Carrying strap including a conforming frame

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of carrying straps comprising a shaping frame. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Most individuals frequently carry one or more objects on their backs.

[0003] Of course, a backpack can be used for this purpose, which includes one or more pockets in which items are placed. There are many different types of backpacks, each with its own specific characteristics. For example, there are backpacks designed for hiking, running, mountaineering, carrying a laptop, for schoolchildren or students, and so on.

[0004] One can also carry one or more objects on one's back without a backpack, but using "specific" load-carrying equipment, that is, equipment designed for the object being carried. Specific load-carrying equipment is used, for example, to carry a scuba diving cylinder, a ballistic plate carrier, golf clubs, a child, etc.

[0005] In the case of these load-carrying devices (including backpacks), the load of the object rests on the shoulders and collarbones of the individual via one or two carrying straps.

[0006] Using traditional baby carriers is frequently uncomfortable, for a number of reasons.

[0007] Traditional carrying straps tend to rub against the shoulders. This friction is uncomfortable and can, on the one hand, cause injury, and on the other hand, lead to overheating and excessive sweating.

[0008] Furthermore, the distribution of the load on the individual's shoulders and collarbones can cause pain in the shoulders, collarbones, back, and neck.

[0009] These phenomena are of course aggravated by an increase in the weight of the object carried, by an increase in the duration of carrying, or in constraining carrying conditions (for example, when the individual carrying the object is running, or when a child being carried is moving).

[0010] To solve these problems, consideration has been given to improving carrying straps by adapting their shape, adding air cushions, equipping them with articulated segments, etc. These solutions are relatively complex to implement and are expensive. Furthermore, they are not very effective, as the weight of the object still rests on the individual's shoulders and collarbones.

[0011] FR 3 052 650 A1 discloses a carrying strap according to the preamble of claim 1. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention aims to improve the comfort of carrying an object, in an efficient and inexpensive manner. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] To achieve this goal, a carrying strap is proposed, arranged to allow an individual to carry an object on their back according to claim 1, comprising a conforming frame including an upper frame portion arranged so that the carrying strap extends over one shoulder of the individual, and a front frame portion arranged so that the carrying strap extends downwards against a front face of the individual's thorax, the front frame portion including a support portion arranged so that the carrying strap rests against a support surface of the individual located on a front or lateral face of the individual's thorax or abdomen, so as to apply at least a portion of the load of the object against said support surface of the individual.The support portion has a different cross-section from a section of the front reinforcement portion extending between the support portion and the upper reinforcement portion.

[0014] Because the carrying strap according to the invention extends over the individual's shoulder, the shoulders and collarbones of the person carrying the object are not subjected to stress. Part of the object's weight rests against the front or side of the individual's chest or abdomen. Carrying the object is thus more comfortable and efficient.

[0015] The shaping frame, whose form provides these advantages to the carrying strap, is simple to manufacture, so the proposed solution is inexpensive to implement.

[0016] We also propose a load-carrying equipment for the human body, comprising a left carrying strap and a right carrying strap, each conforming to the carrying strap just described.

[0017] The invention will be better understood in light of the following description of particular, non-limiting embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, including: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 represents an unworn backpack, seen from behind, including carrying straps; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a view analogous to that of the figure 1 , the backpack being carried by an individual seen from the front; Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is a profile view of the frame of a carrying strap; [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a front view of the frame of the carrying strap of the frame of the figure 3 ; Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along AA of the reinforcement of the figure 3 ; Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along AA of the reinforcement of the figure 3 , according to a first variant of the embodiment; [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 represents cross-sectional views along AA of the reinforcement of the figure 3 , according to a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth variant of implementation; [ Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the carrying strap according to the first embodiment, cut transversely; [ Fig. 9 ] there figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the carrying strap, cut transversely, according to a first embodiment variant; [ Fig. 10 ] there figure 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the carrying strap, cut transversely, according to a second embodiment; [ Fig. 11 ] there figure 11 represents a perspective view and cross-sectional views of a carrying strap according to a first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 12 ] there figure 12 represents a backpack worn by an individual viewed from the front, comprising carrying straps according to the first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 13 ] there figure 13 represents a perspective view and cross-sectional views of a carrying strap according to a second embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 14 ] there figure 14 represents a backpack worn by an individual seen in profile, comprising carrying straps according to the second embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 15 ] there figure 15 is a perspective view of the frame of a carrying strap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] With reference to figures 1 And 2 , the invention is implemented here in a backpack 1 carried by an individual 2.

