U.S. patent application number 12/620631 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for back pack with back cushioning means.
Invention is credited to Philip Troy CHRISTY.
Application Number | 20100065598 12/620631 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42006329 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100065598 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHRISTY; Philip Troy |
March 18, 2010 |
BACK PACK WITH BACK CUSHIONING MEANS
Abstract
A backpack provided with a cushioning bladder, the lower part of
which extends across and beneath the bottom of the pack and an
upper part extending part-way upwardly along the forward panel that
generally conforms to the shape of the curvature of the thoracic
region of the spine. The bladder may be filled with padding
material such as a gel, foam, rubber or fluid.
Inventors: |
CHRISTY; Philip Troy;
(Hopewell Junction, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HESLIN ROTHENBERG FARLEY & MESITI PC
5 COLUMBIA CIRCLE
ALBANY
NY
12203
US
|
Family ID: |
42006329 |
Appl. No.: |
12/620631 |
Filed: |
November 18, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11101044 |
Apr 7, 2005 |
7631792 |
|
|
12620631 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/644 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2003/122 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101; A45F 2003/127 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/644 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A backpack for relieving stress, weight and pressure from a
user's back, comprising: a pack for storing items, having top,
forward panel to face the user's back, sides, and bottom, and,
outer surface; adjustable shoulder straps extending from the top to
the bottom of the pack, for enabling the positioning the pack on
the user's back and, for carrying the pack over the user's
shoulders; and, a cushioning bladder having a lower part extending
across and beneath the bottom of the pack and, an upper part
extending part-way upwardly along the forward panel.
2. The back pack of claim 1 wherein the bladder is so constructed
and arranged to a generally L-shaped configuration, with the
bladder lower part for resting upon and generally conforming to the
buttocks area of the user, and the bladder upper part continuing
from the bladder lower part, extending at an angle part-way up the
forward panel, so as to rest upon the user's back and generally
conform to the curvature of the thoracic region of the user's
body.
3. The back pack of claim 1 wherein the bladder contains padding
material.
4. The backpack of claim 3 wherein the padding material is a
gel
5. The backpack of claim 3 wherein the padding material is a
foam.
6. The backpack of claim 3 wherein the padding material is
rubber.
7. The backpack of claim 3 wherein the padding material is a
fluid.
8. The backpack of claim 3 wherein the bladder is so constructed
and arranged to a generally L-shaped configuration, with the
bladder lower part for resting upon and generally conforming to the
buttocks area of the user, and the bladder upper part continuing
from the bladder lower part, extending at an angle part-way up the
forward panel, so as to rest upon the user's back and generally
conform to the curvature of the thoracic region of the user's
body.
9. The backpack of claim 8 wherein the padding material is a
gel
10. The backpack of claim 8 wherein the padding material is a
foam.
11. The backpack of claim 8 wherein the padding material is
rubber.
12. The backpack of claim 8 wherein the padding material is a
fluid.
13. The backpack of claim 1 including a bag joined to the backpack
outer surface having a lower portion beneath the back bottom, and a
forward portion part-way up the forward panel, the bag enclosing
the bladder.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 11/101,044 filed Apr. 7, 2005.
This prior application is incorporated herein by this reference and
the benefit of its filing date is claimed herein as well.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to backpacks of the type used by, for
example, students to carry books, hikers to carry gear and the
like. The backpack normally contains a pack and one or more pockets
for storing items. The backpack is then strapped to the back of a
user and carried in that fashion. The backpack described herein is
of the type that uses a cushioning bladder and positioned beneath
the pack and part-way up the forward panel of the backpack and the
user's back and for the purpose of relieving stress, weight and
pressure on the back.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] It is known that the abutting relation of the forward panel
of the backpack against the back and spinal column can cause pain,
fatigue and perhaps degeneration to affected areas of the back and
spine. It is also known that most backpacks in use today place the
majority of the weight of the backpack and its contents on the
shoulders and on the middle and lower part of the back of the
user.
[0006] In a number of cases, cushioning bladders have been utilized
to provide support and/or avoid contact with particular areas of
the back and spinal column.
[0007] Notwithstanding, there is still a need for a backpack
employing a cushioning bladder for better distribution of the
weight away from the user's back.
SUMMARY
[0008] An object of the invention is a backpack that when worn
minimizes stress, weight and pressure on the back.
[0009] These and other objects, features and advantages are
accomplished in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, one illustrative embodiment of which comprises a
backpack provided with a cushioning bladder, the lower part of
which extends across and beneath the bottom of the pack and an
upper part extending part-way upwardly along the forward panel that
generally conforms to the shape of the curvature of the thoracic
region of the spine. The bladder may be filled with padding
material such as a gel, foam, rubber or fluid.
[0010] The bladder may be enclosed within a zippered bag wrapped
around it that is joined to the outer surface of the backpack.
