Fastening element for carrying bag

Abstract

A flexible fastening element fixed to a carrying bag, such as a backpack, and which includes a hooking zone to which an attached element can be fixed by a hooking means such as a snap hook. The invention is characterized in that the hooking zone is filiform and has a preferably circular cross-section.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is based upon French Patent Application No. 00 12623, filed Sep. 27, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a fastening element for a carrying bag, adapted in particular, but in a non-limiting manner, to backpacks having one or two shoulder straps, as well as to shoulder bags.

[0004] 2.Description of Background and Relevant Information

[0005] In the prior art, there are numerous rigid loops made of plastic in particular, which are fixed to carrying bags. These loops are generally ring-shaped, and therefore small in size so as to optimize the compromise between the weight and strength of the piece. Thus, when one wishes to fasten an attached element to the loop, by a hooking means, the operation is impractical due to the small size of the loop to which the hooking means must be secured.

[0006] As shown in FIG. 1, there are also strap bridges 200 made of textile materials. This is a lengthy strap sewn to the carrying bag S at intervals to form loops 201 to which hooking means, such snap hooks, can be attached. The loops 201 are separated by seams 202. The strap bridges 200 are used in particular on the front surface E1 of the backpacks which is opposite the carrying system. However, the strap, which forms the loops, intrinsically has a certain width that hinders an easy positioning of the hooking means in the loop 201. Indeed, the commonly used hooking means are quick-connection hooking means and, therefore, are generally snap hooks. These snap hooks, used more particularly for sporting activities such as climbing or sailing, e.g., are designed to be easily secured on a rope, and not on a strap. Moreover, FIG. 1 also shows a ski-holder 203 which is constituted of a loop, made of a textile strap, in which a pair of skis can be inserted. However, because the strap is fixed to the front surface E1 by seams, the loop 203 has a preferred opening in the transverse direction with respect to the carrying bag S. However, since the pair of skis is inserted along the longitudinal axis of the carrying bag S, the intrinsic width of the strap renders the handling impractical. The loop 203 can also be used to secure an ice-axe to the bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One of the objets of the invention is to propose a fastening element adapted to be fixed to a carrying bag, which offers ease of hooking and unhooking for a quick hooking means, regardless of the angle from which the quick hooking means is presented, but also for an accessory such as a pair of skis.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to propose a fastening element offering several possibilities for a hooking position.

[0009] To achieve these objects, the fastening element, which is flexible, includes a filiform hooking zone. This hooking zone, whose cross-section is substantially circular, preferably includes a protective sheath which protects the fastening element from the hooking element or from the accessory to be gripped.

[0010] In a first embodiment, the hooking zone includes a wire cable.

[0011] In a second embodiment, the hooking zone includes a small rope.

[0012] In a third embodiment, the hooking zone includes a strap which is wound within the protective sheath.

[0013] All of the embodiments are implemented according to different geometries. In the basic geometry, the fastening element forms a loop. In an alternative geometry, the fastening element forms a succession of open loops connected to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will become apparent from the description that follows, the description including non-limiting examples of preferred embodiments, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 schematically shows a front perspective of the front surface of a backpack equipped with fastening elements according to the prior art.

[0016] FIG. 2 schematically shows a front perspective of a backpack equipped, in various areas, with fastening elements implemented according to the different geometries.

[0017] FIG. 3 schematically shows a side view of a detail of the carrying bag equipped with the fastening element according to the first embodiment and the basic geometry. The upper portion of the fastening element as well as the carrying bag are shown along a cross-section in the longitudinal axis of the fastening element.

[0018] FIG. 4 schematically shows a side view of a detail of the carrying bag equipped with the fastening element according to the first embodiment and the second geometry. The carrying bag is sectioned along a cross-section in the longitudinal axis of the fastening element.

[0019] FIG. 4a schematically shows a detail of FIG. 4 along a longitudinal cross-section.

[0020] FIG. 4b schematically shows a transverse cross-section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 along a cross-sectional plane AA′ referenced in FIG. 4a.

