Backpack for cyclists

Abstract

Backpack, especially for cyclists, with two shoulder straps, a pack sack, and a flat back element with several protruding nubs that, when in use, lie against the back or the jersey of the user, thus defining a skin-close back ventilation zone. The nubs are designed as air guide elements that direct the airflow towards the back areas of the user, which have higher temperatures during sporting activity. The back ventilation zone is divided into zones, and the nubs in the outer area of ​​the back ventilation zone are shaped differently than in the center of the ventilation zone.

Description

[0001] Backpacks are used in many sporting activities by skiers, mountaineers, or cyclists.

[0002] The right back system is crucial for the carrying comfort of a backpack. There are two fundamentally different principles of back systems: the body-contact back system and the ventilated back system. With a ventilated back system, there is a space open on two sides between the pack and the wearer's back, allowing air to circulate freely. The backpack only rests against the shoulders and lower back. A frame and a highly breathable mesh fabric keep the pack at a distance. This provides good ventilation for the wearer's back, especially during athletic activities. However, a disadvantage of these ventilated back systems is that the center of gravity is positioned relatively far away from the back due to the large distance between the pack and the wearer's back.The backpack therefore sits less securely on the back, which is particularly disadvantageous during rapid movements. Body-contact back systems offer virtually no ventilation, but the center of gravity is closer to the back.

[0003] Particularly in the area of ​​cycling backpacks, there are also body-contact back systems with a back protector designed to protect against serious back injuries, especially during mountain biking. The back protector is usually a rigid foam plate. Here, the protective function takes precedence over breathability. There are specific testing standards for such backpacks, the requirements of which severely restrict design freedom in the development of these protectors. Therefore, freedom of movement is also significantly restricted when wearing backpacks with back protectors. One such backpack with an integrated back protector is known from DE 10 2007 004 641 A1.

[0004] US patent 2017 / 0027806A1 discloses a backpack in which a strip with several nubs is provided on the side facing the wearer, extending from the shoulder straps. The nubs serve as a massage aid. Simultaneously, the nubs create a gap between the wearer's back and the back panel of the backpack, allowing air to circulate and providing ventilation.

[0005] From JP 2005- 58 582 A another backpack is known which has a large number of studs distributed across the entire back wall.

[0006] FR 2 700 252 A3 also describes a backpack in which a pad is provided on the actual back wall of the backpack, featuring several air channels running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the backpack. The airflow flows relatively far away from the wearer's back and thus contributes little to cooling.

[0007] US patent 6,325,262 A3 describes a special backpack for sports applications, featuring a highly breathable mesh back panel that rests against the user's back. Air flows into the back panel at the nape of the neck.

[0008] A backpack with a back ventilation zone is known from US patent 8,672,203 B2. All known backpacks have one or more of the following disadvantages: A backpack with a back panel featuring multiple nubs is known from German patent DE 295 19 199 U1. Various shaped nubs are known from Japanese patent JP 2005-58 582 A. Climate function a) Large distance between back and load b) The volume of the entire backpack is relatively high c) Insufficient airflow in the immediate area of ​​the back d) The frame presses against a cyclist who assumes an aerodynamic posture with a strongly curved back. e) The mesh is essentially flat, i.e., 2-dimensional, in the unsupported area. Protector function f) Relatively heavy g) Limited freedom of movement h) Only suitable for small backpacks i) No easy adjustment to different back lengths

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a backpack for cyclists that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages, that enables optimal heat and moisture dissipation, that ensures optimal climate comfort as well as optimal carrying comfort, and a high level of protection with high mobility.

[0010] This problem is solved by the features specified in claim 1.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] The main idea of ​​the invention is to design the nubs as air guide elements and thus direct the airflow generated during driving specifically to certain areas of the back that are particularly heated during driving or where there is a high rate of perspiration.

[0013] In a further development of the invention, the nubs in the edge area of ​​the back ventilation zone are shaped differently in cross-section than in the center of the ventilation zone.

[0014] Depending on the function of the nubs – optimal guidance of the airflow or optimal turbulence – they are shaped like rings, ellipses, ovals or almonds.

[0015] In a further development of the invention, the studs are not solid, but tubular, i.e., hollow inside. This ensures high flexibility and high energy absorption.

