Backpack-type carrying equipment or hydration vest

Abstract

A carrying article (1) configured to be worn by a user, the article is configured to carry at least one container, the article forms a backpack or hydration vest, the article comprises a back panel (30) intended to be applied in contact with the user's back, and a left front panel (10g) opposite to a right front panel (10d), the opposing panels of which are connected to the back panel and form shoulder straps that hold the back panel in contact with the user's back, each front panel is connected to the back panel by upper connecting parts (20d, 20g) configured to rest on the user's shoulders, the left front panel has a left pocket (11g), and the right front panel has a right pocket (11d), the carrying article (1). The pockets may be inclined with respect to the vertical.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical field of this invention relates to sports equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydration vests are often used by athletes during their activities, particularly in endurance races or hiking. Such vests allow the wearer to carry equipment (food, survival blankets, extra clothes) as well as water or other liquids for hydration during exercise. Water, or more commonly, hydration liquids, are contained in flexible or rigid flasks. Flexible flasks are typically called "flasks."

[0003] However, when the user is moving, a swinging bag can cause significant discomfort. A poorly fitting hydration vest can become detached from the runner and swing out of sync with the runner's stride.

[0004] One solution is to adjust the hydration vest to fit as closely as possible to the chest. In recent years, hydration vests have evolved to conform as closely as possible to the user's body shape. These vests have a left front panel and a right front panel. They have pockets designed to hold containers such as flasks, which are flexible and positioned vertically so as to extend along the chest towards the shoulders. The left and right front panels are connected to each other by fasteners such as zippers.

[0005] During use, the pocket is subjected to significant stress because each full flask weighs over 0.5 kg. It has been observed that this design does not completely eliminate the discomfort caused by the flapping of the flasks.

[0006] Vests for leisure activities such as hunting and fishing are described in Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent No. 5014359) and Patent Document 2 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0226871). These vests feature small, slanted pockets located at shoulder height. Because these pockets are located at the neckline of the vest, they are not designed to hold hydration containers. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5014359 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0226871 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The inventors propose a carrying item that allows the user to be constantly hydrated, reduces the sensation of shaking, and is more robust than existing devices. Another aspect of the device is to facilitate the insertion of the container intended for the user to hydrate into the inside of the pocket. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The first object of the present invention is a carrying article configured to be worn by a user, wherein the article is configured to carry at least one container, the article forms a backpack or hydration vest, and the article is A back panel designed to be applied in contact with the user's back, A left front panel opposite the right front panel, these opposing panels are connected to the back panel and form shoulder straps that hold the back panel against the user's back. Equipped with, Each front panel is connected to the rear panel by an upper connector designed to rest on the user's shoulders. The left front panel has a left pocket, and the right front panel has a right pocket, each pocket is configured to receive a container, and each pocket extends along the panel to which it is attached between the lower and upper edges. In each panel, pockets are joined laterally by an inner edge and an outer edge, each edge extending between the lower and upper edges, and the inner edge of each pocket is adjacent to the opposite panel and represents the transported item.

[0010] The item may be designed so that when worn by a user in an upright position, the upper connecting portion of each panel rests on the user's shoulders. The lower edge of each pocket is positioned below the upper edge of the pocket. The inner edge of each pocket is inclined at a non-zero angle of inclination with respect to the vertical. As a result, when the pocket accepts the container, the container rests on both a portion of the lower edge and the inner edge.

[0011] Each panel is separated by its side edges such that when an item is worn, the side edges of each panel face each other. The inner edge of each pocket can move between its lower and upper ends, moving away from or closer to the side edge of the panel to which the pocket is attached.

[0012] The inclination angle may be greater than 10° and less than 45°, preferably between 10° and 30°, and more preferably between 10° and 20°.

[0013] According to one possibility, along the inner edge, in the direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of one pocket approaches the inner edge of the opposite pocket.

[0014] According to one possibility, along the inner edge, in the direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of the pocket moves away from the inner edge of the opposite pocket.

[0015] According to one possibility, along the inner edge, in the direction from the lower end to the upper end, the inner edge of the pocket is parallel to the inner edge of the opposite pocket.

[0016] The article may have the following features, independently or in technically possible combinations.

