U.S. patent application number 12/901706 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-12 for backpack.
Invention is credited to Philip Troy CHRISTY.
Application Number | 20120085804 12/901706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45217753 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120085804 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHRISTY; Philip Troy |
April 12, 2012 |
BACKPACK
Abstract
A backpack for relieving stress, weight and pressure from a
user's back comprises: a carrying pack for storing items, with top,
forward panel to face the user's back with an upper and lower
portion, sides, and, bottom; adjustable shoulder straps connected
to the carrying pack, for placement of the straps over a user's
shoulders and positioning the backpack behind the user's back; a
pleated pouch pocket covering the lower portion of the forward
panel and extending beneath the bottom of the carrying pack and
having a forward surface facing the user's back; an inflatable
bladder enclosed within the pouch pocket 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; a board
enclosed and secured within the pouch pocket for preventing,
expansion of the bladder into the carrying pack and puncturing of
the bladder; valve means for the bladder accessible through the
pouch pocket for permitting inflating and deflating the bladder; a
cushion composite on the pouch pocket and allowing access to the
valve means, the composite comprising an inner layer of expandable
material, and outer layer of expandable material and sandwiched
therebetween a compressed, apertured foam frame, and an array of
cushioning bubbles located within the frame apertures, the frame
having cut outs to allow for expansion.
Inventors: |
CHRISTY; Philip Troy;
(Hopewell Junction, NY) |
Family ID: |
45217753 |
Appl. No.: |
12/901706 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/644 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/02 20130101;
A45F 3/04 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 carrying pack for storing items, having
top forward panel to face the user's back with an upper and lower
portion, sides, and, bottom; adjustable shoulder straps connected
to the carrying pack, for placement of the straps over a user's
shoulders and positioning the backpack behind the user's back; a
pouch pocket covering the lower portion of the forward panel and
extending beneath the bottom of the carrying pack and having a
forward surface facing the user's back; an inflatable bladder
enclosed within the pouch pocket 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; and, valve
means for the bladder accessible through the pouch pocket for
permitting inflating and deflating the bladder.
2. The backpack of claim 1 including a board enclosed and secured
within the pouch pocket for preventing, expansion of the bladder
into the carrying pack and puncturing of the bladder.
3. The backpack of claim 1 wherein the pouch pocket is pleated to
allow for expansion.
4. The backpack of claim 1 including a cushion composite on the
pouch pocket and allowing access to the valve means.
5. The backpack of claim 4 wherein the cushion composite includes
an array of cushioning bubbles.
6. The backpack of claim 3 wherein the cushioning composite
comprises an inner layer of expandable material, and outer layer of
expandable material and sandwiched therebetween a compressed,
apertured foam frame, an array of cushioning bubbles located within
the frame apertures, the frame having cut outs to allow for
expansion.
7. The backpack of claim 1 including cushioning pads on the upper
portion of the forward panel.
8. A backpack for relieving stress, weight and pressure from a
user's back, comprising: a carrying pack for storing items, having
top forward panel to face the user's back with an upper and lower
portion, sides, and, bottom; adjustable shoulder straps connected
to the carrying pack, for placement of the straps over a user's
shoulders and positioning the backpack behind the user's back; a
pleated pouch pocket covering the lower portion of the forward
panel and extending beneath the bottom of the carrying pack and
having a forward surface facing the user's back; an inflatable
bladder enclosed within the pouch pocket 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; a board
enclosed and secured within the pouch pocket for preventing,
expansion of the bladder into the carrying pack and puncturing of
the bladder; valve means for the bladder accessible through the
pouch pocket for permitting inflating and deflating the bladder; a
cushion composite on the pouch pocket and allowing access to the
valve means, the composite comprising an inner layer of expandable
material, and outer layer of expandable material and sandwiched
therebetween a compressed, apertured foam frame, and an array of
cushioning bubbles located within the frame apertures, the frame
having cut outs to allow for expansion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 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 within, 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 an inflatable bladder and
positioned beneath the pack and between the forward panel of the
backpack and the user's back and for the purpose of relieving
stress, weight and pressure on the back.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] 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.
[0003] A backpack for relieving stress, weight and pressure from a
user's back is shown and described in my U.S. Pat. No. 7,631,792,
issued Dec. 15, 2009. The present invention represents an
improvement over same.
SUMMARY
[0004] An object of the invention is a backpack that when worn
minimizes stress, weight and pressure on the back.
