BACKPACK CONVERTIBLE SLEDGE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sled, as well as to a set comprising such a sled and a pair of snowshoes.

[0002] It applies in particular to sleds intended for the practice of a sporting activity, in particular of the tobogganing type, in order to allow a hiker to slide on snowy terrain.

[0003] This type of sled forms a bag with a storage space for the equipment needed by the hiker, said bag being able to be carried, in particular on the back, during the walking phases, and being able, during the sliding phases, to contain the walking equipment such as a pair of snowshoes or poles.

[0004] Document DE-19 805 505 describes a hiking backpack convertible into a sled, comprising a shell forming a storage space in a carrying configuration and having a base whose external surface is arranged to allow sliding in a sliding configuration.

[0005] In particular, the storage space is closed by a flexible upper wall which has a stiffened rear area forming a seat for the user in sliding configuration, shoulder straps can be attached to the shell to allow the bag to be carried on the back.

[0006] This solution is not entirely satisfactory in that the sliding surface of the shell has reversible means of fixing the straps, which can alter the effectiveness of said surface when used in sliding configuration.

[0007] Furthermore, the soft top wall does not provide good support for the user, especially when carrying a grab handle, while ensuring the integrity of the storage space when used in a sliding configuration.

[0008] GB-2 507 122 A describes a sled formed from two hollow shells pivotally connected by a hinge so as to be movable between an unfolded sliding configuration and a closed carrying configuration.

[0009] The invention aims to improve the prior art by proposing in particular a sled which is convertible into a backpack, in which the sliding and carrying configurations are jointly optimized relative to their respective sliding and storage functions.

[0010] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a sled comprising a lower shell having a bottom whose external surface is arranged to allow said sled to slide, said bottom being bordered by a peripheral wall which extends from said bottom to a free edge, said sled comprising: an upper shell which is arranged to be able to reversibly cover at least part of the free edge by forming a storage space between said shells so as to form a bag; and a carrying structure for said bag, said carrying structure being equipped with a device for fixing to said bag, the upper shell being arranged to allow at least one user to sit on it above the closed storage space in a sliding configuration, said upper shell being equipped with a fixing device complementary to the fixing device of the carrying structure to allow the fixing of said structure on said upper shell in a bag carrying configuration.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a set comprising such a sled and a pair of snowshoes, the storage space being configured to be able to accommodate at least said snowshoes in the bag.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description, made with reference to the figures 1 à 8 annexed, [ Fig.1 ], [ Fig.2 ], [ Fig.3 ], [ Fig.4 ], [ Fig.5 ], [ Fig.6 ], [ Fig.7 ], And [ Fig.8 ] which each represent in perspective a sled according to the invention during respectively a stage of its transition from the carrying configuration to the sliding configuration.

[0013] In relation to these figures, a sled convertible into a backpack is described below, particularly intended for practicing a sporting activity such as hiking and sledging, as well as a set comprising such a sled and a pair of snowshoes.

[0014] The sled comprises a lower shell 1 which has a bottom 2 whose external surface is arranged to allow said sled to slide, said bottom being bordered by a peripheral wall 3 which extends from said bottom to a free edge 4.

[0015] For this purpose, the sliding surface may have a network of hollow and / or raised patterns arranged to facilitate its sliding on snowy terrain, in particular in the form of longitudinal ribs (visible through the bottom 2 on the figures 4à 6 ).

[0016] The sled further comprises an upper shell 5 which is arranged to be able to reversibly cover at least a part, in particular the whole, of the free edge 4, forming a storage space 6 between said shells so as to form a bag. In particular, the upper shell 5 can close the storage space 6 in a sealed manner.

[0017] Each shell 1, 5 can be made in a single piece, in particular by injection and molding of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer material. In the figures, the shells 1, 5 both have a substantially rectangular shape, in particular symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal vertical plane.