[0020] Backpack 1 has a main pocket intended to hold the contents of backpack 1. The main pocket has a padded back panel 3 intended to come into contact with the back of individual 2.

[0021] Backpack 1 also includes a left waist belt pocket 4, which extends from a left side of a lower part of the back panel 3, and a right waist belt pocket 5, which extends from a right side of the lower part of the back panel 3. Backpack 1 further includes a waist belt comprising a left waist belt portion 6, which extends from the free end of the left waist belt pocket 4, and a right waist belt portion 7, which extends from the free end of the right waist belt pocket 5.

[0022] Note that, in this description, the terms "left" and "right" are defined with regard to the back panel 3. The backpack 1 further includes two carrying straps 8: a left carrying strap 8a and a right carrying strap 8b. The backpack 1 also includes a chest strap comprising a left strap section 9, which extends from the left carrying strap 8a, and a right strap section 10, which extends from the right carrying strap 8b.

[0023] Each carrying strap 8 here includes an adjustment strap allowing you to adjust the length of the carrying strap 8.

[0024] One upper end of the carrying strap 8 is attached (here by sewing) to the upper part of the back panel 3. The adjustment strap is attached (here by sewing) to the lower part of the back panel 3.

[0025] Thus, when individual 2 is wearing the backpack 1, the left carrying strap 8a extends from the left side of the upper part of the back face 3 of the backpack 1, passes over the individual's left shoulder 12, runs up and down the front of the thorax 13 (and possibly the abdomen 14, depending on the length of the carrying strap 8a relative to the height of the thorax 13), then crosses the left lateral face 16 of the thorax 13 (or possibly the abdomen 14) of individual 2, until it reaches the left side of the lower part of the back face 3 of the backpack 1.

[0026] Similarly, the right carrying strap 8b extends from the right side of the upper part of the back panel 3 of the backpack 1, passes over the right shoulder 15 of individual 2, runs up and down the front of the thorax 13 (and possibly the abdomen 14), then crosses the right lateral face 17 of the thorax 13 (or possibly the abdomen 14) of individual 2, until it reaches the right side of the lower part of the back panel 3 of the backpack 1.

[0027] Since the left carrying strap 8a and the right carrying strap 8b are similar, only one carrying strap 8 is described.

[0028] With reference to figures 3 à 5 The carrying strap 8 comprises, firstly, a shaping frame 18 extending along the length of the carrying strap 8. The shaping frame 18 is made of one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials, advantageously possessing elastic properties. The frame 18 can thus deform elastically and reversibly. The materials used may include a plastic material such as PVC, or a urethane polymer (polyurethane), which is an organic molecule belonging to the carbamate family. The materials used may also include a metal, for example, a stainless metal or alloy, an aluminum alloy, a copper alloy, brass, or a precious metal. The materials used may also include a composite material comprising glass or carbon fibers mixed with a thermosetting thermoplastic resin.The materials used may also include raw wood, melamine laminated wood, glued laminated wood.

[0029] The frame 18 consists of a single piece, manufactured, for example, by molding. This molding process can utilize injection technology, allowing for the mass production of the frame 18. The molding can also be done manually. The frame 18 could also be manufactured partially or entirely by machining. If the frame 18 is made of wood, it could be carved, possibly using a template.

[0030] The frame 18 has a length L typically between 100mm and 800mm. Of course, this length L depends on the size of the carrying strap 8, which is itself adapted to the size of the backpack 1, but also on the morphology of the individual 2.

[0031] The reinforcement 18 comprises a portion of upper reinforcement 19 and a portion of front reinforcement 20 which here form a single piece, without discontinuity.

