Rucksack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a backpack that has a reinforcement (1) arranged, at least in the central portion (11), in the half-thickness (Ep) which includes the front surface (101). The front surface (101) is positioned opposite the rear surface (100) which is adapted to be positioned on the user's back. The backpack also has a compression system (20) which, at least in the central portion (112), tends to press the rear surface (100) towards the reinforcement (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a backpack adapted in particular but in a non-limiting manner to sporting activities.

[0002] In the prior art, when backpacks have reinforcements, the latter are positioned on the rear surface, or as close to the user's back as possible. However, given that the constituent material of the front panel is substantially inextensible, the backpack is not very flexible along the movements of the back when the user bends forwardly.

[0003] Document U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,348 describes a backpack that reduces sweating on one's back. The backpack has a rigid rear surface that is supported on the user's back only by point elements. Additionally, since the backpack is constituted of a rigid shell, it cannot follow the flexional movements of the user's back.

[0004] The object of the invention is to propose a backpack that enables following the movements of the back when the user bends forward.

[0005] Another object of the invention is to propose a backpack that limits the phenomenon of perspiration on the user's back.

[0006] To achieve these objectives, the backpack has a reinforcement that is arranged, at least in a central portion, in the half-thickness of the backpack, which includes the front surface. The front surface is positioned opposite the surface that is adapted to be positioned on the user's back. The backpack also has a ventilation device capable of ensuring, at least in the central portion, the aeration of the rear surface.

[0007] In a first embodiment, the reinforcement is obtained by linear elements and the ventilation system by a specific shape of the rear surface.

[0008] In a second embodiment, the reinforcement is obtained by a plate and the ventilation system results from a specific compression system of the backpack.

[0009] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will become apparent from the description, with reference to the attached drawings. The description shows, by way of non-limiting examples, certain preferred embodiments:

[0010] FIG. 1 schematically shows a side view of a backpack according to the first embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 schematically shows a side view of a backpack according to the second embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 schematically shows a front view of the backpack shown in FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 4 schematically shows a rear view of the backpack shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic front perspective view of a backpack according to a third embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along VI-VI of the backpack of FIG. 5 in the normal position.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 of the backpack of FIG. 5 in the carrying position.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5 of a backpack according to a fourth embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along IX-IX of FIG. 8.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 5 of a backpack according to a fifth embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 5 of a backpack according to a sixth embodiment.

[0021] FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views according to a seventh embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a schematic rear perspective view showing one example of a dorsal surface of a backpack according to any of the preceding embodiments.

[0023] The backpack shown in FIGS. 1-4 has a front surface 101 and a rear surface 100 which are connected together by lateral surfaces 102, 103. The rear surface 100 is adapted to be in support on the user's back due to shoulder straps 113. The various surfaces 100, 101, 102, 103 are preferably made from a flexible material, particularly of a textile type, except for those surfaces which would be strengthened by reinforcements 1, 2. The reinforcements 1, 2 essentially enable strengthening the vertical hold of the entire backpack, regardless of the contents of the backpack. This vertical hold gives the user a certain carrying comfort as well as a filling ease, particularly through the upper flap 210.

[0024] In FIG. 1, the backpack has a reinforcement 2 that is positioned on the lateral surfaces 102. The reinforcement 2 is arranged substantially symmetrically on each of the lateral surfaces 102, 103. The reinforcement 2 can be advantageously made of a single element with a strong curvature and positioned either on the top or on the bottom of the backpack. Naturally, the reinforcement 2 can be made in two parts arranged on each of the lateral surfaces 102, 103. The reinforcement 2 is made from in a linear element, especially of the tube type, hollow or filled, which can be made in particular but in a non-limiting manner of thermoplastic, of metallic alloy or yet of resin-impregnated fiber.

[0025] The reinforcement 2 is positioned, at least in the central portion 112, in the half-thickness Ep of the backpack which includes the front surface 101. The central portion 112 is here defined as the vertical portion of the backpack which is positioned substantially between the supporting elements 110, 111 which are adapted to be in support on the top and bottom of the user's back, respectively.

[0026] The thickness Ep2 of the backpack is here defined as the distance between the front surface 101 and the rear surface 100. The half-thickness Ep therefore corresponds to half of the distance Ep2 starting, however, on the side of the front surface 101.

