Backpack frame

Abstract

A backpack comprising: a pocket delimited by a back panel facing the user's back when the backpack is worn; a frame partially fixed to the back panel, the frame including a structural portion for shaping the back panel. The frame includes an extension, connected to the structural portion, extending towards the user's back from the structural portion, the extension being designed and arranged to define a support section located in the user's lumbar region when the backpack is worn. The structural portion of the frame forms a curve such that a middle portion of the structural portion is further away from the user's back than its upper and lower ends.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hiking backpack. For the purposes of the invention, a backpack is an article for carrying a load provided with a main back pocket delimited by a back wall facing the user's back when the backpack is worn and two shoulder straps fixed to the back wall.

[0002] To improve carrying and ventilation of the back, some backpacks incorporate a frame to shape the back wall of the main back pocket. Thus, documents EP 2 275 000 and DE 19932498 propose a frame partially fixed to the back wall designed to, on the one hand, shape the back wall in order to create a ventilation space between an intermediate wall intended to cover the user's back and the back wall and, on the other hand, to allow load transfer to the pelvic bones and more particularly to the hips via the iliac bones.

[0003] The aim of the invention is to provide a backpack with improved carrying.

[0004] Another goal is to offer a backpack that allows good load transfer.

[0005] Another goal is to offer a backpack that ensures good ventilation of the back when carrying it.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a backpack comprising a pocket delimited by a back wall facing the user's back when the backpack is worn, a frame partially fixed to the back wall, the frame comprising a structural portion for shaping the back wall.

[0007] The backpack is characterized in that the frame comprises an extension, connected to the structural portion, extending towards the user's back from the structural portion, the extension being designed and arranged so as to define a support section located at the lumbar region of the user when the backpack is worn. In addition, the structural portion of the frame forms a camber so that the middle portion of the structural portion is further away from the user's back than the upper and lower ends of the structural portion, in projection in a sagittal plane

[0008] Thus, the frame will allow on the one hand to create a ventilation space between the back and the back pocket and, on the other hand, to allow a load transfer to the lumbar region, a favorable support zone to improve carrying comfort and reduce fatigue pain resulting from prolonged carrying. This construction allows pressure to be exerted in this lumbar area via the extension. The extension also brings a certain elasticity to the frame in order to allow the cushioning of the movements of the backpack, in particular in a direction of separation and rapprochement of the back pocket. This results in better carrying comfort.

[0009] Optionally, the invention may have any of the following optional features alone or in combination: The frame is composed of a shaped cylindrical metal bar. The backpack comprises an intermediate panel connected to the lower and upper parts of the back wall. The intermediate panel is stretched between the lower and upper parts of the back wall. The frame is interposed between the wall and the intermediate wall. The backpack comprises a belt connected to the lower part of the back wall, the belt comprising 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, and in that the extension is designed so that the support section is in contact with the outer wall of the belt at the lumbar region of the user 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 spaced from each other, the two lower loops being connected by a middle lower portion defining the extension, the middle lower portion being arranged so that it is closer to the user's back than the structural portion of the frame, in projection 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 a lowest portion of the frame, in projection in a sagittal plane.

[0010] The invention will be better understood from reading the following description and the attached 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 carried by the figure 1 . [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a side view of the backpack being carried by the figure 1 . [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 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 remainder of the description, a reference will be used whose direction from the outer wall of the bag to 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 reference must be interpreted in relation to a backpack placed upright, in front of the user, the back of the bag facing the user, seen from the outer wall of the bag. The sagittal plane XZ is the plane comprising the X and Z axes. The frontal plane YZ is the plane comprising the Y and Z axes. The transverse plane XY is the plane comprising the X and Y axes.

[0012] The invention relates to a 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 straps 3a, 3b fixed to the back wall 21, each 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 making it possible to shape the back wall 21.

[0013] The invention relates more specifically to a specific construction of the frame 4 and, more particularly, to an extension 42 connected to the structural portion 41, extending towards the user's back from the structural portion 41, the extension being designed and arranged so as to create a support 421 located at the lumbar zone ZL of the user when the backpack is worn. The term support, support or pressure zone is used to indicate a contact located at the lower back of the user when the backpack is worn. This corresponds to the transfer or recovery 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 comprises an intermediate panel 5 connected to the lower 21D and upper 21U parts of the back wall 21. The intermediate panel 5 is intended to be in contact with the user's back or close to it, it is an interface wall. It comprises a central zone 51 having an aerated structure in order to let air pass through, for example, a multi-cellular fabric. The backpack 1 also comprises a belt 6 connected to the lower part of the intermediate panel 5 and therefore connected to the lower part 21D of the back wall 21. The belt 6 is delimited by an internal wall 61 intended to be in contact with the user's body when the belt is closed, and an external wall 62, opposite the internal wall 61. According to one embodiment, a lower part of the intermediate panel 5 forms a rear part of the belt 6.

