Backpack with integrated back protector

Abstract

Backpack with an integrated back protector for protecting, in particular, the spine of the backpack wearer during sporting activities, with a shock-absorbing element provided on the back part of the backpack (10), characterized in that the shock-absorbing element consists of a flat, air-filled chamber (3) which is under a minimum pressure of 0.5 bar, wherein the chamber has horizontally and vertically extending flexion ribs (50, 52) which define the open chambers (58, 60) at the ends and allow the shock-absorbing element to adapt to the shape of the backpack wearer's back.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a backpack with an integrated back protector according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Back protectors provide passive safety during sporting activities such as motorcycling, snowboarding, and mountain biking. These protectors primarily serve to protect the spine from injury. However, not every padding element is suitable as a protector. Protectors are certified based on the motorcycle testing standard EN-1621-2. This standard defines two protection classes. Protection class 1 requires a residual impact force of less than 18 kN in a defined drop test. Protection class 2 has higher requirements. Here, the residual impact force must not exceed 9 kN. The standard specifies a test temperature of 23 ± 2 °C at a relative humidity of 50 ± 5%.

[0003] From WO 2017 / 221 110 A1, a back protector is known which consists of several flexibly connected, energy-absorbing plates. The honeycomb-like plates and the connecting elements are made of a rubber material, preferably nitrile rubber. This back protector allows torsion around its longitudinal axis under considerable force. Pivoting around the connecting elements, which run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is possible without significant force.

[0004] The flexibility allows the back protector to adapt relatively well to the shape of the wearer's back.

[0005] From FR 2 818 510 A1, a backpack with a back protector is known, consisting of several rigid plates movably connected to each other by hinges. The hinges are arranged in a horizontal line and define three horizontal axes of rotation. This allows only limited adjustment to the wearer's back shape, which is very uncomfortable for the wearer.

[0006] US patent 2005 / 0205634A1 describes a backpack with a plate-shaped air cushion. However, this air cushion is not suitable as a protector.

[0007] A backpack with an integrated back protector is known from DE 10 2007 004 641 A. This back protector has a plate-shaped protective layer made of a hard plastic material, designed to prevent the penetration of hard and sharp objects. Another plate-shaped layer consists of a viscoelastic foam that is flexible or soft under slow loads and relatively hard upon impact.

[0008] From DE 83 33 836 U1, a flat, air-filled chamber is known as a shock-absorbing element.

[0009] The familiar protectors can be divided into two classes: hard protectors (hard shell) and soft protectors (soft shell). Hard protectors consist of a rigid and non-deformable, flat plastic construction. Commonly used materials are thermosets or plastomers. These protectors distribute the impact force over a broad area. Beneath the hard surface (hard shell), there is usually an elastic layer made of an elastomer.

[0010] While hard protectors offer a high level of protection, they are very uncomfortable and severely restrict freedom of movement during sporting activities.

[0011] As already explained, there are also protectors that, although based on inflexible plate constructions, can somewhat compensate for the different back shapes that can inevitably occur during sporting activities due to joint connections between the individual plates.

[0012] Even such protectors can restrict freedom of movement under certain circumstances.

[0013] In contrast, soft protectors have a flexible shape. Upon impact, these protectors deform almost point-like at the point of impact. Typical materials for soft protectors are elastomers such as polyurethane (PUR) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with viscoelastic properties.

[0014] While soft protectors allow for a better fit to the athlete's back shape, the shock-absorbing properties of the available materials are highly dependent on temperature and humidity. Soft-shell protectors that offer good protection (protection class 2) at 21° Celsius lose this protection at relatively low temperatures, especially below 0° Celsius. Therefore, such protectors are unsuitable for winter sports.

[0015] From DE 20 2018 100 661 U1, a composite protective device is known that is also suitable for low temperatures. As already mentioned, conventional protective devices that exhibit high impact resistance are often made of a highly specialized impact-resistant material. However, such specialized materials are very sensitive to climatic conditions. At low ambient temperatures, such as those that can occur particularly during winter sports activities, these materials easily become brittle, which means that the protective device can be easily damaged by an impact, resulting in reduced protective capacity.

[0016] Both display materials are oil-based and are problematic from a sustainability perspective.

[0017] Soft foams are only of limited use in high humidity conditions. The air cells in the viscoelastic foams fill with humidity, thus altering their damping effect and negatively impacting their protective properties.

