WO2002026077A1

WO2002026077A1 - Rucksack

Info

Publication number: WO2002026077A1
Application number: PCT/FR2001/002931
Authority: WO
Inventors: Serge Vigny
Original assignee: Salomon S.A.
Priority date: 2000-09-27
Filing date: 2001-09-20
Publication date: 2002-04-04
Also published as: FR2814349A1; EP1320308A1; FR2814349B1; US20020162871A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a rucksack comprising a frame (1) arranged, at least in the central part (11), in the half-thickness (Ep) which includes the front face (101). The front face (101) is positioned opposite to the rear face (100) which is designed to be positioned on the user's back. The rucksack also comprises a compression system (20) which tends, at least in the central part (112), to press the rear face (100) towards the frame (1).

Description

BACKPACK

The present invention relates to a backpack intended in particular, but not limited to, the practice of sport.

In the prior art, when the backpacks comprise frames, these are positioned on the rear face, as close as possible to the user's back. However, as the material constituting the front panel is substantially inextensible, the backpack remains not very flexible in the direction of movement of the back when the user leans forward.

Document US Pat. No. 5,911,348 describes a backpack which makes it possible to limit sweating in the back. The bag includes a rigid rear face which is supported on the back of the user only by point elements. In addition, as the bag is made of a rigid shell, it cannot follow the flexing movements of the user's back.

The object of the invention is to provide a backpack which makes it possible to follow the movements of the back when the user leans forward. Another object of the invention is to provide a backpack which limits the phenomenon of perspiration, at the level of the user's back.

To achieve these objectives, the backpack includes a frame which is arranged, at least in a central portion, in the half thickness of the backpack, which includes the front face. The front face is positioned opposite the face which is intended to be positioned on the back of the user. The backpack also includes a ventilation device capable of ensuring, at least in the central part, the ventilation of the rear face.

In a first embodiment, the frame is produced by linear elements and the ventilation system by a specific shape of the rear face.

In a second embodiment, the frame is produced by a plate and the ventilation system follows from a specific system for compressing the backpack.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear from the description which refers to the attached drawings. The description illustrates, by way of nonlimiting examples, certain preferred embodiments.

Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a backpack according to the first embodiment.

Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of a backpack according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a front view of the backpack illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 schematically represents a rear view of the backpack illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Figure 5 is a schematic front perspective view of a bag according to a 3 ^{en, th} embodiment.

Figure 6 is a sectional view along VI-NI of the bag of Figure 5 in the normal position. Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 of the bag of Figure 5 in the transport position. Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 5 of a bag according to a ^4th embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view along IX-IX of FIG. 8.

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 5 of a bag according to a ^5th embodiment.

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 5 of a bag according to a 6 ^th! embodiment. Figures 12 and 13 are sectional views according to a seventh embodiment.

Figure 14 is a schematic rear perspective view illustrating 1 example of the back side of a bag according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

The backpack shown in Figures 1 to 4 comprises a front face 101 and a rear face 100 which are connected together by two lateral faces 102, 103. The rear face 100 is intended to be supported on the back of the user thanks to the shoulder straps 113. The various faces 100, 101, 102, 103 are preferably made of flexible material, in particular of textile type, with the exception of the faces which would be reinforced by reinforcements 1, 2. The reinforcements 1, 2 allow mainly to strengthen the vertical hold of the backpack as a whole and this independently of the content of the backpack. This vertical holding gives the user a certain carrying comfort as well as ease of filling, in particular by the upper flap 210.

In FIG. 1, the backpack comprises a frame 2 which is positioned on the side faces 102. The frame 2 is arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner on each of the side faces 102, 103. The frame 2 can advantageously be made of '' a single element with a strong curvature positioned either on the top or on the bottom of the backpack. Of course, the frame 2 can be made in two parts disposed on each of the side faces 102, 103. The frame 2 is made of a linear element, in particular of the tube, hollow or solid type, which can be made in particular, but of in a nonlimiting manner, in thermoplastic material, in metal alloy or even in fiber associated with resin. The frame 2 is positioned, at least in the central portion 112, in the half thickness

Ep of the backpack which includes the front face 101. Here defined by central portion 112, the vertical portion of the bag which is positioned substantially between the support elements 110, 111 which are intended respectively to be supported with the top and the user's lower back.

We define here by the thickness of the bag Ep2, the distance between the front face 101 and the rear face 100. The half-thickness Ep therefore corresponds to half the distance Ep2 but arranged on the side of the front face 101.

Thus during flexing of the backpack caused by a displacement D towards the front of the upper back of the user, the frame 2 located, at the level of the central portion 112, in the half thickness, is put under tension . In addition, since the rear face 100, at the level of the central portion 112, is flexible, the rear face 100 is deformable in compression. This constructive arrangement therefore respects the bending of the backpack according to a displacement D.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the frame 2 is brought, on either side of the central portion 112, as close as possible to the back of the user, at the level of the elements support 110, 111 in order to stabilize the content of the backpack, in particular at the level of the shoulder straps 113 and of a possible belt.

