoting system that articulates
lateral torso flex movements of the backpack wearer. More
specifically, the pivot system allows the backpack wearer to have
independent lateral movement while wearing the backpack, yet still
distributes the weight of the backpack on the backpack wearer's
hips. The backpack wearer retains independent lateral movement
while wearing the backpack without compromising load stability
while wearing the backpack. Moreover, the backpack wearer's weight
transmission remains substantially constant on the backpack
wearer's hips during lateral movement.
[0008] A further embodiment of the invention features a backpack
comprising a frame for supporting one or more bags, a waist belt
attached to a lumbar pad panel that is rotatably attached to the
frame for supporting the frame around the waist of a backpack
wearer and a pivot system for attaching the lumbar pad panel to the
frame to permit rotation of the waist belt and lumbar pad panel
with respect the frame, the pivot system comprising a spacer that
offsets a top portion of the lumbar pad panel from the frame. The
spacer may comprise a bolt surrounded by one or more elastically
deformable washers that reduces stress on the frame by allowing
flexibility in otherwise rigid components wherein the bolt passes
through the waist pad panel and the frame, and permits rotation
therebetween. In addition, the spacer creates a predetermined angle
between the waist pad panel and the frame, wherein the angle is
selected to provide superior load transmission from the backpack to
the backpack wearer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of a backpack constructed in
accordance with the principles of the invention;
[0010] FIGS. 2a-2c are rear views that illustrate a preferred pivot
system for a backpack, in accordance with the principles of the
invention;
[0011] FIGS. 3a and 3b are rear views that illustrate the preferred
pivot system for a backpack while being worn by a backpack wearer,
in accordance with the principles of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 4a is a rear view illustrating a backpack wearer in a
stationary position while wearing the preferred pivot system, while
FIG. 4b is a rear view illustrating the backpack wearer in a
dynamic position while wearing the preferred pivot system, in
accordance with the principles of the invention; and
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view that illustrates an additional pivot
system for a backpack, in accordance with the principles of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be
described in detail by way of example with reference to the
attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred
embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars,
rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used
herein, the "present invention" refers to any one of the
embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents.
Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the "present
invention" throughout this document does not mean that all claimed
embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).
[0015] The present invention is directed to a pivot system for a
backpack. By way of example, the backpack may comprise an
adjustable modular bag including a semi-rigid frame for suspending
and carrying a variety of loads attached directly to the frame. The
semi-rigid frame of the backpack may be utilized with a variety of
pack bags and other load carrying modules to safely and comfortably
transport very heavy and/or awkward loads. The pivot system of the
invention incorporates a pivoting, reinforced waist belt to
accommodate active body movements of the backpack wearer. The pivot
system may further incorporate a variable adjustment system to
provide proper back length adjustment for various body types.
[0016] The backpack pivot system described herein has been
developed to meet the requirements of Special Forces and other
military personnel in field missions. These missions may include
both extended and shorter durations, and may require a variety of
load requirements, including the ability to attach non-standard
items directly to the backpack for transportation over significant
distances.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with the principles of
the invention, a backpack 100 comprises a frame 105 for supporting
one or more bags 120, 125, 130, shoulder straps 110, and a waist
belt 115. The waist belt 115 preferably is attached to the frame
105 via a backpack pivot system 200 that permits rotation of the
waist belt 115 with respect the frame 105. In the illustrated
embodiment, the backpack 100 comprises a modular bag system
including a frame 105 for supporting three bags including a top
pocket 120, a main bag 125, and a sleeping bag 130. The bags 120,
125, 130 may be attached to the frame 105 by way of one or more
straps 135. In the exemplary embodiment, all three bags 120, 125,
130 integrate into a single unit that offers quick access to gear,
as well as the ability to carry a stable load. The top pocket 120
may comprise a ditch pack that is releasably attached to the frame
and main bag 125, while the sleeping bag 130 is also releasably
attached to the frame 105. It should be understood to those of
ordinary skill in the art that many other bag configurations (e.g.,
single bag or double bag systems) may be employed without departing
from the scope of the invention.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 2a-2c, according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention, the backpack pivot system 200 is
interposed between the frame 105 and the waist belt 115, such that
the waist belt 115 is rotatable with respect to the frame 105. More
particularly, the pivot system comprises a bracket 205 that is
fixedly attached to the frame, and a single pivoting axle 210 for
attachment of the waist belt 115 to the bracket 205. The bracket
205 may comprise a plate that is attached to the frame 105 using a
plurality of fasteners 215a, 215b, 215c, 215d. By way of example,
the fasteners may comprise bolts, screws or other conventional
fasteners. The pivoting axle 210 may comprise a bolt that passes
through the waist belt 115 and bracket 205, and permits rotation
therebetween. According to some embodiments of the invention, the
backpack pivot system 200 may further incorporate a variable
adjustment system to provide proper back length adjustment for
various body types.
