AIR FRAMES FOR OUTDOOR GOODS
A backpack (160) with an air frame (162). The backpack includes a storage compartment, an air frame (162), and at least one strap (168) for securing the bag to a person. The air frame (162) includes an air bladder, which stiffens as it is inflated. The air frame (162) may include portions that are individually inflatable, and a pump (26) may be included for inflating the air frame (162). The backpack (160) may include inflatable portions (22) designed to provide support to specific portions of a user's body.
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This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent Application Ser. No. 60/774,398, filed Apr. 6, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe use of outdoor goods often augments popular recreational activities, such as camping, hiking, fishing, backpacking, sporting events, and other activities. For example, a person may carry important items in a backpack, and use a tent and sleeping back while camping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description of some embodiments that are presented later.
In accordance with an embodiment, a backpack is provided. The backpack includes at least one air bladder, the inflation of which forms a frame for the backpack. The backpack may include other items, such as a pump or valve for inflating the air bladder.
In accordance with another embodiment, a shelter is provided. The shelter includes an air frame, which may be inflated until rigid or semi-rigid so as to give structural support to the shelter.
In accordance with another embodiment, a shelter that may be attached to an automobile or motorhome is provided. The shelter includes an inflatable frame which may take the place of or supplement a frame made of rigid or semi-rigid frame members. The inflation of the frame until rigid or semi-rigid may provide structural support to the shelter.
In accordance with another embodiment, a tent is provided. The tent may include an inflatable frame which may take the place of or supplement a frame made of rigid or semi-rigid frame members. The inflation of the frame until rigid or semi-rigid may provide structural support for the tent.
In accordance with another embodiment, a shelter that may be attached to a boat is provided. The shelter includes an inflatable frame which may take the place of or supplement a frame made of rigid or semi-rigid frame members. The inflation of the frame until rigid or semi-rigid may provide structural support to the shelter.
In accordance with another embodiment, a love seat is provided. The love seat includes a lower seating surface and a seat back, each of which includes an inflatable bladder. The bladders of the seating surface and the seat back may be fluidly connected. The love seat may also include an inflatable lumbar bladder configured to provide lumbar support. The lumbar bladder may or may not be in fluid communication with other bladders of the love seat.
In accordance with an embodiment, an airbed is provided. The airbed includes an air bladder, which may be made of lightweight material, and a puncture resistant cover for the air bladder.
In accordance with an embodiment, an airbed is provided. The airbed includes a cover that may include a plurality of chambers, each for receiving an air bladder. If one of the air bladders breaks, that bladder may be replaced individually.
In accordance with an embodiment, a sleeping bag is provided. The sleeping bag has an airbed received in a bottom sleeve of the sleeping bag. The airbed for the sleeping bag may have a built-in pump for inflating the airbed. The airbed may be sewn into place in the sleeping bag, or may be mounted into a sleeve of the sleeping bag so that the airbed may be removed or replaced.
Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described. In addition, to the extent that orientations of the embodiments are described, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “right,” and the like, the orientations are to aid the reader in understanding the embodiment being described, and are not meant to be limiting.
BackpacksIn accordance with an embodiment, an airframe is provided for a backpack. As is known, there are basically two types of backpacks: those that have external frames, and those that have internal frames. External frame packs are easily recognizable by a rigid metal or plastic frame on the outside of the pack. The shoulder and hip straps usually attach directly to this frame. The main compartment of the pack is also attached to the frame.
Internal frame packs have a stiff, load-bearing frame incorporated into, and integral to, the main body of the backpack, with a harness/suspension system attached to this integral pack body/frame. The stiff and/or rigid, load-bearing elements of the frame are commonly comprised of, singly or in combination thereof, metal/polymeric/composite sheets, metal/polymeric/composite bars (commonly called stays), and metal/polymeric/composite rods/tubes. The backpack load carrying compartment can be of numerous designs with features specific to the intended end use.
In accordance with an embodiment, an air frame is utilized for the frame of a backpack. By “air frame,” we mean an air bladder configured to receive pressurized air. When turgid, the air frame serves as a structure for a device (in this embodiment, a backpack).