[0021] FIG. 5 schematically shows a perspective view of the end of the fastening element according to the first embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 6 schematically shows a perspective view of the fastening element according to the second embodiment and according to the second geometry.

[0023] FIG. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of the fastening element according to the third embodiment and according to the second geometry.

[0024] FIG. 8 schematically shows a side view of a detail of the carrying bag equipped with the fastening element according to an alternative of the first embodiment and according to the second geometry. The carrying bag is sectioned along a cross-section in the longitudinal axis of the fastening element.

[0025] FIG. 9 schematically shows another embodiment for fixing the fastening element shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a carrying bag S equipped with fastening elements 1a-1j arranged in various locations on the backpack S. With respect to the first geometric configuration in the form of a loop, the fastening element can be advantageously arranged in the lower portion of the front surface E1 of the envelope E of the backpack S, i.e., in the area of a central loop 1a to constitute the lower portion of a ski-holder in the area of an off-centered loop 1b which can serve as an ice-axe holder. The fastening element can also be arranged on the lateral surfaces E2 of the envelope E, in particular at its base, to constitute the lower portion 1c of a ski holder which is completed by an upper strap 103. The loop 1d can be arranged in the area of at least one shoulder strap 104 to serve in particular as a bottle holder.

[0027] With respect to its second geometric configuration, the fastening element 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h, 1i, 1j, which forms a succession of loops, can be arranged either singly or in pairs. In the first case, the fastening element serves as a fastening support for snap hooks to provide a multi-position hooking, in particular for climbing gear. In particular, the fastening element forms a belt chain 1e or a shoulder strap chain 1f.

[0028] In the second case, the fastening elements are arranged in pairs and preferably substantially parallel so as to constitute a multi-position fastening support for an attached element which would be arranged between the two fastening elements.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the paired fastening element 1g can be arranged on the top of the flap E3 of the bag so as to hold a pair of climbing irons, in particular. The fastening element can also be arranged on the front E1, lateral E2, or lower E4 surfaces of the bag, such as the paired fastening elements 1h, 1i, 1j, respectively, in order to hold attached elements such as a sleeping tent or mattress.

[0030] The attached element is commonly held between the two fastening elements by a holding means including at least two quick, repositionable hooking means of the snap hook type in particular.

[0031] In FIG. 3, the fastening element, which is flexible, is shown in cross-section in the area of the fixing points 4, 5 on the carrying bag S, in the area of its envelope E. The fastening element is positioned along a loop geometry in which the fixing points 4, 5 are positioned at the ends 11a, 11b, respectively, of the fastening element. Additionally, the fastening element includes a hooking zone 2, which is arranged between the ends 11a, 11b, to which an attached element 101 can be fixed by a hooking means 100 such as a snap hook.

[0032] To facilitate the hooking and unhooking of the hooking means 100 on the hooking zone 2, this hooking zone 2 is filiform. Filiform here means a hooking zone 2 whose dimensions, namely the width and the thickness, in the transverse plane with respect to this zone 2, are substantially equal and much less than the length of the hooking zone 2.

[0033] Preferably, the filiform element is cylindrical, with a circular or non-circular cross-section. If it has a circular, elliptical cross-section, for example, the ratio between its width and its thickness is preferably substantially equal to 1, but can be as much as 3.

[0034] In any event, such a ratio is substantially less than the width/thickness ratios of the usual straps which are as a minimum on the order of 10-20 (for example for a strap having a thickness of 1 millimeters, a width comprised between 10 and 20 millimeters) or even more.

[0035] An advantageous fashion to obtain a filiform hooking zone 2 is to provide the hooking zone 2 with a substantially circular cross-section, like a small rope or cable. Respecting this constructional arrangement enables the hooking means 100 to easily hook to and unhook from the hooking zone 2, in the area of its opening O, regardless of the orientation of the hooking means 100 with respect to the hooking zone 2.

[0036] The outer diameter D of the hooking zone 2 must be smaller than the opening O of the hooking means 100. The best results in terms of ease of hooking were obtained for a diameter D two to three times smaller than the opening O of the snap hook 100.

