Carrying item such as a backpack or hydration vest

Abstract

The invention relates to a carrying item (1), configured to equip a user, the item being configured to carry at least one container, the item forming a backpack or a hydration vest, the item comprising: - a rear panel (30), intended to be applied against the back of the user; - a left front section (10g) opposite a right front section (10d), the opposite sections being connected to the rear panel, and forming shoulder straps for holding the rear panel against the back of the user; - each front section being connected to the rear panel by an upper link (20d, 20g), configured to rest on the shoulders of the user; - the left front section comprising a left pocket (11g) and the right front section comprising a right pocket (11d). The pockets may be angled with respect to the vertical.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Carrying item such as a backpack or hydration vest

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The technical field of the invention relates to sporting goods.

[0005] PREVIOUS ART

[0006] Hydration vests are frequently used by athletes during their activities, particularly in endurance running or hiking events. Such vests allow the transport of equipment (food, survival blanket, spare clothes), but also reserves of water or liquid intended for hydration during exercise. Water, or, more generally, hydration liquid, is contained in a water bottle, either flexible or rigid. A flexible water bottle is usually referred to as a "flask".

[0007] However, as a user moves, the bag's swaying is a significant source of discomfort. A poorly fitted hydration vest can cause it to separate from the runner and sway out of step with the runner's stride.

[0008] A first solution is to adjust the hydration vest as close as possible to the bust. Recently, hydration vests have been developed to adapt as closely as possible to the user's morphology. Such vests have a left front panel and a right front panel. They have pockets, configured to receive a container, for example a flexible flask, arranged vertically, so as to extend along the bust, towards the shoulder. The left and right front panels are connected to each other by a closure means, for example a zip.

[0009] During use, the pockets are subjected to significant stress, the mass of each full flask being 0.5 kg or more. It is observed that such a design does not completely eliminate the discomfort resulting from the sloshing.

[0010] Vests for recreational purposes such as hunting or fishing have been described in US5014359 or in US2007 / 0226871. These vests have small slanted pockets located at the shoulders. These pockets are not configured to accommodate a hydration container because they are located at the neckline of the vests.

[0011] The inventors propose a carrying article that allows for the hydration of a user, reduces the feeling of bouncing and is more robustly designed than existing articles. Another aspect of the article is to facilitate the insertion of a container, intended for the hydration of the user, inside pockets.

[0012] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A first object of the invention is a carrying article, configured to equip a user, the article being configured to carry at least one container, the article forming a backpack or a hydration vest, the article comprising:

[0014] - a back panel, intended to be applied against the user's back;

[0015] - a left front panel opposite a right front panel, the opposite panels being connected to the back panel, and forming straps to hold the back panel against the user's back;

[0016] - each front panel being connected to the rear panel by an upper link, configured to rest on the user's shoulders;

[0017] - the left front panel comprising a left pocket and the right front panel comprising a right pocket, each pocket being configured to receive the container, each pocket extending along the panel on which it is fixed, between a lower end and an upper end;

[0018] - on each panel, the pocket is delimited laterally by an internal border and an external border, each border extending between the lower end and the upper end, the internal border of each pocket being adjacent to the opposite panel.

[0019] The article may be such that when worn by the user, in an upright position, the upper connection of each panel rests on the user's shoulders,

[0020] - the lower end of each pocket is arranged below the upper end of said pocket;

[0021] - the internal edges of each pocket are inclined at a non-zero angle of inclination relative to the vertical;

[0022] - so that when the pocket receives a container, the container rests on both a part of the lower end and on the internal edge.

[0023] Each panel is bounded by a side edge, such that when the article is worn, the side edges of each panel face each other. The inner edge of each pocket may extend away from or towards the side edge of the panel to which it is attached, between the lower end and the upper end.

[0024] The inclination angle may be greater than 10° and less than 45°, and preferably between 10° and 30°, preferably between 10° and 20°. According to one possibility, along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of a pocket approaches the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel.

[0025] According to one possibility, along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of one pocket moves away from the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel.

[0026] According to one possibility, along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of a pocket is parallel to the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel.

[0027] The article may have the following characteristics, taken individually or in technically feasible combinations.

[0028] On at least one pocket:

[0029] - the internal border extends from the lower end to the upper end at an internal height;

[0030] - along at least half of the internal height, starting from the lower end, the internal edge forms a closure of the pocket. This may be a reversible closure or, preferably, a permanent closure. The internal edge may form a closure of the pocket along at least 75% of the internal height.