[0018] The object of the present invention is to provide a backpack with an integrated back protector that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages, that offers good protection over a wide temperature range and yet provides a high level of wearing comfort, that is easily adaptable to different back shapes assumed during sports activities, and that is lightweight and easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0019] This problem is solved by the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0020] The essential idea of ​​the invention is to design the shock-absorbing element as a flat, air-filled chamber that is under a minimum pressure of 0.5 bar.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 Backpack according to the invention in a perspective view with a shock-absorbing element Fig. 2 Backpack according to Fig. 1 partially cut Fig. 3. Detailed magnification in the area of ​​the valve according to Fig. 2 Fig. 4. Assembly of the backpack with foam padding and flexible plate Fig. 5. View of a shock-absorbing element Fig. 6 Section of a shock-absorbing element in the area of ​​the flexion lines Fig. 7. specific design of the element according to Fig. 5 Fig. 8. Supervision of an athlete's back Fig. 9 Force profile during an impact test Fig. 10 Top view of element 1 with an enlarged view in the valve area Fig. 11 Schematic side view of a cyclist with a backpack according to the invention with radio sensor and smartphone Fig. 12 Side view of a cyclist with the backpack according to the invention in a sports position

[0022] In Fig. Figure 1 is a backpack 10 according to the invention with two shoulder straps, wherein only one shoulder strap 12 is visible, shown very schematically in a perspective view.

[0023] The body of the backpack 10 is shown in the open position. According to the invention, the shock-absorbing element 1, the back protector, is designed as a flat, air-filled chamber 3 with a valve 5. A pocket 14 is provided on the back of the backpack 10 into which the shock-absorbing element 1 can be easily inserted. Alternatively, the shock-absorbing element 1 can also be permanently integrated into the back of the backpack.

[0024] In Fig. 2 is the backpack 10 according to Fig. 1 partially shown in section. The backpack body 16 is closed, element 1 is fully inserted into pocket 14. In the enlarged section. Fig. Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the area around the valve 5. The damping element 1 is approximately 1.5 cm thick. The chamber 3 is formed by two welded TPU films 40.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 4 shows the construction of the backpack 10 in a slightly more detailed manner, although the pocket insert has been omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0026] The back panel of the rucksack 10 has a multi-layered construction. The outer layer, which rests against the wearer's back, consists of a structured foam padding 30. This padding allows for good ventilation in the back area. The second layer consists of an air-filled chamber 3, and the third layer is made of a flexible sheet 33, for example, made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a thermoelastic plastic, or PE (polyethylene).

[0027] These panels are very stable. They practically never break. Splintering is also impossible. Furthermore, the panels prevent sharp objects (e.g., stones) from penetrating chamber 3 and puncturing the foil 40. Another advantage of the panels is the distribution of force over a larger area.

[0028] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of the shock-absorbing element 1 according to the invention, with the flat, air-filled chamber 3. The element 1 is 220 mm wide at the lower end and 250 mm wide at the upper end, thus conforming to standard EN 1621-2. The chamber 3 is separated by vertically and horizontally extending lines that allow for flexion; these are therefore referred to below as flexion lines 50 and 52. The flexion lines 50 and 52 allow the flat element 1 to be adapted to different back shapes.

[0029] Fig. Figure 6 shows a section in the area of ​​flexion lines 50 and 52, respectively.

[0030] At the flexural lines 50, webs 56 are provided that connect the upper film 40 with the lower film 40. The webs 56 have a wall thickness of 20-40 µm.

[0031] The webs 56 define horizontally running air chambers 58.

[0032] At the flexion lines 52, the two foils 40, which form the chamber 3, are directly welded together, thereby forming vertically running air chambers 60.

[0033] In Fig. 7 is a special configuration of the element according to Fig. Figure 5 shows that two shoulder attachments 12a are provided at the upper end of chamber 3 and two hip fin attachments 120a at the lower end. This allows the shoulder area (clavicle) and the pelvic or kidney area to be protected in addition to the spine. Fig. 8.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 9 shows the force curve during an impact test as a function of time for a conventional back protector 71 and a backpack according to the invention with integrated back protector 72.

[0035] The force curve for the backpack 72 according to the invention lies far below curve 71. The maximum value of 9 kN for protection class 2 is far below the limit.

[0036] Fig. Figure 10 shows a top view of element 1 with an enlarged representation of valve 5.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 11 shows a further development of the invention. Valve 5 is an intelligent valve with a wireless sensor. The current pressure in chamber 3 can thus be queried using a smartphone.

[0038] Fig. Figure 12 shows a side view of an athlete wearing the backpack 10 according to the invention, which is optimally adapted to the curved shape of the athlete's back.

[0039] It is conceivable that the smartphone could signal to the user if the pressure in chamber 3 falls below a minimum pressure value at which a protection class is no longer guaranteed.

[0040] The protective effect can be further increased by integrating a 3D spacer fabric.