[0037] In practice, and in view of the snap hooks commonly used in the various sporting activities, the diameter D of the hooking zone 2 is comprised substantially between 2 and 15 millimeters.

[0038] Since the commonly used snap hooks 100 are made of metal, or an aluminum alloy, e.g., it is advantageous to seek protection of the hooking zone 2 from wear and tear caused by friction against the snap hook 100. Thus, the hooking zone 2 can advantageously include a protective sheath 3 which can be made in particular, but in a non-limiting fashion, out of a thermoplastic material.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the hooking zone 2 includes a wire cable 11 which contributes particularly to the structural mechanical strength of the fastening element. The wire cable 11 is surrounded, in particular in the area of the hooking zone 2, by the protective sheath 3 that can be fixed or movable with respect to the cable 11. To seal the sheath 3 on the cable 11, the protective sheath 3 can be advantageously made of a thermo-retractable plastic material. In addition, the protective sheath 3 can be advantageously made of a substantially transparent, or even translucid material to allow monitoring the fatigue state of the cable 11.

[0040] In the area of the fixing points 4, 5, the fastening element extends through the envelope E of the carrying bag S through a hole 29 such that the hooking zone 2 is arranged outside the carrying bag S. Thus, the ends 11a, 11b of the cable 11 are positioned within the carrying bag S, and the fixing points 4, 5 are obtained by a cable stop piece 28, such as a piece crimped on the cable 11 or molded on the cable 11, or yet welded thereon. This stop piece 28 has a width substantially greater than the diameter of the hole 29 obtained in the envelope E in order to prevent the ends 11a, 11b from passing through the envelope E.

[0041] In view of the possible weight of the attached element 101, it is advantageous to reinforce the envelope E, so that the stop piece 28 does not tear the envelope E which is in particular made of a textile fabric. Thus, the envelope E can include a reinforcement 26, in the area of at least one fixing point 4, 5, which is arranged within the carrying bag S between the envelope E and the stop piece 28. This reinforcement 26 can be rigid, such as a washer made of a plastic material or a metallic alloy, but can also be made out of a flexible and resistant material, such as a fabric reinforced with fibers, especially “Kevlar” fiber which resists tearing. The reinforcement 26 includes a hole 26a whose diameter is smaller than the width of the cable stop piece 28. Moreover, the envelope E can also be reinforced in the area of the hole 29 by an eyelet 27, made in particular of a metallic alloy or a plastic material, which makes it possible to reduce, starting from the hole 29, the risks of tearing in the envelope E.

[0042] The reinforcement in the area of the envelope E can be obtained in a different fashion, such as a radial seam positioned at the periphery of the hole 29.

[0043] If one wishes that the fastening element be retractable into the carrying bag S, in particular to prevent the element from projecting on the bag and from accidentally hooking to outside elements such as tree branches, a sheath 3 is selected whose outer diameter D is smaller than the diameter of the hole 29 located in the envelope E. In this case, the sheath 3 extends substantially up to the reinforcement 26, or up to the stop piece 28, and has a diameter D smaller than the width of the reinforcement 26 or the width of the stop piece 28. Thus, the sheath 3 can be inserted in the envelope E of the carrying bag S.

[0044] Conversely, if one wishes that the fastening element be attached in a fixed position on the envelope E, the sheath has an outer diameter D larger than the diameter of the hole 29.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows, through a tear out, an economical alternative to the method for fixing the fastening element shown in FIG. 3.

[0046] The elements that are similar or identical are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0047] FIG. 9 shows a portion of the inner surface of the envelope E of a bag.

[0048] In this case, the fastening element 1 is constituted, for example, by a looped cable 11 both ends 11a, 11b of which are connected to one another on the inner side of the bag by means of a crimping 11c.

[0049] The fastening element 1 extends through the envelope E of the bag through holes 29. The two ends 11a, 11b and the crimping 11c are wrapped in a piece of fabric 11d.