[0027] In this way, during a flexion of the backpack that is caused by a forward displacement D of the top of the user's back, the reinforcement 2 which is located at the level of the central portion 112, in the half-thickness, is tensioned. Also, since the rear surface 100, at the level of the central portion 112, is flexible, the rear surface 100 can be deformed compressively. Therefore, this constructive arrangement respects the flexion of the backpack along a displacement D.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the reinforcement 2 is brought as close to the user's back as possible, on both sides of the central portion 112, at the level of the supporting elements 110, 111, in order to stabilize the contents of the backpack, especially at the level of the shoulder straps 113 and of a possible belt.

[0029] The backpack has a ventilation device which is obtained by a specific shape of the rear surface 100. At the level of the central portion 112, the rear surface 100 has a concavity 40 arranged substantially in the longitudinal direction and turned inward of the backpack. Thus, the concavity 40 frees up a volume between the rear surface 100 and the back that is shown here in dotted lines. The backpack can advantageously have a compression system 120 arranged on the front surface 101 and connected to the reinforcements 2 that are arranged on each of the lateral surfaces 102, 103, respectively. This compression system 120 has adjusting means that make it possible to bring the two reinforcements 2 closer together by abridging the distance that separates them at the level of the front surface 101.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the compression system 120 has a distribution plate 121 arranged advantageously on the front surface 101, at the level of the central portion 112, and straps 122, 123 that connect the distribution plate to the reinforcements 2.

[0031] Naturally, the backpack can have, as a replacement of or in addition to the compression system 120, another compression system which makes it possible to compresses the rear surface 100. Such a compression system is described namely in the second embodiment.

[0032] In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the backpack has a reinforcement 1 that is positioned substantially on the front surface 101. The reinforcement 1 extends upwardly and downwardly along at least three arms (11, 12, 13, 14) which are connected to the rear surface 100. In the preferred embodiment that is shown, the an is 11, 13 are connected to the bottom of the rear surface 100, whereas the arms 12, 14 are connected to the top of the rear surface 100, or substantially in the area where the shoulder straps 113 are attached. Thus, the reinforcement 1 least two cutouts 201, 202 positioned substantially on each of the lateral surfaces 102, 103 and located between the arms 11 and 12 and between the arms 13 and 14, respectively.

[0033] On the one hand, the cutouts 201, 202, which are arranged at the level of the central portion 112, form a reinforcement geometry that has a low inertia at the level of the central portion 112 with respect to the flexional displacements D towards the front. On the other hand, the arms 11, 12 and 13, 14, which substantially embrace the lateral surfaces 102, 103, respectively, have their greatest inertia with respect to the flexional displacements D. Thus, the reinforcement 1 therefore has a preferred flexion zone 1a located at the level of the central portion 112 on the front surface 101.

[0034] During flexional displacements D, the reinforcement 1a bends in the direction of displacement D and the rear surface 100 is compressed. The rear surface 100 must include a flexible portion that is located at the level of the cutouts 201, 202, so that the flexion is not hindered. In the preferred embodiment that is shown, the central portion 112, located between the supporting elements 110, 111, is made from a textile and therefore is flexible.

[0035] Additionally, the arms 11, 13 can advantageously extend transversely and rearwardly of the rear surface 100 so as to constitute the carrying belt 114 by partially surrounding the user's branches. Thus, the arms 11, 13 are advantageously positioned in the zone of the rear surface 100, at the level of the supporting element 111 at the lower back.

[0036] The reinforcement 1, shaped like a plate, further constitutes protection of the back against the shocks and impacts F coming from the front of the backpack. As a matter of fact, the plate 1 substantially covers the user's spine and constitutes a first direct barrier against shocks F, somewhat like a hard shell. Also, the content of the backpack, which is generally soft, has the role of absorbing shocks between the reinforcement 1 and the user's back.