[0031] On at least one pocket, the lower end is inclined, relative to the horizontal, preferably at the angle of inclination. By "relative to the horizontal" is meant when the article is carried by a person who is stationary and standing.

[0032] For at least one pocket,

[0033] - the upper end extends from the inner border to the outer border;

[0034] - part of the upper end forms a pocket closure.

[0035] Which the upper end is inclined, relative to the horizontal, in particular according to the angle of inclination.

[0036] The upper end has an upper opening, over more than 50% of its width, the opening allowing access to the container when the bag contains the container. Less than 50% of the width of the upper end forms a closure of the bag, and preferably a permanent closure of the bag.

[0037] For at least one pocket:

[0038] - the external border extends from the lower end to the upper end at an external height;

[0039] - along at least half of the external height, the external edge is open, continuously, so as to allow insertion of the container into the pocket.

[0040] The external border is open, continuously, at least 80% or at least 90% of the external height.

[0041] The pockets are symmetrical to each other, with respect to an axis of symmetry (A) extending between the panels, at an equal distance from each panel.

[0042] A second subject of the invention is a carrying article, configured to equip a user, the article being configured to carry at least one container, the article forming a backpack or a hydration vest, the article comprising:

[0043] - a back panel, intended to be applied against the user's back;

[0044] - a left front panel opposite a right front panel, the opposite panels being connected to the back panel, and forming straps to hold the back panel against the user's back;

[0045] - each front panel being connected to the rear panel by an upper link, configured to rest on the user's shoulders;

[0046] - the left front panel comprising a left pocket and the right front panel comprising a right pocket, each pocket being configured to receive the container, each pocket extending along the panel on which it is fixed, between a lower end and an upper end; the article being such that

[0047] - on each panel, the pocket is delimited laterally by an internal border and an external border, each border extending between the lower end and the upper end, the internal border of each pocket being adjacent to the opposite panel;

[0048] - the inner border extends from the lower end to the upper end at an internal height; - the outer border extends from the lower end to the upper end at an external height;

[0049] - along at least half of the internal height, from the lower end, the internal edge forms a closure of the pocket;

[0050] - along at least half of the external height, the external edge is open, continuously, so as to allow insertion of the container into the pocket; or

[0051] - along at least half of the internal height, the internal edge is open, continuously, so as to allow insertion of the container into the pocket;

[0052] - along at least half of the external height, from the lower end, the internal border forms a closure of the pocket.

[0053] The article according to the second subject of the invention may include the characteristics described in connection with the first subject of the invention.

[0054] The invention will be better understood by reading the description of the exemplary embodiments presented in the remainder of the description, in conjunction with the figures listed below.

[0055] FIGURES

[0056] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an article according to the invention. This is the preferred embodiment.

[0057] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention.

[0058] Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention.

[0059] Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of an article according to the invention.

[0060] PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL EMBODIMENTS

[0061] Figure 1 represents a first example of article 1 according to the invention. The article may be a hydration vest. It may also be a backpack. Article 1 is configured to carry at least one water container, and preferably other types of objects, as described in connection with the prior art.

[0062] The article 1 extends between a back panel 30, configured to be held against the back of a user, and two front panels opposite each other: a left front panel 10g and a right front panel 10d. Each front panel is connected to the back panel 30 by an upper connection. The left front panel is connected to the back panel by a left upper connection 20g. The right front panel is connected to the back panel by a right upper connection 20d. The term "upper connection" refers to a portion of the article 1 intended to rest on a shoulder of the user when the article is worn, on either side of a neckline 22. The upper connection may be a different part than a front panel. It may also be an upper portion of the front panel, extending the latter to the back panel.

[0063] The left front panel is connected to the back panel 30 by a left lower connection 21g, extending under a left armhole 23g. The right front panel is connected to the back panel 30 by a right lower connection 21d, extending under a right armhole 23d.

[0064] Each upper connection and / or each lower connection may be adjustable in length, so that the article 1 is pressed against the user's body, both at the rear panel 30 and at each front panel. The front panels may be connected to each other by a reversible closure means, which may be a zip, Velcro or one or more press studs, or an elastic strap provided with a fastening means (for example zip, press stud, Velcro).

[0065] The left front panel extends to a left side edge 19g, extending opposite a right side edge 19d of the right front panel. The side edges of the opposite panels face each other.

