GB2500728A

GB2500728A - Back pack adapted to improve the user's posture

Info

Publication number: GB2500728A
Application number: GB201205843A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Emma Field
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-03-31
Filing date: 2012-03-31
Publication date: 2013-10-02
Also published as: GB201205843D0

Abstract

A back pack comprises at least one body strap, and at least two compartments; wherein a first compartment includes a body-mirroring spinal parts, and a second compartment provides a posture improvement seat. The seat may be wedge shaped so as to act to improve the users posture. The seat may be stored in a second compartment in the lower region of the back pack.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

OF

EMMA FIELD

FOR

A BACK PACK

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a back pack, more particularly a pack for carrying items and care of a user's back.

Background and Prior Art

It has long been proven posture is important whilst carrying an item, even more so when carrying heavy items over a long distance.

It is recommended that the weight of an item should be evenly borne across the body, preferably over both shoulders. To enable this people commonly use what is termed as a backpack.

Numerous variations have been developed to provide support and structure for this carrier, and to aid the spine in particular. However, when the backpack is removed and the user comes to rest from carrying, being tired and possibly strained, their posture may be poor.

Multiple spinal aids are available to assist with posture, however, it is not always practical to carry one around and they do not always fit well into a backpack.

A common spinal aid is a seat wedge that tilts the pelvis forward to help create a neutral spine. This simple aid can greatly improve the wellbeing of a user.

In contrast the present invention provides an integrated solution for carrying items and caring for a user's back when standing and when s/he is seated.

I

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a back pack with at least one body strap, and at east two compartments: characterised in that a first compartment has body-mirroring spinal raised and lowered parts, and a second compartment provides a posture improvement seat.

In the preferred embodiment the back pack has flexible, rigid parts that enable the first compartment or stowage area to be permanently shaped so it does not collapse when not in use or filled.

Typically this is facilitated by a frame or structure of lightweight, durable material such as foam, rubber, metal, plastic or carbon that provides support for a users back by being moulded to match the shape of the spine and to include structural support to maintain the stowage area of the back pack in a fixed shape.

In the preferred embodiment said support is such that it runs either side of the spine, so no pressure is applied directly to the spine and so as to allow circulation of air around the back area.

All supporting structure in the back area may be covered in padding to provide comfort to the user. Typically the padding is comprised of resilient foam or inflatable sections In addition or the alternative it is envisaged that the padding may include a gel layer for additional comfort.

In another embodiment the back pack includes a lightweight, resilient foam or rubber shaped to provide a rigid but flexible shell.

In yet further embodiments the back pack includes inflatable support and structure, so that when not in use the back pack can be stowed more easily, taking up less space.

Use of inflation to provide support and structure thereby allows the user to vary pressure in the sections so as to best support their back and!or what they are carrying. It is envisaged that the inflatable back stowage area or first compartment has a separate inflation valve to enable its level of inflation to be varied, in particular as where the first compartment is in contact with the user's back it will heat up quickly in use, and may expand due to being in direct contact with the user, therefore adjustment may be required.

Exterior facing inflatable sections ideally provide the structure for the stowage area and will be subject to the external environment and thus temperature differences in would have an effect on the inflatable compartments therefore separate means of inflation from the back portion would give the user control of the air pressure.

In the present invention a basal portion of the back pack in use, contains the second compartment to accept a seat or more particularly wedge which wedge acts to improve the user's posture.

In some embodiments the seat wedge may be extended from the pack in use, for example wherein the user may be seated on the wedge with the pack on his/her back.

When the back pack is being worn in some embodiments the seat wedge provides additionally lumbar spine support as a curved wedge portion on the seat wedge cups the back of the user when placed correctly into the second compartment.

The shoulder strap or straps can ideally be adjusted so as to ensure lumbar support is optimal for the user.

In preferred embodiments the surface of the second compartment is padded for user comfort and so as to prevent the seat wedge exerting uneven pressure on the spine.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the back pack contains support to maintain shape of the seat wedge compartment and to prevent the seat wedge from becoming misshapen in transportation. Typically this is in the form of a lightweight foam or rubber plate to match the outline of the seat wedge.

In preferred embodiments an upper portion of this second compartment is flexible so that when not in use this compartment may be used as extra storage for the first compartment or any other compartments.

It may be envisaged that this arrangement would be variable dependent on use, or in addition or the alternative all sides of the seat wedge compartment would be reinforced.