For an internal frame pack, the air frame replaces conventional metal/polymeric/composite components. Such an air frame may be used singly, or in combination thereof, with conventional metal/polymeric/composite components depending upon the requirements of the intended end use of the backpack.
The air chambers 22, 24 may be in fluid communication with each other, so that they are inflated via the same pump (or valve), or may be separate so that they may be inflated to different pressures. If separate, the two chambers may each have a pump or a valve.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the air chambers 22, 24 may be air chambers without a valve or other opening. Such fixed air chambers may be pressurized during manufacturing and maintain the pressure for the life of the product. Thus, a pump or a valve is not needed. However, by providing a pump such as the pump 26, the amount of lumbar support provided by the air chambers 22, 24 is adjustable.
The air chambers 22, 24 and other air frames described herein may be formed of a suitable air-tight material, such as a polyvinylchloride, or any other suitable material. In an embodiment, the air chamber is a strong, durable, lightweight material such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polyolefin, polyester films (e.g., MYLAR), polytetraflouroethylene, or a lightweight multi-laminate structure. Other examples of suitable materials and suitable pressures for inflating the air frames described herein can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,487, U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,617, and U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 60/130,549. The air frame can be used alone or as a bladder surrounded by a protective sleeve.
For the embodiment shown in
As with the embodiment shown in
In addition, each of the air frames 32, 50, 62, and the inflatable stays 40, 42 may be provided as fixed, pre-pressurized, turgid air chambers, or may be provided with a pump or valve, permitting a user to adjust the pressure as desired. As such, a user can change structural support according to load, terrain, and/or activity level. The air frames may be made flexible by slightly reducing air pressure. A flexible air frame enables a user to engage in high-output activities (ski touring, alpine climbing, adventure racing) without restricting the body's movements. In addition, allowing the air frames or stays to be inflatable permits the air chambers for such components to be deflated for efficient storage.
In accordance with an embodiment, the air frame 70 includes ribs 72 which align with and support individual vertebrae along the thoracic and lumbar regions of a user. As such, the air frame 70 provides ergonomic support for the spine of a user while the user is wearing a backpack having such an air frame 70. The ribs 72 may inflate, or may be flexible protrusions (for example, made from rubber) on the exterior of the air frame 70.
In the embodiment shown in
Similar to the air frame 80, the air frame 90 shown in
In accordance with an embodiment, an air frame may be provided with a number of smaller, individual chambers. Such an air chamber may be shaped like any of the previously-described air frames, or may be designed as desired to give a particular effect.
If individual chambers are used, the separate chambers may be utilized to adjust an air frame to the contours of the body of a user, and/or to adjust the frame to handle compression at particular parts of the air frame. The individual chambers may be of fixed pressure or may have pressure that is adjustable by a user (e.g., via a pump).
Individual chambers may also be arranged to distribute weight of a backpack, or conform to the myriad of body shapes with minimal compression. For example, air chambers may be used in a waist belt to evenly distribute weight around the hips. Such pads will automatically conform to a user's shape because of the flexible nature of air chambers. In contrast, foam waist belts require tight cinching to compress the foams to the body's shape.
As shown in
The air frames for the backpacks described above provide a number of benefits. First, the air frames are lighter than conventional stays, and thus reduce the overall weight of the backpack. Second, the amount of air put into an air frame may be adjustable, permitting a user to adjust the stiffness of the backpack as desired. In addition, as described above, use of an air frame permits a load to be evenly distributed or managed by a user. The air frame may also be utilized for air circulation management by strategically placing air chambers so as to enhance airflow between the chambers to increase a user's comfort.
In addition, the air frame may be properly adjusted for load support. The air frame also provides cushioning and shock absorption and vibration dampening. Air chambers of an appropriate thickness can provide convection currents or insulation, thus providing temperature management.
An air frame may be used to align the spine in an ergonomic manner. An air frame may include chambers that permit a waist belt or shoulder belt to be inflatable to help fit the contours of a user's body, to distribute load, and to cushion the body of a user.
An air frame may also be used to increase the waterproof features of a backpack. Air chambers are inherently non-absorptive, enhancing wet-serviceability because of reduced water absorption from sweat, rain or snow. An air frame of an appropriate size could aid in floating of a backpack.