[0066] The front and back panels are usually made of synthetic fabric. They may include elastic portions to adapt to the body shape of each user.

[0067] The back panel 30 can be configured to hold objects, such as food, a lamp, or emergency equipment. In the example shown, the front panels form straps, making it possible to hold the back panel against the user's back.

[0068] As described in connection with the prior art, the left front panel includes a left pocket 11g. The right front panel includes a right pocket lld. Each pocket is configured to receive a container. The volume of a container is typically 0.5 L.

[0069] Each pocket (lld, 11g) extends, along the panel, between a lower end 12, adjacent to a lower connection 21, and an upper end 13, adjacent to an upper connection 20. When the article is worn by a user, and the latter occupies a standing, motionless posture, each panel extends vertically. Thus, the upper end 13 is located above the lower end 12.

[0070] Each pocket is delimited laterally by an internal border 15 and an external border

[0071] 16. The inner edge 15 extends between the upper end 13 and the lower end 12. It faces the inner edge of the pocket formed on the opposite side. The outer edge extends between the upper end 13 and the lower end 12. The inner and outer edges are preferably rectilinear, so as to adapt to the shape of a cylindrical container.

[0072] An important aspect of the invention is that when the panel extends vertically, the internal edge 15 is inclined, towards the opposite panel, at an angle of inclination 0. The angle of inclination 0 is preferably greater than 10°. It is preferably less than 45°. Advantageously, the angle of inclination is between 10° and 30°, or even between 10° and 20°. In the example shown, the angle of inclination is 15°. An angle of inclination between 10° and 30°, or better between 10° and 20° makes it possible to obtain the advantages detailed later, while being compatible with the space constraints on a panel.

[0073] Thus, between the lower end and the upper end, the internal edge of each pocket approaches the side edge of the panel to which the pocket is attached.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, along a direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of one pocket approaches the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel.

[0075] The left and right front pockets are preferably symmetrical to each other with respect to an axis of symmetry A passing at an equal distance from each panel. Symmetry allows for a balance of the masses carried by a user. When the user is standing, the axis of symmetry is vertical or close to vertical.

[0076] For each pocket, the internal edge 15 extends along an internal height His. The internal edge is closed from the lower end 12 along at least half of the internal height His. By closed, it is understood that the internal edge prevents passage of a container intended to extend into the pocket, from the lower end to the upper end. Preferably, the internal edge is closed from the lower end 12 along 80% or 90% of the height HI5, or even up to the upper end 13, that is to say along the entire internal height HI5. The closure is preferably permanent, in the sense that it is not reversible.

[0077] The lower end 12 is closed, in the sense that it opposes the passage of a container intended to occupy the entire width of the pocket. Preferably, at the lower end 12, the closure is permanent, that is to say non-reversible. Unlike the prior art, the inclination of the pocket according to the angle of inclination allows a better distribution of the support surface of the container in the pocket. In the articles of the prior art, each pocket is vertical. Thus, the support surface is limited to the lower end of the pocket. According to the invention, the inclination of the internal edge according to the angle of inclination 0 makes it possible to distribute the weight of the container along the lower end 12, but also along the internal edge 15. This promotes holding the container against the user's chest or stomach, and reduces the effect of the bag + container assembly tossing.This results in improved user comfort, particularly during sports. Indeed, the sloshing results, in part, from a movement of the container inside the pocket. The longer the support surface extends, the less the sloshing: the container tends to press against the support surface. This improves user comfort.

[0078] The better weight distribution of the container limits the wear on each pocket, particularly at the lower end 12. The article is thus more robust.

[0079] Preferably, parallel to the front panel, each pocket extends in a rectangular or substantially rectangular section, in particular in the absence of a container in the pocket. Taking into account the inclination of the internal edge 15, the lower end 12 is also inclined, relative to the horizontal, by the angle of inclination 0, inclining towards the opposite panel.

[0080] Each pocket may include or be made of a textile with a certain elasticity, so as to expand when a container is inserted into the pocket. The elasticity allows the container to be held in place.

[0081] Another important aspect of the invention relates to the lateral opening of the pocket, allowing insertion or removal of a container. The lateral opening is provided in the external edge 16. The external edge extends continuously along an external height His. Preferably, the lateral opening extends along at least 50% of the external height His, or even at least 80% or 90% of the external height His.

