U.S. patent application number 13/682709 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-28 for back pack with back cushioning means.
The applicant listed for this patent is Philip Troy CHRISTY. Invention is credited to Philip Troy CHRISTY.
Application Number | 20130075438 13/682709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47910132 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130075438 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHRISTY; Philip Troy |
March 28, 2013 |
BACK PACK WITH BACK CUSHIONING MEANS
Abstract
A backpack is provided with at least one cushioning bladder, the
lower part of which extends across and beneath the bottom of the
backpack, 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. The
backpack has a content section, and a bladder section, and wherein
the bladder section accommodates at least one bladder. The backpack
may be provided with a pumping mechanism to fill the bladder with
fluid, such as, air. The backpack may be provided with one or more
internal or external pocket.
Inventors: |
CHRISTY; Philip Troy;
(Hopewell Junction, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CHRISTY; Philip Troy |
Hopewell Junction |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47910132 |
Appl. No.: |
13/682709 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12620631 |
Nov 18, 2009 |
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13682709 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/644 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20130101; A45F
2003/001 20130101; A45F 2003/003 20130101; A45F 3/042 20130101;
A45F 3/047 20130101; A45F 2003/127 20130101; A45F 2003/122
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 backpack for storing items, having a
top, at least one forward panel to face the user's back, sides, and
bottom, and, an outer surface; at least one adjustable shoulder
strap extending from about the top to about the bottom of the
backpack, for enabling the positioning of the backpack on the
user's back and, for carrying the backpack over the user's
shoulders; said backpack further having at least one first
compartment for removable content, and at least one second
compartment for at least one cushioning bladder, and wherein at
least one rigid layer sheet separates at least a portion of said at
least one first compartment from said at least one second
compartment; said at least one second compartment having a
substantially upwardly extending portion, and a substantially
horizontal extending portion; said at least one cushioning bladder
having a lower part extending across and beneath the bottom of said
at least one first compartment, within said at least one second
compartment, and, said at least one cushioning bladder having an
upper part extending part-way upwardly along said forward panel
along at least a portion of a vertical wall of said first
compartment, and within said at least one second compartment; and
wherein said rigid layer sheet inside said backpack bifurcates said
backpack into said at least one first compartment for the storing
of said removable content, and into said at least one second
compartment for the accommodation of said at least one cushioning
bladder, and wherein said at least one second compartment has at
least one first portion and at least one second portion, and
wherein said at least one second compartment is shaped in a
generally shaped configuration having said at least one first
portion that extends along said upper part extending part-way
upwardly along said forward panel, and said at least one second
portion that extends along said lower part extending across and
beneath the bottom of said backpack, and wherein at least a portion
for said cushioning bladder resides in said at least one first
portion of said second compartment, and at least a portion of said
cushioning bladder resides in said at least one second portion of
said second compartment.
2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein upon expansion of said at least
one cushioning bladder said rigid layer forces the expansion of
said at least one bladder outwardly and prevents the expansion of
said at least one bladder into said content portion of said
backpack.
3. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the at least one cushioning
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, such that
weight of said backpack is distributed between the user's buttocks
and user's shoulders, and while said cushioning bladder acts as a
cushion between said backpack and said user's back and user's
buttocks.
4. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the at least one cushioning
bladder contains padding material.
5. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the at least one cushioning
bladder contains padding material, and wherein the padding material
is selected from a group consisting of gel, foam, rubber, and a
fluid.
6. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said at least one rigid layer
sheet is sewn into and across and forms with the lower part of the
backpack material the bottom of the first compartment of said
backpack.
7. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said at least one rigid sheet
is sewn into and across and forms with the lower part of the
backpack material the bottom of the first compartment of said
backpack, and wherein the material for said at least one rigid
sheet is selected from a group consisting of a plastic, and a
composite.
8. The backpack of claim 1, wherein at least one adjustable waist
belt for securement about the user's waist is secured to said
backpack.
9. The backpack of claim 4, wherein the at least one cushioning
bladder is so constructed and arranged to a generally L-shaped
configuration, with the cushioning bladder lower part for resting
upon and generally conforming to the buttocks area of the user, and
the cushioning bladder upper part continuing from the cushioning
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.
10. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the at least one cushioning
bladder comprises of at least one padding material, and wherein
said at least one padding material is selected from a group
consisting of gel, foam, rubber, and a fluid.
11. The backpack of claim 1, wherein at least one strap is secured
to the top of said backpack for hanging said backpack when not
being carried by said user.
12. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said at least one cushioning
bladder is made of a flexible material.
13. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said at least one cushioning
bladder is made of a flexible material, and wherein said flexible
material is selected from a group consisting of rubber material,
elastomeric material, and polymeric material.
14. The backpack of claim 1, including at least one 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, said
at least one bag enclosing said at least one cushioning
bladder.
15. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said at least one cushioning
bladder is enclosed within a zippered bag wrapped around it that is
joined to the outer surface of the backpack.
16. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said at least one cushioning
bladder can expand up to about four inches in width.
17. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said at least one strap is
made 3/4 inches thick by 3 inches wide to provide added
cushioning.
18. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said at least one rigid layer
sheet at the bottom of the backpack prevents the expansion of said
at least one cushioning bladder from taking up space in the content
portion of said backpack.
19. A backpack for relieving stress, weight, and pressure from a
user's back, comprising: a backpack for storing items, having top,
forward panel to face the user's back, sides, and bottom, and, an
outer surface; at least one adjustable shoulder strap extending
from about the top to about the bottom of the backpack, for
enabling the positioning of the backpack on the user's back and,
for carrying the backpack over the user's shoulders; and, at least
one cushioning bladder having a lower part extending across and
beneath the bottom of the backpack and, an upper part extending
part-way upwardly along the forward panel; and at least one rigid
layer sheet inside said backpack bifurcates said backpack into at
least one first compartment for storing removable items, and into
at least one second compartment for accommodating said at least one
cushioning bladder, and wherein said second compartment is shaped
in a generally L-shaped configuration having at least one first
portion that extends along said upper part extending part-way
upwardly along said forward panel, and at least one second portion
that extends along said lower part extending across and beneath the
bottom of said backpack, and wherein said at least one second
portion for said at least one second compartment of said backpack
accommodates said at least one cushioning bladder, and wherein at
least one pocket is secured to said backpack.
20. A backpack for relieving stress, weight, and pressure from a
user's back, comprising: (a) a backpack having at least one first
compartment, at least one second compartment, and at least one
rigid layer sheet separating at least a portion of said at least
one first compartment from at least a portion of said at least one
second compartment; (b) wherein said at least one first compartment
is configured for storing removable items; (c) wherein said at
least one second compartment comprises at least one first portion
and at least one second portion, wherein said at least one first
portion is generally vertical to a plane of said backpack, while
said at least one second portion is generally horizontal to a plane
of said backpack, such that said at least one first portion and
said at east one second portion terming generally an L-shaped
configuration; (d) at least one cushioning bladder secured inside
said at least one second compartment such that at least a first
portion of said at least one cushioning bladder extends into said
at least one first portion of said at least one second compartment,
and at least a second portion of said at least one cushioning
bladder extends into said at least one second portion of said at
least one second compartment, such that said at least one
cushioning bladder forms generally an L-shaped configuration, and
wherein at least a portion of said at least one cushioning bladder
is along at least a portion of a vertical wall of said first
compartment, and at least a portion of said at least one cushioning
bladder is along at least a portion of a lower horizontal wall of
said first compartment, so as to provide cushioning along at least
a portion of a vertical wall of said backpack, a lower horizontal
wall of said backpack, and a corner portion formed by the
intersection of said vertical wall and said lower horizontal wall
of said backpack.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The instant patent application is a Continuation-in-Part of
pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/620,631, filed on Nov.