[0016] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

[0017] They show: Fig. 1 Perspective view of a backpack according to the invention for cyclists Fig. 2. Schematic top view of the back area of ​​a cyclist Fig. 3 Top view of the back part of the backpack according to the invention Fig. 4 perspective and section views of different stud shapes

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective, highly schematic view of a bicycle backpack from the back of the backpack. The backpack has two shoulder straps and a large back panel covered with numerous textured bumps.

[0019] The arrangement and distribution of the studs can vary greatly depending on the intended use of the backpack.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the back of a cyclist, but with the backpack removed and the back panel transparent. This makes the back ventilation zone and airflow pattern more visible. The back ventilation zone is bounded by the cyclist's back (or rather, their cycling jersey) and the back panel of the backpack.

[0021] Several airflow patterns are shown schematically. The main airflow enters the backpack's back ventilation zone via the rider's shoulder and neck area. An additional airflow also enters the back ventilation zone from the side. Specially shaped nubs in the center of the back ventilation zone create a high degree of air turbulence, resulting in a strong cooling effect.

[0022] Fig. Figure 3 shows the distribution and orientation of the nubs in a non-curved shape. The outer nubs, which are larger than the inner nubs, primarily serve to guide airflow.

[0023] The nubs in the center of the back ventilation zone serve primarily to turbulence the airflow.

[0024] Fig. Figure 4 shows cross-sections of different stud shapes. The shapes are based on rings, ellipses, ovals, and almond-shaped studs. Typically, the studs are 5–25 mm high, 5–50 mm long, and 5–20 mm wide. The studs shown are tubular, so the interior of each shape is free of material. Such stud shapes are very effective as energy absorbers, thus meeting the requirements of residual impact measurement DIN EN 1621-2 for back protectors.

[0025] For this purpose, polymer gels with a very high energy absorption coefficient are available. The absorption curve can be progressive.

[0026] If the primary focus is on climate control, the nubs do not necessarily need to be shaped in this way; they can also be manufactured using thermoforming processes with textile materials. Openings are then not strictly necessary.

[0027] The shape, the specific arrangement and the size of the nubs determine the flow behavior. - almond-shaped nubs direct the airflow - Airfoil-shaped nubs direct the airflow to one side - Teardrop-shaped nubs (point towards the airflow) create small turbulences. - Circular nubs create large turbulences.

[0028] The bumps can be manufactured using an injection molding or thermoforming process.

[0029] The individual studs are connected to each other in a checkerboard pattern via small bridges. This allows the studs to be manufactured together with a textile backing in a single production process.

[0030] The airflow generated during travel is directed towards the spine by the outer nubs. The special arrangement and design of these nubs ensures good air circulation. This provides optimal ventilation to the spinal area, where the highest heat build-up occurs. The main advantages of the invention are optimal climate control in the user's back area. The backpack according to the invention is very flexible; it adapts to the individual shape of the back and does not restrict the user's freedom of movement. The backpack's center of gravity is very close to the body.

[0031] The nubs can be arranged in such a way that they provide a back protector function without restricting the user's freedom of movement.

[0032] The invention is primarily aimed at use as a cycling backpack, especially for fast and strenuous cycling disciplines (e.g., cross-country, trans-alpine, all-mountain, enduro). However, the backpack according to the invention can also be used for mountain biking, road cycling, e-biking, and urban cycling.

[0033] The basic concept of the invention can also be applied to protective clothing for e-bikers or mountain bikers.

Claims

[1] Backpack, especially for cyclists, with two shoulder straps, a pack sack, and a flat back element with several protruding bumps that, when in use, lie against the back or the jersey of the user and thus define a skin-close back ventilation zone, wherein the bumps are designed as air guide elements that direct the airflow towards the back areas of the user which have higher temperatures during sporting activity, and wherein the back ventilation zone is divided into zones and the bumps in the outer area of ​​the back ventilation zone are shaped differently than in the center of the ventilation zone. [2] Backpack according to claim 1, characterized by that the bumps are ring-shaped, elliptical, oval or almond-shaped in cross-section. [3] Backpack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the studs are tubular in shape and the interior of the studs is free of material and the studs are designed as impact energy absorbers.

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