[0082] At the lateral opening of the pocket, the outer edge 16 is preferably elastic. Thus, the outer edge extends between a closed equilibrium configuration and an open configuration, allowing the introduction of the container. The outer edge may be delimited by a reinforcement that is sufficiently rigid to allow the lateral opening to be closed, and sufficiently elastic to be able to be deformed when the container is introduced. The reinforcement preferably extends along 50% of the outer edge, or even more. The reinforcement is more rigid than the textile forming the rest of the pocket. The reinforcement may be formed by an elastic band, with a width of between 1 cm and 2 cm, having a higher stiffness than the textile.

[0083] The lateral opening, due to its great length, facilitates the insertion of the container into the pocket. When the article 1 is carried by the user, in a standing posture, the insertion of the container is facilitated by gravity, which tends to spontaneously direct the container against the internal edge 15 and against the lower end 12. After the container has been introduced into the pocket, gravity tends to keep the container inside the pocket. In fact, the container spontaneously presses towards the internal edge 15 and the lower end 12, the latter being closed to block the container inside the pocket.

[0084] The upper end 13 of each pocket may have an upper opening 18, in particular at the center. Preferably, the upper opening extends along at least half the width L13 along which the upper end extends. The upper opening 18 may allow access to the container after the latter has been inserted into the pocket. Due to the inclination, the opening extends around a central axis 6 oriented towards the neckline 22. When the article is worn by a person, the central axis is oriented towards the user's head. The latter can easily access the container, for example by means of a flexible tube connected to the inside of the container, or a pacifier attached to the container.

[0085] The upper opening 18 may be delimited by reinforcements 17, which make it possible to limit lateral movement of the container through the opening.

[0086] The internal and external heights can be between 8 cm or 5 cm and 40 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 25 cm. A height between 20 cm and 22 cm is considered optimal to accommodate a container of 500 ml or more.

[0087] The width of the upper end can be between 4 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 7 cm. The same applies to the lower end.

[0088] The inventors modeled the reduction of sloshing. They considered that an elastic textile pocket can be likened to a spring, whose stiffness, per unit of width, is k.

[0089] 2 x

[0090] In the prior art, a vertical pocket has a stiffness k verticca = kx — (1) where r is the radius of the pocket. „ , ,, , 2xrxcos(0)+Lxsin (0)

[0091] In the case of an inclined pocket, the stiffness is k e = kx - =

[0092] Taking into account r = 3 cm and 6 = 15°,

[0093] ^vertical = 0.06 xk(3) and / c 15 = = 0.108 xk (4)

[0094] The stiffness k 15 ° of the spring corresponding to the inclined pocket is therefore twice as high.

[0095] One effect of the improved stiffness is to limit the amplitude of the sloshing of a container placed in the pocket. The inventors took into account a model, according to which the user is stationary, and has just touched the ground at a vertical speed V o . Therefore, the initial speed of the container, placed in the pocket, is vertical, directed downwards, of norm y0.

[0096] Given the fundamental principle of dynamics, the container is subject to gravity and a restoring force due to the spring formed by the elastic pocket.

[0097] -M xg - kxy eq = M x ÿ (5) y eqcorresponds to an equilibrium position of a representative point of the assembly formed by the container and the bag. This can be the center of gravity. The position y eq , on the vertical axis, depends on the y position of the center of gravity on the Y axis. The Y axis is assumed to be oriented vertically, in the direction opposite to gravity. ÿ is the acceleration of the representative point of the container.

[0098] He comes:

[0099] / c

[0100] From where ÿ + —y = 0 (8) m

[0101] The solution is of the form: y(t) = Y x cos (a>0X t + (p) (9)

[0102] Û)0 is a pulsation of the sloshing and Y is the amplitude of the sloshing. <p représente un terme de phase. On considère qu'à l'instant originel, t = 0, y = 0 et V = V o . V is the speed of the representative point of the container along the vertical axis.

[0103] Expression (11) expresses the dependence of the amplitude of the sloshing on k.

[0104] ^vertical et ^9 respectively designate the amplitude of the sloshing according to the vertical configuration and according to the invention.

[0105] Taking into account M = 0.5 Kg,

[0106] ^vertical ~ 1 3 X Yg = ^^ (14)

[0107] According to this model, it is estimated that the invention allows a 30% reduction in the amplitude of the sloshing compared to the sloshing of a vertical pocket.

[0108] Figures 2 and 3 show embodiments in which the pockets are inclined at an angle of inclination relative to the vertical, when the panels extend vertically. The technical effect imparted by the inclination is similar to that described in connection with Figure 1.