18, 2009, titled "BACK PACK WITH BACK CUSHIONING MEANS", the entire
disclosure of which pending patent application is incorporated
herein by reference, which was a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/101,044, filed on Apr. 7, 2005, and
which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,631,792, on Mar. 18, 2010. The
prior applications are incorporated herein by this reference, and
the benefit of their filing dates is claimed herein as well.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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 backpack 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 at least one cushioning bladder and
positioned beneath the backpack 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.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,679,108 (John Anthony Ingram), the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses
a load-carrying devices adapted to be supported on the back by
means of shoulder straps are provided with a resilient or
inflatable cushion to yield to the load on the back. The cushion is
specially designed to provide the correct support of the load on
the back, being formed with a bottom portion extending widthwise of
the cushion to provide a main band of support around the small of
the wearer's back and being narrower in width in an upper portion
thereof to provide an upper zone of support which leaves the
shoulder blades of the wearer substantially free. The cushion is
preferably designed to form a pneumatic frame in place of the rigid
frame used in framed-rucksacks, its shape being chosen according to
whether the rucksack is of the truncated triangular form or of the
rectangular form. A development of the invention is the application
of the resilient or inflatable cushion to what may be basically
termed a ruckbox, preferably comprising a box-like carrier attached
to a shallow frame fitted with the resilient or inflatable cushion
and carrying the shoulder straps.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,648 (Dan Sason, et al.), the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses
a backpack including a body engaging strap assembly and a strap
assembly supported element supported on the body engaging strap
assembly and including a container and an integrally formed back
engaging portion having a padded back facing surface and a
generally rigid curved opposite surface fixed thereto, the
integrally formed back engaging portion defining a first generally
vertically extending curve arranged to be centered adjacent the
upper back portion of a user and a second generally horizontally
extending curve arranged to be centered adjacent the lower back
portion, the integrally formed back engaging portion being bendable
about as horizontal axis located adjacent the center of the first
curve and about a vertical axis located adjacent the center of the
second curve.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,387 (Dana W. Gleason, et al.), the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference,
discloses a pack for holding articles and providing fluid hydration
is provided. The pack includes a bladder compartment having an
opening for securing a fluid bladder therein for hydration with a
hose attached thereto. The bladder has a front side adapted to be
positioned against the user's back and a back side opposite the
front side. The pack bag is sewn onto the back of the bladder
compartment and is larger than the bladder compartment. The bladder
compartment provides a cushion between the pack bag and the user
and contours the back of the user. Shoulder straps are attached
from the top of the bladder compartment to the bottom of the pack
bag. A hip belt also extends from the bottom of the pack bag around
the hips of the user. The top of the bladder compartment is at
least partially separated from the top of the pack bag to allow the
contouring of the bladder compartment along the upper portion of
the back of the user. A lift strap extends between the top of the
shoulder pad and the top of the pack bag. The bladder compartment
also includes a side zipper extending substantially the length of
the bladder compartment for removal of the bladder therefrom.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,495 (Gwendolyn Hernandez), the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses
a backpack with inflatable pockets for reducing shoulder and back
fatigue when carrying a load. The backpack with inflatable pockets
includes a housing with front and back portions, a pair of side
portions, top and bottom portions, and an interior that is defined
by the portions. The housing has an opening into the interior of
the housing. A pair of elongate carrying straps each have opposite
first and second ends. The first end of each of the carrying straps
is coupled to the back portion of the housing towards the top
portion of the housing. The second ends of the carrying straps are
coupled to the hack portion of the housing. An inflatable air
pillow is coupled to the back portion of the housing towards the
bottom portion of the housing. Each of the carrying straps may also
have an inflatable cavity disposed therein.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,187 (Mark L. Lemire, et al.), the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses
an ergonomically enhanced backpack comprises a frame having a
semirigid dorsal plate contoured to the shape of the lumbar region.