In accordance with another embodiment, inflatable air chamber(s) may be incorporated inside of a compartment of a backpack to replace or minimize the use of the current compression straps. Compression straps are a feature of an internal frame backpack and allow a user to compress the backpack around loaded equipment to provide a tight and stable load. When there is not enough equipment in the backpack to fill it to maximum capacity, the compression straps close up that extra space, preventing undesirable load sway, or pack float. To replace such straps, adjustable chambers may be provided on the inside of a pack to permit a user to inflate the chambers as needed to fill a volume of a compartment of a backpack. Air chambers easily conform and fill the voids of a backpack's internal contents, thereby reducing shifting of the contents and making the load easier and more efficient to carry.
Inflatable air chamber(s) may also be incorporated inside of a compartment of a backpack or another case to replace the use of foams to protect the contents. For example, air chambers may be used to protect the contents of camera bags, digital music player cases, sunglasses cases, GPS cases, and other devices.
Chambers in such cases or backpacks may be fixed pressure (OEM) or adjustable by a user (e.g., via a pump). Air chambers easily conform or fill the voids of the inside of a case or backpack, thereby effectively securing the items and reducing the likelihood of damage. Air chambers also protect contents from external shock and compression. Air chambers are inherently waterproof, enhancing wet environment protection for a case's contents. In addition, air chambers are inherently non-absorptive, enhancing wet-serviceability (e.g., reducing wet absorption from sweat, rain, and/or snow). Air chambers are also inherently insulative, thereby protecting the pack/case's contents from temperature extremes.
SheltersAnother area in which air frames may be used is in shelters. An example of a shelter 180 is shown in
An alternate embodiment of a shelter 190 is shown in
If desired, the air frames used in the shelters may be replaceable bladders and may be received in the sleeve of a fabric, for example. As an example, for the shelter 220 in
The air frames for the shelters may be inflated manually or by use of a pump, such as an electric pump. If desired, a pressure sensor may be provided that senses a drop in pressure in the air frame and automatically starts a pump to inflate more air into the air frame.
TentsAir frames may similarly be used to support a tent. For example, as shown in
An additional tent is shown in
In accordance with an embodiment, a door or window for a tent or a shelter may include an outer air frame for supporting a structure of the door or window. In this manner, the door or window may hinge outward from a tent so as to provide an opening similar to the opening for a home.
Air frames may be used in a similar manner to provide a tarp structure that can attach to the rear of a truck or a car. For example, as shown in
Another shelter 260 is shown in
The shelter 280 in
The shelter 290 in
As can be understood, the air frames of the present invention may be utilized to form a variety of different shelters or tents. In addition, the air frames may be positioned in a variety of different configurations, including honeycomb configurations, cross braces, free standing structures, or any other configuration. Air frames may be configured to replace the conventional poles that are used on shelters, tents, or canopies. The air frames are lighter than metal/polymeric/ceramic poles and are faster to erect. Examples of suitable materials and suitable pressures for inflating the air frames described herein can be found above and in U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,487, U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,617, and U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 60/130,549.
FurnitureThe air frame technology described herein may be utilized to produce airbeds. Although conventional airbeds utilize air bladders, the bulk of those airbeds are made of a thick material that is puncture resistant and that can resist leaking. Such material works well for its intended use, but can be bulky and heavy when the airbed is deflated. In accordance with an embodiment, a much lighter weight air bladder is used in an airbed. Such a light-weight air bladder may be formed, for example, of a polyurethane material or another suitable lightweight material, such as the lightweight materials set forth above.
To protect such an air bladder, in accordance with an embodiment shown in
By forming the airbed bladder 310 as described above, the air bladder may be a replaceable component. Thus, the air bladder 310 would be a light-weight, replaceable component and when punctured may be replaced by another air bladder that would fit into the cover 312. To maintain the shape of the air bladder 310, coils 314 may be provided that extend between the top and bottom surfaces of the air bladder 310. However, if the air bladder is made of a very thin material, such coils 314 may be difficult to weld to the air bladder. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment shown in
Utilizing the structure shown in
Other configurations of covers using air frames may be used for boats. For example, a cover 350 shown in
Details of another cover 351 are shown in
Another cover 361 is shown in detail in
Yet another embodiment of a cover 370 is shown in
An advantage of the inflatable air frames for boat covers is that the boat covers, once deflated, are very compact and can be stored in a convenient location on the boat. In addition, a cover may be configured so that it may fit onto a number of different boats. In addition, the boat covers are quickly installed after inflated so that a user may erect or store the cover in a short period of time. Thus, a user will not be hesitant to install a cover when weather is questionable, or to take the cover down once it is no longer needed.
