U.S. patent application number 15/749846 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-16 for back frame.
This patent application is currently assigned to Australian Defence Apparel Pty Ltd. The applicant listed for this patent is Australian Defence Apparel Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Elizabeth Helen Christmas, Marcus Krigsman, Nicholas Rasmussen.
Application Number | 20180228271 15/749846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57942137 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180228271 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rasmussen; Nicholas ; et
al. |
August 16, 2018 |
BACK FRAME
Abstract
A back frame that includes a first part and a second separate
part configured to disengagingly interlock at plural relative
positions to define respective assembled configurations of the back
frame of two or more distinct lengths, whereby the back frame is
adjustable for wearers of different heights. The interlocking
includes releasably interengaging the first and second parts by
relatively moving the first and second parts in a first direction
generally toward each other and then in a second direction
generally perpendicular to the first direction.
Inventors: |
Rasmussen; Nicholas;
(Thomastown, Victoria, AU) ; Christmas; Elizabeth
Helen; (North Melbourne, Victoria, AU) ; Krigsman;
Marcus; (North Melbourne, Victoria, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Australian Defence Apparel Pty Ltd |
Thomastown, Victoria |
|
AU |
|
|
Assignee: |
Australian Defence Apparel Pty
Ltd
Thomastown, Victoria
AU
|
Family ID: |
57942137 |
Appl. No.: |
15/749846 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
August 4, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2016/050705 |
371 Date: |
February 2, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/08 20130101; A45F
3/10 20130101; A45F 3/047 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/10 20060101
A45F003/10; A45F 3/08 20060101 A45F003/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 4, 2015 |
AU |
2015903113 |
Claims
1. A back frame comprising: a first part and a second separate part
configured to disengagingly interlock at plural relative positions
to define respective assembled configurations of the back frame of
two or more distinct lengths, whereby the back frame is adjustable
for wearers of different heights; wherein said interlocking
includes releasably interengaging the first and second parts by
relatively moving the first and second parts in a first direction
generally toward each other and then in a second direction
generally perpendicular to the first direction,
2. The back frame of claim 1 configured whereby said relative
movement of the first and second parts in the second direction
comprises the first and second parts sliding over each other.
3. The back frame of claim 1, including one or more first
formations on one of the first and second parts and a plurality of
second formations on the other of the first and second parts, the
or each first formation selectively engaging the respective second
formations to define the respective assembled configurations of the
back frame when the first and second parts are releasably
interengaged.
4. The back frame of claim 3, wherein the first and second
formations are disengaged by relatively moving the first and second
parts in a direction opposite to the second direction and then in a
direction opposite to the first direction.
5. The back frame of claim 3, wherein the first and second parts of
the back frame are wholly separable when the first and second
formations are disengaged.
6. The back frame of claim 2, wherein the first formation comprises
a projecting locking formation and the second formations comprise
apertures, wherein when the first and second parts are relatively
moved in the first direction the projecting locking formation is
received in a selected opposed said aperture.
7. The back frame of claim 6, wherein the first part of the back
frame include a said locking formation and the second part of the
back frame includes a said plurality of the opposed apertures.
8. The back frame of claim 7, wherein, the second part of the back
frame includes a said locking formation and the first part of the
back frame includes a further said plurality of apertures.
9. The back frame of claim 6, wherein the or each locking formation
comprises a generally L-shaped projection which slidingly engages a
peripheral wall of the respective opposed aperture so as to be
releasably wedged therein.
10. The back frame of claim 9, wherein the or each L-shaped
projection is adapted to slidingly engage the peripheral wall of
the respective opposed aperture by relatively sliding the first and
second parts of the back frame over each other in said second
direction.
11. The back frame of claim 6, wherein there are four of said
locking formations arranged in a rectangular array.
12. The back frame of claim 11, wherein the first and second parts
each include a pair of spaced generally parallel side rails and one
or more spaced cross-structures joining the side rails, wherein
each side rail has therethrough a plurality of said apertures
arranged in a linear array along the respective side rail.