The dorsal plate is secured to the body by a combination of
shoulder straps and waist belt. An expandable cargo compartment is
behind the dorsal mounted plate and sandwiched between the dorsal
plate and a panel or netting. Drawstrings combined with the belt
allow the user to pull the panel or netting toward the dorsal
plate, and thus compress the load against the lumbar area closer to
the body's center of gravity. In the first embodiment, that panel
has a hinged door giving access to the cargo compartment. A
detachable, soft shell bag is mounted over the cargo
compartment.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,105 (Jill Greene Ammerman, et al.), the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference,
discloses a shoulder carrier having at least one shoulder strap
connected to a container. A lumbar support attached to the
container bears on a wearer's hip or lumbar spine to transfer
weight of the shoulder carrier to the hip or lumbar spine and away
from the wearer's shoulder. The shoulder strap can include a
shoulder pad, and both the shoulder pad and lumbar support can be
or include a fluid-filled bladder. The shoulder pad can be slidably
attached to the shoulder strap to prevent abrasion of the wearer's
shoulder. At least one end of the shoulder strap can be attached to
the container by passing the strap through a guide attached to the
container and attaching the shoulder strap end to the container at
a position below the guide.
[0011] This invention improves on the deficiencies of the prior art
and provides an inventive backpack with back cushioning means.
PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF TIN INVENTION
[0012] The invention is an inventive backpack with back cushioning
means.
[0013] Therefore, one purpose: of this invention is to provide as
backpack that when worn minimizes stress, weight and pressure on
the back.
[0014] Another purpose of this invention is to provide a backpack
employing a cushioning bladder for better distribution of the
weight away from the user's back.
[0015] Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a
backpack employing a cushioning bladder where at least a portion of
the bladder provides cushioning to the user's back area, and at
least a portion of the bladder provides cushioning to the user's
buttock area.
[0016] Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a backpack
for relieving stress, weight, and pressure from a user's back,
comprising:
[0017] a backpack for storing items, having a top, at least one
forward panel to face the user's back, sides, and bottom, and, an
outer surface;
[0018] at least one adjustable shoulder strap extending from about
the top to about the bottom of the backpack, for enabling the
positioning of the backpack on the user's back and, for carrying
the backpack over the user's shoulders;
[0019] said backpack further having at least one first compartment
for removable content, and at least one second compartment for at
least one cushioning bladder, and wherein at least one rigid layer
sheet separates at least a portion of said at least one first
compartment from said at least one second compartment;
[0020] said at least one second compartment having a substantially
upwardly extending portion, and a substantially horizontal
extending portion;
[0021] said at least one cushioning bladder having a lower part
extending across and beneath the bottom of said at least one first
compartment, within said at least one second compartment, and,
[0022] said at least one cushioning bladder having an upper part
extending part-way upwardly along said forward panel along at least
a portion of a vertical wall of said first compartment, and within
said at least one second compartment; and
[0023] wherein said rigid layer sheet inside said backpack
bifurcates said backpack into said at least one first compartment
for the storing of said removable content, and into said at least
one second compartment for the accommodation of said at least one
cushioning bladder, and wherein said at least one second
compartment has at least one first portion and at least one second
portion, and wherein said at least one second compartment is shaped
in a generally L-shaped configuration having said at least one
first portion that extends along said upper part extending part-way
upwardly along said forward panel, and said at least one second
portion that extends along said lower part extending across and
beneath the bottom of said backpack, and wherein at least a portion
for said cushioning bladder resides in said at least one first
portion of said second compartment, and at least a portion of said
cushioning bladder resides in said at least one second portion of
said second compartment.
[0024] In another aspect this invention comprises a backpack for
relieving stress, weight, and pressure from a user's back,
comprising:
[0025] a backpack for storing items, having top, forward panel to
face the user's back, sides, and bottom, and, an outer surface;
[0026] at least one adjustable shoulder strap extending from about
the top to about the bottom of the backpack, for enabling the
positioning of the backpack on the user's back and, for carrying
the backpack over the user's shoulders; and,
[0027] at least one cushioning bladder having a lower part
extending across and beneath the bottom of the backpack and, an
upper part extending part-way upwardly along the forward panel;
and
[0028] at least one rigid layer sheet inside said backpack
bifurcates said backpack into at least one first compartment for
storing removable items, and into at least one second compartment
for accommodating said at least one cushioning bladder, and wherein
said second compartment is shaped in a generally L-shaped
configuration having at least one first portion that extends along
said upper part extending part-way upwardly along said forward
panel, and at least one second portion that extends along said
lower part extending across and beneath the bottom of said
backpack, and wherein said at least one second portion for said at
least one second compartment of said backpack accommodates said at
least one cushioning bladder, and wherein at least one pocket is
secured to said backpack.
