EP1195109A1 - Fastening element for backpack - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flexible fastening element which is fixed to a carrying bag (S) in particular a backpack and which comprises a hooking zone (2) to which can be fixed, by hooking means ( 100) such as a carabiner, an insert (101). The invention is characterized by the fact that the attachment zone (2) is threadlike and is preferably of circular section. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a fastening element for a carrying bag intended in particular, but not limited to, backpacks having one or two suspenders as well than bags worn over the shoulder.

In the prior art, there are numerous rigid buckles produced in particular in plastic, which are attached to the carrying bag. These buckles are generally based under the shape of rings and therefore of small dimensions in order to optimize the compromise between the weight and the resistance of the part. So when one wishes to attach an element attached to said buckles, by a means of attachment, the operation is impractical given the small dimension of the fittings in which the attachment means must be secured.

There are also, as illustrated in FIG. 1, strap bridges 200 made up of textile materials. It is a length of strap sewn at intervals to the carrying bag S to form rings 201 in which it is possible to attach hooking means of the type carabiner. The rings 201 are separated by seams 202. The strap bridges 200 are particularly used on the front face E1 of backpacks which is located opposite the carrying system. However, the strap, which constitutes the rings, inherently has a certain width which impedes the ease of installation of the attachment means in the ring 201. In fact, the hooking means commonly used are hooked fast and therefore generally of the carabiner type. These carabiners, used in particular for sports like climbing, sailing, are designed to moor easily on a rope and not on a strap. In addition, FIG. 1 also represents a ski carrier 203 which is consisting of a loop, made of textile strap, into which a pair of skis will be slipped. However, as the strap is fixed to the front face E1 by seams, the buckle 203 has a preferential opening in the direction transverse to the carrying bag S. Now the pair ski inserted along the longitudinal axis of the carrying bag S, the intrinsic width of the strap makes handling impractical. Loop 203 can also be used to grip an ice ax.

One of the aims of the present is to propose a fastening element intended to be fixed on a carrying bag which has an ease of attachment and detachment for a means of quick attachment and this regardless of the angle from which the means is presented quick attachment, but also for an accessory such as a pair of skis.

Another object of the invention is to propose a fastening element having several hooking position possibilities ..

To achieve these objectives, the flexible attachment element includes a zone which is threadlike. This attachment zone, the cross section of which is substantially circular preferably includes a protective sheath which protects the element of attachment of the attachment means or of the accessory to be clamped.

In a first embodiment, the attachment zone comprises a metal cable.

In a second embodiment, the attachment zone comprises a cord.

In a third embodiment, the attachment zone comprises a strap which is wound inside the protective sheath.

All the embodiments are available according to different geometries. In the geometry base, the fastener forms a loop. In a variant of geometry, the element of attachment forms a succession of open loops which are connected together.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description illustrates, by way of nonlimiting examples, certain preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 schematically represents, in front perspective, the front face of a backpack equipped with fastening elements according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 schematically represents, in front perspective, a backpack equipped with various locations of fasteners available in different geometries.

Figure 3 shows schematically, in side view, a detail of the carrying bag equipped of the attachment element according to the first embodiment and the basic geometry. The part high of the fastening element as well as the carrying bag are shown in a section in the longitudinal axis of the fastening element.

Figure 4 shows schematically, in side view, a detail of the carrying bag equipped of the fastening element according to the first embodiment and the second geometry. The bag of lift is sectioned in a section along the longitudinal axis of the attachment element.

Figure 4a schematically shows a detail of Figure 4 in section longitudinal.

Figure 4b schematically shows a cross section of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 along a section plane AA ′ identified in FIG. 4a.

Figure 5 shows schematically a perspective view of the end of the element of attachment according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 schematically represents a perspective view of the attachment element according to the second embodiment and according to the second geometry.

FIG. 7 schematically represents a perspective view of the attachment element according to the third embodiment and according to the second geometry.

Figure 8 shows schematically, a side view, a detail of the carrying bag equipped with the attachment element according to a variant of the first embodiment and according to the second geometry. The lift bag is sectioned along a cut in the longitudinal axis of the fastener.

FIG. 9 schematically represents another embodiment of fixing of the fastening element shown in Figure 3.

2 shows a backpack S equipped with fastening elements 1a to 1j arranged in various locations on the backpack S. As part of the first geometric configuration in form of loop, the attachment element may advantageously be arranged in the lower part from the front face E1 of the envelope E of the backpack S, or at the level of a central loop the to form the lower part of a ski carrier at an offset loop 1b which can be used ice ax holder. The attachment element can also be arranged on the side faces E2 of the casing 2, in particular at its base to constitute the lower part 1c of a ski carrier which is completed with a high strap 103. The loop can be arranged at least one strap 104 to serve in particular as a bottle holder.