[0005] 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 for relieving stress, weight and pressure from a user's
back having: a carrying pack for storing items, with top, forward
panel to face the user's back with an upper and lower portion,
sides, and, bottom; adjustable shoulder straps connected to the
carrying pack, for placement of the straps over a user's shoulders
and positioning the backpack behind the user's back; a pleated
pouch pocket covering the lower portion of the forward panel and
extending beneath the bottom of the carrying pack and having a
forward surface facing the user's back; an inflatable bladder
enclosed within the pouch pocket 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; a board
enclosed and secured within the pouch pocket for preventing,
expansion of the bladder into the carrying pack and puncturing of
the bladder; valve means for the bladder accessible through the
pouch pocket for permitting inflating and deflating the bladder; a
cushion composite on the pouch pocket and allowing access to the
valve means, the composite comprising an inner layer of expandable
material, and outer layer of expandable material and sandwiched
therebetween a compressed, apertured foam frame, and, an array of
cushioning bubbles located within the frame apertures, the frame
having cut outs to allow for expansion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0006] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description
and accompany drawing, wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the backpack of the
present invention mounted against the back of a user;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the backpack of the present
invention showing the front of the backpack that is positioned
against the back of a user;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the backpack of the present
invention showing the rear of the backpack partially cut away to
show the inflated air bladder and filler valve arrangement;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the bladder valve design with
a bladder inflator needle;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the bladder valve design with
the bladder valve positioned in the bladder with a bladder inflator
needle;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front of the backpack
with portions cut away to show the foam material used in the upper
pads and lower bubbles;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the front of the backpack
showing the elastic fabric material covering the upper pads and
lower cushion composite;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view partially cut away of the front
of the backpack to show an alternate covering for the upper pads;
and,
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view together with a cross sectional
view detailing the materials of the cushion composite on the lower
portion of the forward panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawing, a backpack 10 is
shown having a forward panel 11 that faces the user's back when
worn and an expandable pouch pocket 12. The backpack can be of
canvas, polyester, nylon, plastic, fabric, and the like, although
certain portions of the backpack are preferably fabric.
[0017] The backpack 10 further includes adjustable straps 13
extending from the top of the backpack to the sides near the bottom
of the backpack for placement of the straps 13 over a user's
shoulders and positioning the backpack 10 behind the user's back.
An adjustable waist belt (not shown) for securement about the
user's waist may be provided.
[0018] Normally the backpack will have a zippered carrying pack 14
comprised of a number of pockets so that articles can be placed
within and removed from the carrying pack 14. The backpack may also
be provided with a strap 15 at its top for hanging the backpack
when not being carried by a user.
[0019] The pouch pocket 12 is provided with a zippered opening
along its top at 16. Positioned within the pouch pocket 12 are an
angled, flexible board 17 as of plastic (P.E. board) or composite
and an inflatable bladder 18 that is slid under the board 17 and
carrying pack 14. Board 17 is stitched to the forward panel just
above zippered opening 16. The bladder 18 is placed in the pouch
pocket 12 and slid against and under the board 17. In inflated
position, the lower portion 19 of bladder 18 extends across the
bottom beneath the pack 14, while an upwardly extending portion 20
becomes positioned across the forward panel 11 corresponding
generally to its length and width, so as, when inflated, it
generally conforms to the shape of the curvature of the thoracic
region of the spine. Due to the board 17, the bladder 18 expands
outward and not inward towards the carrying pack 14. The board 17
also prevents the bladder 18 from getting punctured. In the process
of inflation, the pouch pocket 12 also expands. The pocket 12 is
pleated in the lower corners, as at 21 to allow for expansion.
[0020] The bladder 18 is of flexible material such as rubber,
elastomeric or polymeric material. It is provided with an air valve
at 31. In military and hiking applications, the backpack's bladder
18 can be pulled out and used as a pillow at night.
[0021] As best seen in FIGS. 3-5, air valve 31 is embedded in the
bladder 18 surrounded by a molded, thickened ring 32. The bladder
18 is inflated via the air valve 31 using, for example, an ordinary
ball inflator needle N. Valve 31 normally prevents air from
escaping from bladder 18, but will allow air to enter and escape
the bladder 18, as via the needle N. Valve 31 includes: the locking
cap 33; pin valve 34 that opens when needle N is inserted and
closes upon the needle's removal; female member 35 for receiving
the pin valve 34; and, bellows member 36, as of PVC, joined to
thickened ring 32 and surrounding female member 35 and which is
expandable for easy access and can be pulled up or pushed down.