[0029] In yet another aspect this invention comprises a backpack
for relieving stress, weight, and pressure from a user's back,
comprising: [0030] (a) a backpack having at least one first
compartment, at least one second compartment, and at least one
rigid layer sheet separating at least a portion of said at least
one first compartment from at least a portion of said at least one
second compartment; [0031] (b) wherein said at least one first
compartment is configured for storing removable items; [0032] (c)
wherein said at least one second compartment comprises at least one
first portion and at least one second portion, wherein said at
least one first portion is generally vertical to a plane of said
backpack, while said at least one second portion is generally
horizontal to a plane of said backpack, such that said at least one
first portion and said at least one second portion forming
generally an L-shaped configuration; [0033] (d) at least one
cushioning bladder secured inside said at least one second
compartment such that at least a first portion of said at least one
cushioning bladder extends into said at least one first portion of
said at least one second compartment, and at least a second portion
of said at least one cushioning bladder extends into said at least
one second portion of said at least one second compartment, such
that said at least one cushioning bladder forms generally an
L-shaped configuration, and wherein at least a portion of said at
least one cushioning bladder is along at least a portion of a
vertical wall of said first compartment, and at least a portion of
said at least one cushioning bladder is along at least a portion of
a lower horizontal wall of said first compartment, so as to provide
cushioning along at least a portion of a vertical wall of said
backpack, a lower horizontal wall of said backpack, and a corner
portion formed by the intersection of said vertical wall and said
lower horizontal wall of said backpack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] Although the scope of the present invention is much broader
than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the
preferred embodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings
are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like
numbers represent like features and components in the drawings. The
invention may best be understood by reference to the ensuing
detailed description in conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0035] FIG. 1, is a perspective view of the backpack of the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 2, illustrates a side view of the backpack of the
present invention with the backpack's inventive bladder
deflated.
[0037] FIG. 3, illustrates a side view of the backpack of the
present invention with the backpack's inventive bladder
inflated.
[0038] FIG. 4, is a view of the opposite side of the backpack when
resting against a user's back, partially cut away.
[0039] 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
[0040] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention,
in one illustrative embodiment which comprises a backpack which is
provided with a cushioning bladder, the lower part of which extends
across and beneath the bottom of the backpack 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, fluid, to name a few.
[0041] The inventive 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.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, a
backpack 10, is shown having a forward panel 11, that faces a back
103, of a user 100, when worn, adjustable side or shoulder straps
12, 13, extending from about the top of the backpack 10, to about
the sides near the bottom of the backpack 10, for carrying the
backpack 10, over the shoulders of the user 100. At least one solid
or rigid layer sheet 14, as of plastic or a composite, is secured
or sewn into and across and forms, with the lower part 22, of the
backpack material, the bottom 15, of the backpack 10. Optionally,
an adjustable waist belt 16, for securement about the waist of the
user 100, is provided. The adjustable straps 12, 13, are made
thick, for example, about 3/4 inches thick, and about 3 inches wide
to provide added cushioning.
[0043] The backpack 10, further comprises at least one first
compartment or an upper or content section 50, and at least one
second compartment or a lower or bladder section 60. Optionally,
the backpack 10, can have one or more pockets 34, 44.
[0044] The second compartment or bladder section 60, comprises of a
lower part 22, an upward extending part 23, containing one or more
bladder 21. The bladder section 60, is generally L-shaped, and has
a first or vertical area or section 61, and a second or horizontal
area or section 62. The first or vertical area or section 61, is
within the forward panel 11, and is used to accommodate a first or
vertical section or portion 71, of the bladder 21. The second or
horizontal area or section 62, is within the lower part 22, and is
used to accommodate a second or horizontal section or portion 72,
of the bladder 21. The second or horizontal area or section 62, has
an upper wall or area 64, that faces and is constrained by the
solid sheet 14, and a lower or base wall or area 66, that is freely
expandable.