13. The back frame of claim 12, wherein one of the one or more
spaced cross-structures has, integrally formed therewith at a
position between the side rails, a lumbar support member that
projects without further support from the one cross-structure so as
to be inclined to a plane, optionally curved, containing the side
rails.
14. The back frame of claim 1, further including a releasable latch
arrangement that must be released in a first action to allow
disengagement of the first and second parts from interlocking
engagement.
15. The back frame of claim 3, further including a releasable latch
arrangement that must be released in a first action to allow
disengagement of the first and second parts, wherein the latch
arrangement comprises one or more further locking formations
located on one of said parts which further locking formation is
receivable within plural said apertures of the other part and when
therein abuts a peripheral wall of the respective aperture when the
first and second parts are interengaged thereby preventing relative
sliding between the first and second parts, and thereby
interlocking the first and second parts.
16. The back frame of claim 15, wherein the or each further locking
formation is provided on a respective tab configured to be
resiliently flexed in said first action.
17. The back frame of claim 15, including a pair of said latch
arrangements at respective sides of the back frame.
18. The back frame of claim 1, wherein the first and second parts
are curved so as to follow or approximate a typical curvature of a
wearer's back.
19. The back frame of claim 1, wherein the first and second parts
are respective unitary single mouldings.
20. A back frame comprising: a pair of spaced generally parallel
side rails that define a plane, optionally curved, containing the
side rails; and one or more spaced cross-structures joining the
side rails, wherein one of the one or more spaced cross-structures
has, integrally formed therewith at a position between the side
rails, a lumbar support member that projects without further
support from the one cross-structure so as to be inclined to said
plane; wherein the lumbar support member and the one
cross-structure are dimensioned so that the lumbar support member
contacts a lumbar region of a wearer's back when the back frame is
being worn, and are configured so that the lumbar support member is
able to elastically flex during said contact.
21. The back frame of claim 20, wherein the lumbar support member
is generally of inverted U-shape and is upstanding from the one
cross-structure when the back frame is worn in a correct
orientation.
22. The back frame of claim 14, including a pair of said latch
arrangements at respective sides of the back frame.
23. The back frame of claim 10, wherein there are four of said
locking formations arranged in a rectangular array.
24. The back frame of claim 23, wherein the first and second parts
each include a pair of spaced generally parallel side rails and one
or more spaced cross-structures joining the side rails, wherein
each side rail has therethrough a plurality of said apertures
arranged in a linear array along the respective side rail.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to back frames suitable for
attachment to a backpack, rucksack, or similar.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] External back frames (also known as pack frames or backpack
frames) are typically utilised when a wearer is required to carry
heavy loads upon his or her back. In one example, external back
frames are worn by military or combat personnel. Such external back
frames provide greater support, weight distribution, and wearer
protection as compared to frameless backpacks or backpacks
comprising an internal back frame.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 7,793,809 describes an external back frame
that is particularly suited to military application. This back
frame comprises a one-piece unit having a pair of spaced generally
parallel vertical side rails that are joined by generally parallel
top and base cross-structures. This back frame is sized and
dimensioned so as to be suitable for a wearer of a particular
height.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a back
frame that overcomes, or at least ameliorates, one or more
deficiencies of prior back frames, or at least provides a useful
alternative.
[0005] Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an
acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the
common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art
could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as
relevant, and/or combined with other pieces of prior art by a
skilled person in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In a first aspect, the invention provides a back frame that
includes a first part and a second separate part configured to
disengagingly interlock at plural relative positions to define
respective assembled configurations of the back frame of two or
more distinct lengths, whereby the back frame is adjustable for
wearers of different heights. The interlocking includes releasably
interengaging the first and second parts by relatively moving the
first and second parts in a first direction generally toward each
other and then in a second direction generally perpendicular to the
first direction.