[0015] In this example, the frame 4 is inserted between the dorsal wall 21 and the intermediate wall 5. The structural portion 41 of the frame 4 makes it possible to shape the dorsal wall 21. It is characterized by a curved shape so as to separate a central part of the dorsal wall 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 wall 21. Consequently, this construction makes it possible to create a ventilation space, behind the user's back, between the intermediate panel 5 and the back wall 21 curved by the structural portion 41 of the frame 4. The ventilated central zone 51 of the intermediate panel 5 makes it possible to evacuate the sweat generated in the back and / or allow air to pass through to dry this sweat.

[0016] In this first embodiment, the frame 4 comprises an upper part 43, a lower part 44 and a connecting portion 41 connecting the lower part to the upper part. Here, the connecting portion 41 of the frame defines the structural portion allowing the shaping of the dorsal wall 21. This structural portion 41 forms a camber so 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, in projection in a sagittal plane XZ.

[0017] In this example, in its lower part 44, the frame 4 forms two open lower loops 441a, 441b, arranged vertically at the same level and transversely spaced from each other. The two lower loops 441a, 441b are connected by a middle lower 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, in projection in a sagittal plane XZ. In other words, whatever 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 comprises a support section 421 delimiting an 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 lumbar zone ZL of the user when the backpack is worn as illustrated in figure 4 . According to 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 frame 4, in projection in a transverse plane XY. Advantageously, the distance X421 of the support section 421 relative to the lowest portion 443 of the frame 4, in projection in 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 relative to the lowest portion 443 of the frame 4, in projection in a sagittal plane XZ.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the extension 42 is designed so that the projection of the extension 42 on a sagittal plane XZ forms an angle A42 of between 0° and 20° with the projection of the lower part of the structural portion 41 on 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 lumbar zone ZL of the user when the backpack is worn.

[0021] The frame 4 thus creates support at the lumbar region ZL of the user when the backpack is worn, at least thanks to the support section 421. Other portions of the extension 42 of the frame 4 can also exert support at the lower back of the user. For example, parts of the lower middle portion 442, apart from the support section 421, can also be in contact with the outer wall 62 of the belt 6 and thus create additional support on the lower back of the user when the backpack is worn.

[0022] In this example, the frame 4 is a shaped cylindrical bar. The section of the bar may be a circle, a square, or another geometric pattern. The frame may be a tubular structure to lighten the structure and improve carrying comfort. Advantageously, the frame is metallic to obtain good rigidity for shaping the dorsal wall but also to obtain good elasticity to provide pressure at the lumbar level and good cushioning. However, other types of materials may be considered to produce the frame, plastic for example.

[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, top right 215Ua, top left 215Ub, bottom right 215Da and bottom left 215Db. These four pockets 215Ua, 215Ub, 215Da, 215Db are intended to receive a corresponding portion of the frame which, once in place, will shape the dorsal wall 21 and stretch the intermediate wall 5. In addition, 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 frame 4. In this example, the extension 42 is connected at the middle part of the structural portion 41 of the frame 4, and not at the lower end of the structural portion 41 of the frame 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 area ZL of the user when the backpack is worn.

[0025] THE figures 9 et 10 illustrate a third embodiment of the frame 4. In this example, it is the middle part of the structural portion 41 of the frame 4 which will form the extension 42. The middle portion will thus extend towards the user's back to create a support section 421 positioned at the level of the user's lumbar zone ZL when the backpack is worn. At this level, the middle portion will move away from the dorsal wall 21. Below the support section, in its lower part, the structural portion 41 returns back towards the dorsal wall 21 in order to ensure the desired shaping of the dorsal wall.

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

[0027] In the embodiments described above, the frame 4 is removably mounted on the back wall 21. This allows the frame to be replaced if it is damaged. In addition, this allows the bag to be compacted if it is to be stored once the frame is removed.

[0028] The invention is not limited to the few embodiments described above as examples, but aims to protect any equivalent configuration. It is thus possible to combine these embodiments.

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

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

Claims

1. Backpack (1) comprising - a pocket (2) delimited by a back wall (21) facing the user's back when the backpack is worn, - a frame (4) partially fixed to the back wall, the frame comprising a structural portion (41) making it possible to shape the back wall, characterized in that the frame comprises an extension (42), connected to the structural portion, extending towards the user's back from the structural portion, the extension being designed and arranged so as to define a support section (421) located at the lumbar zone (ZL) of the user when the backpack is worn and in that the structural portion of the frame forms a camber such that a middle portion of the structural portion is further away from the user's back 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 thatthe frame is made up of a shaped cylindrical metal bar.

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

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

5. Backpack according to one of claims 3 or 4 characterized in that the reinforcement is inserted 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 back wall, the belt comprising an internal wall (61), intended to be in contact with the user's body when the belt is closed, and an external wall (62), opposite the internal wall, and in thatthe extension is designed so that the support section (421) is in contact with the outer 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 support section (421) of the extension extends transversely over at least three centimeters.

9. Backpack according to one of the preceding claims characterized in thatthe frame comprises a lower part forming two open lower loops (441), arranged vertically at the same level and transversely spaced from each other, the two lower loops being connected by a middle lower portion (442) defining the extension (42), the middle lower portion being arranged so that it is closer to the user's back 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 back wall.

11. Backpack according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the support section is offset upwards by a distance (Z421) of between 60 and 140 millimeters relative to a lowest portion (443) of the frame, in projection in a sagittal plane (XZ).

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