[0032] The carrying strap 8 adopts the shape of the upper reinforcement portion 19 and the front reinforcement portion 20: the reinforcement 18 therefore allows the carrying strap 8 to be shaped.

[0033] The upper frame portion 19 has a curved shape which is arranged so that, when individual 2 wears the backpack 1, the carrying strap 8 extends over the shoulder 12, 15 of individual 2.

[0034] Thus, the carrying strap 8 does not rest directly on a shoulder 12, 15 or on a clavicle of individual 2. The front frame portion 20 is arranged so that the carrying strap 8 extends from the upper frame portion 19 downwards against the front face of the thorax 13 and, possibly, depending on the length of the carrying strap 8 relative to the height of the thorax 13, against the front face of the abdomen 14 of individual 2. It should be noted that the front frame portion 20 could also extend and partially extend against a lateral face 16, 17 of the thorax 13 or the abdomen 14 of individual 2.

[0035] The upper reinforcement portion 19 and the front reinforcement portion 20, and therefore the reinforcement 18, have a generally flat shape. Both the upper reinforcement portion 19 and the front reinforcement portion 20 have a rectangular cross-section 23, with the same constant thickness e, which is relatively small compared to the width and length L of the reinforcement 18.

[0036] The thickness e is, for example, between 0.5mm and 20mm. The width of the reinforcement 18 is substantially constant and equal to 11 over a length L1 of the reinforcement 18, said length L1 comprising the upper portion of reinforcement 19 as well as a section 25 of the front portion of reinforcement 20. The width 11 is typically between 5mm and 70mm.

[0037] The front reinforcement portion 20 has a cross-section that varies according to the length of the front reinforcement portion 20. Here, it is the width of the cross-section 23 of the front reinforcement portion 20 that varies according to its length.

[0038] The front reinforcement portion 20 has a lower end 21 that gradually widens downwards: the width of the cross-section 23 increases downwards along the front reinforcement portion 20. Thus, the width of the reinforcement 18 increases over a length L2, which includes the lower end 21, to reach a width 12, typically between 5 mm and 80 mm. The front reinforcement portion 20 includes a bearing portion 22. The bearing portion 22 includes the lower end 21 of the front reinforcement portion 20 and has a spatula shape (or "crow's foot" shape, for those skilled in the art).

[0039] The support portion 22 has a different cross-section from the section 25 of the front reinforcement portion 20, said section 25 extending between the support portion 22 and the upper reinforcement portion 19. Indeed, the section 25 in question has a cross-section of constant width 11, while the width of the cross-section of the support portion 22 varies between 11 and 12.

[0040] The support portion 22 bears flat, either directly or via a protective layer of the carrying strap 8, against a support surface 24 (visible on the figure 2 ) of individual 2 located on the front face of the thorax 13 or abdomen 14, or on a lateral face 16, 17 of the thorax 13 or abdomen 14 of individual 2. Here, the support surface 24 is located on the front face of the thorax 13 of individual 2.

[0041] In one variant, visible on the figure 6 The frame 18 has a cross-section 26 that is not rectangular but plano-convex. The flat surface of the frame 18 extends towards the inside of the backpack 1, that is, closest to the front of the thorax 13 and / or the abdomen 14 of the individual 2 when he is wearing the backpack 1, while the convex surface extends towards the outside of the backpack 1.

[0042] With reference to the figure 7 Note that the cross-section of reinforcement 18 could also be: a concave or curved section 27; a square (or rectangular) section 28; a convex-convex section 29.

[0043] The reinforcement could also have longitudinal grooves 43, so that the cross section 44 has teeth 45.

[0044] With reference to the figure 8 The carrying strap 8 also includes a protective layer 30. The protective layer comprises a quilted or padded layer 31, including, for example, elastomer foam, covered by an outer layer 32 made, for example, of fabric, plastic, leather, etc. The carrying strap 8 here has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0045] Within the protective layer 30 is defined a cavity 33 which extends along the length of the carrying strap 8. On the figure 8 The cavity 33 has a substantially rectangular cross-section (and is therefore intended to accommodate a rectangular cross-section reinforcement 18). The cavity 33 and the protective layer 30 form a sheath having an opening positioned near an upper or lower end of the carrying strap 8.