Locking cap 33 holds pin valve 34 within female member 35.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7 and 9, the forward panel 11,
up to the zippered opening 16, forms the front wall of pouch pocket
12.
[0023] Sewn to this front wall is a composite 41 that includes an
inner layer 42 of an expandable, durable, mesh fabric (FIG. 9), and
an outer, similar fabric layer 43 (FIGS. 7 and 9). Layers 42, 43
could be a webbing fabric, nylon, polyester and the like.
[0024] Sandwiched between layers 42 and 43 is a compressed,
apertured foam frame 44 (FIG. 9) such as compressed P.E., with
cut-outs 45, star-like in shape, and an array of horizontally and
vertically aligned, bubbles 46, as of soft, molded, foam-like
resilient material such as P.E. (FIGS. 6 and 9) positioned and
glued within the apertures in frame 44. These cushioning bubbles 46
can be oval-shaped, circular, square and the like. The frame 44 is
molded with apertures for the receipt and holding of the foam
bubbles 46 and portions cut out at 45 to allow for expansion and
then the entire composite 41 heat sealed together.
[0025] The bubbles 46 are held in place by the compressed PE foam
frame 44. After heat sealing, the composite 41 is then sewn to the
front wall 11.
[0026] The composite 41 expands outwardly when the bladder 18 is
filled and does not take room away from the interior of the
backpack 10.
[0027] Disposed centrally of the composite 41 is a grommet 51
leading through an opening to the bladder valve 31.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the upper part of the forward panel
11 includes a pair of pads 61, as of foam material 62 of the same
type as bubbles 46, and covered with mesh fabric material 63,
similar to mesh material 42 and 43, except more durable and rigid.
Pads 61 push the backpack 10 at an angle and keep the user from
compressing the top of the backpack 10 against the user's back.
They force the weight of what's inside the pack 14 to be
transferred to the bottom of the air system so as to sit on the top
of the user's buttocks.
[0029] In the alternate embodiment of FIG. 8, the pads 62 are a
mixture of common foam with soft covering molded foam.
[0030] In use, the bladder 18 is inflated through the grommet 51 to
the bladder valve 31, using a ball inflator needle N. With
inflation, the thickened ring 32 fits right against and under the
grommet 51. The ring 32 helps to hold the position of valve 31 in
the center of grommet 51, and, due to its thickness, eases the
placement and withdrawal of the needle N in valve 31. The valve 31
can be pulled up and the needle N inserted and then the valve 31
pushed down so that it doesn't hit the user in the back.
[0031] The user straps the backpack 10 on, fitting it to its
desired position using the straps 13.
[0032] In inflated condition, the lower portion 19 of the pocketed
bladder 18 will rest upon the user's buttocks. The upper portion 20
of the bladder 18 conforms generally to the curvature of the
thoracic region of the user's body and rests comfortably against
the back.
[0033] The bladder 18, when placed in the pouch pocket 12 is so
positioned to a generally L-shaped configuration, with the lower
portion 19 for resting upon and generally conforming to the
buttocks area of the user, and the bladder upper portion 20
continuing from the bladder lower portion, extending at an angle
part-way up, so as to rest upon the user's back and generally
conforms to the curvature of the thoracic region of the user's
body.
[0034] The combined effect of the upper pads 61 and the bubbled
composite 41 is to create air channels between the user's back and
the backpack 10 and thereby reduce the accumulation of moisture on
the user's back and shirt.
[0035] Also, known prior art backpacks do not have large thick
padding at the top such as the pads 61. What this does is when the
user adjusts the straps 13, thereby pulling the backpack towards
his back, these pads 61 help to keep the major portion of backpack
10 off the user's shoulders and back. It shifts the weight off the
upper back and puts the weight lower towards the pocket pouch 12
and resting against the user's buttocks.
[0036] The feeling to the user is that a significant portion of the
weight of the backpack and contents is removed.
[0037] The back is relieved from stress, weight and pressure. The
inflation of the air bladder moves the backpack 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.
[0038] The backpack can be made in different styles and sizes, for
example, a student backpack, one for hiking, one for military use
and can be made to carry a computer.
[0039] The pouch 12 is zippered at 16 to allow for removal and
replacement of bladder 18.
[0040] 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.
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