[0109] In Figure 2, the pockets are such that in a direction from the lower end to the upper end, the internal edge of one pocket moves away from the internal edge of the pocket on the opposite side.

[0110] In Figure 3, the pockets are such that the respective inner edges of each pocket extend parallel or substantially parallel to each other. By substantially parallel is meant parallel to within + / - 10°.

[0111] The configuration of each pocket, having a side opening at an outer edge, can be provided independently of the inclination of the pocket. Figure 4 shows an article 1 in which the right and left front pockets are as in the prior art. These pockets are distinguished from the prior art by their opening. As previously described, each pocket has a side opening, provided at the outer edge. The outer edge 16 has the same characteristics as previously described, with the exception of the angle of inclination.

[0112] Alternatively, the side opening may extend along the inner edge 15. In this case, the outer edge is closed, from the lower end, over at least 50% of its height, or even at least 80% or at least 90%. The inner edge is open along at least 50% of its height, or even at least 80% or at least 90%.

[0113] However, it is preferable that the side opening is provided at each external edge: this makes it easier to handle the container to be inserted or removed from the pocket.

[0114] Although described in connection with a hydration vest, the invention can be applied to a backpack, for example a hiking backpack. The front straps of the backpack form front panels, comprising pockets as previously described.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Carrying article (1), configured to equip a user, the article being configured to carry at least one container, the article forming a backpack or a hydration vest, the article comprising: - a rear panel (30), intended to be applied against the user's back; - a left front panel (10g) opposite a right front panel (10d), the opposite panels being connected to the rear panel, and forming straps to hold the rear panel against the user's back; - each front panel being connected to the rear panel by an upper connection (20d, 20g), configured to rest on the user's shoulders; - the left front panel comprising a left pocket (11g) and the right front panel comprising a right pocket (lld), each pocket being configured to receive the container, each pocket extending along the panel on which it is fixed, between a lower end (12) and an upper end (13); - on each panel, the pocket is delimited laterally by an internal border (15) and an external border (16), each border extending between the lower end and the upper end, the internal border of each pocket being adjacent to the opposite panel; - the internal border (15) extends from the lower end to the upper end according to an internal height (His); - the external edge (16) extends from the lower end to the upper end according to an external height (His); the article being characterized in that: - along at least half of the internal height, from the lower end, the internal edge forms a closure of the pocket; - along at least half of the external height, the external edge is open, continuously, so as to allow insertion of the container into the pocket; or - along at least half of the internal height, the internal edge is open, continuously, so as to allow insertion of the container into the pocket; - along at least half of the external height, from the lower end, the external edge forms a closure of the pocket.

2. An article according to claim 1, wherein the inner border or the outer border forms a closure of the pocket along at least 75% of the inner height or the outer height respectively.

3. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer edge or the inner edge is open, continuously, by at least 80% or at least 90% of the outer height or the inner height respectively.

4. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, the article being such that when worn by the user, in a vertical position, the upper connection of each panel rests on the shoulders of the user, - the lower end (12) of each pocket is arranged below the upper end (13) of said pocket; - the internal edges (15) of each pocket are inclined at a non-zero angle of inclination relative to the vertical.

5. Article according to claim 4, wherein the angle of inclination is greater than 10° and less than 45°, and preferably between 10° and 30°, preferably between 10° and 20°.

6. An article according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end (12) to the upper end (13), the inner edge of one pocket approaches the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel.

7. An article according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end (12) to the upper end (13), the inner edge of one pocket extends away from the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel.

8. An article according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein along the inner edge, in a direction from the lower end (12) to the upper end (13), the inner edge of one pocket is parallel to the inner edge of the pocket of the opposite panel.

9. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for at least one pocket, the lower end (12) is inclined, relative to the horizontal, according to the angle of inclination.

10. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, in which for at least one pocket, - the upper end extends from the inner border to the outer border; - a part of the upper end (13) forms a closure of the pocket.

11. Article according to claim 9, wherein the upper end (13) is inclined, relative to the horizontal, according to the angle of inclination.

12. Article according to claim 10 or claim 11, in which the upper end comprises an upper opening (18), over more than 50% of its width (L13), the opening allowing access to the container when the pocket comprises the container.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein less than 50% of the width of the upper end forms a closure of the pocket.

14. Article according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 13, in which the pockets are symmetrical to each other, with respect to an axis of symmetry (A) extending, between the panels, at an equal distance from each panel.

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