[0046] The reinforcement 18 is inserted into the sheath formed by the protective layer 30 and the cavity 33.

[0047] The frame 18 is inserted removably into the sleeve. The frame 18 can thus be inserted into or removed from the shoulder strap 8. When the frame 18 is removed, the shoulder strap 8 reverts to a standard shoulder strap, and if the frames 18 of both shoulder straps 8 are removed, the backpack 1 reverts to a standard backpack. Of course, the dimensions of the rectangular section of the cavity 33 are slightly larger than those of the rectangular section of the frame 18 to facilitate the insertion or removal of the frame 18.

[0048] With reference to the figure 9 The frame 18 of a carrying strap, according to a first embodiment 35, is positioned not inside but on top of the protective layer 36 (which again includes a quilted or padded layer). The frame 18 is attached to the protective layer 36 by loops 37 distributed along the length of the carrying strap 35 and sewn onto the carrying strap 35 on either side of the frame 18. Stop pieces 38 are formed on the carrying strap 35 to receive and hold each end of the frame 18 in position. It should be noted that the frame 18 could be attached by different means: loops, loop bands, hooks of the type Velcro ®< , etc.

[0049] With reference to the figure 10 A carrying strap according to a second embodiment 40 has a plano-convex cross-section. The carrying strap 40 includes a protective layer 41 whose outer shape also has a plano-convex cross-section. Inside the protective layer 41 is defined a cavity with a rectangular cross-section that extends along the length of the carrying strap 40. The cavity and the protective layer 41 again form a sheath having an opening positioned near an upper or lower end of the carrying strap 40.

[0050] The frame 42 has a rectangular cross-section. The frame 42 is positioned inside the sheath, either permanently or in a removable manner. The frame 42 may be bonded to the protective layer 41. The protective layer 41 may also have been molded onto the frame 42 during the manufacture of the carrying strap 40. The thickness of the protective layer 41 between its flat surface and the frame 42 is very small.

[0051] Thus, the left and right carrying straps just described do not rest on the shoulders 12, 15, nor on the clavicles or trapezius muscles of individual 2. On the contrary, each carrying strap rests against a support surface 24 left or right (depending on the strap) of individual 2 located here on the front of the thorax 13 or the abdomen 14 of the individual, so as to apply against said support surface 24 at least part (or even all) of the load of the backpack 1 and of the object(s) carried in the backpack 1.

[0052] The load is therefore shifted to the support surface 24, which can bear more stress than the shoulders 12, 15 without causing discomfort. Backpack 1 appears much lighter.

[0053] It has been observed that, when a backpack 1 including carrying straps according to the invention is used, the load to be carried can be increased from 10% to 80% without significant perception for the individual.

[0054] In other words, for the same load, backpack 1 appears much lighter to the individual carrying it.

[0055] It is also noted that when the carrying straps are equipped with frames, they become generally more rigid than traditional carrying straps. The carrying straps according to the invention form handles that the user can easily grasp to put on the backpack. In general, putting on the carrying straps, and therefore the backpack, is quicker and easier.

[0056] With reference to figures 11 et 12 , a carrying strap according to a first embodiment of the invention again comprises a frame of conformation 50.

[0057] The frame 50 includes a curved upper frame portion 51, arranged so that the carrying strap extends over one of the individual's shoulders. The upper frame portion 51 has a circular cross-section. The frame 50 further includes a front frame portion 52 arranged so that the carrying strap extends, at the level of the front frame portion 52, downwards along the front surface of the individual's thorax and possibly abdomen. Of course, as before, the front frame portion could also extend along the lateral surface of the thorax or abdomen.

[0058] The front reinforcement section 52 has a cross-section that varies according to the length of the front reinforcement section. Here, it is the shape of the cross-section of the front reinforcement section that varies according to its length.