Sleeping BagsIn any of the embodiments, a suitable pressure for inflating the air frames, such as the air frames described above, includes a range from four to eight pounds per square inch (P.S.I.). If more rigidity is desired, a higher pressure may be used. For example, a suitable pressure for the air frames used with backpacks includes a range up to fifteen P.S.I. Pressures less than four P.S.I. and pressures more than fifteen P.S.I. may also be used.
Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Claims
1. A backpack comprising:
- a storage compartment having a back portion;
- an air frame in or on the back portion; and
- at least one strap for securing the backpack to the body of a person.
2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the back portion has a lumbar region, and the air frame is located at the lumbar region; and
- further comprising a second air frame located on the back portion above the lumbar region.
3. The backpack of claim 2, further comprising a valve connected to the air frame, the valve configured to receive air into the air frame.
4. The backpack of claim 2, further comprising a built-in pump installed on the backpack and for inflating the air frame, the pump being fluidly connected to the air frame.
5. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the air frame and the second air frame are fluidly separate from one another.
6. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the air frame and second air frame are fluidly connected to one another.
7. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the air frame comprises:
- an outer ring; and
- at least one rib extending across the outer ring.
8. The backpack of claim 7, wherein the back portion has a lumbar region, and wherein said at least one rib extends horizontally across the lumbar region.
9. The backpack of claim 7, wherein said at least one rib extending across the outer ring extends vertically across the outer ring.
10. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the air frame includes at least one inflatable stay.
11. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the air frame includes two inflatable stays extending along sides of the back portion.
12. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the air frame includes an opening extending vertically throughout a portion of the air frame.
13. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the opening extends along a spine region of the backpack.
14. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the air frame is shaped such that, when the air frame is inflated, the back portion comprises a curved surface matching the thoracic region of a person's spine.
15. The backpack of claim 9, wherein the air frame includes a plurality of horizontal ribs aligning with vertebrae of the thoracic and lumbar regions of the person's back.
16. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the air frame is shaped such that, when the air frame is inflated, the back portion comprises a curved surface matching the thoracic and lumbar regions of the person's spine.
17. The backpack of claim 16, wherein the air frame includes a plurality of diagonal ribs extending from a spinal region of the back portion outward toward sides of the back portion.
18. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a built-in pump installed on the backpack and for inflating the air frame, the pump being fluidly connected to the air frame.
19. The backpack of claim 18, wherein a control for the pump is located on the strap.
20. The backpack of claim 18, wherein the pump extends from a bottom portion of the backpack.
21. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising:
- a first pump installed on the backpack and for inflating the air frame;
- a second pump;
- wherein the air frame comprises: a lumbar region fluidly connected to the first pump; and a second region fluidly separated from the lumbar region and fluidly connected to the second pump.
22. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the air frame is hermetically sealed.
23. The backpack of claim 22, wherein the air frame comprises:
- a plurality of ribs that, when the air frame is against a person's back, align with vertebrae of the thoracic and lumbar regions of the person's back; and
- a lumbar support that, when the air frame is against a person's back, aligns with the lumbar portion of the person's spine.
24. The backpack of claim 1, the air frame further comprising:
- a plurality of individual chambers.
25. The backpack of claim 24, wherein the individual chambers are fluidly separated.
26. The backpack of claim 24, wherein each of the individual air chambers is inflatably adjustable.
27. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising:
- a belt configured to wrap around a person's hips wherein the belt includes an air chamber, the air chamber extending along at least a portion of the belt.
28. The backpack of claim 1, the air frame comprising:
- a plurality of inflatable segments;
- a plurality of non-inflatable segments; and
- wherein there is at least one non-inflatable segment between a pair of inflatable segments.