[0018] In the description, the terms of positioning in space are chosen with respect to the orientation of the sled as shown in the figures. Thus, the terms "upper" and "lower" are taken relative to an arrangement respectively far and close to the external surface of the bottom on which the sled slides. Furthermore, the term "longitudinal" relates to a direction corresponding to the maximum dimension of the sled, and the term "transverse" relates to a direction perpendicular to this maximum dimension.

[0019] The upper shell 5 has an upper tray 7 which is bordered by a peripheral wall 8, said peripheral wall having a free edge 9 intended to cooperate with the free edge 4 of the lower shell 1 to form the storage space 6.

[0020] The upper peripheral wall 8 has a height and shape adapted so as to form a storage space 6 of sufficient volume to be able to store the equipment necessary for practicing the sporting activity, without having to resort to an additional bag.

[0021] In particular, in the case where the sled is marketed with snowshoes, the storage space 6 is configured to be able to accommodate at least said snowshoes, as well as hiking poles, or any other type of equipment suitable for hiking and / or camping (water bottle, food, spare clothes, stove, etc.).

[0022] In relation to the figures 4 à 6 , the upper shell 5 is mounted on the free edge 4 of the lower shell 1 by means of a hinge 10 allowing the storage space 6 to be opened and closed. Furthermore, the shells 1, 5 have reversible association means 11, 12 formed on their respective free edges 4, 9, being opposite the hinge 10 relative to a median vertical plane of the sled.

[0023] In the embodiment shown, the hinge 10 and the reversible association means 11, 12 are each formed on a respective longitudinal portion of the free edges 4, 9. In particular, the upper free edge 9 has two lugs 11 spaced longitudinally, each intended to be reversibly associated by clipping into a respective housing 12 formed for this purpose on the lower free edge 4.

[0024] The upper shell 5 is arranged to allow at least one user to sit on it above the storage space 6 in a sliding configuration. The rigidity of the shells 1, 5, and in particular that of the upper shell 5, makes it possible to guarantee the integrity of the storage space 6 when used in a sliding configuration.

[0025] In particular, the shells 1, 5 are configured to prevent sagging under the effect of the weight of the user(s) when using the sled in the sliding configuration, in order to guarantee the comfort of said user(s) and to preserve the integrity of the equipment stored in the storage space 6.

[0026] The sled further comprises a structure 13 for carrying the bag, said structure being equipped with a device 14 for fixing to said bag. The upper shell 5 is equipped with a fixing device 15 complementary to that of the carrying structure 14, in order to allow the fixing of said structure to said upper shell in a bag carrying configuration.

[0027] Thus, the lower hull 1 and in particular its external sliding surface may be devoid of means for fixing the carrying structure 13, which makes it possible to optimize the efficiency of said surface when used in sliding configuration.

[0028] Advantageously, the external surface 16 of the upper plate 7 is adapted to improve the comfort of the user when carrying the sled on his back and / or when sitting on it in the sliding configuration.

[0029] For this purpose, the upper external surface 16 may have at least one hollow imprint, in order to form a seating area 17 for the user. In particular, the seating area 17 may extend over a significant portion, in particular over a transverse half, of the upper external surface 16, so as to allow an adult user to sit there in the sliding configuration.

[0030] The carrying structure 13 may also comprise a wall covering at least a portion of the upper external surface 16, said wall being able to be made of an elastomeric material, for example a foam.

[0031] The upper shell 5 may also comprise a stiffening structure 19, in particular in the form of a network of intersecting transverse and longitudinal ribs, which extends under the upper plate 7 at the level of the seating area 17, in order to reinforce it to enable it to better resist deformations under the effect of the weight of the user(s) seated on it.

[0032] The carrying structure 13 comprises shoulder straps 18 for carrying the bag on the back, said shoulder straps extending longitudinally between two sides which are intended to be associated each near a transverse edge 21, 22 of the upper external surface 16 respectively in the carrying configuration.

[0033] Each shoulder strap 18 comprises a portion 23 for carrying the bag which extends longitudinally from one side of the carrying structure 13, being equipped with a lining, for example made of foam, intended to rest on a shoulder of the user during said carrying.