The backpack comprises a ventilation device which is produced by a specific shape of the rear face 100. The rear face 100 comprises, at the level of the central portion 112, a concavity 40 disposed substantially in the longitudinal direction and oriented towards the inside of the backpack. Thus the concavity 40 releases a volume between the rear face 100 and the back here shown in broken lines. The backpack can advantageously comprise a compression system 120 which is arranged on the front face 101 and which is connected to the frames 2 respectively disposed on each of the side faces 102, 103. This compression system 120 comprises adjustment means allowing bring the two reinforcements 2 closer by reducing the distance separating them at the front face 101.

In the preferred embodiment, the compression system 120 comprises a distribution plate 121 advantageously disposed on the front face 101, at the level of the central part 112, and straps 122, 123 which connect the distribution plate to the frames 2. Of course, the backpack can integrate, instead of or in addition to the compression system 120, another compression system, which makes it possible to compress the rear face 100. Such a compression system is notably described in the second embodiment.

In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the backpack comprises a frame 1 which is positioned substantially on the front face 101. The frame 1 extends up and down along at least three branches (11, 12, 13,14) which are connected to the rear face 100. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the branches 11, 13 are connected to the bottom of the rear face 100., while the branches 12, 14 are connected to the top of the rear face 100 is substantially at the level of the attachment of the shoulder straps 113. Thus the frame 1 has at least two recesses 201, 202 positioned substantially on each of the lateral faces 102, 103 and situated respectively between the branches 11 and 12 and between branches 13 and 14.

On the one hand, the recesses 201, 202, which are arranged at the level of the central portion 112, form a reinforcement geometry which has a low inertia at the level of the central portion 112 with respect to bending displacements D towards the 'before. On the other hand, the branches 11, 12 and 13, 14, which respectively substantially match the lateral faces 102, 103, have their greatest inertia with respect to bending displacements D. Thus the armature 1 therefore has a zone of preferential bending 1a which is situated, at the level of the central portion 112, on the front face 101.

During bending movements D, the armature bends it in the direction of movement D and the rear face 100 is compressed. In order that the bending is not hampered, the rear face 100 must include a flexible portion which is situated at the level of the recesses 201, 202. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the central portion 112, which is situated between the elements of 'support 110, 111, is made of textile material therefore flexible. In addition, the branches 11, 13 may advantageously extend transversely behind the rear face 100 so as to constitute the carrying belt 114 while partially surrounding the user's branches. Thus the branches 11, 13 will advantageously be positioned, in the region of the rear face 100, at the level of the support element 111 of the lower back.

The frame 1 which is plate-shaped, also constitutes protection of the back against shocks and impacts F coming from the front of the bag. In fact, the plate 1 substantially covers the spinal column of the user and constitutes a first direct barrier against impact F somewhat like a shell. In addition, the content of the backpack, generally soft, acts as a cushion between the frame 1 and the user's back.

The ventilation means is here produced by a compression system 20 which is positioned on the rear face 100, at the level of the central portion 112. The compression system 20, which is connected to the frame 1, extends over the rear face 100 and tends to bring the rear face 100 closer to the front face 101 thereby freeing a ventilation space S between the rear face 100 and the user's back. The preferred compression system illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 comprises a distribution plate 21 which is connected to the frame 1 by straps 22, 23 which are adjustable. The straps 22, 23 are preferably connected to the branches 11 and 12 of the frame 1. Similarly, the straps are doubled symmetrically, so as to extend from the frame 1 to the frame 1 by partially covering the rear face 100 and possibly the side faces 102, 103, compliance with this constructive arrangement makes it possible to obtain symmetrical compression which compresses the rear face 100 against the frame 1. In order to increase the operating amplitude of the system compression 20, the backpack may advantageously comprise at least one bellows 204 disposed substantially transversely to the bag. In the preferred embodiment and illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the bellows 204 is positioned above the support element 110 of the lower back and below the central zone 112.

This bellows 204 may advantageously be an elastic means 205 connecting the two edges of said bellows and making it possible to keep it substantially closed so as to energize the bellows. In addition, the rear face 100 will advantageously include an opening 206, arranged in particular at the level of the central zone 112, and positioned under the compression system 20. This opening 206 may advantageously include a zipper system and may advantageously describe a shape which defines a flap 207 facilitating access to the interior of the backpack. The frame 1 may be made in particular, but not limited to, possibly thermoformed foam of about 5 to 15 millimeters thick. The frame 1 can also be made of a sheet of thermoplastic material about 1 to 5 millimeters thick such as polyethylene, polypropylene or ABS or also associated fiber resin depending on whether you want to prioritize the impact protection function or lightness.