As part of its second geometric configuration, the attachment element 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h, 1i, 1j, which forms a succession of rings, can be arranged either independently or in binomial. In the first case, the fastening element serves as a fastening support for carabiners to carry out multi-position hanging, especially for climbing equipment. The element of attachment in particular forms a belt chain 1e or a strap chain 1f.

In the second case, the fastening elements are arranged in pairs and arranged preferably substantially parallel so as to constitute an attachment support multiposition for an insert which would be placed between the two attachment elements.

As illustrated in figure 2, the pair of attachment element 1g can be placed on the above the flap E3 of the bag in order to hold in particular a pair of spikes. The element attachment can also be arranged on the front E1, lateral E2 or lower E4 faces of the bag as respectively the pairs of fastening elements 1h, 1i, 1j, in order to maintain attachments such as a tent or sleeping mattress.

Maintaining the added element between the two fastening elements is ensured, so common, by a holding means comprising at least two quick attachment means and repositionable, in particular of the carabiner type.

In FIG. 3, the fastening element which is flexible is shown in section at the level of the attachment points 4, 5 on the carrying bag S, at its envelope E. The element of attachment is positioned according to a loop geometry in which the fixing points 4, 5 are positioned respectively at the ends 11a, 11b of said attachment element. Moreover the fastening element comprises an attachment zone 2, which is arranged interposed between the ends 11a, 11b to which can be fixed, by a hooking means 100 such as a carabiner, an insert 101.

In order to facilitate the attachment and the disengagement of the attachment means 100 on the area of attachment 2, said attachment zone 2 is filiform. We define here by filiform, an area attachment 2 whose dimensions, namely the width and the thickness in the transverse plane to said zone 2 are substantially the same size and much less than the length of the zone hanging 2.

An advantageous way of making a thread-like attachment zone 2 is that the zone attachment 2 has a substantially circular section such as a cord or a cable. Compliance with this constructive arrangement allows the hooking means 100 to hang on and to easily disengage from the attachment zone 2, at its opening O and this whatever the orientation of the attachment means 100 with respect to the attachment zone 2.

Of course the outside diameter D of the attachment zone 2 must be less than the opening O of the attachment means 100. The best results in terms of ease attachment points were obtained for a diameter D two to three times smaller than the opening O of the carabiner 100.

In practice and taking into account the carabiners usually used in the various sports, the diameter D of the attachment zone 2 will be between approximately 2 and 15 millimeters.

As the commonly used carabiners 100 are made of metal alloy or of aluminum, it is interesting to seek to protect the attachment zone 2 from wear caused by friction against the carabiner 100. Thus the attachment zone 2 may advantageously comprise a protective sheath 3 which can be produced in particular, but without limitation, of thermoplastic material.

In the preferred embodiment and illustrated in FIG. 3, the attachment zone 2 comprises a metal cable 11 which contributes in particular to the structural mechanical strength of the attachment element. The metal cable 11 is surrounded, in particular at the level of the zone attachment 2, by the protective sheath 3 which may be fixed or movable relative to the cable 11. To seal the sheath 3 on the cable 11, the protective sheath 3 may advantageously be made of heat-shrinkable plastic material. In addition, the protective sheath 3 can be advantageously made of substantially transparent or even translucent material in order to ability to monitor cable fatigue 11.

At the attachment points 4, 5, the fastening element passes through the envelope E of the bag carried S by a hole 29 so that the attachment zone 2 is disposed outside the bag carrying S. Thus the ends 11a, 11b of the cable 11 are positioned inside the bag of carrying E and the fixing points 4, 5 are produced by a stop piece 28 of cable such that a part crimped on the cable 11 or else molded on the cable 11 or else welded on the latter. This stopper 28 has a width substantially greater than the diameter of the hole 29 made in the envelope E in order to prevent the ends 11a, 11b from passing through envelope E.

Given the possible weight of the insert 101, it is advantageous to reinforce the envelope E, so that the stopper 28 does not tear the envelope E which is in particular made of a textile fabric. Thus the envelope E may include, at the level of at least one attachment point 4, 5, a reinforcement 26 which is disposed inside the carrying bag S between the envelope E and the stopper 28. This reinforcement 26 can be rigid such as a washer produced plastic or metallic alloy but can also be made of material flexible and resistant such as a fabric reinforced with fibers in particular the fiber "kevlar" which resists The tearing. The reinforcement 26 comprises a hole 26a whose diameter is less than the width of the cable stopper 28. In addition, the casing E can also be reinforced, at the level of the hole 29 by an eyelet 27, made in particular of metal alloy or plastic, which reduces the risk of tearing in the casing from hole 29.