[0041] The back protector can also be used without a backpack.

[0042] The function of the invention is explained in more detail below. • The backpack according to the invention with the integrated back protector offers optimal protection against injuries, especially to the spine, even at different temperatures, while still ensuring high flexibility to different back shapes. • Skiers / snowboarders can start their tour at high altitudes, e.g. 4000 m, and at temperatures of -20° C, and ski down to the valley, where completely different temperatures may prevail, without compromising the comprehensive protective function of the protector. • The same backpack can also be used by bikers in temperatures of 30°C and above. • By inflating pressure chamber 3 to a pressure of at least 0.5 bar, a high level of protection (protection class 1) is already ensured. At a pressure of 0.8 bar in chamber 3, protection class 2 for protectors according to the requirements of EN 1621-2 is achieved. • To increase the flexibility of the shock-absorbing element 1, various horizontal and vertical flexion ribs 50 and 52 are provided, enabling optimal adaptation of element 1 to the shape of the back. The flexion ribs 50 adapt to the curvature of the back, while the flexion ribs 52 adapt to the arching of the back around the spine, which can occur during various sporting activities. • Due to the increased thickness of the webs 56 (0.3–0.4 µm), the air chambers 58 can effectively absorb pressure peaks occurring under load and transmit the pressure longitudinally along the air chamber 58. The webs 56 are both shape-giving and shock-absorbing, due to the pressure in chamber 3. • The protected areas can easily be extended to wider body regions via the shoulder attachments 12a and hip fin attachments 120a. • The modular design of the foam padding 30, chamber 3 and plate 33 in the backpack allows the protective effect to be increased even further. • The plate 33 serves as a force distributor and as protection against damage to the air chamber 3, which could lead to the escape of air from the chamber and thus a complete loss of the protective effect. • The protector according to the invention has a basis weight of less than 2500 g / m² 2 , meaning the entire construction is extremely lightweight. • The back protector element 1 according to the invention is very easy to manufacture. • A significant advantage of the invention is that if a protective function is not desired, the pressure in chamber 3 can be easily reduced to decrease the flexural stiffness of element 1. The flexural stiffness and the protective function of the present back protector according to the invention can be adjusted virtually steplessly. Reducing the air pressure also leads to an additional improvement in mechanical wearing comfort due to the enhanced padding. • Due to the design of element 1 and the fact that element 1 is easily removable, it can also be used as a splint in the case of injuries to stabilize and immobilize the affected anatomical structure (bone fractures). • By integrating a 3D fabric into chamber 3, the protective effect can be increased or achieved through less complex measures. • The element 1 according to the invention can be easily integrated into existing backpack constructions. • The element 1 according to the invention with the air-filled chamber 3 is also preferable for sustainability reasons, since only small amounts of oil-containing raw materials are processed here. Overall, the damping element 1 can be manufactured in a very resource-efficient manner, saving raw materials.

Claims

[1] Backpack with an integrated back protector to protect in particular the spine of the backpack wearer during sporting activities, with a shock-absorbing element provided on the back part of the backpack (10), characterized by , that the shock-absorbing element consists of a planar, air-filled chamber (3) which is under a minimum pressure of 0.5 bar, wherein the chamber has horizontally and vertically extending flexion ribs (50, 52) which define the end-open chambers (58, 60) and allow the shock-absorbing element to adapt to the back shape of the backpack wearer. [2] Backpack according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the horizontally extending flexion ribs (50) are formed by separate ribs (56) which are welded to the outer material (40) of the shock-absorbing element (1). [3] Backpack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the vertically extending flexion lines (52) are formed by direct weld lines between the outer material (40) of the shock-absorbing element (1). [4] Backpack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the flexion webs (56) have a greater wall thickness of 0.3-0.4 µm than the outer material (4). [5] Backpack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a valve (5) is provided with a pressure gauge which serves to monitor the air pressure in the air chamber (3). [6] Backpack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the chamber (3) is partially filled with a knitted fabric. [7] Backpack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shock-absorbing element (1) has shoulder attachments (12) and / or hip fins (120) which serve in particular to protect the shoulder area (clavicle) and the pelvic area. [8] Backpack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the material of the outer surfaces (40) is impact-resistant and cut-resistant. [9] Backpack according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a pocket (14) is provided on the back part of the backpack (10) into which the shock-absorbing element (1) can be inserted. [10] Use of the shock-absorbing element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, for fixation in musculoskeletal injuries. [11] Backpack according to any one of the preceding claims 1-9, characterized by , that the shock-absorbing element (1) comprises, in addition to the flat air-filled chamber (3), a foam pad (30) and a flexible plate (33).

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