BACKPACK FRAME

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hiking backpack. For the purposes of the invention, a backpack is a load-carrying item equipped with a main back pocket delimited by a back panel facing the user's back when the backpack is worn and two shoulder straps attached to the back panel.

[0002] To improve carrying comfort and back ventilation, some backpacks incorporate a frame that shapes the back panel of the main back pocket. For example, documents EP 2 275 000 and DE 19932498 describe a frame partially attached to the back panel designed to, firstly, shape the back panel to create a ventilation space between an intermediate panel covering the user's back and the main back panel, and secondly, to allow load transfer to the pelvic bones, and more specifically to the hips, via the iliac bones.

[0003] Document US2015 / 189974 describes a backpack according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The aim of the invention is to offer a backpack with improved carrying comfort.

[0005] Another goal is to offer a backpack that allows for good load transfer.

[0006] Another goal is to offer a backpack that ensures good ventilation of the back when carrying it.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention relates to a backpack according to claim 1.

[0008] Thus, the frame creates a ventilation space between the back and the back pocket and allows for load transfer to the lumbar region, a support area that improves carrying comfort and reduces fatigue-related pain from prolonged carrying. This construction applies pressure to the lumbar area through its extension. The extension also provides elasticity to the frame, allowing it to absorb the backpack's movements, particularly when the back pocket moves inward or outward. The result is greater carrying comfort.

[0009] Optionally, the invention may have any one of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination: The frame consists of a shaped cylindrical metal bar. The backpack includes an intermediate panel connected to the lower and upper parts of the back panel. The intermediate panel is stretched between the lower and upper parts of the back panel. The frame is sandwiched between the back panel and the intermediate panel. The backpack includes a waist belt connected to the lower part of the back panel. The waist belt comprises an inner wall, intended to be in contact with the user's body when the belt is closed, and an outer wall, opposite the inner wall. The extension is designed so that its support section is in contact with the outer wall of the waist belt at the user's lumbar region when the backpack is worn. The support section of the extension extends transversely for at least three centimeters.The frame comprises a lower portion forming two open lower loops, arranged vertically at the same level and transversely separated from each other. The two lower loops are connected by a median lower portion defining the extension. This median lower portion is positioned so that it is closer to the user's back than the structural portion of the frame, when viewed in a sagittal plane. The frame is removably mounted on the back wall. The support section is offset upwards by a distance of between 60 and 140 millimeters relative to the lowest portion of the frame, when viewed in a sagittal plane.

[0010] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a perspective view of a backpack according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a view of the back of the backpack of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a side view of the backpack being worn by the figure 1 . [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a side view of the backpack being worn by the figure 1 . [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 This is a front view of a first embodiment of the backpack frame. Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 is a side view of the frame of the figure 5 . [ Fig. 7 ] There figure 7 is a front view of a second embodiment of the backpack frame. Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 is a side view of the frame of the figure 7 . [Fig. 9] There figure 9 is a front view of a third embodiment of the backpack frame. Fig. 10 ] There figure 10 is a side view of the frame of the figure 9 .

[0011] In the following description, we will use a coordinate system where the direction from the outer wall of the bag towards the interface wall with the user's back corresponds to the X-axis, the transverse or right-to-left direction corresponds to the Y-axis, and the vertical or bottom-to-top direction corresponds to the Z-axis. This coordinate system should be interpreted in relation to a backpack placed upright in front of the user, with the back of the bag facing the user, as seen from the outer wall of the bag. The sagittal plane XZ is the plane containing the X and Z axes. The frontal plane YZ is the plane containing the Y and Z axes. The transverse plane XY is the plane containing the X and Y axes.

[0012] The invention relates to the construction of a backpack 1 comprising: a back pocket 2 delimited by an outer wall 22 and a back wall 21 facing the user's back when the backpack is worn, the back wall 21 being defined by an upper part 21U and a lower part 21D, two shoulder straps 3a, 3b fixed to the back wall 21, each shoulder strap comprising a first end connected to the upper part 21U of the back wall 21 and a second end connected to the lower part 21D of the back wall 21 and a frame 4 partially fixed to the back wall 21, the frame 4 comprising a structural portion 41 enabling the shaping of the back wall 21.

[0013] The invention relates more specifically to a particular construction of the frame 4 and, more especially, to an extension 42 connected to the structural portion 41, extending towards the user's back from the structural portion 41. The extension is designed and arranged to create a localized support 421 in the lumbar region (ZL) of the user when the backpack is worn. The term "support zone" or "pressure zone" refers to a localized contact at the lower back of the user when the backpack is worn. This corresponds to the transfer or redistribution of load between the load carried by the backpack and the user.