Of course the reinforcement at the level of the envelope E can be produced in another way such a radial seam positioned at the periphery of the hole 29.

If you want the fastening element to be retractable in the carrying bag S, in particular to prevent the element from protruding from the bag and inadvertently catching on external elements such as tree branches, we will choose a sheath 3 whose diameter outside D is less than the diameter of the hole 29 located in the casing E. In this case, the sheath 3 extends substantially to the reinforcement 26 or to the stopper 28 and has a diameter D less than the width of the reinforcement 26 or the width of the stopper 28. Thus the sheath 3 can be slipped into the envelope E of the carrying bag S.

Conversely, if it is desired that the fastening element is fixed in a fixed position on the envelope E, the sheath will have an external diameter D greater than the diameter of the hole 29.

Figure 9 illustrates, with a cutaway, an economical alternative to the method of fixing the fastening element shown in Figure 3.

Similar or identical elements will be designated by the same references digital.

In this figure 9 a portion of the inner face of the envelope E of a bag is shown.

In this case the attachment element 1, is constituted for example by a cable 11 in a loop, the two ends 11a, 11b are connected together on the inside of the bag via a crimp 11c.

The fastening element 1 passes through the envelope E of the bag through holes 29. The two ends 11a, 11b and the crimp 11c are wrapped by a piece of fabric 11d.

In addition, a reinforcement piece 26 is sewn on the internal face of the envelope E, between the holes 29 and the ends 11a and 11b of the fastening element 1, by means of seams 26a, 26b.

The seams 26a extend in pairs in a direction parallel to the branches of the loop 1 and delimit two tunnels 26c each intended to receive a branch of loop 1.

The piece of fabric 11d enveloping the two ends 11a, 11b and their connection 11c prevents the sliding of said link 11c in one or other of the tunnels 26c.

Furthermore, the reinforcement piece 26 takes up all the forces exerted on the loop 1, via the assembly 11c, 11d and prevents tearing of the envelope E of the bag, in particular at the level holes 29.

An attractive alternative to the method of attachment described in Figure 3.

In Figure 4, the fastening element is shown in the second configuration geometric. The fastening element comprises two fixing points 4, 5 which are arranged at the ends 11a, 11b of the attachment element, and between which the attachment zone is interposed 2. In addition, the fastening element is also fixed to the carrying bag S by at least one point of intermediate attachment 6 which is arranged along the attachment zone 2. This attachment point 6 thus divides the attachment zone 2 into at least two attachment segments 15, 16 on which can be attached, by a carabiner, an insert. This division into segments hanging 15, 16 independent allows for a multi-position fastening element.

In the preferred embodiment and illustrated in Figure 4, the fixing means 30 which is arranged at the ends 11a, 11b of the cable 11, makes it possible to pre-orient the cable 11 so that it does not not come out of the backpack perpendicular to the envelope E. The fastening means 30 includes a laterally drilled tube. Thus, the cable 11 enters the tube through the side hole and is housed in the central space of the tube. This tube can be made of plastic or alloy metallic and fixed to the cable 11 by gluing, welding or crimping. Cable 11 is bent in exit from the tube and has a deflection angle α of substantially between 10 ° and 60 °.

This construction, at the fixing point 4, 5 makes it possible to reduce the pressure exerted by the fastening element on the casing E. Indeed, the fixing means 30 being elongated over its width, it is in contact with the envelope E at this length. Of the more the lateral hole can be advantageously positioned substantially in the middle of the length of the tube 30 in order to balance the forces exerted on the envelope E. However the envelope will advantageously retain the eyelet 27 so that the cable 11 does not tear, by friction, envelope E.

Figure 4a illustrates a detail of Figure 4, at the intermediate attachment point 6 which is fixed to the enclosure E. When one of the attachment segments 15, 16 is loaded, the hooking segments 15, 16 may change in length by sliding in the point of intermediate attachment 6. In the preferred embodiment, the intermediate attachment point 6 consists of a sliding gear 25. In order to avoid the sliding of the area 2 in the attachment point 6, the protective sheath 3 is interrupted, at the level of the intermediate fixing point 6, and the sliding gear 25 has a diameter of sliding d which is less than the diameter D of the protective sheath 3. Thus during a loading on one of the attachment segments 15, 16, the sheath 3 comes to abut against the sliding gear 25 and maintains a substantially constant length, at level of segments 15, 16. Tests have shown that the result obtained is better if the protective sheath 3 does not slide along the cable 11. A protective sheath 3, made in heat-shrink plastic, meets this requirement.