[0007] The relative movement of the first and second parts in the
second direction may comprise the first and second parts sliding
over each other.
[0008] In an embodiment, the back frame includes one or more first
formations on one of the first and second parts and a plurality of
second formations on the other of the first and second parts, the
or each first formation selectively engaging the respective second
formations to define the respective assembled configurations of the
back frame when the first and second parts are releasably
interengaged.
[0009] The first and second formations may be disengaged by
relatively moving the first and second parts in a direction
opposite to the second direction and then in a direction opposite
to the first direction. The first and second parts of the back
frame may be wholly separable when the first and second formations
are disengaged.
[0010] The first formation may comprise a projecting locking
formation and the second formations may comprise apertures, wherein
when the first and second parts are relatively moved in the first
direction the projecting locking formation is received in a
selected opposed aperture. The apertures may be generally
rectangular or rhomboid in shape, and are preferably dimensioned to
receive the locking formation.
[0011] The first part of the back frame may include a locking
formation and the second part of the back frame then includes a
plurality of the opposed apertures. Furthermore, the second part of
the back frame may then include a locking formation and the first
part of the back frame may include a further plurality of
apertures.
[0012] In an embodiment, the or each locking formation comprises a
generally L-shaped projection which slidingly engages a peripheral
wall of the respective opposed aperture so as to be releasably
wedged therein. The or each L-shaped projection may be adapted to
slidingly engage the peripheral wall of the respective opposed
aperture by relatively sliding the first and second parts of the
back frame over each other in the second direction.
[0013] Preferably, there are four of the locking formations
arranged in a rectangular array, which is advantageous for rigidity
in the respective assembled configurations.
[0014] The first and second parts may each include a pair of spaced
generally parallel side rails and one or more spaced
cross-structures joining the side rails, wherein each side rail has
therethrough a plurality of the aforesaid apertures arranged in a
linear array along the respective side rail.
[0015] The first and second parts are preferably substantially
symmetrical about a vertical centreline parallel to the side
rails.
[0016] In an embodiment, one of the one or more spaced
cross-structures has, integrally formed therewith at a position
between the side rails, a lumbar support member that projects
without further support from the one cross-structure so as to be
inclined to a plane, optionally curved, containing the side
rails.
[0017] The back frame may further include a releasable latch
arrangement that must be released e.g. by hand, in a first action
to allow disengagement of the first and second parts from
interlocking engagement. The latch arrangement may comprise one or
more further locking formations located on one of the frame parts
which further locking formation is receivable within plural said
apertures of the other part and when therein abuts a peripheral
wall of the respective aperture when the first and second parts are
interengaged thereby preventing relative sliding between the first
and second parts, and thereby interlocking the first and second
parts.
[0018] In an embodiment, the or each further locking formation is
provided on a respective tab configured to be resiliently flexed
e.g. by finger pressure, in said first action.
[0019] There may be a pair of the latch arrangements at respective
sides of the back frame.
[0020] The lumbar support member and the one cross-structure are
dimensioned so that the lumbar support member contacts a lumbar
region of the wearer's back when the back frame is being worn, and
are preferably configured so that the lumbar support member is able
to elastically flex during such contact.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second parts are
curved so as to follow or approximate a typical curvature of a
wearer's back.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the first part and/or the second
part include one or more first attachment points such that the back
frame may be releasably attached to a backpack, rucksack, or the
like. Preferably, the first part and/or the second part further
include one or more second attachment points that are dimensioned
to receive straps, such as hip, waist, or shoulder straps.
[0023] Preferably, the first and second parts are dimensioned such
that the back frame is adjustable to vary its length by up to, 150
mm, for example, up to 120 mm.
[0024] Preferably, the first and second parts are respective
unitary single mouldings.