[0014] THE figures 1 à 6 illustrate a first embodiment. In this example, in addition to the previous components, the backpack 1 includes an intermediate panel 5 connected to the lower 21D and upper 21U portions of the back panel 21. The intermediate panel 5 is intended to be in contact with or near the user's back; it is an interface panel. It includes a central area 51 with a ventilated structure to allow air to pass through, for example, a multi-cell fabric. The backpack 1 also includes a belt 6 connected to the lower portion of the intermediate panel 5 and thus to the lower 21D portion of the back panel 21. The belt 6 is delimited by an inner wall 61 intended to be in contact with the user's body when the belt is closed, and an outer wall 62, opposite the inner wall 61. In one embodiment, a lower portion of the intermediate panel 5 forms a rear portion of the belt 6.

[0015] In this example, the frame 4 is sandwiched between the back panel 21 and the intermediate panel 5. The structural portion 41 of the frame 4 shapes the back panel 21. It is characterized by a curved shape, thus offsetting a central part of the back panel 21 from the back. In other words, the projection of the structural portion 41 onto a sagittal plane XZ forms a concave curve with respect to the back. Furthermore, the intermediate panel 5 is stretched between the lower 21D and upper 21U parts of the back panel 21. Consequently, this construction creates a ventilation space behind the user's back, between the intermediate panel 5 and the back panel 21, which is curved by the structural portion 41 of the frame 4. The central ventilated area 51 of the intermediate panel 5 allows perspiration generated on the back to evaporate and / or allows air to pass through to dry this perspiration.

[0016] In this first embodiment, the frame 4 comprises an upper part 43, a lower part 44, and a connecting portion 41 linking the lower part to the upper part. Here, the connecting portion 41 of the frame defines the structural portion that shapes the back wall 21. This structural portion 41 forms a curve such that the middle portion of this connecting portion is further away from the user's back than the upper and lower ends of this structural portion 41, when projected onto a sagittal plane XZ.

[0017] In this example, in its lower portion 44, the frame 4 forms two open lower loops 441a, 441b, arranged vertically at the same level and transversely separated from each other. The two lower loops 441a, 441b are connected by a lower median portion 442 defining the extension 42. This extension 42 is arranged so that it is closer to the user's back than the structural portion 41 of the frame 4, when projected onto a sagittal plane XZ. In other words, regardless of the transverse plane XY, along the height of the backpack, the extension 42 is always closer to the user's back than the structural portion 41 of the frame 4.

[0018] Here, the extension 42 rises towards the upper part of the bag and includes a support section 421 defining the upper part of the extension. This support section 421 extends in a transverse direction Y, over a width Y421 of between 10 and 90 millimeters. The width Y421 is preferably at least three centimeters. The support section is sized and arranged to be located at the level of the user's lumbar region ZL when the backpack is worn as illustrated in the figure 4 In one embodiment, the support section 421 is arranged so that it is closer to the user's back than the lowest portion 443 of the reinforcement 4, projected onto a transverse plane XY. Advantageously, the distance X421 from the support section 421 to the lowest portion 443 of the reinforcement 4, projected onto a transverse plane XY, is greater than 10 millimeters, and preferably less than 90 millimeters. Furthermore, the support section 421 is advantageously offset upwards by a distance Z421 of between 60 and 140 millimeters from the lowest portion 443 of the reinforcement 4, projected onto a sagittal plane XZ.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the extension 42 is designed so that the projection of the extension 42 onto a sagittal plane XZ forms an angle A42 between 0° and 20° with the projection of the lower part of the structural portion 41 onto the same sagittal plane XZ, angle A42 is preferably greater than 5°.

[0020] As we have seen previously, the frame 4 is advantageously interposed between the dorsal wall 21 and the intermediate wall 5, and therefore the belt 6. In this example, the extension 6 is designed so that a portion, the support section 421, is in contact with the external wall 62 of the belt 6 at the level of the lumbar area ZL of the user when the backpack is worn.

[0021] The frame 4 thus provides support to the user's lumbar region (ZL) when the backpack is worn, at least through the support section 421. Other portions of the frame extension 42 can also provide support to the user's lower back. For example, parts of the lower medial portion 442, outside of the support section 421, can also be in contact with the outer wall 62 of the waist belt 6, thereby creating additional support on the user's lower back when the backpack is worn.

[0022] In this example, the frame (4) is a shaped cylindrical bar. The bar's cross-section can be a circle, a square, or another geometric shape. The frame can be a tubular structure to lighten the overall weight and improve carrying comfort. Advantageously, the frame is made of metal to provide sufficient rigidity for shaping the back panel, as well as good elasticity to apply pressure to the lumbar region and provide adequate cushioning. However, other materials, such as plastic, can be used for the frame.