Of course, the frame 1 can be made of foam as previously described and be reinforced by a plate or a bar made of plastic or metal alloy arranged in particular at the level of the central part 112.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the armature 1 can also be supplemented with an expansion limiter 30 which is substantially inextensible and which joins two parts of the armature 1 such as the arms 11 and 12. This expansion limiter 30 allows avoid backward bending of the backpack and when it is adjustable it constitutes a means of adjusting the height of the back of the backpack by bringing the branches 12, 14 closer to the branches 11, 13 and thereby more curvature to the frame 1. This expansion limiter 30 also allows the frame 1 to better withstand the shocks F perpendicular to the bag which could be exerted from the outside on the front face 101. Indeed, the limiter 30 avoids excessive deformation of the frame 1 in the central part 112 which would tend to spread the support elements 111, 110 and come into contact with the central part 112 of the rear face 106 against the back of the user.

In both embodiments, the frame 1, 2 can advantageously be integrated into the backpack by being positioned in a tunnel preferably made of textile material. Said tunnel can be assembled by sewing on the faces of the backpack either inside or outside the backpack. The faces of the bag may advantageously constitute one of the walls of said tunnel. Compliance with this constructive arrangement makes it possible to better secure the frame 1, 2 to the backpack and thus to better control the vertical holding, the forward bending of the backpack and also the resistance and absorption of impacts on the face. at impacts F.

The second embodiment can be declined in a variant not illustrated in which the branches 12 and 14 form only one and the same upper branch which is connected to the rear face 100 substantially at the level of the upper attachment zone of the straps 113 to the backpack. The branches 11, and 12 remaining unchanged, the frame 1 extends up and down along three branches which are connected to the rear face 100 of the backpack.

Figures 5 to 11 illustrate embodiments of the backpack in which similar or identical elements will be designated by the same references. The frame 1 of the backpack shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, is substantially similar to that shown in, Figures 2 to 4 and therefore has 4 branches 11, 12, 13, 14 forming a kind of X and joining in a central portion 112.

In fact in Figure 5 the frame 1 is visible only through the tear from the central part of the bag and its path is materialized by the limits of the housings respectively 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 115a, inside which she is housed.

The difference compared to the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4 lies in the construction of the central part 112 of the frame 1, a construction which is intended to allow the folding of said frame in order to reduce the volume of the bag. to facilitate transport. In this case, the central part 112 of the frame consists of 3 parts, namely 2 parts formed by the common extensions of the branches 11, 12, 13, 14 respectively and a central part 115.

In other words, the frame consists of 3 parts, 1 central part 115 and 2 lateral C-shaped parts grouping 2 branches of the X respectively 11, 12 and 13, 14.

As shown more particularly in Figures 6 and 7, which are cross-sectional views of the bag, in the lower part thereof, each of the lateral housings l ia, 13a defined on the outer envelope of the bag is connected to on the one hand to the rear face 100 of the bag and on the other hand to the central part 115a intended to receive the central frame part 115. Furthermore the sum of the developed lengths of the frame parts 11, 13, 115 or 12 ,

14, 115 is greater than the length of the rear face 100 of the bag.

The frame parts 11, 12, 13, 14 can be left permanently in their housings 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a while the central part 115 is removably mounted in its pocket 115a. Thus when the central part 115 is removed, the bag can be flattened as shown in Figure 7, the housing l ia, 13a, 12a, 14a being somehow folded over the rear face 100 of the bag.

In the case of FIGS. 5 to 7, each frame part 11, 12, 13, 14, 115 has individually a length corresponding to that of the associated housing respectively ia, 12a, 13a, 14a, 115a, however the sum of the lengths developed by the frames 11, 13, 115 is greater than the length of the rear face 100 of the bag.

It follows that the establishment of the central frame portion 115 in its housing 115a, causes a bracing of the frame parts respectively 11, 13; 12, 14 and a bending of the entire frame which thus forms an arch N along a transverse plane of the bag.

In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 9, the central part 115 may advantageously overlap a small portion of the lateral parts of the frame. This constructive arrangement ensures continuity of curvature between the central part 115 and the lateral parts of the frame. As in the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, compression straps 120 are interposed between the rear face 100 of the bag and the frame 1, thus allowing said rear face 100 to be brought closer to the front face 101 of the bent bag by the frame 1 and therefore to ensure ventilation of the rear of the bag by spreading the rear face 101 thereof from the back of the user. Furthermore, the buttressing of the frame parts makes it possible to produce a substantially non-deformable and continuous frame in a transverse plane of the bag.