[0025] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a back
frame comprising:
[0026] a pair of spaced generally parallel side rails that define a
plane, optionally curved, containing the side rails; and
[0027] one or more spaced cross-structures joining the side rails,
wherein said one cross-structure has, integrally formed therewith
at a position between the side rails, a lumbar support member that
projects without further support from the one cross-structure so as
to be inclined to said plane;
[0028] wherein the lumbar support member and the one
cross-structure are dimensioned so that the lumbar support member
contacts a lumbar region of a wearer's back when the back frame is
being worn, and are configured so that the lumbar support member is
able to elastically flex during said contact.
[0029] Preferably, the lumbar support member is generally of
inverted U-shape.
[0030] Preferably, the lumbar support member is upstanding from
said one cross-structure when the backpack is worn in the correct
orientation.
[0031] As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise,
the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as
"comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to
exclude further additives, components, integers or steps.
[0032] Further aspects of the present invention and further
embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs
will become apparent from the following description, given by way
of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a back frame according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 2A is a front view of a first, lower, part of the back
frame of FIG. 1, constituting a base frame;
[0035] FIG. 2B is a front view of second, separate and upper, part
of the back frame of FIG. 1, constituting a top frame;
[0036] FIG. 3A is respectively a front elevation and a partial
cross-sectional view, on the line A-A, of the first and second
separate parts of the back frame of FIG. 1 in a fully disengaged or
unassembled configuration;
[0037] FIG. 3B comprises views similar to those of FIG. 3A but with
the back frame parts in a partially engaged configuration or
partially assembled configuration;
[0038] FIG. 3C compares views similar to those of FIG. 3A but with
the back frame parts in a fully engaged or assembled configuration;
and
[0039] FIG. 4 is a close-up fragmentary perspective view of the
back frame of FIG. 1, which view includes a latch mechanism.
[0040] In the figures, the "front view" illustrates a front side of
the back frame (or a front side of the first and second separate
parts). When in use, the front side faces the wearer's back. When
mentioned herein, a "rear view" is of a rear side of the back frame
(or a rear side of the first and second separate parts). When in
use, the rear side faces a backpack or other item carried by the
back frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a back frame 10 for a
backpack or the like that comprises a first part in the form of a
generally rectangular base frame 12, and a second separate part in
the form of generally rectangular top frame 14. The base frame 12
and the top frame 14 are transversely and longitudinally curved, or
are generally concave, so as to follow or approximate a typical
curvature of a wearer's back. The base frame 12 and the top frame
14 disengagingly interlock at plural relative positions to define
respective assembled configurations of the back frame 10 of two or
more distinct lengths (a first length being illustrated in FIG. 1).
In this manner, as described in further detail below, the back
frame 10 is adjustable for wearers of different heights.
[0042] The base and top frames 12, 14 each include a pair of
respective spaced generally parallel vertical side rails 16, 18
that are joined by respective generally transversely extending
cross-structures 20, 22. As illustrated in the figures, the base
and top frames 12, 14 are each symmetrical about a vertical
centreline extending through each frame. Each of base and top
frames 12, 14 is a unitary single moulding in a suitable high
strength plastic material eg a polycarbonate. The frames are
preferably rigid but may exhibit some flexure under prescribed
loads.
[0043] The base and top frames 12, 14 disengagingly interlock by
means of complementary locking formations and apertures located on
each frame.
[0044] Projecting generally forwardly from the upper ends of side
rails 16 of the base frame 12 are a pair of first formations in the
form of projecting locking formations that comprise generally
inverted L-shaped projections 24 (see FIG. 2A). The projections 24
are generally inverted L-shaped when viewed in cross-section and
are generally rectangular when viewed front-on. In an assembled
configuration of the back frame 10 (see FIG. 1), the first pair of
L-shaped locking projections 24 of the base frame 12 are releasably
received in a respective pair of a plurality of second formations
in the form of generally rectangular or rhomboid-shaped apertures
30 in side rails 18 of the top frame 14. Each side rail 18 has a
linear array of equispaced apertures 30.