Where the bladder is inflatable, a pump is provided for inflating
the bladder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0011] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description
and accompany drawing, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the backpack of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of the backpack of the present
invention with the backpack's bladder deflated;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of the backpack of the present
invention with the backpack's bladder inflated;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a view of the opposite side of the backpack when
resting against a user's back, partially cut away; and,
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic side sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of the backpack, partially cut away showing the
positioning of the backpack relative to the user's back and spinal
column and with the bladder filled with padding material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawing, a
backpack 10 is shown having a forward panel 11 that faces a user's
back when worn, adjustable straps 12,13 extending from the top of
the backpack to the sides near the bottom of the pack for carrying
the pack over the user's shoulders. A solid sheet 14, as of plastic
or a composite, is sewn into and across and forms, with the lower
part of the backpack material, the bottom 15 of the backpack.
Optionally, an adjustable waist belt 16 for securement about the
user's waist is provided. The straps 12, 13 are made thick, 3/4
inches thick.times.3 inches wide to provide added cushioning.
[0018] Normally, the forward panel 11 forms one wall of a
rearward-facing pack for carrying various articles. Typically, the
backpack 10 will have a number of other pockets for receipt and
carrying of items as well.
[0019] In a typical embodiment the backpack 10 is 20 inches high,
14 inches deep and 12 inches wide. However, the backpack 10 is to
be made with differing dimensions, depending upon the size of the
user. The backpack is made of canvas, typically, except for the
solid sheet 14 of the bottom.
[0020] The backpack 10 is also provided with a strap 18 at its top
for hanging the backpack when not being carried by a user.
[0021] In accordance with one teaching of the present invention,
the backpack is provided with a cushioning bladder 21, in this case
inflatable, the lower part 22 of which extends across the bottom 15
beneath the pack, and an upwardly extending part 23 positioned
entirely across the forward panel 11 and from near the bottom,
typically four inches from the bottom of the panel 11, extending
upwardly, typically 8 to 10 inches, so as when inflated, it
generally conforms to the shape of the curvature of the thoracic
region of the spine. The bladder 21 is of flexible material such as
rubber, elastomeric or polymeric material. The bladder 21 is
enclosed within a zippered bag 24 wrapped around it that is joined
to the outer surface of the backpack.
[0022] A pump 31 is provided for inflating the bladder 21. The pump
31 is hand operated with a bulb-shaped configuration. The pump 31
is connected to the bladder 21 by means of a tube 32. An air valve
33 connected to the tube 32 controls the amount of air flow into
the bladder 21 and maintains the bladder 21 in inflated position
after air has been pumped in, and also permits deflation of the
bladder 21. The pump 31 and valve 33 may be stored in a side pocket
34 of the backpack 10 provided for that purpose. Optionally, the
pump could be battery operated.
[0023] In use, the user straps the backpack 10 on his shoulders so
it rests comfortably on same. The bladder 21 is then inflated, the
amount of inflation being dependent on the individual's comfort
level. The bladder 21 can expand up to four inches in width.
[0024] In partially inflated position (FIGS. 3 and 4), the bladder
begins to expand as it is filled with air. In fully expanded
condition (dotted area in FIG. 4), the lower part 22 of the bladder
21 will rest upon the user's buttocks. In fully inflated position,
the upper part 23 of the bladder 21 conforms to the curvature of
the thoracic region of the user's body and rests comfortably
against the back. The solid sheet 14 at the bottom of the backpack
prevents the expansion of the bladder 21 from taking up space in
the pack. In this way it is assured that the lower part 22 of the
bladder will expand under the pack and not into it. The feeling to
the user is that a significant portion of the weight of the
backpack and contents is removed. After or along with inflation,
the shoulder straps may be adjusted so that the backpack finds
itself in the desired position.
[0025] Instead of an air bladder, in accordance with another
teaching of the present invention and with reference to FIG. 5,
padding 41 can be used to fill the bladder 41, but with less
desirable results. With an air bladder, there can be adjustment of
the inflation level of the bladder to different levels for
different uses.
[0026] In the FIG. 5 embodiment, the bladder is molded to retain
its shape. Padding 41 can be a soft supportive material. Examples
of same are: gel such as silicone gel; foam such as polystyrene;
liquid/fluid such as ethylene glycol; and, rubber such as ethylene
vinyl acetate. These examples are in way intended to be
limiting.
[0027] In any of the embodiments, the bladder may be so constructed
and arranged to a generally L-shaped configuration, with the
bladder lower part for resting upon and generally conforming to the
buttocks area of the user, and the bladder upper part continuing
from the bladder lower part, extending at an angle part-way up the
forward panel, so as to rest upon the user's back and generally
conform to the curvature of the thoracic region of the user's
body.
[0028] The back is relieved from stress, weight and pressure. The
inflation of the air bladder moves the pack away from the back,
shifting some of the weight to now be borne by the shoulders and
with part of the weight now being supported by the buttocks
area.
[0029] The backpack can be made in different styles and sizes, for
example, a student pack, one for hiking and one for military
use.
[0030] It should be obvious that changes, additions and omissions
may be made in the details and arrangement of parts without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
claimed.
* * * * *