[0037] The ventilation means is here obtained by a compression system 20 that is positioned on the rear surface 100 at the level of the central portion 112. The compression system 20, which is connected to the reinforcement 1, extends over the rear surface 100 and tends to bring the rear surface 100 closer to the front surface 101, thus freeing up a ventilation space S between the rear surface 100 and the user's back. The preferred compression system shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 has a distribution plate 21 connected to the reinforcement 1 by adjustable straps 22, 23. The straps 22, 23 are preferably connected to the arms 11 and 12 of the reinforcement 1. Likewise, the straps are doubled in a symmetrical manner, so as to extend from the reinforcement 1 to the reinforcement 1 by partially covering the rear surface I 00 and possibly the lateral surfaces 102, 103. Respecting this constructive arrangement enables one to obtain a symmetrical compression which compresses the rear surface 100 against the reinforcement 1. In order to increase the functioning amplitude of the compression system 20, the backpack can advantageously have at least one bellows 204 arranged substantially transversely relative to the backpack. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the bellows 204 is positioned above the supporting element 110 of the lower back and below the central zone 112.

[0038] This bellows 204 can advantageously be an elastic means 205 connecting the two edges of said bellows and allowing to maintain it substantially closed so as to energize the bellows.

[0039] Also, the rear surface 100 advantageously has an opening 206 arranged particularly at the level of the central zone 112, and positioned under the compression system 20. This opening 206 can advantageously have a zip fastener and can advantageously define a shape that makes a flap 207 facilitating access to the inside of the backpack.

[0040] The reinforcement 1 can be made particularly but in a non-limiting manner of foam about 5-15 millimeters thick that is possibly heat-formed. The reinforcement 1 can also be obtained as a plate about 1-5 millimeters thick, made from a thermoplastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or ABS, or even of resin-impregnated fibers depending upon whether one wishes to emphasize the function of protecting against shocks or lightness.

[0041] Naturally, the reinforcement 1 can be made of foam as described previously and can be reinforced by a plate or a bar made from a plastic or a metal alloy and arranged particularly at the level of the central portion 112.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the reinforcement 1 can also be completed by an expansion control member 30 which is substantially inextensible and which connects two portions of the reinforcement 1, such as the arms 11, 12. This expansion control member 30 prevents rearward flexions of the backpack and, when it is adjustable, it constitutes a means for adjusting the height of the back of the backpack by bringing the arms 12, 14 closer to the arms 11, 13, thus imparting a greater curvature on the reinforcement 1. This expansion control member 30 also enables the reinforcement 1 to better resist the shocks F that are perpendicular to the backpack and which could be exerted onto the front surface 101 from the outside. As a matter of fact, the control member 30 prevents deformations of the reinforcement 1 in the central portion 112 that are too substantial and which would have a tendency to distance the supporting elements 110, 111 and put the central portion 112 of the rear surface 106 in contact with the user's back.

[0043] In both embodiments, the reinforcement 1, 2 can advantageously be integrated into the backpack by being positioned in a tunnel preferably made out of a textile. Said tunnel could be assembled by stitching on the surfaces of the backpack either on the inside or on the outside of the backpack. The surfaces of the backpack can advantageously constitute one of the walls of said tunnel. Respecting this constructive arrangement enables a better affixation of the reinforcement 1, 2 to the backpack and thus better control of the vertical stability, forward flexion of the backpack as well as resistance to and absorption of the shocks from the impacts F.

[0044] The second embodiment can be described as an alternative embodiment not shown, in which the arms 12 and 14 form a single upper arm connected to the rear surface 100, substantially at the level of the upper zone for fastening the shoulder straps 113 to the backpack. Since the arms 11 and 12 do not change, the reinforcement 1 extends upwardly and downwardly along three arms that are connected to the rear surface 100 of the backpack.

[0045] FIGS. 5-11 show embodiments of the backpack in which similar or identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0046] The reinforcement 1 of the backpack shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 is substantially similar to the one shown in FIGS. 2-4 and therefore has four arms 11, 12, 13, 14 in an “X”-like formation and connecting to one another in a central portion 112.

[0047] In fact, in FIG. 5, the reinforcement 1 is visible only through the torn out view of the central portion of the backpack and its path is materialized by the limits of the housings 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 115a, respectively, inside of which it is housed.

[0048] The difference with respect to the example of embodiment of FIGS. 2-4 lies in the construction of the central portion 112 of the reinforcement 1, a construction which is adapted to allow the folding of said reinforcement in order to reduce the volume of the backpack so as to make it easier to carry.