In Figure 4b, the sliding gear 25 is shown in a cross section AA 'which is identified in Figure 4a. The sliding gear 25 has a cavity of sliding 25b, in which is disposed the cable 11, which is not circular. In this case, the sliding diameter d is the smallest dimension of the sliding cavity 25b since it is sufficient to block the protective sheath 3. The sliding gear 25 will be advantageously made of thermoplastic material in order to resist friction of the cable metallic 11.

Of course, the intermediate fixing point 6 can be directly fixed along the attachment zone 2 by crimping or welding on the cable 11 or on the sheath 3.

Figure 5 illustrates a detail of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. This detail relates to a variant relating to the point of attachment 4 of the attachment element on the casing E. A reinforcement 26 is positioned between the envelope E and the fixing means 30. In addition, the reinforcement 26, which is flexible, is folded and fixed around the portion 11c of the fastening element which is placed inside the carrying bag. In the case of the embodiment shown, the portion 11c comprises the fixing means 30 since the reinforcement 26 is positioned on the face of envelope E which is opposite to the face of envelope E which is opposite the area hanging 2.

This variant advantageously applies to a fixing means 30 which is produced by a tube since the reinforcement 26 is folded around the tube and fixed by an appropriate means, such as a seam 31, on itself. This makes it possible to protect the fixing means 30. This variant of embodiment brings certain advantages in terms of comfort since it prevents the user from scratching their hands on the fastening means 30, storing stuff inside the carrying bag.

In FIG. 6, the attachment element shown comprises an attachment zone 2 which includes a cord 10. The cord 10 will advantageously have a section circular and will preferably be made of textile fiber and incorporating a core so to ensure better resistance and better longevity. The attachment zone 2 is divided into two attachment portions 15, 16 by an intermediate attachment point 32 which is fixed to the casing E. The intermediate fixing point 32 comprises a reinforcement piece 32a which covers the cord 10 and which extends laterally on the envelope E. The reinforcement piece 32a is fixed to the envelope E by means of seams 32b. Cord 10 can also be fixed, at the intermediate fixing point 32, by means of a seam 32c which fixes the reinforcement piece 32a on the casing E and keeps the cord 10 inserted between the reinforcement 32 and the envelope E. The seam 32c will advantageously pierce the cord 10 so to ensure greater solidity of the fixing means 32.

The ends 11a, 11b are fixed to the casing E by suitable means. It may be a seam 50, which as shown at the end 11b, directly fixes the cord 10 to the envelope E. This can also be, as shown at the end 11a, a piece of reinforcement 40 which maintains by stitching, in an identical manner to the fixing means 32, the cord 10 interposed between the reinforcement 40 and the envelope E.

In the embodiment presented in FIG. 6, the attachment zone 2 does not include protective sheath. In order to resist wear caused by the carabiner on the segments attachment 15, 16, the cord 10 may advantageously be made of fiber type "Kevlar".

Of course, the cord 10 can be surrounded by a protective sheath which will respond advantageously to the constructive arrangements specified in the embodiment previous.

In FIG. 7, the attachment zone 2 comprises a strap 12 which is wound inside of the protective sheath 3. The protective sheath 3 will advantageously have a tubular shape in order to to facilitate the hooking and unhooking of the carabiner. The fixing points 4, 5, 7 are fixed respectively to the envelope E by seams 12b, 12c, 12d, which make it possible to fix the strap 12. In order to increase the strength of the binding, the strap 12 can be unwound punctually, at the fixing points 4, 5, 7, in order to separate as much as possible the location of the seams 12c, 12e on the same fixing point. Respect for this constructive arrangement allows the stresses induced by the seams to be distributed over envelope E.

The embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, have the advantage that the element of attachment does not pass through the enclosure E. In fact the fixing means are arranged in the same side of the envelope E as the attachment zone 2. This makes it possible to avoid reducing too much the tightness of the envelope E and therefore of the carrying bag S.

In FIG. 8, the fastening element comprises a stiffness strip 60 which is integral with the envelope E. The stiffness strip 60 is fixed to the envelope E by a seam 63 which extends preferably along the perimeter of the stiffness strip 60.