[0017] In at least one pocket, the inner edge extends from the bottom edge to the upper edge along the inner height, starting from the bottom edge, the inner edge forms the closure of the pocket along at least half of the inner height. This can be a reversible closure or, preferably, a permanent closure. The inner edge can form the closure of the pocket along at least 75% of the inner height.

[0018] In at least one pocket, the lower end is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, preferably at a certain inclination angle. "With respect to the horizontal direction" means when the article is carried by a person standing upright in a stationary state.

[0019] For at least one pocket, the upper end extends from the inner edge to the outer edge, and a part of the upper end forms the closure of the pocket.

[0020] The upper edge is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, especially at the above-mentioned inclination angle.

[0021] The upper end has an upper opening that exceeds 50% of its width, and the opening enables access to the container when the bag contains the container.

[0022] Less than 50% of the width of the upper end forms the closure of the pocket, preferably the permanent closure of the pocket.

[0023] For at least one pocket, The outer edge extends along the outer height from the lower end to the upper end, The outer edge is continuously open along at least half of the outer height to allow the container to be inserted into the pocket.

[0024] The outer edge is continuously open along at least 80% or at least 90% of the outer height.

[0025] The pockets are symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry (Δ) that is equidistant from each panel and extends between the panels.

[0026] A second object of the present invention is a carrying article configured to be worn by a user, wherein the article is configured to carry at least one container, the article forms a backpack or hydration vest, and the article is A back panel intended to be applied in contact with the user's back, A left front panel opposite the right front panel, these opposing panels are connected to the back panel and form shoulder straps that hold the back panel against the user's back. Equipped with, Each front panel is connected to the rear panel by an upper connector designed to rest on the user's shoulders. A transportable article having a left front panel with a left pocket and a right front panel with a right pocket, each pocket configured to receive a container, and each pocket extending along the panel to which it is attached between the lower and upper ends, The items are, In each panel, the pockets are joined laterally by an inner edge and an outer edge, each edge extending between the lower and upper edges, and the inner edge of each pocket is adjacent to the opposing panel. The inner edge extends inward from the lower end to the upper end, The outer edge extends along the outer height from the lower end to the upper end, The inner edge forms the closure of the pocket, along at least half of the inner height, from the lower end. The outer edge opens continuously along at least half of the outer height to allow the container to be inserted into the pocket. or The inner edge opens continuously along at least half of the inner height to allow the container to be inserted into the pocket. The internal edge is designed to start from the bottom edge and extend along at least half of the external height to form the closure of the pocket, and is a carrying item.

[0027] Articles relating to the second object of the present invention may have features described in relation to the first object of the present invention.

[0028] The present invention will be better understood by reading the description of the embodiments presented below in conjunction with the drawings listed below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] A first embodiment of the article according to the present invention is illustrated. This is a preferred embodiment. [Figure 2] A second embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 3] A third embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4] A fourth embodiment of the article according to the present invention is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of Article 1 according to the present invention. The Article may be a hydration vest. The Article may be a backpack. Article 1 is configured to carry at least one water container and, preferably, other types of objects as described in relation to the prior art.

[0031] Item 1 extends between a rear panel 30, configured to be held against the user's back, and two opposing front panels, namely the left front panel 10g and the right front panel 10d. Each front panel is connected to the rear panel 30 by an upper connector. The left front panel is connected to the rear panel by a left upper connector 20g. The right front panel is connected to the rear panel by a right upper connector 20d. The term "upper connector" refers to the portion of Item 1 designed to rest on the wearer's shoulder on either side of the neckline 22 when the item is worn. The upper connector may be a separate component from the front panels. The upper connector may be the upper portion of the front panel, extending the upper portion of the front panel to the rear panel.

[0032] The left front panel is connected to the rear panel 30 by a left lower connection portion 21g that extends below the left armhole 23g. The right front panel is connected to the rear panel 30 by a right lower connection portion 21d that extends below the right armhole 23d.

[0033] Each upper and / or lower connection may be adjustable in length so that item 1 fits snugly to the wearer's body at both the rear panel 30 and each front panel. The front panels may be connected to each other by reversible fastening means, which may be zippers, Velcro, or one or more snaps, or elastic straps with fastening means (e.g., zippers, snaps, Velcro).

