Load-bearing system
A load-bearing belt that employs first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever and first rear lever and second rear lever to ultimately cause a backpack or baby pack to lift upward. This upward lift provides the user some respite from the weight and pressure of a backpack or baby pack. The user manually moves the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever in a downward motion, which in turn raises the first rear lever and second rear lever in an upward motion through the combined assistance of a first fulcrum and second fulcrum. Once the first rear lever and second rear lever lift upward, a backpack or baby pack will be forced upward and ultimately into a more comfortable position as weight burden is alleviated from the back and shoulders.
The present invention is a load-bearing system for backpacks or baby packs comprising a waist belt, first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever each with grips, a shorter first rear lever and second rear lever complete with first upward extension and second upward extension and a first fulcrum and second fulcrum that are configured to cause the first rear lever and second rear lever to react upon applied force to the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever. When downward force is applied to the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever, the first rear lever and second rear lever will lift upward. This function forces the first upward extension and second upward extension—also referred to as first grip mechanism and second grip mechanism—to push the backpack up and into a more comfortable position for the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONVarious forms of backpacks go hand in hand with such activities as hiking and military “ruck” marches. Oftentimes, soldiers and outdoor enthusiasts find themselves hiking through all types of terrain for long distances at a time. Regardless of whether the type of terrain is mountainous, flat or somewhere in between, heavy amounts of pressure based on the weight of the backpack is concentrated onto portions of the user's back. This concentration of weight causes pain and discomfort for the user that can last well after the hike is concluded. In addition, a full backpack also sometimes forces objects contained inside the backpack to protrude into the back of the user. This fact causes additional pain and discomfort.
There are many attempts to alleviate the inherent problems associated with hiking and marching with backpacks. On the battlefield, soldiers are often seen stopping and doing a little bend and hop in order to thrust the backpack upward above the shoulder to help relinquish some of the weight concentration. Perhaps the most common is for the user to attempt to cinch the backpack straps to the tightest point. The purpose of this effort is to lift the backpack as high as possible in order to alleviate some pressure on the back and shoulders. However, many cinching items associated with backpacks are complicated to manage, particularly for the novice hiker. Moreover, cinching mechanisms also can be difficult to adjust. This is particularly important for long hikes where the user must adjust the backpack while on the move. Cinching mechanisms also sometimes do not force the backpack high enough over the shoulders to solve the painful weight issue associated with backpacks. For these reasons, there remains a need for an item that can easily permit the user to adjust the position of the backpack for as long as necessary while on the move.
Another issue relating to hiking involves the ability to carry various items while also wearing a heavy backpack. For example, the weight and uncomfortable nature of a backpack becomes exacerbated when a hiker is carrying excess equipment. This also affects climbers. Soldiers and hunters also find themselves holding their rifles. In the case of soldiers, their rifles typically are slung around their neck or secured to their body armor via a c clip. However, the weight of the rifle still bears down on these individuals, causing them to hold their rifles upward to relieve some of the burden or to rest the rifle on their ammunition pouches, which in turn can reduce the effectiveness over time of the cords or alice clips putting the soldier's pistol belt together. Because of this, there is a need for a load-bearing belt that not only relieves the weight burdens caused by a backpack, but also simultaneously creates natural resting points for the arms, equipment or rifles of those marching outside. The present invention solves these problems through the use of its first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever that serve to cause the upward levers to lift and accept the weight burden of the backpack when downward force is applied to the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever. At the same time, the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever may be used as a resting position for a user's arms, equipment or rifles.