[0049] In this case, the central portion 112 of the reinforcement is constituted of three portions, namely two portions formed by the common extensions of the arms 11, 12, 13, 14, respectively, and a central portion 115.

[0050] In other words, the reinforcement is constituted of three portions, one central portion 115 and two C-shaped lateral portions that group two arms, 11, 12 and 13, 14, respectively, of the “X”.

[0051] As shown more particularly in FIGS. 6 and 7, which are transverse cross-sectional views of the backpack in the lower portion thereof, each of the lateral housings 11a, 13a defined on the outer envelope of the backpack is connected to the rear surface 100 of the backpack, on the one hand, and to the central portion 115a, adapted to receive the central reinforcement portion 115, on the other hand.

[0052] Furthermore, the sum of the developed lengths of the reinforcement portions 11, 13, 115 or 12, 14, 115 is greater than the length of the rear surface 100 of the backpack.

[0053] The reinforcement portions 11, 12, 13, 14 can be left permanently in their housings 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a whereas the central portion 115 is removably mounted in its pocket 115a.

[0054] Thus, when the central portion 115 is removed, the backpack can be flattened as shown in FIG. 7, with the housings 11a, 13a, 12a, 14a being somewhat folded over the rear surface 100 of the backpack.

[0055] In the case of FIGS. 5-7, each reinforcement portion 11, 12, 13, 14, 115 in itself has a length that corresponds to that of the associated housing 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, respectively; nevertheless, the sum of the lengths developed by the reinforcements 11, 13, 115 is greater than the length of the rear surface 100 of the backpack.

[0056] The result is that the positioning of the central reinforcement portion 115 in its housing 115a causes a buttressing of the reinforcement portions 11, 13, 12, 14, respectively, and an arching of the whole reinforcement which thus forms an arch V along a transverse plane of the backpack.

[0057] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5-9, the central portion 115 could advantageously overlap a small portion of the lateral portions of the reinforcement. This constructive arrangement ensures a continuity in curvature between the central portion 115 and the lateral portions of the reinforcement.

[0058] As in the example of embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, compression straps 120 are inserted between the rear surface 100 of the backpack and the reinforcement 1, thus making it possible to bring said rear surface 100 closer to the front surface 101 of the backpack, arched by the reinforcement 1, and therefore ensuring ventilation of the rear of the backpack by distancing the rear surface 101 from the user's back.

[0059] Furthermore, the buttressing of the reinforcement portions enables obtaining a substantially non-deformable and continuous reinforcement in a transverse plane of the backpack.

[0060] Naturally, transverse here means with respect to a longitudinal axis L of the backpack.

[0061] FIGS. 8 and 9 show an embodiment that is very similar to that of FIGS. 5-7, the only difference being in the position of the housing 115a which here is on the inside of the housings 11a, 13a, 14a, 15a of the backpack.

[0062] The functioning is obviously the same.

[0063] The advantage of this embodiment is that the ends of the housings, containing each of the lateral reinforcement portions 1, 12 and 13, 14, respectively, are connected by straps 150 provided with fastening loops 151 that can be used to house and maintain an object between said straps 150 and the outside wall of the housing 115a which in this case is the outer envelope of the backpack.

[0064] Naturally, in this case, access to the housing 115a occurs through the inside of the backpack.

[0065] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment in which the reinforcement 1 extends only into the lower portion of the backpack.

[0066] In this case, the reinforcement 1 constitutes moreso half of an “X” or an inverted “C” comprising only two arms 11 and 13 that are connected into one single piece.

[0067] As mentioned previously, the developed length of the reinforcement 11, 13 is greater than the length of the rear surface of the backpack.

[0068] In this embodiment, the reinforcement is of a single piece and said reinforcement is permanently fixed to the backpack at the level of its central portion 115, which is maintained in place in its central housing 115a. The ends 11 and 13 of the reinforcement remain free for carrying the backpack.

[0069] In order to shape the backpack, each of the ends of the arms 11, 13 need only to be introduced into the associated housing 11a, 13a, respectively, to cause the buttressing and the arching of the reinforcement, which then extends in the form of an arch along a transverse plane of the backpack.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment in which the reinforcement 1 is constituted by a simple tube, made flat and shaped along an &agr;-shaped path, for example, as shown in said Figure.