[0023] In this example, the frame 4 is partially fixed to the dorsal wall 21 by means of four open pockets 215Ua, 215Ub, 215Da, 215Db formed by the dorsal wall 21 and the intermediate wall 5 connected to each other at the four corners of the dorsal wall 21: 215Ua at the top right, 215Ub at the top left, 215Da at the bottom right, and 215Db at the bottom left. These four pockets 215Ua, 215Ub, 215Da, 215Db are designed to receive a corresponding portion of the frame which, once in place, will shape the dorsal wall 21 and tension the intermediate wall 5. Additionally, the frame 4 is fixed to the dorsal wall 21 by central hooks 211 connected to the connecting portion 41 of the frame 4.

[0024] THE figures 7 et 8 illustrate a second embodiment of the reinforcement 4. In this example, the extension 42 is connected at the midpoint of the structural portion 41 of the reinforcement 4, and not at the lower end of the structural portion 41 of the reinforcement 4 as in the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the extension 42 is designed and dimensioned to create a support section 421 positioned at the lumbar region ZL of the user when the backpack is worn.

[0025] THE figures 9 And 10illustrate a third embodiment of the frame 4. In this example, the middle portion of the structural section 41 of the frame 4 forms the extension 42. The middle portion extends towards the user's back to create a support section 421 positioned at the user's lumbar region (ZL) when the backpack is worn. At this point, the middle portion moves away from the back wall 21. Below the support section, in its lower part, the structural section 41 curves back towards the back wall 21 to ensure the desired shaping of the back wall.

[0026] Other frame constructions 4 may be envisaged provided that they include an extension 42 connected to the structural portion 41, extending towards the back of the user from the structural portion, the extension being designed and arranged so as to create a support 421 localized at the lumbar ZL area of ​​the user when the backpack is worn.

[0027] In the embodiments described above, the frame 4 is removablely mounted on the back panel 21. This allows the frame to be replaced if it is damaged. Furthermore, it allows the bag to be compacted for storage once the frame is removed.

[0028] The invention is not limited to the few embodiments described above by way of example, but aims to protect any equivalent configuration, insofar as it falls within the scope of the attached claims. It is thus possible to combine these embodiments.

[0029] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to all embodiments covered by the attached claims. REFERENCES

[0030] 1. Backpack 2. Back pocket 21. Back panel 21U. Upper section 21Ua. Upper right pocket 21Ub. Upper left pocket 21D. Lower section 21Da. Lower right pocket 21Db. Lower left pocket 22. Outer panel 3. Shoulder strap 4. Frame 41. Structural section 42. Extension 421. Support section 43. Upper section 44. Lower section 441. Open loop 442. Lower middle section 443. Lower section 5. Intermediate panel 51. Ventilated center zone 6. Hip belt 61. Inner panel 62. Outer panel

Claims

1. Backpack (1) comprising - a pocket (2) delimited by a dorsal wall (21) facing the back of the user when the backpack is worn, - a frame (4) partially fastened to the dorsal wall, the frame comprising a structural portion (41) making it possible to shape the dorsal wall, the frame comprising an extension (42), connected to the structural portion, extending in the direction of the back of the user from the structural portion, the extension being designed and arranged so as to define a bearing section (421) located at the lumbar region (ZL) of the user when the backpack is worn characterized in that the structural portion of the frame forms a camber such that a median portion of the structural portion is further away from the back of the user than the upper and lower ends of the structural portion, in projection in a sagittal plane (XZ).

2. Backpack according to Claim 1, characterized in that the frame is composed of a shaped metal cylindrical bar.

3. Backpack according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an intermediate panel (5) connected to the lower part (21D) and upper part (21U) of the dorsal wall.

4. Backpack according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the intermediate panel is stretched between the lower and upper parts of the dorsal wall.

5. Backpack according to either of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the frame is interposed between the wall and the intermediate wall.

6. Backpack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a belt (6) connected to the lower part (21D) of the dorsal wall, the belt comprising an internal wall (61), intended to be in contact with the body of the user when the belt is closed, and an external wall (62), opposite the internal wall, and in that the extension is designed such that the bearing section (421) is in contact with the external wall of the belt at the lumbar region of the user when the backpack is worn.

7. Backpack according to one of Claims 3 to 5 combined with Claim 6, characterized in that the belt is connected to the intermediate panel.

8. Backpack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing section (421) of the extension extends transversely over at least three centimetres.

9. Backpack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame comprises a lower part forming two open lower loops (441), disposed vertically at the same level and transversely distant from one another, the two lower loops being connected by a median lower portion (442) defining the extension (42), the median lower portion being arranged such that it is closer to the back of the user than the structural portion (41) of the frame, in projection in a sagittal plane (XZ).

10. Backpack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame is removably mounted on the dorsal wall.

11. Backpack according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing section is offset upwards by a distance (Z421) of between 60 and 140 millimetres with respect to a lowermost portion (443) of the frame, in projection in a sagittal plane (XZ).