Additional issues relates to hikers who wish to enjoy the outdoors, but also desire to bring their small children along. Many hiking trails are not conducive to baby carriages. For this reason, there is a need for a load-bearing belt that solves the aforementioned problems, but also allows a hiker to bring a small child along without causing excessive overburdening or danger. The present invention also solves this additional problem with the use of its projecting levers. The projecting levers are sturdy enough and their width can be adjusted so that a baby pack can be worn so that a small child may be secured into this baby pack. The user then could handle the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever to steer the child, adjust its weight and even play with the child as the child is secured to a baby pack in a position where a backpack would remain.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,132 issued to Fairchild on Feb. 13, 1979, is an array of levers attached to a backpack in order to redistribute the weight of the backpack. Unlike the present invention, Fairchild employs levers that are located over the shoulders of the user. In that manner, the levers in Fairchild are obstructive to the user. In addition, Fairchild does not alleviate the weight burden of the backpack, but instead merely shifts the weight more evenly. Moreover, Fairchild employs levers that are limited and attached to a backpack. In contrast, the present invention utilizes levers that are secured to a waist belt. This means that the present invention is more adaptable and not reliant on certain types of backpacks. The present invention also satisfies its function with fewer parts. In addition, the placement and qualities of the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever and first rear lever and second rear lever of the present invention, via the first fulcrum and second fulcrum, result in actual upward lifting of the backpack that serves to alleviate the weight burden of the backpack.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,381 issued to Zulfich on May 15, 1979, is a backpack and frame apparatus. Zulfich employs levers, a frame, shoulder straps and pulleys to ultimately shift the weight burden on a user's hips. Unlike the present invention, Zulfich requires numerous moveable pieces and parts, particularly pulleys and straps. These extraneous parts make Zulfich much more complicated to maintain and produce, and also expose more elements to degradation due to dirt, water and other natural conditions relevant to hiking The present invention, in contrast, merely utilizes levers and a fulcrum that are secured to a waist belt. The present invention also differs in that it does not require a backpack frame. In addition, the placement and qualities of the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever and first rear lever and second rear lever of the present invention, via the first fulcrum and second fulcrum, result in actual upward lifting of the backpack that serves to alleviate the weight burden of the backpack without such requirements as frames, pulleys and straps.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,108 issued to Mydans on Aug. 19, 2003, is a load transfer and stabilization system for backpacks. Unlike the present invention, Mydans incorporates a roll bar into a hip belt that is designed to stabilize a backpack. While Mydans employs various parts, including rods and extension members, the design limits it to stability and reduction in side-to-side swaying of the backpack. The present invention, in contrast, employs first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever that cause first rear lever and second rear lever to rise upward via first fulcrum and second fulcrum when the user applies force to the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever. This function actually causes a backpack to be lifted upward, where the bulk of the weight is lifted above the shoulders and off of the back and shoulders. This function relieves the user on a temporary, and at times more substantial amount of time of the burdens of a heavy backpack or baby pack. The present invention also differs from Mydans in that the secondary function of the present invention permits people such as soldiers, hunters and equipment carriers the ability to rest their equipment or weapons on the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,419 issued to Penny et al on Jan. 11, 2005, is an adjustable load support-mounting device for backpacks. Unlike the present invention, Penny employs complex mounting devices that attach a belt-like apparatus to the backpack. The present invention, in contrast, avoids the complex associations between the backpack and waist belt by making them independent of each other. This enables natural compatibility between the waist belt elements of the present invention and any backpack or baby pack. In addition, Penny is primarily used for backpack support while the present invention actually causes a backpack to be lifted upward, where the bulk of the weight is lifted above the shoulders and off of the back and shoulders. This function relieves the user on a temporary, and at times more substantial amount of time of the burdens of a heavy backpack or baby pack. The present invention also differs from Penny in that the secondary function of the present invention permits people such as soldiers, hunters and equipment carriers the ability to rest their equipment or weapons on the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever.
Carrying a backpack or baby pack can be very burdensome. Hikers, soldiers and parents all can relate to the inherent problems relating to current load-bearing devices as described above. The present invention solves these problems through the combined functions of its independent waist belt, first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever, first rear lever and second rear lever and first fulcrum and second fulcrum. The user of the present invention provides his or her own force onto the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever, which in turn cause a seesaw motion through the fulcrum in regard to the first rear lever and second rear lever. The first rear lever and second rear lever, in turn, rise upward and lift the backpack as high as needed to alleviate pain from the weight of the backpack or baby pack. Ultimately, this function solves a fundamental problem facing those carrying heavy loads and equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT IVENTIONThe present invention is a load-bearing system for backpacks or baby packs comprising a waist belt, a first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever both with attached first grip and second grip, shorter first rear lever and second rear lever with attached first upward extension and second upward extension and a first fulcrum and second fulcrum that are configured to cause the first rear lever and second rear lever to react upon applied force to the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever. When downward force is applied to the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever, the first rear lever and second rear lever will lift upward. This function forces the first upward extension and second upward extension to push the backpack up and into a more comfortable position for the user. The present invention may be used as a permanent lifting element to alleviate the physical stress applied to his or her back and shoulders due to the weight of the backpack. Moreover, the present invention also may be used as a temporary item to alleviate this pressure. This temporary function works when the user employs his or her strength to push the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever forward, which would automatically lift the first rear lever and second rear lever and consequently lift the backpack for as long as the user desires. A locking mechanism also is contemplated.