[0050] Furthermore, a reinforcing piece 26 is sewn on the inner surface of the envelope E by means of seams 26a, 26b, between the holes 29 and the ends 11a and 11b of the fastening element 1.

[0051] The seams 26a extend by pairs along a direction parallel to the arms of the loop 1 and demarcate two tunnels 26c each adapted to receive an arm of the loop 1.

[0052] The piece of fabric 11d enveloping the two ends 11a, 11b and their linkage 11c prevents this linkage 11c from sliding in either of the tunnels 26c.

[0053] Furthermore, the reinforcing piece 26 recovers all of the forces exerted on the loop 1, via the assembly 11c, 11d, and avoids a tearing of the envelope E of the bag, especially in the area of the holes 29.

[0054] An interesting alternative for the fixing method described in FIG. 3 is thus obtained at very low cost.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows the fastening element according to the second geometric configuration. The fastening element includes two fixing points 4, 5 which are arranged at the ends 11a, 11b of the fastening element, and between which the hooking zone 2 is inserted. Moreover, the fastening element is also fixed to the carrying bag S by at least one intermediate fixing point 6 which is arranged along the hooking zone 2. This fixing point 6 thus divides the hooking zone 2 into at least two hooking segments 15, 16 on which an attached element can be fixed by a snap hook. This division into independent hooking segments 15, 16 makes it possible to obtain a multiposition fastening element.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the fixing means 30, which is arranged at the ends 11a, 11b of the cable 11, makes it possible to pre-orient the cable 11 so that it does not come out of the backpack perpendicular to the envelope E. The fixing means 30 includes a tube bored laterally. Thus, the cable 11 goes into the tube through the lateral hole and is housed in the central space of the tube. This tube can be made of plastic or of metallic alloy and is fixed to the cable 11 by gluing, welding, or crimping. The cable 11 is bent at the tube outlet and has a deflection angle &agr; comprised substantially between 10° and 60°.

[0057] This construction makes it possible to reduce, in the area of the fixing point 4, 5, the pressure exerted by the fastening element on the envelope E. Indeed, since the fixing means 30 is elongated on its width, it is in contact with the envelope E in the area of this length. In addition, the lateral hole can be advantageously positioned substantially in the middle of the length of the tube 30 in order to balance the forces exerted on the envelope E. However, the envelope will advantageously keep the eyelet 27 so that the cable 11 does not tear the envelope E by friction.

[0058] FIG. 4a shows a detail of FIG. 4, in the area of the intermediate fixing point 6 which is fixed to the envelope E. When one of the hooking segments 15, 16 is loaded, the hooking segments 15, 16 risk changing their length by sliding in the intermediate fixing point 6. In the preferred embodiment, the intermediate fixing point 6 is constituted of a sliding return 25. To prevent the hooking zone 2 from sliding in the fixing point 6, the protective sheath 3 is interrupted in the area of the intermediate fixing point 6, and the sliding return 25 has a sliding diameter d that is smaller than the diameter D of the protective sheath 3. Thus, when one of the hooking segments 15, 16 is loaded, the sheath 3 comes in abutment against the sliding return 25 and maintains a substantially constant length at the level of the segments 15, 16. Tests have shown that a better result is obtained if the protective sheath 3 does not slide along the cable 11. A protective sheath 3 made of a thermo-retractable plastic makes it possible to meet this requirement.

[0059] In FIG. 4b, the sliding return 25 is shown along a transverse cross-section AA′ which is referenced in FIG. 4a. The sliding return 25 has a sliding cavity 25b, in which the cable 11, which is not circular, is arranged. In this case, the sliding diameter d is the smallest dimension of the sliding cavity 25b since it is sufficient to block the protective sheath 3. The sliding return 25 is advantageously made of a thermoplastic material in order to resist the friction of the wire cable 11.