29. The backpack of claim 28, wherein non-inflatable segments and inflatable segments are alternated so as to form a sequence of at least three pairs, each pair having an inflatable segment and a non-inflatable segment.
30. The backpack of claim 28, wherein the inflatable segments are collectively inflatable.
31. The backpack of claim 28, wherein the inflatable segments are individually inflatable.
32. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising:
- a belt configured to wrap around a person's hips;
- the air frame comprising a plurality of inflatably adjustable air chambers; and
- the belt comprising a plurality of inflatably adjustable air chambers.
33. The backpack of claim 32, the strap comprising a plurality of inflatably adjustable air chambers.
34. A shelter, comprising:
- a plurality of rigid legs; and
- an inflatable top including, for each of the rigid legs, a sleeve for receiving the leg.
35. The shelter of claim 34, the inflatable top comprising a plurality of ribs extending parallel to one another.
36. A shelter, comprising:
- an air frame; and
- a covering supported by the air frame.
37. The shelter of claim 30, wherein the air frame includes two braces intersecting at a crossing at or near the top of the air frame.
38. The shelter of claim 31, wherein a portion of the covering extends under the crossing.
39. The shelter of claim 30, wherein the air frame comprises a plurality of legs.
40. The shelter of claim 30, wherein the shelter includes a plurality of sides, wherein the air frame comprises a plurality of arches configured along the sides, and wherein arches on consecutive sides are connected at their bottom portions.
41. The shelter of claim 30, wherein the air frame includes a plurality of air channels forming a crossed pattern for supporting the covering.
42. The shelter of claim 35, wherein the covering includes a door.
43. The shelter of claim 30, wherein the air frame comprises:
- a plurality of arches;
- a central rib; and
- wherein the central rib connects the arches together at or near the top of the arches.
44. The shelter of claim 30, wherein the covering includes an openable structure hingedly attached to the shelter, the openable structure having a shape, and the openable structure comprising an openable structure air frame for maintaining the shape.
45. The shelter of claim 30, the air frame including a pair of arches, each arch extending along opposing sides of the shelter from a low point to a high point, wherein the high points of the arches are located on or near the same side of the shelter.
46. The shelter of claim 30, wherein the shelter includes two opposing sides, and wherein the air frame includes an L-shaped portion extending along each side.
47. The shelter of claim 40, wherein the air frame includes a cross bar extending between the L-shaped portions.
48. A love seat, comprising:
- a seating surface having a first air bladder;
- a seat back connected edgewise to the seating surface and having a second air bladder; and
- the first bladder being in fluid communication with the second bladder.
49. An airbed, comprising:
- a puncture resistant cover having at least one chamber; and
- at least one air bladder removably located inside each chamber.
50. The airbed of claim 49, wherein the puncture resistant cover comprises a plurality of said chambers.
51. The airbed of claim 44, wherein an air bladder is located inside each chamber.
52. A sleeping bag, comprising:
- a bag comprising fabric; and
- an airbed attached to a portion of the bag.
53. The sleeping bag of claim 45, wherein the airbed is removably attached to the bag by at least one of the set of hooks, snaps, hook and loop closures, or clasps.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 6, 2007
Publication Date: Oct 8, 2009
Applicant: THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC. (Wichita, KS)
Inventors: Michael Wayne Peterson (Park City, KS), David L. Berdan (Andover, KS), Trevor J. Hinz (Wichita, KS), John P. Barnett (Derby, KS), Jason T. McClintock (Wichita, KS), Susan L. Michaelis (Wichita, KS), Mitchell L. Wilgus (Andover, KS), Derrick D. Lenz (Wichita, KS), Duane D. Marshall (Wichita, KS), Gail R. Matheus (Towanda, KS), Jake L. Hillard (Wichita, KS), Daniel D. DeBrunner (Wichita, KS), Mark A. Hrubant (Wichita, KS), Tracy A. Beehn (Rudolph, OH), Timothy E. Daniel (Wichita, KS)
Application Number: 12/296,265
International Classification: E04H 15/20 (20060101); A45F 3/08 (20060101); A47C 7/02 (20060101); A47C 27/08 (20060101); A47G 9/08 (20060101); E04H 15/36 (20060101); E04B 1/34 (20060101);