The waist belt of the present invention is wrapped around the users waist as would any support belt or pistol belt. The first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever, first fulcrum and second fulcrum, and first rear lever and second rear lever are located on the right and left sides of the waist belt. The first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever are bendable or telescoping, meaning that they can be positioned up or down near the side of the user in order to keep the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever out of the way and to maintain adaptability. Typically, when the waist belt is put on, the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever will be up and to each side of the user. In this manner, it is easy for the user to grasp the first grip and second grip that extend from the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever. This permits comfort and steering, which is particularly important due to the changed center of gravity from a heavy backpack. The first rear lever and second rear lever, meanwhile, are located underneath the backpack or some sturdy part of the backpack. The first rear lever and second rear lever also may be fixed to the backpack via insertion points or an attachment interface, which has been affixed, to the backpack by the user in order to interface with the belt more easily. In this regard, it could be an accessory item offered with the belt.
The user may then grasp the first grip and second grip and push the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever downward. This downward motion causes the first rear lever and second rear lever to rise due in part to the connection between the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever and the first rear lever and second rear lever via the first fulcrum and second fulcrum located in between. As mentioned above, the lift from the first rear lever and second rear lever forces the first upward extension and second upward extension to press into the backpack in a solid and sturdy motion. The backpack will be forced to lift upward to a more comfortable position. Once the first forward projecting lever and second forward projecting lever is locked into place, either through a conventional locking mechanism or through manual force or a weighted object, the backpack will rest upon the first upward extension and second upward extension at this higher location.
The primary elements regarding the preferred embodiment of the present invention relate to the waist belt (10), first forward projecting lever (30) and second forward projecting lever (35), a first fulcrum (70) and second fulcrum (75) and a first rear lever (50) and second rear lever (55). In
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Again, as described above, it is important to note that the first forward projecting lever (30) and second forward projecting lever (35) is telescoping or otherwise bendable or retractable in the preferred embodiment. The first forward projecting lever (30) and second forward projecting lever (35) also permit greater leverage for the function of the present invention due to their longer length and placement compared with the first rear lever (50) and second rear lever (55). Moreover, the first end of the first rear lever (50) extends toward the second end of the second rear lever and vice versa in the preferred embodiment in order to accommodate more types and sizes of backpacks and baby packs. It also should be noted that the first projecting lever and second projecting lever (30) may be in line with the first rear lever (50) and second rear lever (55) or disposed from one another such that the first rear lever (50) and second rear lever (55) extends upward and an obtuse angle is formed between the first projecting lever and second projecting lever (30) and the first rear lever (50) and second rear lever (55). Meanwhile, the first grip (40) and second grip (45) is disposed on and perpendicular to the first projecting lever and second projecting lever (30). Also, the first upward extension and second upward extension (60)—also referred to as first grip mechanism and second grip mechanism—is disposed on the first rear lever and second rear lever.
Based on the above description, the present invention essentially allows a user to wear the waist belt (10). An embodiment of the waist belt (10) includes additional storage items such as pouches and pockets, and also a slide that is fitted to the back of the waist belt (10) between the user's back and the backpack. The slide's surface in particular will assist in reducing friction between the backpack and the waist belt as the backpack is lifted and lowered. The user may then grip the first grip and second grip (40). The user then can elect to press downward—also referred to as force downward—the first projecting lever and second projecting lever (30). The action causes the first rear lever (50) and second rear lever (55) to rise or lift upward. When that happens, a backpack or baby pack will also be forced upward to help alleviate the pressures associated with carrying a heavy load while on the move.
Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and should be interpreted as any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A load-bearing system, comprising:
- a waist belt having a first fulcrum and a second fulcrum;
- a first forward projecting lever in communication with said first fulcrum;
- a second forward projecting lever in communication with said second fulcrum
- a first rear lever in communication with said first fulcrum at a first end of said first rear lever;
- a second rear lever in communication with said second fulcrum at a first end of said second rear lever;
- said first forward projecting lever and said first rear lever configured as being unattached but for being attached to said first fulcrum; and
- said second forward projecting lever and said second rear lever configured as being unattached but for being attached to said second fulcrum.
2. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein said first fulcrum and said second fulcrum are disposed on opposite ends of said waist belt.
3. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein said first forward projecting lever is in fixed communication with said first rear lever.
4. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein said second forward projecting lever is in fixed communication with said second rear lever.
5. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein said first forward projecting lever is longer than said first rear lever.
6. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein said second forward projecting lever is longer than said second rear lever.
7. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein said first forward projecting lever is telescoping.
8. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein said second forward projecting lever is telescoping.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein said first projecting lever and said first rear lever are in line.
12. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein said second projecting lever and said second rear lever are in line.
13. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein said first projecting lever and said first rear lever are disposed from one another such that said first rear lever extends upward and an obtuse angle is formed between said first projecting lever and said first rear lever.
14. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein said second projecting lever and said second rear lever are disposed from one another such that said second rear lever extends upward and an obtuse angle is formed between said second projecting lever and said second rear lever.
15. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein a first grip is disposed on and perpendicular to said first projecting lever.
16. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein a second grip is disposed on and perpendicular to said second projecting lever.
17. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein a first grip mechanism is disposed on said first rear lever.
18. The load-bearing system of claim 1, wherein a second grip mechanism is disposed on said second rear lever.
19. A load-bearing system, comprising:
- a waist belt having a first fulcrum and a second fulcrum;
- a first forward projecting lever in communication with said first fulcrum;
- a second forward projecting lever in communication with said second fulcrum
- a first rear lever in communication with said first fulcrum at a first end of said first rear lever;
- a second rear lever in communication with said second fulcrum at a first end of said second rear lever;
- said first forward projecting lever and said first rear lever configured as being unattached but for being attached to said first fulcrum; and
- said second forward projecting lever and said second rear lever configured as being unattached but for being attached to said second fulcrum.
- wherein said first fulcrum and said second fulcrum are disposed on opposite ends of said waist belt;
- wherein said first forward projecting lever is in fixed communication with said first rear lever;
- wherein said second forward projecting lever is in fixed communication with said second rear lever;
- wherein said first forward projecting lever is longer than said first rear lever;
- wherein said second forward projecting lever is longer than said second rear lever;
- wherein said first forward projecting lever is telescoping;
- wherein said second forward projecting lever is telescoping;
- wherein said first end of said first rear lever extends toward said first end of said second rear lever;
- wherein said first end of said second rear lever extends toward said first end of said first rear lever;
- wherein said first projecting lever and said first rear lever are in line;
- wherein said second projecting lever and said second rear lever are in line;
- wherein said first projecting lever and said first rear lever are disposed from one another such that said first rear lever extends upward and an obtuse angle is formed between said first projecting lever and said first rear lever;
- wherein said second projecting lever and said second rear lever are disposed from one another such that said second rear lever extends upward and an obtuse angle is formed between said second projecting lever and said second rear lever;
- wherein a first grip is disposed on and perpendicular to said first projecting lever;
- wherein a second grip is disposed on and perpendicular to said second projecting lever;
- wherein a first grip mechanism is disposed on said first rear lever; and
- wherein a second grip mechanism is disposed on said second rear lever.
20. (canceled)
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 4, 2008
Publication Date: Jul 12, 2012
Inventor: Damian A. Wassel (Warrenton, VA)
Application Number: 12/062,980
International Classification: A45F 3/00 (20060101);