[0045] The at least one bladder 21, is preferably placed inside the
bladder area 60, such that a portion of the bladder 21, forms the
upwardly extending part 23, and is constrained within the forward
panel 11, and a lower part 22, 72, of the bladder 21, that is
constrained by the solid sheet 14, on the upper side 74, but is
free to expend at the lower side 76.
[0046] FIG. 2, illustrates a side view of the backpack 10, of the
present invention with the backpack's inventive bladder 21,
deflated.
[0047] FIG. 3, in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5, illustrates a
side view of the backpack 10, of the present invention on the back
103, of a user 100, with the backpack's inventive bladder 21,
inflated, which shows the expansion of the bladder 21, where the
lower portion 76, of the bladder 21, has expanded to create
expansion area 77. With the bladder 21, expanding and forming area
77, the lower bladder section 66, also expands to create expansion
area 67.
[0048] Normally, the forward panel 11, forms one wall of a
rearward-facing backpack 10, for carrying various removable
articles within the upper or content section 50. Typically, the
backpack 10, will have a number of other pockets 34, 44, both
internally, and externally, for example, for receipt, carrying of
items, to name a few.
[0049] In a typical embodiment the backpack 10, is about 20 inches
high, about 14 inches deep, and about 12 inches wide. However, the
backpack 10, is to be made with differing dimensions, depending
upon the size of the user. The backpack 10, is preferably made of
canvas, typically, except for the solid sheet 14, of the
bottom.
[0050] The backpack 10, optionally, is also provided with at least
one upper or top strap 18, at its top for hanging the backpack 10,
when not being carried by a user 100, or as a handle 18, when being
hand carried by a user 100.
[0051] In accordance with one teaching of the present invention,
the backpack 10, is provided with at least one cushioning bladder
21, in this case inflatable, the lower part 22, of which extends
across the bottom 15, beneath the backpack 10, and an upwardly
extending part 23, positioned entirely across the forward panel 11,
and from near the bottom, typically about four inches from the
bottom of the panel 11, extending upwardly, typically about 8 to 10
inches, so as when inflated, it generally conforms to the shape of
the curvature of the thoracic region 105, of the spine of a user
100. The bladder 21, is of flexible material, such as, for example,
rubber, elastomeric or polymeric material, to name a few.
Optionally, the bladder 21, could be enclosed within a zippered bag
24, which would be forming the second compartment 60, and which
would be wrapped around and joined to the outer surface of the
first compartment 50, so as to form the backpack 10.
[0052] 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 an
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, which may be
provided for that purpose. Optionally, the pump 31, could be
battery operated.
[0053] In use, the user 100, 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 about
four inches in width.
[0054] In partially inflated position (FIGS. 3 and 4), the bladder
21, begins to expand as it is filled with air. In fully expanded
condition (dotted area in FIG. 4), and shown as expansion area 67,
77, a portion of the lower part 22, 72, of the bladder 21, will
rest upon the user's buttocks 109. In fully inflated position, the
upper part 23, 71, of the bladder 21, conforms to the curvature of
the thoracic region 105, of the body of the user 100, and rests
comfortably against the back 103, 105, 107, 109. The solid sheet
14, at the bottom 15, of the backpack 10, prevents the expansion of
the bladder 21, from taking up space in the backpack 10. In this
way it is assured that the lower part 22, 72, of the bladder 21,
will expand under the backpack 10, and not into it. The feeling to
the user 100, is that a significant portion of the weight of the
backpack 10, and contents is removed. After or along with
inflation, the shoulder straps 12, 13, may be adjusted so that the
backpack 10, finds itself in the desired position.
[0055] FIG. 5, is a schematic side sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of the backpack 40, partially cut away showing the
positioning of the backpack 40, relative to the back of the user
100, and spinal column 103, 105, 107, and with the bladder 41,
filled with padding material 44.
[0056] Instead of an air bladder 21, in accordance with another
teaching of the present invention and with reference to FIG. 5,
padding or cushioning material 44, can be used to fill the bladder
21, but with less desirable results. With an air bladder 21, there
can be adjustment of the inflation level of the bladder 21, to
different levels for different uses.
