U.S. patent application number 14/207147 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for backpack carrier strap system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bergans Fritid AS. The applicant listed for this patent is Bergans Fritid AS. Invention is credited to Johannes Flem, Kristian Garvseth.
Application Number | 20140263498 14/207147 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51410908 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140263498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flem; Johannes ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
BACKPACK CARRIER STRAP SYSTEM
Abstract
A backpack includes a pair of shoulder straps and motion
restraining members. The shoulder straps are configured for
supporting the backpack on the shoulders of a human wearer. A first
end of each motion restraining member is releasably connected via a
releasable connector to a respective one of the shoulder straps,
and a second end of each motion restraining member is connected to
the backpack at a location between said backpack upper and lower
regions in a central region of the backpack.
Inventors: |
Flem; Johannes; (Tranby,
NO) ; Garvseth; Kristian; (Oslo, NO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bergans Fritid AS |
Hokksund |
|
NO |
|
|
Assignee: |
Bergans Fritid AS
Hokksund
NO
|
Family ID: |
51410908 |
Appl. No.: |
14/207147 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/259 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20130101; A45F
3/047 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/259 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 13, 2013 |
NO |
20130371 |
Claims
1. A backpack comprising a pair of shoulder straps configured for
supporting the backpack on the shoulders of a human wearer; and a
pair of motion restraining members, wherein a first end of each
motion restraining member is releasably connected via a releasable
connector to a respective one of the shoulder straps and a second
end of each motion restraining member is connected to the backpack
at a location between said backpack upper and lower regions in a
central region of the backpack.
2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein each motion restraining member
first end is connected to a respective upper part of the shoulder
strap.
3. The backpack of claim 1, wherein each motion restraining member
comprises length adjustment means.
4. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the shoulder strap further
comprises height adjustment means for connection to the connector,
whereby the motion restraining member first end is movable along a
portion of the shoulder strap upper part.
5. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising height adjustment
means connected to the motion restraining member second end,
whereby said second end is movable within the central region.
6. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising one or more sternum
members, each sternum member comprising two sternum members
portions connected to respective shoulder straps via connection
means and being releasably interconnected via an adjustable
buckle.
7. The backpack of claim 6, comprising a single sternum members and
its connection means are arranged at the same or substantially the
same, level as the releasable connector.
8. The backpack of claim 4, further comprising one or more sternum
members, each sternum member comprising two sternum members
portions connected to respective shoulder straps via connection
means and being releasably interconnected via an adjustable buckle,
wherein the connection means are slidably arranged on said height
adjustment means.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to Norwegian Patent
Application No. 20130371 filed on Mar. 13, 2013, the disclosure of
which including the specification, the drawings, and the claims is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to loads and objects configured to
carried by on the back of a human being. More specifically, the
invention relates to backpack as set out by the preamble of claim
1.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Backpack designs generally fall into one of three
categories: frameless backpacks, backpacks having an internal
frame, and backpacks having an external frame.
The latter design category typically has a singular frame to which
shoulder straps and a hip belt are connected. The frame material is
typically a metal alloy or GRP. One or more bags are connected to
the frame via designated pockets in the bag fabric and/or via
straps and buckles. In some designs, the bag(s) may easily be
detached from the frame. The frame may also be used for carrying
designated containers for various tools and equipment. Backpacks
having an external frame are typically equipped with a bag having a
large volume and is generally configured for carrying a relatively
heavy load.
Frame Backpacks
[0004] A frameless backpack comprises in its most basic design a
bag and a pair of shoulder straps and are useful in carrying only
light loads. Backpacks having an internal frame are often furnished
with one or more rigid or resilient elements embedded in the back
fabric, in order to give the backpack some inherent rigidity and
load-transferring capabilities. Such structural elements may be one
or more metal or GRP rod, plate, or similar. Backpacks with
embedded structural elements (i.e. an internal frame) come in a
variety of sizes.
[0005] A general problem with backpacks is that they tend to be
uncomfortable for the wearer when he or she is moving vigorously,
such as in jogging, running or jumping. Due to the inertia of the
backpack, the backpack will tend to have a movement pattern that
does not correspond to that of the wearer. The backpack movements
are generally asynchronous with those of the wearer, and in
different directions. A running person wearing a backpack will tend
to impose alternating impacts to the shoulder straps, which will
result in the backpack tending to swing from side to side. This
will in turn lead to a sideways shifting of the shoulder straps,
which causes friction and discomfort for the wearer. This is in
particular an undesired situation if the wearer is running for an
extended period of time.