[0059] The front frame portion 52 comprises an upper part 53 and a lower part 54. The upper part 53 extends from the upper frame portion 51 and has a circular cross-section with the same diameter as the circular cross-section of the upper frame portion 51. The lower part 54, on the other hand, has a generally flat shape with a rectangular cross-section (although a cross-section of a different shape, for example, plano-convex, would be possible). The lower part 54 of the front frame portion 52 includes the support portion. When the individual wears the backpack, the shoulder strap rests, at the support portion, against a support surface of the individual located on the front of the individual's chest or abdomen.Thus, again, the support portion has a different cross-section from a section of the front reinforcement portion extending between the support portion and the upper reinforcement portion 51. The section in question here is the upper part 53 of the front reinforcement portion 52.

[0060] With reference to figures 13 et 14 , a carrying strap according to a second embodiment of the invention again comprises a frame of conformation 60.

[0061] The frame 60 includes a curved upper frame portion 61, arranged so that the carrying strap extends over one shoulder of the individual. The upper frame portion 61 is generally flat and has a rectangular cross-section.

[0062] The frame 60 further includes a front frame portion 62 arranged so that the carrying strap extends, at the level of the front frame portion 62, from top to bottom along a front face of the thorax (and possibly the abdomen) of the individual.

[0063] The front reinforcement portion 62 comprises an upper part 63 and a lower part 64.

[0064] The front frame portion 62 comprises a first branch 65, generally flat in shape, which extends along the upper part 63 and the lower part 64 of the front frame portion 62. The first branch 65 is arranged to extend, on the upper part 63 of the front frame portion 62, flat and parallel to the front face of the individual's thorax. The first branch 65 has a rectangular cross-section of the same dimensions as the rectangular cross-section of the upper frame portion 61 of the frame 60, and extends in continuity with the upper frame portion 61.

[0065] The front reinforcement portion 62 further includes a second branch 66 of generally flat shape which extends along the lower part 64 of the front reinforcement portion 62. The second branch 66 has a generally flat shape and is perpendicular to the first branch 65. The lower part 64 of the front reinforcement portion 62 thus has an "L-shaped" section.

[0066] The front frame portion 62 includes a support portion arranged so that the carrying strap bears, at the level of the support portion, against a support surface of the individual located on a lateral face of the individual's thorax or abdomen. The support portion includes the second arm 66, which thus bears flat, either directly or via a protective layer of the carrying strap, against the support surface.

[0067] The support portion of each carrying strap, and therefore the second arm 66, exerts a force against the lateral face of the individual's chest or abdomen. Two forces of the same direction but opposite sense, directed towards the individual's body, are thus applied. The two second arms 66 form the arms of a clamp that are pressed against the lateral faces of the individual's chest or abdomen, thereby transferring part of the backpack's load to these lateral faces.

[0068] It is noted that, on the figures 11 à 14 The carrying straps do not have a protective layer over the shaping frames, so these rest directly against the individual. Of course, this is a possibility but not a requirement; the frames described could be fully or partially covered with a protective layer.

[0069] With reference to the figure 15, we describe a 70 frame of a carrying strap.

[0070] The frame 70 includes a front arm 71, a rear arm 72 and an upper portion 75. The upper portion 75 includes an upper part of the front arm 71 and an upper part of the rear arm 72. The upper portion 75 is arranged so that the carrying strap extends over an individual's shoulder.

[0071] The front branch 71 is arranged so that the carrying strap extends against a front face of the individual's thorax, and the rear branch 72 is arranged so that the carrying strap extends against the individual's back.

[0072] The front branch 71 and the rear branch 72 are symmetrical with respect to a plane P comprising a cross-section of the reinforcement and passing through the apex S of the reinforcement.

[0073] The front branch 71 has a front support portion 73 in the shape of a spatula, arranged so that the carrying strap comes to rest, at the level of the front support portion 73, against a support surface located on the front face of the thorax or abdomen of the individual.