In FIG. 8, the end 11b of the cable 11 is shown in exploded view to illustrate the cable 11 inside the protective sheath 3 and the stopper 28. Elsewhere the cable 11 is shown in broken lines.

At the attachment points 4, 5, the stiffness strip 60 is positioned on the side of the stop piece 28 and serve as reinforcement in order to prevent the stop piece 28 from enlarging the hole 29 and does not pass through envelope E.

At the intermediate attachment point 70, which separates the attachment zone 2 in two attachment segments 15, 16, the stiffness strip 60 has at least two holes 61 and 62. Thus, the cable 11 coming from the attachment segment 16 crosses the envelope E and the strip 60, at the hole 61, then cross them again, at the hole 62. This arrangement geometric form a loop 64 located between the two holes 61 and 62 inside the bag lift. As the cable 11 has a certain rigidity and that in the loop 64 the cable 11 is subjected to significant curvatures, the cable 11 is blocked in the holes 61 and 62. In addition, as the rigidity strip 60 is rigid, the rigidity of the plate 60 comes to oppose the tendency for the cable 11 to slip in the holes 61 and 62. In addition, the holes 61, 62 may advantageously be fitted with eyelets in order to reinforce the blocking of the cable 11 by compared to the stiffness strip 60.

Thus the protective sheath 3 will advantageously be continuous, at the point of attachment, intermediate 70, providing protection against abrasion of the stiffness strip 60 against the cable 11, in particular at the level of the holes 61 and 62. Furthermore the fact of not having to sectioning the sheath 3 makes the embodiment less expensive.

The best results have been obtained by a stiffness strip 60 made of thermoplastic of substantially 1 to 3 mm thickness in particular, but not restrictive, in polyethylene or polypropylene. In addition, the attachment element will be made of cable metal of approximately 1 to 4 mm in diameter.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which are given for information only, but encompasses all the embodiments similar or equivalent as well as carrying bags fitted with at least one element attachment.

Claims (16)

Flexible fastening element, intended to be fixed on a carrying bag (S), comprising: at least two fixing points (4, 5) on the carrying bag (S) an attachment zone (2) to which can be attached, by attachment means (100), an insert (101). characterized in that the attachment zone (2) is threadlike. Flexible fastening element, intended to be fixed on a carrying bag (S) characterized in that it is fixed at two fixing points (4, 5) on the carrying bag (S) and in that it comprises a threaded attachment zone (2) which forms a loop capable of enclosing a pair of skis or an ice ax. Flexible fastening element, intended to be fixed on a carrying bag (S) characterized in that it comprises at least two attachment zones (15, 16) which are thread-like, thus constituting at least two fastening positions separate for an insert (101). Fastening element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the attachment zone (2) is of substantially circular section. Fastening element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the attachment zone (2) comprises a protective sheath (3). Fastening element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the attachment zone (2) comprises a metal cable (11). Fastening element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the attachment zone (2) comprises a cord (10). Fastening element according to claim 5, characterized in that the attachment zone (2) comprises a strap (12) which is wound inside the protective sheath (3). Fastening element according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is also fixed to the carrying bag (S) by at least one intermediate fixing point (6, 7, 70) which is arranged along of the attachment zone (2), thereby defining at least two attachment segments (15, 16). Fastening element according to claim 5 and 9, characterized in that the protective sheath (3) is interrupted at the intermediate fixing point (6). Fastening element according to claim 10, characterized in that the intermediate fixing point (6) consists of a sliding gear (25) and in that the sliding gear (25) has a sliding diameter (d ) which is smaller than the outside diameter (D) of the protective sheath (3). Fastening element according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that , at the point of attachment (4, 5), the fastening element passes through the envelope (E) of the carrying bag (S ) and in that the envelope (E) comprises, at at least one fixing point (4, 5), a reinforcement (26) which is disposed inside the carrying bag (S). Fastening element according to claim 12, characterized in that the reinforcement (26) is flexible and in that the reinforcement (26) is folded and fixed around the portion (11c) of the fastening element which is arranged inside the carrying bag (S). Fastening element according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a rigidity strip (60) which is integral with the envelope (E) of the carrying bag (S) and in that the stiffness strip (60) comprises at least two holes (61, 62) through which the cable (11) passes. Fastening element according to claims 14 and 5, characterized in that the protective sheath (3) is continuous, at at least one intermediate fixing point (70) and in that the protective sheath (3) passes through the stiffness strip (60) by at least two holes (61, 62). Carrying bag (S) equipped with at least one fastening element according to au minus one of claims 1 to 15.

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