Of course transverse is understood here with respect to a longitudinal axis L of the bag. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate an embodiment very close to that of Figures 5 to 7, in which the only difference lies in the position of the housing 115a which is located here on the inner side of the housing 11a, 13a, 14a, 15a of the bag. Obviously the operation is the same. The advantage of this embodiment is that the ends of the housings each containing lateral frame parts 1, 12 and 13, 14 respectively are connected by straps 150 provided with hooking loops 151 which can serve to house and maintain a object between said straps 150 and the outer wall of the housing 115a which is in this case the outer envelope of the bag. Of course, in this case access to the housing 115a is via the interior of the bag.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment in which the frame 1 extends only in the lower part of the backpack.

In this case the frame 1 in fact constitutes a Vi X or an inverted C comprising only two branches 11 and 13 joined in one piece. As previously, the developed length of the frame 11, 13 is greater than the length of the rear face of the bag.

In this embodiment, the frame is made in one and the same piece and said frame is permanently fixed to the bag at its central part 115 which is held in place in its central housing 115a. The ends 11 and 13 of the frame remain free for transporting the bag.

For the shaping of the bag, it suffices then to introduce each of the ends of the branches 11, 13 into the associated housing respectively 11a, 13a to cause the bracing and bending of the frame, which then extends in vault along a transverse plane of the bag. FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment in which the frame 1 is constituted by a simple tube, delivered flat and shaped along a route determined for example in oc as shown in said figure.

In this case sleeves 115a are provided at different places in the bag to define the path of the tube 1 and two end housings 13a, 11a are provided to receive the ends of the tube and bend it in a transverse plane of the bag. Thus the transition from the mode of transport to normal mode is achieved by embedding the ends of the tube 1 in their end housing 13a, lia.

Of course, depending on the goals sought, other paths can be provided for the tube frame 1, the main thing being that the frame ends up bent in a transverse plane of the bag.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a section of a bag according to a modification of the ^4th embodiment. The central part 115 of the frame is pivotally mounted with respect to the internal face of one of the side frames 13. This pivoting can in particular be carried out at a seam 301 for fixing the housing 115a to the housing 13a. Thus in transport mode, illustrated in FIG. 13, the central frame 115 can be folded along the lateral frame 13.

In normal use mode, illustrated in FIG. 14, the central frame 115 is held in place as a keystone N between the 2 lateral frames 11, 13 by means of sulking 302 which is fixed on one side to the internal face of the central reinforcement 115 and which, on the other side, is fixed to the internal face of the lateral reinforcement 11.

In normal use mode, said sulking 302 is closed unlike the transport mode.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of an opening 206 of the bag in the rear face 100 of the latter.

In this case the opening 206 consists of two slide fasteners 206a arranged substantially parallel and / or similar, along the longitudinal axis of the bag.

As in the case of FIG. 4, this opening 206 is positioned under the compression system 120. Of course, other compression systems can be envisaged. As well as at least one side wall 200 of the backpack can be made of extensible material.

This constructive arrangement, which can replace or add to the compression straps, has the advantage of automatically compressing the contents of the backpack.

Experimental tests have shown that the armatures of the present invention could be made of very different materials depending on whether a rigid armature is sought, allowing in particular relative protection of the user's back, or else a flexible armature for greater comfort.

The reinforcements could for example be made of PE, PU or EN A foam, plastic plate, composite plate such as fiberglass or carbon. Of course, the different parts of the frame such as the central part and the lateral parts can be made of different materials.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which are given for information only, but encompasses all similar or equivalent embodiments.

Claims

1) Backpack including:

- a rear face (100) intended to be positioned on the user's back - a front face (101) positioned opposite the rear face (100) characterized in that it comprises a frame (2) which is arranged, at least in a central portion (112), in the half-thickness (Ep) of the backpack which includes the front face

(101) and in that it comprises a compression system (20) which tends, at least in the central part (112), to press the rear face (100) towards the frame (1). 2) Backpack according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (1) is positioned substantially on the front face (101) and in that the frame (1) extends upwards and towards the bottom according to at least three branches (11, 12, 13, 14) which are connected to the rear face (100).

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

4) Backpack according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a compression system (120) disposed between the front face 101 and the frame 2.

5) Backpack comprising, a rear face (100) intended to be positioned on the user's back, - a front face (101) positioned opposite the rear face (100), characterized in that it comprises a frame (1) extending in a vault along a transverse plane of the bag at least on the front face of the bag.

6) Backpack according to claim 5 characterized in that the frame extends over substantially the entire transverse periphery of the bag from the rear face. 7) Backpack according to claims 5 or 6 characterized in that it comprises a compression system between the rear face of the bag and the frame.

8) Backpack according to claims 5 or 6 characterized in that the frame is foldable for transport.

9) Backpack according to claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the frame extends only over the lower half of the bag.

10) Backpack according to claims 1 to 9 characterized in that it has an opening in the rear face of the bag.