[0060] In an alternate embodiment, the intermediate fixing point 6 can be fixed directly along the hooking zone 2 by crimping or welding on the cable 11 or on the sheath 3.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a detail of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. This detail relates to an alternative relating to the point 4 for fixing the fastening element on the envelope E. A reinforcement 26 is positioned between the envelope E and the fixing means 30. Moreover, the reinforcement 26, which is flexible, is folded back and fixed around the portion 11c of the fastening element which is arranged within the carrying bag. In the case of the embodiment shown, the portion 11c includes the fixing means 30, since the reinforcement 26 is positioned on the surface of the envelope E that is opposite the surface of the envelope E that is facing the hooking zone 2.

[0062] This alternative applies advantageously to a fixing means 30 which is obtained by a tube, since the reinforcement 26 is folded over itself around the tube and fixed by an appropriate means, such as a seam 31. This makes it possible to protect the fixing means 30. The alternative embodiment provides unquestionable advantages in terms of comfort since it prevents the user from chafing his or her hands on the fixing means 30, when storing items inside the carrying bag.

[0063] In FIG. 6, the fastening element shown includes a hooking zone 2 which includes a small rope 10. The small rope 10 advantageously has a circular cross-section and is preferably made of a textile fiber, and incorporates a core to ensure increased resistance and more durability. The hooking zone 2 is divided into two hooking portions 15, 16 by an intermediate fixing point 32 which is fixed to the envelope E. The intermediate fixing point 32 includes a reinforcing piece 32a which covers the small rope 10 and extends laterally on the envelope E. The reinforcing piece 32a is fixed to the envelope E by means of seams 32b, such as stitched seams. The small rope 10 can also be fixed, in the area of the intermediate fixing point 32, by means of a seam 32c which fixes the reinforcing piece 32a on the envelope E and maintains the small rope 10 inserted between the reinforcement 32 and the envelope E. The seam 32c advantageously runs through the small rope 10 to ensure that the fixing means 32 is more solid.

[0064] The ends 11a, 11b are fixed to the envelope E by appropriate means. This can be a seam 50 which, as shown at the end 11b, fixes the small rope 10 directly to the envelope E. This can also be a reinforcing piece 40, as shown at the end 11a, which maintains the small rope 10 inserted between the reinforcement 40 and the envelope E by means of seams, in a manner identical to the fixing means 32.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the hooking zone 2 does not include any protective sheath. To resist the wear and tear caused by the snap hook on the hooking segments 15, 16, the small rope 10 can be advantageously made of “Kevlar” type fiber.

[0066] The small rope 10 can be surrounded by a protective sheath which responds advantageously to the constructional arrangements specified in the previous embodiment.

[0067] In FIG. 7, the hooking zone 2 includes a strap 12 that is coiled within the protective sheath 3. The protective sheath 3 is advantageously tubular so as to facilitate the hooking and unhooking of the snap hook. The fixing points 4, 5, 7 are fixed on the envelope E by seams 12b, 12c, 12d, respectively, which make it possible to fix the strap 12. To increase the strength of the fixing, the strap 12 can be locally uncoiled in the area of the fixing points 4, 5, 7, in order to space the locations of the seams 12c, 12e as much as possible on a same fixing point. Respecting this constructional arrangement makes it possible to distribute the stresses induced by the seams on the envelope E.

[0068] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 have the advantage that the fastening element does not extend through the envelope E. Indeed, the fixing means are arranged on the same side of the envelope E as the hooking zone 2. This prevents from overly reducing the imperviousness of the envelope E and, therefore, of the carrying bag S.

[0069] In FIG. 8, the fastening element includes a stiffening band 60 which is affixed to the envelope E. The stiffening band 60 is fixed to the envelope E by a seam 63 which preferably extends along the perimeter of the stiffening band 60.

[0070] In FIG. 8, the end 11b of the cable 11 as shown is exploded to illustrate the cable 11 within the protective sheath 3 and the stop piece 28. Elsewhere, the cable 11 is shown in broken lines.

[0071] In the area of the fixing points 4, 5, the stiffening band 60 is positioned on the side of the stop piece 28 and serves as a reinforcement in order to prevent the stop piece 28 from enlarging the hole 29 and from passing through the envelope E.