[0034] Each strap 18 further comprises a length adjustment portion 24, said portion comprising a strap with a first end associated with the other side of the carrying structure 13, as well as a second free end which slides in a loop 25 associated with the carrying portion 23.

[0035] To prevent them from slipping off the user's shoulders, the straps 18 are equipped with reversible association means, in particular in the form of a transverse strap 26 comprising a first end permanently fixed to one strap 18 and reversibly to the other strap, in particular by means of a clip buckle type system 27, so as to extend between said straps and over the user's chest. In particular, the strap 26 may be adjustable, depending on the user's morphology.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the carrying structure 13 is removably attached to the upper shell 5, in particular so that it can be stored in the sliding configuration, so as not to hinder the user. In particular, the storage space 6 is configured to be able to accommodate the carrying structure 13 when it is not in use.

[0037] Alternatively, the carrying structure 13 may be permanently attached to the sled on a first side, while being detachable from said sled on its opposite side, so that it can be folded and stored in the storage space 6 or in an annex compartment of the sled near said first side.

[0038] The fixing device 14 of the carrying structure 13 comprises a plate 28 which is intended to be fixed in a housing 29 formed in the upper external surface 16 and / or at least one strap 30 equipped with a connector 31 which is intended to engage in a loop 32 secured to said upper external surface.

[0039] In the figures, a first side of the carrying structure 13 is equipped with a plate 28. To do this, the first side has an upper strip 33 under which the plate 28 is associated, the adjustment portions 24 of the straps 18 each being associated with a respective end of said strip.

[0040] Furthermore, the other side of the carrying structure 13 is equipped with at least one strap 30, and in particular at least two fixing straps 30, a transverse edge 22 of the upper external surface 16 having two loops 32 spaced transversely for fixing the connector 31 of respectively one of said straps.

[0041] The carrying portions 23 join, at their ends opposite the adjustment loops 25, in a common zone 34 from which three fixing straps 30 extend substantially longitudinally, each having a free end equipped with a connector 31 intended to be associated with one of the three loops 32 fixed for this purpose on the edge 22 of the upper external surface 16.

[0042] The housing 29 is bordered by two longitudinal rails 35, under which the plate 28 is arranged to slide into place when switching to the carrying configuration.

[0043] In particular, at least one fixing strap 30 is arranged to, when its connector 31 is associated with a loop 32, prevent the plate 28 from sliding off the rails 35.

[0044] The carrying structure 13 comprises a central strap 36 which extends longitudinally between the upper band 33 and the zone 34 of common association of the shoulder straps 18 and the fixing straps 30, said central strap and said fixing straps each having a length adapted to be stretched on the upper external surface 16 when the connectors 31 are fixed to the buckles 32.

[0045] The sled further comprises a structure 37 for holding the user on the bag in the sliding configuration, said holding structure being equipped with a device 38 for removable attachment to the bag.

[0046] In particular, the storage space 6 is configured, in particular by its dimensions, to be able to accommodate the holding structure 37 in the bag, in particular in addition to the carrying structure 13, but also in addition to the equipment necessary for practicing the activity, for example snowshoes and / or hiking poles.

[0047] The upper external surface 16 is equipped with a fixing device complementary to the device 37 of the holding structure, so as to allow its reversible fixing on the upper shell 5.

[0048] Advantageously, the upper external surface 16 is equipped with a complementary fixing device which comprises common means 15, 35 for selectively fixing the carrying structures 13 or holding structures 37, depending on the configuration of use chosen for the sled.

[0049] For this purpose, the carrying structures 13 and holding structures 37 are each equipped with a plate 28, 38 which is intended to be able to be fixed selectively in the housing 29 formed in the upper shell 5.

[0050] In the figures, the holding structure 37 comprises a grip handle 39 for a user seated on the upper shell 5 in the sliding configuration, said handle being formed in a single piece with the plate 38 for attachment to the bag, in particular by molding a thermoplastic material. In particular, the holding structure 37 allows the user to guide the sled.