[0006] Known remedies for the problem described above include a
tightening of the shoulder straps, and possibly also, a sternum
strap. However, this is only effective if the straps are pulled
very tight, to a degree where shoulder movement and rib cage
expansion (and thus breathing) are impeded, and is therefore
uncomfortable for the wearer.
The prior art includes WO 2011/053961 A2 which describes a
stabilized backpack with a hip suspension and a shoulder
suspension. The hip suspension comprises vertical support rods that
are pivotally attached to the hip belt and pack frame to allow
motion of the wearer's hips without causing varying forces on the
pack. The shoulder suspension comprises pulleys and cords attaching
the shoulder straps to the pack so that the motion of the wearer's
shoulders does not cause varying forces on the pack. The basic idea
disclosed in this prior art publication is that of the pack
"riding" the person similar to a jockey riding a horse (see page 5,
first paragraph).
[0007] The prior art also includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,059 A, which
discloses a universally adjustable frameless backpack for use by a
sportsperson. The pack has a pivoted shoulder harness that allows
the pack to remain relatively stationary while the person's body
and shoulders swing back and forth as in jogging, running, or
cross-country skiing. The hip pad also has an attachment to the
pack of a kind that allows hip motion without excessive swinging of
the pack.
It is therefore a need for an improved system for resolving or
mitigating the problems described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention is set forth and characterized in the main
claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of
the invention.
[0009] It is thus provided a backpack comprising a pair of shoulder
straps configured for supporting the backpack on a the shoulders of
a human wearer, characterized by a pair of motion restraining
members, each motion restraining member:
at a first end being releasably connected via a releasable
connector to a respective one of the shoulder straps, at a second
end being connected to the backpack at a location between said
backpack upper and lower regions, in a central region of the
backpack.
[0010] In one embodiment, each motion restraining member first end
is connected to a respective upper part of the shoulder strap. Each
motion restraining member comprises length adjustment means.
[0011] In one embodiment, the shoulder strap further comprises
height adjustment means for connection to the connector, whereby
the motion restraining member first end is movable along a portion
of the shoulder strap upper part.
[0012] In one embodiment, height adjustment means are connected to
the motion restraining member second end, whereby said second end
is movable within the central region.
[0013] In one embodiment, one or more sternum members are provided,
each sternum member comprising two sternum member portions
connected to respective shoulder straps via connection means and
being releasably interconnected via an adjustable buckle.
[0014] In one embodiment, the backpack comprises a single sternum
strap and its connection means are arranged at the same or
substantially the same, level as the releasable connector.
[0015] In another embodiment, the connection means are slidably
arranged on said height adjustment means.
[0016] By providing connections between a central region of the
backpack bag and/or frame and the shoulder harness, the motion
restriction members effectively serve to pull the bag or frame
towards the wearer's back and hence make the backpack move in
concert with the movements of the wearer. When the pair of motion
restriction members are connected to respective ones of the
shoulder harness, the backpack tends to follow the wearer's
movement even when the wearer is running.
[0017] For the purpose of this invention, a "backpack" shall be
understood to mean any bag, frame or other object that is configure
to be carried on the back of a human being via at least a pair of
shoulder straps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] These and other characteristics of the invention will become
clear from the following description of preferential forms of
embodiment, given as non-restrictive examples, with reference to
the attached schematic drawings, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
invented backpack carrier strap system;
[0020] FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are side views of a wearer carrying a
backpack having the invented backpack carrier strap system arranged
in respective first, second and third configurations;
[0021] FIGS. 5-9 are perspective views of alternative embodiments
of the invented backpack carrier strap system;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a front view of a wearer carrying a backpack
having the invented backpack carrier strap system; and
[0023] FIG. 11 is shows an embodiment of a height adjustment
arrangement for the motion restriction member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERENTIAL EMBODIMENT
[0024] The following description may use terms such as
"horizontal", "vertical", "lateral", "back and forth", "up and
down", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "forward", "rear", etc.
These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown
in the drawings and that are associated with a normal use of the
invention. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and
shall not be limiting.
[0025] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a backpack 2 comprises in the
illustrated embodiment a bag 3 and a pair of shoulder straps 4.