[0019] With further reference to FIGS. 2a-2c, the waist belt 115
includes a pair of notches 225a, 225b for receiving fasteners 215a,
215b, respectfully. Additionally, the waist belt 115 includes a
pair of slots 230a, 230b for slidably receiving fasteners 215c,
215d. Specifically, the slots 230a, 230b permit a predetermined
amount of rotation between the waist belt 115 and the frame 105. In
FIG. 2a, the pivot system 200 is illustrated in a first orientation
wherein the waist belt 115 is disposed substantially horizontally
(i.e., substantially parallel to the ground such that fasteners
215c, 215d are disposed substantially in the middle of the
corresponding slots 230a, 230b). This orientation is typical when
the backpack wearer is standing still with both feet on the ground
such that there is no hip movement to cause a rotation of the waist
belt 115 with respect to the frame 105.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 2b, a second pivot system orientation is
depicted, wherein the waist belt 115 has been rotated in a
clockwise direction (as indicated by arrows 235) with respect to
the frame 105. This rotation may be in response to the backpack
wearer's hip motion while carrying the backpack 100 of the
invention. In this orientation, fastener 215a is disposed
substantially within cutout 225a, while fasteners 215c, 215d have
moved to one end of their respective slots 230a, 230b, such that
the waist belt 115 is restricted from further clockwise rotation.
In other words, cutout 225a and slots 230a, 230b act as stops that
limit clockwise rotation of the waist belt 115.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 2c, a third orientation is depicted,
wherein the waist belt 115 has been rotated in a counterclockwise
direction (as indicated by arrows 240) with respect to the frame
105. Again, this rotation may be in response to the backpack
wearer's hip motion while carrying the backpack 100 of the
invention. In this orientation, fastener 215b is disposed
substantially within cutout 225b, whereas fasteners 215c, 215d have
moved to the other end of their respective slots 230a, 230b. The
waist belt 115 is restricted from further counterclockwise rotation
because cutout 225b and slots 230a, 230b act as stops that limit
the overall counterclockwise rotation of the waist belt 115.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the preferred pivot system of
the invention comprises a torso pivoting system that employs a
single pivoting axle 210 for the waist belt 115 to articulate the
lateral torso flex movements of a backpack wearer W. Specifically,
FIG. 3a depicts the counterclockwise lateral torso flex movements
of the backpack wearer W, as illustrated by counterclockwise arrow
250. To accommodate this movement, the waist belt 115 rotates in a
counterclockwise direction about pivoting axle 210, as indicated by
counterclockwise arrow 255. FIG. 3b depicts the clockwise lateral
torso flex movements of the backpack wearer W indicated by
clockwise arrow 260. To accommodate this movement, the waist belt
115 rotates in a clockwise direction about pivoting axle 210, as
illustrated by counterclockwise arrow 265.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 4a, a backpack wearer W is depicted in a
stationary position wherein the backpack wearer's body is
substantially at rest, as indicated by line 275, which is disposed
in a substantially horizontal orientation. In this position, there
is little to no rotation of the waist belt 115 about the pivoting
axle 210. The lack of rotation is indicated by line 280, which is
also disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation such that
it is substantially parallel to line 275.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 4b, the backpack wearer W of FIG. 4a is
depicted in a dynamic position (e.g., while walking), wherein the
backpack wearer's right leg R is planted on the ground, as
indicated by arrow 285. In addition, the backpack wearer's left leg
L is in the process of taking a step, as indicated by arrow 290.