[0051] We now describe the different steps that the user must carry out to switch from the bag carrying configuration ( figure 1 ) to the sliding configuration ( figure 8 ).

[0052] First, the user detaches the connectors 31 of the fixing straps 30 from their respective loops 32 ( figure 2 ), so as to be able to slide the plate 28 out of the rails 35 of the housing 29, as shown in the figure 3 .

[0053] Then, the user opens the storage space 6 by deactivating the means 11, 12 for reversibly associating the shells 1, 5, so as to be able to lift the upper shell 5, in order to access said space to store the carrying structure 13 there and extract the holding structure 37 therefrom ( figures 4 , 5 et 6 ).

[0054] Finally, the user folds the upper shell 5 onto the lower shell 1 and activates their reversible association means 11, 12, then fixes the holding structure 37 by sliding its plate 38 under the rails 35, so as to place it in the housing 29 ( figures 7, 8 ).

Claims

1. Sledge comprising a lower shell (1) having a bottom (2) whose external surface is arranged to allow the sliding of said sledge, said bottom being bordered by a peripheral wall (3) extending from said bottom up to a free edge (4), said sledge comprising: - an upper shell (5) arranged to reversibly cover at least a part of the free edge (4) so as to form a storage space (6) between said shells, thereby forming a bag; and - a structure (13) for carrying said bag, said carrying structure being provided with a device (14) for fastening it on said bag, said sledge being characterized in that the upper shell (5) is arranged to allow at least one user to sit thereon above the closed storage space (6) in a sliding configuration, said upper shell being provided with a fastening device (15) complementary to the fastening device (14) of the carrying structure (13) so as to allow the attachment of said structure to said upper shell in a carrying configuration of the bag.

2. Sledge according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrying structure (13) comprises shoulder straps (18) for carrying the bag on the back.

3. Sledge according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the carrying structure (13) is removably attached to the upper shell (5).

4. Sledge according to claim 3, characterized in that the fastening device (14) of the carrying structure (13) comprises a plate (28) intended to be fixed in a housing (29) formed in the upper shell (5) and / or at least one strap (30) provided with a connector (31) intended to engage with a buckle (32) associated with the upper shell (5).

5. Sledge according to claim 4, characterized in that the carrying structure (13) comprises at least two fastening straps (30), an edge (22) of the upper shell (5) having two transversely spaced buckles (32) for fastening the connector (31) of a respective one of said straps.

6. Sledge according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the housing (29) is bordered by two rails (35), the plate (28) being arranged to be slidingly engaged under said rails.

7. Sledge according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one strap (30) is arranged so that, when its connector (31) is engaged with a buckle (32), it prevents the plate (28) from sliding out of the rails (35).

8. Sledge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a structure (37) for retaining the user on the bag in a sliding configuration, said retaining structure being provided with a removable device for fastening it on the bag.

9. Sledge according to claim 8, characterized in that the upper shell (5) is provided with a fastening device (15) complementary to the fastening device of the retaining structure (37) so as to allow its reversible attachment to said upper shell (5).

10. Sledge according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the upper shell (5) is provided with a complementary fastening device (15) comprising common means (29, 35) for selectively fastening the carrying structure (13) or the retaining structure (37).

11. Sledge according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the retaining structure (37) comprises a handle (39) for gripping by the user seated on the upper shell (5) in a sliding configuration.

12. Sledge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the upper shell (5) is mounted on the free edge (4) of the lower shell (1) by means of a hinge (10) allowing the opening and closing of the storage space (6).

13. Sledge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the lower (1) and upper (5) shells are made of a rigid or semi-rigid polymer material.

14. Sledge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the storage space (6) is configured to accommodate at least the carrying structure (13) and / or the optional retaining structure (37) in the bag.

15. Assembly comprising a sledge according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a pair of snowshoes, the storage space (6) being configured to accommodate at least said snowshoes in the bag.