[0034] The front left panel extends to the left edge 19g, which faces the right edge 19d of the front right panel. The side edges of these opposing panels face each other.

[0035] The front and rear panels are made entirely of synthetic fibers. They may include elastic sections that conform to each user's body shape.

[0036] The rear panel 30 may be configured to hold objects such as food, a torch, or emergency equipment. In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel forms a shoulder strap, allowing the rear panel to be held against the user's back.

[0037] As described in the prior art, the left front panel has a left pocket 11g. The right front panel has a right pocket 11d. Each pocket is configured to hold a container. The volume of the container is typically 0.5L.

[0038] Each pocket (11d, 11g) extends along the panel between the lower end 12 adjacent to the lower connection 21 and the upper end 13 adjacent to the upper connection 20. When the item is worn by the user and the user is standing still, each panel extends vertically. Therefore, the upper end 13 is located above the lower end 12.

[0039] Each pocket is laterally separated by an inner edge 15 and an outer edge 16. The inner edge 15 extends between the upper end 13 and the lower end 12. The inner edge 15 faces the inner edge of a pocket formed in the opposing panel. The outer edge extends between the upper end 13 and the lower end 12. The inner and outer edges are preferably straight to conform to the shape of the cylindrical container.

[0040] An important aspect of the present invention is that, when the panel extends vertically, the inner edge 15 is inclined toward the opposing panel at an inclination angle θ. The inclination angle θ is preferably greater than 10°. The inclination angle θ is preferably less than 45°. Advantageously, the inclination angle is between 10° and 30°, or even better, between 10° and 20°. In the illustrated embodiment, the inclination angle is 15°. An inclination angle between 10° and 30°, and more preferably between 10° and 20°, provides advantages described in detail below while accommodating the spatial constraints of the panel.

[0041] Therefore, the inner edge of each pocket can move between its lower and upper ends to move closer to the side edge of the panel to which the pocket is attached.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the inner edge of the pocket moves along the direction from the lower end to the upper end so as to approach the inner edge of the pocket of the opposing panel.

[0043] The front left and right pockets are preferably symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry Δ extending equidistant from each panel. This symmetry allows for a balance of mass supported by the user. When the user is standing, the axis of symmetry is vertical or nearly vertical.

[0044] For each pocket, the inner edge 15 has an inner height H 15 It extends to the inner edge. The inner edge extends from the lower end 12 to the inner height H. 15 It is closed along at least half of it. It is understood that by being closed, the inner edge prevents the container extending into the pocket from passing from the lower end to the upper end. Preferably, the inner edge extends from the lower end 12 to a height H 15 Along 80% to 90% of the overall inner height H, or even up to the upper end 13, i.e., the overall inner height H 15 It is closed along the line. The closure is preferably permanent in the sense that it is not reversible.

[0045] The lower end 12 is closed in the sense that it prevents the passage of a container intended to occupy the overall width of the pocket. Preferably, at the lower end 12, the closure is permanent, i.e., irreversible.

[0046] Unlike conventional technology, the inclination of the pocket at the above-mentioned inclination angle allows for a better distribution of the support surface of the container within the pocket. In conventional articles, each pocket is vertical. Therefore, the support surface is limited to the lower end of the pocket. According to the present invention, the inclination of the inner edge at the inclination angle θ allows the weight of the container to be distributed along the lower end 12, but also along the inner edge 15. This helps to keep the container against the user's chest or abdomen and reduces the oscillation phenomenon of the pocket and container assembly. This results in improved comfort of use, especially during sports activities. In fact, oscillation is partly due to the movement of the container inside the pocket. The longer the support surface, the less oscillation there is, and the more the container is pressed against the support surface. This improves comfort of use.

[0047] The improved weight distribution of the container limits wear on each pocket, particularly at the bottom edge 12. This makes the article more robust.

[0048] Preferably, each pocket extends parallel to the front panel as a rectangular or substantially rectangular section, especially when there is no container in the pocket. The inclination of the inner edge 15 causes the lower end 12 to also be inclined by an angle θ with respect to the horizontal, and to tilt toward the opposing panel.

[0049] Each pocket may contain or be made of fibers with a certain degree of elasticity, so that each pocket expands when a container is inserted into it. This elasticity helps to hold the container in place.