Each shoulder strap 4 comprises an upper part 4a and a lower part
4b, interconnected by an adjustable buckle 4c. The upper part 4a,
which is attached to the bag upper region, is configured for being
supported by a wearer's shoulders and collarbones. The lower part
4b is connected to the bag at the bag lower region. Extending
between the bag 3 and each shoulder strap 4 are respective motion
restriction straps 5, one on each side of the bag. Each motion
restriction strap 5 is at a first (forward) end connected to a
portion of the upper part 4a of the shoulder strap via a first
buckle 11. The first buckle 11 is releasable and opened when the
backpack is not in use or when a wearer puts on or takes off the
backpack. The motion restriction strap 5 is at a second (rear) end
connected to a central region of the bag, on respective lateral
sides of the bag.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a backpack having the invented stabilization
system, carried by a wearer W. The backpack shown in FIG. 2 also
comprises a conventional hip belt, or waistband, 6.
[0027] By providing connections between a central region S of the
bag and the shoulder straps 4, the motion restriction straps 5
effectively serve to pull the bag towards the wearer's back and
hence make the bag move in concert with the movements of the
wearer. Therefore, when the two motion restriction straps 5 are
connected as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the backpack tends to follow
the wearer's movement even when the wearer is running.
[0028] The motion restriction straps 5 in the illustrated
embodiment are flexible but virtually non-elastic straps. Although
not illustrated, it should be understood that the motion
restriction strap 5 and/or the first buckle 11 comprise adjustment
means such that the wearer may tighten or release the tension in
the motion restriction strap 5 in order to adjust the pulling force
between the shoulder straps and the bag, and hence the adherence
between the bag and the wearer. A motion restriction strap having a
certain amount of elasticity is also conceivable.
[0029] In FIG. 2, the motion restriction strap 5 is arranged at an
angle .alpha. that is approximately normal with respect to the
backpack vertical axis V. FIG. 3 shows a configuration where this
angle .alpha. is an acute angle, whereas FIG. 4 shows a
configuration where the angle .alpha. is an obtuse angle. In all of
the three arrangements shown in FIGS. 2-4, the second (rear) end of
the motion restriction strap 5 is connected to the bag in a central
region S. Referring to FIG. 2, the central region S is defined by
an upper line extending in a substantially horizontal plane at the
level the wearer's armpit, and a lower line extending in a
substantially horizontal plane at the level of the adjustable
buckle 4c.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment having a sternum strap 7, which
in fact comprise two straps portions, one connected to each
respective shoulder strap via a sternum strap connector 12,
interconnected by an adjustable and releasable sternum strap buckle
7a (which per se is well known in the art). In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5, the sternum strap 7 is arranged at the same
level (elevation) as the respective first buckles 11 for each of
the motion restriction straps 5, such that the two motion
restriction straps 5 and the sternum strap 7 form a continuous and
closed loop, virtually in the same plane and extending from one
side of the bag to the other, around the wearer's torso. FIG. 6
shows an embodiment having two sternum straps 7; one is arranged
above the pair of motion restriction straps 5 and one is arranged
below.
[0031] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment without sternum strap and where
both of the motion restriction straps 5 are height adjustable. Each
shoulder strap upper part 4a comprises an adjustment member 8 on
which a releasable and adjustable first buckle 11' is slidably
arranged. The rear end of each motion restriction strap is
connected to the bag via sliding connection 10, in a manner which
is known in the art. The details of this configuration is further
illustrated in FIG. 11. The position of the motion restriction
straps 5 may thus be adjusted by the wearer while the backpack is
in use.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 7, but
where additionally two sternum straps 7 are slidably arranged on
the same adjustment member 8, above and below the motion
restriction straps. Each sternum strap is slidably connected to
opposing adjustment member 8 via a slidable connector 9. Although
not shown, the slidable connectors 9 and the first buckle 11' on
each shoulder strap may be interconnected, allowing simultaneous
movement.
[0033] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 6, but
without the lower sternum strap. FIG. 10 shows a backpack having
the invented carrier strap system, in use on a wearer.
[0034] Although the embodiments of the invention have been
described with reference to a frameless backpack, it should
understood that the invention is also applicable for a backpack
having an external frame or an internal frame.
[0035] Furthermore, although in the embodiments of the invention
the shoulder straps and the rear ends of the motion restriction
strap are illustrated as being connected to the bag, it should be
understood that the invention is equally applicable to embodiments
where the shoulder straps and/or the rear ends of the motion
restriction straps are connected to the frame, not the bag.
* * * * *