This motion causes the backpack wearer's hips to rotate in a
clockwise direction, as indicated by arrows 295, such that line 275
is tilted with respect to a horizontal line 278 toward the backpack
wearer's right leg R, indicating the hip cant angle of the backpack
wearer W. In this position, the waist belt 115 has been rotated in
a clockwise direction (as indicated by arrows 300) in order to
accommodate for the lateral torso flex movements of the backpack
wearer W. Arrow 305 illustrates the downward movement of the right
side of the waist belt 115, whereas arrow 310 illustrates the
upward movement of the left side of the waist belt 115. In the
illustrated embodiment, the clockwise rotation of the waist belt
115 is depicted by line 280, which is now canted with respect to a
horizontal line 283 toward the backpack wearer's right leg R at
substantially the same angle as that of line 275.
[0025] The pivot system 200 of the invention allows the backpack
wearer to have independent lateral movement, yet still carry the
pack load distributed on the backpack wearer's hips. Additionally,
while wearing the backpack of the invention, the backpack wearer
retains full independent lateral movement without compromising load
stability. Moreover, the backpack wearer's weight transmission
remains substantially constant on the hips during the normal range
of lateral movement.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 5, in accordance with the principles of
the invention, a backpack 400 comprises a backpack frame 405 for
supporting one or more bags (not shown), shoulder straps 410, and a
waist belt 415 attached to a lumbar pad panel 425. The waist belt
415 preferably is attached to the frame 405 via a backpack pivot
system 420 that permits rotation of the waist belt 415 with respect
the frame 405. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot system 420
comprises a spacer 430 that offsets a top portion of the lumbar pad
panel 425 from the backpack frame 405. By way of example, the
spacer 430 may comprise a bolt surrounded by one or more
elastically deformable washers, such as rubber or plastic washers,
wherein the bolt passes through the waist belt 415 and the frame
405, and permits rotation therebetween As would be understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art, the waist belt 415 may be offset
from the frame 405 using scrims or other suitable spacing elements
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0027] With further reference to FIG. 5, a downward angle A is
created in the waist belt 415 because the top of the lumbar pad
panel 425 is offset from the frame 405. The downward angle A is
preferably selected to provide superior load transmission from the
backpack 400 to the backpack wearer's body by closely conforming
the lumbar pad and waist belt to the shape and angle of the lower
back shelf and hips of the backpack wearer. Washers and other
spacing elements made from materials of varying durometer (i.e.,
rubber softness) help reduce the stress on the frame 405 by
allowing flexibility in otherwise rigid components. Such spacing
elements also serve as a shock absorbing mechanism between the
backpack wearer's lower back area and the backpack frame 405.
[0028] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise,
the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other
configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in
understanding the features and functionality that may be included
in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the
illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the
desired features may be implemented using a variety of alternative
architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to
one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or
physical partitioning and configurations may be implemented to
implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a
multitude of different constituent module names other than those
depicted herein may be applied to the various partitions.
Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational
descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are
presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be
implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order
unless the context dictates otherwise.
[0029] Although the invention is described above in terms of
various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be
understood that the various features, aspects and functionality
described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not
limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with
which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in
various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of
the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and
whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a
described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present
invention should not be limited by any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments.
[0030] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations
thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as
open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing:
the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without
limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide
exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or
limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as
meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives
such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard,"
"known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as
limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item
available as of a given time, but instead should be read to
encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard
technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in
the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies
that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the
art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the
skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
[0031] A group of items linked with the conjunction "and" should
not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be
present in the grouping, but rather should be read as "and/or"
unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items
linked with the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring
mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read
as "and/or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore,
although items, elements or components of the invention may be
described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to
be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is
explicitly stated.
[0032] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or
more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in
some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is
intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may
be absent. The use of the term "module" does not imply that the
components or functionality described or claimed as part of the
module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all
of the various components of a module, whether control logic or
other components, may be combined in a single package or separately
maintained and may further be distributed across multiple
locations.
[0033] Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are
described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and
other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated
embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented
without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block
diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed
as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.
* * * * *