[0050] Another important aspect of the present invention relates to a lateral opening of a pocket that allows a container to be inserted into or removed. The lateral opening is provided on the outer edge 16. The outer edge has an outer height H 16 It extends continuously along the edge. Preferably, the side opening is at an outer height H 16 Along at least 50% of the outer height H 16 It extends along at least 80% or 90% of it.

[0051] At the side opening of the pocket, the outer edge 16 is preferably elastic. Therefore, the outer edge extends between a closed equilibrium configuration and an open configuration, allowing a container to be inserted. The outer edge may be separated by a frame having sufficient rigidity to allow the side opening to be closed and sufficient elasticity to deform when a container is inserted. The frame preferably extends along 50% or more of the outer edge. The reinforcing material has greater rigidity than the fibers forming the rest of the pocket. The frame may be formed by elastic bands with a width between 1 cm and 2 cm having greater rigidity than the fibers.

[0052] The side opening, by its considerable length, facilitates the insertion of the container into the pocket. When the item 1 is worn by a user in an upright position, the insertion of the container is facilitated by gravity, which tends to naturally guide the container towards the inner edge 15 and lower end 12. After the container is inserted into the pocket, gravity tends to keep the container inside the pocket. This is because the container naturally leans towards the closed inner edge 15 and lower end 12, thereby blocking the container inside the pocket.

[0053] Each pocket may have an upper opening 18, particularly in the center, at its upper end 13. Preferably, the upper opening has a width L along which the upper end extends. 13It extends along at least half of the upper opening 18, which may allow access to the container after it has been inserted into the pocket. Due to its inclination, the opening extends around a central axis δ directed toward the neck 22. When the article is fitted by a person, the central axis is directed toward the user's head. The user may easily access the container, for example, by a flexible tube connected to the inside of the container or by a nipple attached to the container.

[0054] The upper opening 18 may be demarcated by a reinforcing member 17, which restricts the lateral movement of the container through the opening.

[0055] The inner and outer heights may range from 8 cm or 15 cm to 40 cm, preferably from 15 cm to 25 cm. A height between 20 cm and 22 cm is considered optimal for holding containers of 500 mL or more.

[0056] The width of the upper end may range from 4 cm to 10 cm, preferably from 5 cm to 7 cm. The same width applies to the lower end.

[0057] The inventors modeled the reduction of oscillation. They considered that an elastic textile pocket could be likened to a spring with stiffness k per unit width.

[0058] In conventional technology, vertical pockets are,

number

[0059] In the case of an inclined pocket, the rigidity is

number

[0060] Considering that r = 3 cm and θ = 15°, k vertical = 0.06 × k(3) and k 15° = 0.108 × k (4) is as follows.

[0061] Therefore, the spring stiffness k corresponding to the inclined pocket 15° is twice as large.

[0062] One effect of the increased stiffness is to limit the amplitude of the oscillation of the container placed in the pocket. The inventors are considering a model where the user is stationary and has just made contact with the ground with a vertical velocity V0. As a result, the initial velocity of the container placed in the pocket is directed downward in the vertical direction with the standard of V0.

[0063] Considering the basic principles of mechanics, the container is subjected to the restoring force by gravity and the spring formed by the flexible pocket.

[0064]

Number

[0065] Here

Number

Number

[0066] This is

[0067]

Number

[0068] Here

number

[0069] Therefore,

number

[0070] The solution is,

number

[0071]

number

[0072]

number

[0073] In the initial moment, t=0, y=0, and V=V0. V is the velocity of a point representing the container along the vertical axis.

[0074]

number

[0075] (2) Considering this,

number

[0076]

number

[0077] Y vertical and Y θ These terms refer to the amplitude of oscillation in a vertical configuration and the amplitude of oscillation according to the present invention, respectively.

[0078] Considering that M = 0.5 kg, Y vertical ≈ 1,3 × Y θ=15° (14) That is the case.

[0079] According to this model, it is estimated that the present invention can reduce the amplitude of oscillation by 30% compared to the oscillation of a vertical pocket.

[0080] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate embodiments in which the pocket is inclined at a certain angle with respect to the vertical when the side portion extends vertically. The technical effects resulting from the inclination are similar to those described in relation to Figure 1.

[0081] In Figure 2, the pockets are arranged so that, in the 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 opposing panel.