It is envisaged that the compartments are sealed by one, or a combination of, zipper, buckle, dip or hook and loop material such as VELCRO (Trade Mark).

In the preferred embodiment a strap may be extended about the user's waist, thus ensuring lumbar support is optimal location. The waist strap may assist in keeping the back pack in an upright position when not in use, although it is envisaged that the structure support throughout the back pack enables this in isolation of the waist strap.

In another embodiment said waist strap would be detachable.

In some embodiments an additional main opening for the back pack may be where the seat wedge is connected or between the first and second compartment.

Therefore, when not in use the contents of the back pack would be easily accessible, in particular larger items that would be easily removed from this larger opening.

For example the seat wedge compartment may be enabled to rotate 180 degrees to place the seat wedge in a correct position for the user to sit on while the seat is still housed in the back pack.

A length af material may be utilisable to keep the seat wedge compartment attached to the back pack and allow displacement of the seat to be adjusted.

It is envisaged that there would be a brace mechanism between the seat wedge portion and the back support of the back pack.

Typically said brace would connect to outer sides of the second compartment and the outer edge of the stowage area or first compartment, joining both compartments securely.

It is envisaged that such a brace connects by means of hook, button, buckle or alike and that the brace may be detachable and have means of adjustment so that the supporting back can be reclined to achieve optimal position for neutral spinal alignment.

in a further embodiment the exterior outer shell of the back pack is rigid so as to provide protection for any items being carried.

In another embodiment the back pack or seat wedge compartment would be modified to fit more than one seat wedge.

In yet further embodiments the back pack would be constructed of waterproof materials with watertight entry points.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Fieures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the back pack, and seat wedge; Figure 2 shows a reverse view of the preferred embodiment; Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment; And Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment is a back pack with a detachable seat wedge used to help decrease lower back pain and tension by raising the hips higher than the knees and tilting the pelvis forwards.

The bag is suitable for those travelling on public transport such as a train, bus, plane, car and means that there will be more space in the bag itself, i.e. space will not be taken up by the seat wedge.

The seat wedge will either slide out Irom the bag or attach underneath and be easy to remove, and of a shape that is configured to promote good posture helping to reduce common back problems.

All straps are typically fully adjustable.

Padding on the bags rear is moulded to support the bag whilst having lowered parts for the spine.

The bag should include waist support straps and a bottle holder.

The pictured and preferred embodiment would suit people with lower back pain and/or people who use public transport regularly as the embodiment is a supportive back pack aimed at individuals who suffer from back pain and poor posture.

The bag provides a convenient way of transporting a seat wedge as well as incorporating many other features, including a sports bottle holder, an exit for headphone wires and compartments to store a laptop and documents.

The pictured embodiment includes the following: Laptop storage; Headphone exit; Bungee cord; Documents storage; Supportive padding; Storage pockets; Wedge compartment; Waist support; A zipped compartment that allows easy access to the seat wedge; and A supportive waist strap that enables the bag to be carried with ease and ergonomic padding provides support and includes a cut out for the spine.

The back pack contains various pockets for storage with a drinks storage pocket on either side. There are bungee cords which run along the rear face of the bag, which can be used to secure larger items.

There is a large waist strap to provide extra support, as well as the standard shoulder straps, all of which are fully adjustable.

Padding on the front of the pack gives support to the lower back and leaves space for the spine in the centre.

The wedge is secured to the base of the bag using simple hook and loop portion and/or strips, such as VELCRO (Trade Mark).

The wedge is ideally secured in the compartment so will not fall off or get stolen. In some embodiments a leash may be included from the compartment to the wedge.

The wedge is sold with the back pack and has a curved front to prevent corners causing discomfort to the user.

In preferred embodiments the wedge is typically out of sight so that the back pack looks completely normal but in some embodiments the wedge is visible and held in place with press studs and/or VELCRO (Trade Mark) to be removed easily.

Claims

Claims 1. A back pack with at least one body strap, and at least two compartments; characterised in that a first compartment has body-mirroring spinal raised and lowered parts, and a second compartment provides a posture improvement seat.
2. A back pack according to claim 1 wherein the back pack contains support to maintain shape of the seat compartment and to prevent the seat from becoming misshapen in transportation.
3. A back pack according to claim 1 or 2 including padding.
4. A back pack according to claim 1, 2 or 3 including a waist strap.
5. A back pack according to a preceding claim wherein the seat remains attached in use.