[0072] In the area of the intermediate fixing point 70, which divides the hooking zone 2 into two hooking segments 15, 16, the stiffening band 60 has at least two holes 61 and 62. Thus, the cable 11 coming from the hooking segment 16 extends through the envelope E and the band 60, in the area of the hole 61, then extends through them again in the area of the hole 62. This geometric arrangement forms a loop 64 located between the two holes 61 and 62 withing the carrying bag. Since the cable 11 has a certain rigidity and the cable 11 is subject to substantial curvatures in the loop 64, the cable 11 is blocked in the holes 61 and 62. Moreover, since the stiffening band 60 is rigid, the rigidity of the plate 60 opposes the tendency of the cable 11 to slide in the holes 61 and 62. In addition, the holes 61 and 62 can advantageously be equipped with eyelets so as to reinforce the blocking of the cable 11 with respect to the stiffening band 60.

[0073] Thus, the protective sheath 3 is advantageously continuous, in the area of the intermediate fixing point 70, providing protection from the abrasion of the stiffening band 60 against the cable 11, in particular in the area of the holes 61 and 62. In addition, not having to section the sheath 3 renders the embodiment less expensive.

[0074] The best results were obtained by a stiffening band 60 made of a thermoplastic material substantially 1-3 mm thick, in particular, but in a non-limiting fashion, polyethylene or polypropylene. Moreover, the fastening element is obtained as a wire cable substantially 1-4 mm in diameter.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described hereinabove, which are only provided by way of examples, but encompasses all of the similar or equivalent embodiments, as well as the carrying bags equipped with at least one fastening element.

Claims

1. A flexible fastening element adapted to be fixed on a carrying bag including:

at least two fixing points on the carrying bag;

a hooking zone to which an attached element can be fixed by a hooking means, said hooking zone being filiform.

2. A flexible fastening element adapted to be fixed on a carrying bag, wherein the flexible fastening element is fixed at two fixing points on the carrying bag, and wherein the flexible fastening element includes a filiform hooking zone which forms a loop capable of gripping a pair of skis or an ice-axe.

3. A flexible fastening element adapted to be fixed on a carrying bag said flexible fastening element comprising at least two filiform hooking zones, thus constituting at least two distinct fastening positions for an attached element.

4. A fastening element according to claim 1, wherein the hooking zone has a substantially circular cross-section.

5. A fastening element according to claim 1, wherein the hooking zone includes a protective sheath.

6. A fastening element according to claim 1, wherein the hooking zone includes a wire cable.

7. A fastening element according to claim 1, wherein the hooking zone includes a small rope.

8. A fastening element according to claim 5, wherein the hooking zone includes a strap which is coiled within the protective sheath.

9. A fastening element according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element is also adapted to be fixed to the carrying bag by at least one intermediate fixing point which is arranged along the hooking zone, thus defining at least two hooking segments.

10. A fastening element according to claim 5, wherein the protective sheath is interrupted in an area of an intermediate fixing point.

11. A fastening element according to claim 9, wherein the protective sheath is interrupted in an area of the intermediate fixing point.

12. A fastening element according to claim 10, wherein the intermediate fixing point is constituted of a sliding return, and wherein the sliding return has a sliding diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the protective sheath.

13. A fastening element according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element extends through the envelope of the carrying bag in an area of the fixing point, and wherein the envelope includes a reinforcement, in an area of at least one fixing point, which is arranged within the carrying bag.

14. A fastening element according to claim 13, wherein the reinforcement is flexible, and wherein the reinforcement is folded and fixed around the portion of the fastening element which is arranged within the carrying bag.

15. A fastening element according to claim 13, wherein the fastening element includes a stiffening band which is affixed to the envelope of the carrying bag, and wherein the stiffening band includes at least two holes in which the cable passes.

16. A fastening element according to claim 14, wherein the hooking zone includes a protective sheath, wherein the protective sheath is continuous in an area of at least one intermediate fixing point, and wherein the protective sheath extends through the stiffening band by at least two holes.

17. A carrying bag equipped with at least one fastening element according to claim 1.