[0082] In Figure 3, the pockets are arranged so that the inner edges of each pocket extend parallel or substantially parallel to one another. Substantially parallel means parallel within + / - 10°.

[0083] The configuration of each pocket having a lateral opening on its outer edge can be provided independently of the pocket's inclination. Figure 4 illustrates article 1' such that the front right and front left pockets are of the prior art. These pockets differ from those of the prior art in their openings. As previously described, each pocket has a lateral opening on its outer edge. The outer edge 16 has the same characteristics as previously described, except for the inclination angle.

[0084] Alternatively, the side opening may extend along the inner edge 15. In this case, the outer edge is closed, starting from the lower end and extending for at least 50%, then at least 80%, or at least 90% of its height. The inner edge is open along at least 50%, then at least 80%, or at least 90% of its height.

[0085] However, it is preferable that the side openings be provided on each outer edge, as this makes it easier to insert the container into or remove it from the pocket.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described in relation to a hydration vest, the present invention can also be applied to backpacks, such as hiking backpacks. The front straps of the backpack form a front panel having pockets as described above.

Claims

1. A carrying article (1) configured to be worn by a user, wherein the article is configured to carry at least one container, the article forms a backpack or hydration vest, A rear panel (30) intended to be applied in contact with the user's back, A left front panel (10g) opposite to the right front panel (10d), the two opposing panels are connected to the back panel and form a shoulder strap that holds the back panel in contact with the user's back, and Equipped with, Each front panel is connected to the rear panel by an upper connecting portion (20d, 20g) configured to rest on the user's shoulders. The left front panel has a left pocket (11g), and the right front panel has a right pocket (11d), each pocket is configured to receive the container, and each pocket extends along the panel to which it is attached between the lower end (12) and the upper end (13). In each panel, the pockets are joined laterally by an inner edge (15) and an outer edge (16), each edge extending between the lower end and the upper end, and the inner edge of each pocket is adjacent to the opposing panel. The inner edge portion (15) has an inner height (H) from the lower end to the upper end. １５ ) extends in, The outer edge portion (16) has an outer height (H) from the lower end to the upper end. １６ In the transported goods (1) that extend along the ) The aforementioned article is The inner edge portion, along at least half of the inner height, from the lower end, forms the closing portion of the pocket. The outer edge is continuously open along at least half of the outer height to allow the container to be inserted into the pocket. or The inner edge is continuously open along at least half of the inner height to allow the container to be inserted into the pocket. The transport article (1) is characterized in that the outer edge portion starts from the bottom edge portion and extends along at least half of the outer height to form a closing portion of the pocket.

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

3. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer edge or the inner edge is continuously open along at least 80% or at least 90% of the outer height or the inner height, respectively.

4. The article is designed such that when worn by the user in an upright position, the upper connecting portion of each panel rests on the user's shoulder. The lower end (12) of each pocket is positioned below the upper end (13) of the pocket. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner edge (15) of each pocket is inclined at a non-zero angle of inclination with respect to the vertical.

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

6. The article according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, along the inner edge, in the direction from the lower end (12) to the upper end (13), the inner edge of one pocket approaches the inner edge of the opposing pocket.

7. The article according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, along the inner edge, in the direction from the lower end (12) to the upper end (13), the inner edge of the pocket moves away from the inner edge of the pocket of the opposing panel.

8. The article according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, along the inner edge, in the direction from the lower end (12) to the upper end (13), the inner edge of the pocket is parallel to the inner edge of the pocket of the opposing panel.

9. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lower end (12) of at least one pocket is inclined with respect to the horizontal at the angle of inclination.

10. For at least one pocket, The upper end extends from the inner edge to the outer edge, The article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a portion of the upper end (13) forms the closing portion of the pocket.

11. The article according to claim 9, wherein the upper end portion (13) is inclined at the angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal direction.

12. The upper end has a width (L １３ The article according to claim 10 or 11, having an upper opening (18) exceeding 50% of the pocket, the opening enabling access to the container when the pocket is accommodating the container.

13. The article according to claim 12, wherein a portion of the upper end that is less than 50% of the width forms the closing portion of the pocket.

14. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 13, wherein the pockets are symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry (Δ) that is equidistant from each panel and extends between the panels.

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