[0045] Similarly, projecting generally rearwardly from a lower end
of each side rail 18 of the top frame 14 are a second pair of
locking formations 28 similar in form to projections 24 (see FIG.
2B). In the assembled configuration, the second pair of L-shaped
locking projections 28 of the top frame 14 are releasably received
in a respective pair of a plurality of similar vertically arrayed
generally rectangular or rhomboid-shaped apertures 26 that are
equi-spaced-apart along each side rail 16 of the base frame 12 (see
FIG. 2A). As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first pair of
L-shaped projections 24 project in an opposite direction to the
second pair of L-shaped projections 28, such that the L-shaped
projections 24, 28 releasably wedge within a respective opposite
aperture in an assembled configuration, as is described below.
[0046] Advantageously, when the first and second pairs of L-shaped
locking projections 24, 28 are interengaged with the respective
opposed apertures 30, 26, the base and top frames 12, 14 are firmly
interlocked at all four positions. The base and top frames 12, 14
are particularly rigidly interlocked due to the arrangement of the
four L-shaped locking projections 24, 28 being on opposite side
rails 16, 18 of the base and top frames 12, 14 respectively.
[0047] The interengagement between the base and top frames 12, 14
to form the assembled back frame 10 will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C. FIG. 3A illustrates the base and top
frames 12, 14 overlapping in close proximity but in a fully
disengaged or unassembled configuration. As can be particularly
seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A, the first L-shaped
locking projection 24 of the base frame 12 (shown in hatched lines)
is located adjacent to, but removed from, the opposing aperture 30
of the top frame 14 (shown in cross-hatched lines). Similarly, the
second L-shaped locking projection 28 of the top frame 14 is
located adjacent to, but removed from, the opposing aperture 26 of
the base frame 12. In this position, the top and base frames 12, 14
are fully disengaged or separate, but may be partially engaged by
pushing each frame 12, 14 generally inwardly (or together) as
illustrated by the arrows 102 in FIG. 3A.
[0048] Referring now particularly to the cross-sectional view
illustrated in FIG. 3B, the first L-shaped locking projection 24 of
the base frame 12 is now received within, or located within, the
opposing aperture 30 of the top frame 14. Similarly, the second
L-shaped locking projection 26 of the top frame 14 is now received
within the opposing aperture 28 of the base frame 12. In this
position, the top and base frames 12, 14 are partially engaged or
partially assembled, but may be fully engaged or fully assembled by
sliding each frame 12, 14 in generally opposite directions parallel
to side rails 16, 18 (as indicated by the vertical arrows 104 in
FIG. 3B).
[0049] Referring now particularly to the cross-sectional view
illustrated in FIG. 3C, the first L-shaped locking projection 24 of
the base frame 12 has slidingly engaged orthogonal peripheral walls
30a of the opposed aperture 30 of the top frame 14. Similarly, the
second L-shaped locking projection 28 of the top frame 14 has
slidingly engaged orthogonal peripheral walls 26a of the opposed
aperture 26 of the base frame 12. In this sense, the L-shaped
projections 24, 28 are releasably wedged within the opposed
apertures 30, 26 (or against the peripheral walls 30a, 26a
thereof). The base and top frames 12, 14 are now fully interengaged
such that the back frame 10 is now fully assembled at one of the
plural relative positions.
[0050] The base and top frames 12, 14 are disengagingly interlocked
in this position by a latch arrangement comprising a pair of
similar latches 100 symmetrically arranged at opposite sides of the
assembly when viewed from the rear or front. Each latch 100
comprises an angled elongate planar tab 50 cut from within an
enlarged upper end portion 17 of a respective rail 16 of base frame
12 so that the tab remains attached at its inner vertical edge 51
(FIG. 2A), whereby the tab is hinged at this edge and able to be
resiliently flexed from its rest position flush with end portion
17. The inner end of tab 50 near the hinge edge has an integral
L-shaped internal land or projection 40 that, when the base and top
frames are in their fully interengaged assembled condition as
described above, engages two edges of an aperture 30 of the rail 18
of the top frame 14. By doing this the L-shaped lands or
projections 40 lock the rail pairs, and therefore the frame,
together by preventing inadvertent relative sliding of the rail
pairs that might release the engagements between projections 24, 28
and apertures 26, 30. Such inadvertent disengagement is a risk in
the field, especially with heavily loaded packs in challenging
conditions.