[0057] In the FIG. 5 embodiment, the bladder 41, is molded to
retain its shape. Padding 44, 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 no way intended to
be limiting.
[0058] As one can clearly see in FIG. 5, that the backpack 10, 40,
is closely following the contours of the back 103, of the user 100.
For example, the upper portion of the forward panel 11, is in
contact with the thoracic or upper back region 105, of the user
100, while the lower portion of the forward panel 11, is in contact
with the lumber or lower back region 107, of the user 100.
Additionally, the lower part 22, 72, of the backpack 10, 40, sits
comfortably and conforms to the contours of the buttock or hip
region 109, of the user 100. This is all due to the fact that the
bladder 21, 41, has been inflated or formed to follow the contours
of the back 103, 105, 107, 109, of the user 100.
[0059] It should be appreciated that because the "weight" of the
backpack 10, is now pushed away and spread over the back 103,
including the regions 105, 107, 109, and generally conforms to the
regions 103, 105, 107, 109, and that there is a "cushioning
material" 21, 41, adjacent the back 103, and that the "weight" has
been pushed more towards the shoulders and the buttock area 109, of
the user 100, the "weight" that is sensed by the user 100, is
substantially less than any of the backpacks of the prior art. This
of course results in relieving stress, weight, and pressure from a
user's back.
[0060] In any of the embodiments, the bladder 21, 41, may be so
constructed and arranged to a generally L-shaped configuration,
with the bladder lower part for resting upon and generally
contouring to the buttocks or hip area 109, of the user 100, and
the bladder upper part continuing from the bladder lower part,
extending at an angle part-way up the forward panel 11, so as to
rest upon the user's back 103, and generally conform to the
curvature of the thoracic region 105, of the user's body 100.
[0061] The back 103, 105, 107, is relieved from stress, weight and
pressure, because upon inflation of the air bladder 21, 41, forces
the backpack 10, 40, to move away from the back 103, 105, 107, and
shifting the backpack 10, 40, in an upward direction which results
in the weight to now being borne by the shoulders, and with part of
the weight now being supported by the buttocks or hip area 109.
[0062] It should be appreciated that when the backpack 10, 40, is
expanded via the at least one cushioning bladder 21, the at least
one rigid layer 14, forces the expansion of the at least one
bladder 21, outwardly, and prevents the expansion of the at least
one bladder 21, into the content portion 50, or first compartment
50, of the backpack 10, 40. As stated earlier that the at least one
rigid layer 14, acts as a base or lower surface or holding surface
for the bottom surface 15, of the first or content compartment 50,
of the backpack 10, 40. When the at least one bladder 21, expands,
the first section 71, expands vertically and outwardly, while the
second portion 72, expands horizontally and outwardly, and the at
least one solid sheet 14, prevents or limits the expansion of
cushioning bladder 21, or the components 71, 72, into the content
or first compartment 50. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, that the second
compartment and the cushioning bladder 21, expands from location
66, 76, to 67, 77, respectively, as opposed to expanding the same
amount into the content or first compartment portion 50.
Additionally, the upper wall 64, of the second compartment 60, and
the upper wall 74, of the cushioning bladder 21, is prevented or
limited into expanding into the first compartment 50, by the at
least one solid sheet 14, which also can be used to form the bottom
15, for the content or first compartment 50.
[0063] For some applications the bladder 21, could be inside a bag
24, such as, a zippered bag 24, and wherein the zippered bag 24,
forms the second compartment 60, that is secured to the first
compartment 50, to form the backpack 10, 40.
[0064] The backpack 10, 40, can be made in different styles and
sizes, for example, a student backpack, one for hiking, one for
military use, to name a few.
[0065] The material for the backpack 10, 40, could be selected from
a group comprising canvas material, Polyurethane coated Nylon
material, Polyester material, Polyethylene fiber material,
leather-like material, composite material, and a combination
thereof, to name a few.
[0066] While the present invention has been particularly described
in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident
that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be
apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing
description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims
will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as
falling within the true scope and spirit of the present
invention.
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