[0074] The rear branch 72 includes a rear support portion 74 in the shape of a spatula, arranged so that the carrying strap comes to rest, at the level of the rear support portion 74, against a support surface located on the back of the individual.

[0075] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0076] Throughout this description, when it is stated that the carrying strap extends "against" the individual's body (front or side, chest or abdomen), this clearly means against the body or against clothing covering the body. Similarly, when it is stated that the carrying strap does not rest on a shoulder, this means that it does not press against the shoulder (but it could be in contact, at shoulder level, with clothing if that clothing is thick).

[0077] Carrying straps have been described in which a protective layer extends between the shaping frame and the individual's body (or clothing). The protective layer is not always necessary. The carrying strap could be formed, entirely or partially depending on its length, solely from the shaping frame, which would then rest directly against the individual's body or clothing, without the protective layer.

[0078] The carrying straps described here are for a backpack. However, they could be used with any type of equipment for carrying loads on the human body.

Claims

1. A carrying strap (8) arranged to allow an individual (2) to carry an object on his or her back, comprising a shaping reinforcement (18; 50; 60) comprising an upper reinforcement portion (19; 51; 61) having a curved shape and arranged such that the carrying strap extends over a shoulder of the individual, and a front reinforcement portion (20; 52; 62) arranged such that the carrying strap extends downwards against a front face of the individual's chest (13), the front reinforcement portion comprising a bearing portion (22) arranged such that the carrying strap comes to bear on a bearing surface (24) of the individual situated on a front face or on a side face of the individual's chest or abdomen, so as to apply at least part of the load of the object against the bearing surface of the individual, characterised in that the bearing portion has a cross-section (23; 26; 27) different from a segment (25; 53) of the front reinforcement portion extending between the bearing portion and the upper reinforcement portion, a shape of a cross-section of the front reinforcement portion varying according to a length of the front reinforcement portion.

2. The carrying strap according to claim 1, wherein a width (11, 12) of the cross-section of the front reinforcement portion varies according to the length of the front reinforcement portion.

3. The carrying strap according to Claim 2, in which the bearing portion comprises a lower end (21) of the front reinforcement portion, which widens progressively downwards, so that the bearing portion (22) has the shape of a spatula arranged to bear flat, directly or via a protective layer (30; 36; 41) of the carrying strap, against the bearing surface of the individual.

4. The carrying strap according to claim 2, wherein the front reinforcement portion has a generally flat shape and a rectangular section (23).

5. The carrying strap according to claim 2, wherein the front reinforcement portion has a generally flat shape and a plano-convex section (26).

6. The carrying shoulder strap according to claim 1, wherein the front reinforcement portion comprises a first branch and a second branch perpendicular to the second branch, the first branch extending over an upper portion and over a lower portion of the front reinforcement portion, the second branch extending over the lower portion of the front reinforcement portion, such that the lower portion has an "L" section.

7. The carrying strap according to claim 6, wherein the first branch extends flat parallel to the front face of the thorax of the individual on the upper part of the front reinforcement portion, and wherein the bearing portion comprises the second branch which is arranged to come to bear flat, directly or via a protective layer of the carrying strap, against the bearing surface of the individual, which is located on the lateral face of the individual's chest or abdomen.

8. The carrying strap according to claim 1, wherein an upper portion (53) of the front reinforcement portion (52) has a circular section, wherein a lower portion (54) of the front reinforcement portion (52) has a generally flat shape, the lower portion of the front reinforcement portion including the bearing portion.

9. The carrying strap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement has a front branch and a rear branch that are symmetrical, the front branch being arranged such that the carrying strap extends against a front face of the individual's thorax, and the rear branch being arranged such that the carrying strap extends against the individual's back.

10. The carrying strap according to any one preceding claims, including a protective layer defining a sheath into which the shaping reinforcement is inserted.

11. The carrying strap according to any one of the preceding claims, including a protective layer, the shaping reinforcement extending over the protective layer.

12. Equipment for carrying a load on the human body, comprising a left carrying strap and a right carrying strap each in accordance with a carrying strap according to any one of the preceding claims.