[0051] Lands or projections 40 can be unlatched from aperture 30 by
resiliently pressing the free ends 52 of tabs 50 in the direction
of the arrow "PRESS" in FIG. 4. This is the first step of a three
action movement required to disengage the base and top frame for
adjusting the length of the back frame.
[0052] Thereafter, the base and top frames 12, 14 may be slid
longitudinally and parallel to side rails 16, 18 with respect to
each other back to the partially engaged position illustrated in
FIG. 3B. In this position, the base and top frames 12, 14 can then
be separated by pulling each frame generally away from one another
(or at least one of the frames away from the other)--the base and
top frames 12, 14 have now returned to the fully disengaged
position illustrated in FIG. 3A.
[0053] It will be appreciated that the position of the L-shaped
locking projections 24, 28 within the respective opposed apertures
30, 28 defines the overall length (or height) of back frame 10. For
example, if the L-shaped locking projections 24 of the base frame
12 were located within the lowermost opposed apertures 30 of the
top frame 14, the back frame 10 will be at its maximum length.
However, if the L-shaped locking projections 24 of the base frame
12 were located within the uppermost opposed apertures 30 of the
top frame 14, the back frame 10 will be at its minimum length. The
back frame 10 is designed such that the difference between its
maximum and minimum lengths, ie the range over which the back frame
is adjustable, is 120 mm, represented by five 30 mm increments. In
general, this difference, or adjustment range, may be up to 150 mm.
For the Australian population, the variation in back length 1
percentile female to 99 percentile male is 153 mm: an adjustment
range of 120 mm is thought acceptable to cover this 98% of the
population group.
[0054] Certain other features of the illustrated back frame 10 will
now be described. Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2A, the
base frame 12 includes a generally inverted U-shaped lumbar support
member 60 integrally formed with a lowermost transversely extending
cross-structure 20. The U-shaped lumbar support member 60 projects
without further support from the lowermost cross-structure 20 so as
to be inclined to a plane containing the side rails 16. The
U-shaped lumbar support member 60 and the lowermost cross-structure
20 are dimensioned such that the lumbar support member 60 contacts
a lumbar region of a wearer's back when the back frame 10 is worn
(not shown). Advantageously, the U-shaped lumbar support member 60
exhibits a resilient hinging action such that it is able to
elastically flex during such contact, thereby providing responsive
support to the lumbar region of the wearer's back. The back frame
10 comprises a moulded material, such as a suitable polycarbonate,
that is able to elastically deform.
[0055] The base and top frames 12, 14 further include a plurality
of generally elongate pill-shaped attachment slots 70 disposed on
side and end structures or wings 71 of each frame. As illustrated
in FIG. 2A, the base frame 12 includes symmetrically arranged
elongate attachment slots 70 located about the hips of the wearer
(when the back frame 10 is worn). Similarly, the top frame 14
includes symmetrically arranged attachment slots 70 located about
the upper and side regions of the shoulders of the wearer (when the
back frame is worn). The attachment slots 70 are utilised to
releasably attach the back frame 10 to a suitable backpack,
rucksack, or similar (not shown). The attachment slots 70 are also
utilised to releasably receive one or more straps or belts, such as
hip, waist, or shoulder straps (not shown). The configuration,
shape and number of slots 70 and of side and end structures or
wings 71, may of course vary according to the intended use of the
back frame.
[0056] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and
defined in this specification extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the
invention.
* * * * *