[0071] In this case, sheaths 115a are provided at different areas of the backpack to define the path of the tube 1, and two end housings 13a, 11a are provided to receive the ends of the tube and to bend it in a transverse plane of the backpack. Thus, going from the carrying mode to the normal mode is achieved by nesting the ends of the tube 1 in their end housings 13a, 11a.

[0072] Naturally, depending on the objects sought, other paths can be provided for the tube reinforcement 1, the main point being that the reinforcement is ultimately bent in a transverse plane of the backpack.

[0073] FIGS. 13 and 14 show a cross-section of a backpack according to an alternative of the fourth embodiment. The central portion 115 of the reinforcement is pivotally mounted with respect to the inner surface of one of the lateral reinforcements 13. This pivoting can be achieved especially at the level of a stitching 301 for binding the housing 115a onto the housing 13a.

[0074] Thus, in the carrying mode, which is shown in FIG. 13, the central reinforcement 115 can be folded along the length of the lateral reinforcement 13.

[0075] In the normal mode of use, which is shown in FIG. 14, the central reinforcement 115 is maintained in place, in the manner of a keystone, in the arch V between the two lateral reinforcements 11, 13 by means of a buckle 302 which on one side is attached to the inner surface of the central reinforcement 115, and on the other side to the inner surface of the lateral reinforcement 11.

[0076] In the normal mode of use, said buckle 302 is fastened, contrary to the carrying mode.

[0077] FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of an opening 206 of the backpack in the rear surface 100 thereof.

[0078] In this case, the opening 206 is constituted of two zippers 206a arranged substantially parallel and/or similarly along the longitudinal axis of the backpack.

[0079] As in the case of FIG. 4, this opening 206 is positioned under the compression system 120.

[0080] Naturally, other compression systems can be envisioned, as well as at least one lateral wall 200 of the backpack which can be made of a stretchable material.

[0081] This constructive arrangement which can be substituted for or added to the compression straps has the advantage of automatically compressing the content of the backpack.

[0082] Test experiments have shown that the reinforcements of the present invention can be made of a wide variety of materials, depending on whether one desires a rigid reinforcement enabling in particular a relative protection of the user's back or yet a flexible reinforcement for greater comfort.

[0083] The reinforcements could be made of PE, PU or EVA foam, of a plastic plate or of a composite plate such as glass or carbon fiber. Of course, the different portions of the reinforcement, such as the central portion and the lateral portions, can be made of different materials.

[0084] Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described hereinabove which are given only for guidance, but encompasses all similar or equivalent embodiments.

Claims

1. Backpack having:

a rear surface (100) adapted to be positioned on the user's back

a front surface (101) positioned opposite the rear surface (100) characterized in that it has a reinforcement (2) which is arranged, at least in a central portion (112) in the half-thickness (Ep) of the backpack which includes the front surface (101), and in that it has a compression system (20) that, at least in the central portion (112), tends to press the rear surface (100) towards the reinforcement (1).

2. Backpack according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcement (1) is positioned substantially on the front surface (101), and in that the reinforcement (1) extends upwardly and downwardly along at least three arms (11, 12, 13, 14) which are connected to the rear surface (100).

3. Backpack according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcement (2) is made of a linear element.

4. Backpack according to claim 3, characterized in that it has a compression system (120) arranged between the front surface 101 and the reinforcement 2.

5. Backpack having,

a rear surface (100) adapted to be positioned on the user's back,

a front surface (101) positioned opposite the rear surface (100), characterized in that it has a reinforcement (1) extending into an arch along a transverse plane of the backpack, at least on the front surface of the backpack.

6. Backpack according to claim 5 characterized in that the reinforcement extends from the rear surface substantially over all of the transverse periphery of the backpack.

7. Backpack according to claims 5 or 6 characterized in that it has a compression system between the rear surface of the backpack and the reinforcement.

8. Backpack according to claims 5 or 6 characterized in that the reinforcement can be folded for carrying.

9. Backpack according to claims 5-8, characterized in that the reinforcement extends only over the lower half of the backpack.

10. Backpack according to claims 1-9, characterized in that it comprises an opening in the rear surface of the backpack.