AU747429B2 - A pack - Google Patents

Description

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AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

*-Pre.'e~ro L- c Name of Applicant: LEE PYLIANO' I SEC o 113 L Actual Inventor: Lee STYLIANOU Address of Service: BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS MARGARET STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000 Invention Title: -POTURE PACK Details of Associated Provisional Application No. P08473 dated 7 August 1997 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to packs, bags, ruck sacks and the like, of the type adapted to be carried by a wearer by means of straps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many types of bags and packs are known to facilitate the transportation of a wide variety of articles and equipment. Most, however, are designed with little attention to or understanding of ergonomics and probably for this reason, prior art packs have been proven to contribute substantially to poor posture.

While not quite a panacea, good posture can cure much that ails the human body, S: 10 from headaches and shoulder tension, to hip and knee discomfort, to lower back pain.

Good posture requires maintaining the natural curve of the spine. Too much or too little curvature in the lower back can place undue stress on the disks and vertebrae, :0 setting the stage for muscle strains, ligament sprains or disk injuries.

g. :When considering good posture, the starting point is usually the spine, the 0: °00 15 series of bones and disks which support and protect the delicate spinal cord, and the oooo thirty one pairs of spinal nerves. Ordinary activity such as breathing and twisting ooo• ooo affect the spine and the ribs where they attach to the spine. Due to the constant stresses and forces exerted in this area, the spine must be structurally strong and yet very flexible. The spine is what gives the human structure support, strength and agility. If poor posture exists, one usually finds the problem originating in the spine.

The spinal nerves branching off the spinal cord exit the spine through the intervertebral foramina, or nerve holes, and from there branch out to all parts of the body. Poor posture can cause pressure on, or irritation of, these spinal nerves resulting -3in dysfunction to the tissues that those nerves are intended to serve. Poor posture can also restrict or alter the normal position of the rib cage since the rib heads attach directly to the spine. This in turn can cause the lungs to function improperly, as well as causing excess stress and pressure on organs and tissues in the chest and abdomen. The muscles which attach to the bones throughout the body are also adversely affected by poor posture as they are unable to work efficiently and therefore fatigue more rapidly. This in turn causes muscle weakness. Muscles that are no longer in their usual position may also tighten. All of these factors can lead to pain and degenerative problems over a period of time. Because all of these conditions can cause dysfunction, faulty body 10 mechanics, and increased stress throughout the body, poor posture can develop into a serious health threat.

"Posture can be defined as the position of the parts of the body in relation to each other. Good posture is achieved when the ear, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle are in a •...*straight line with one another. A properly stacked spinal column more evenly S 15 distributes the compressive forces over the surfaces of the disks and vertebral bodies.

0 As the intervertebral disks tend to dry out and degenerate with age, the benefits of good posture become clearer. When the body is positioned correctly there is minimal strain on the muscles, ligaments, bones, and joints, internal organs are not compressed, blood vessels are not pressed, and nerves are not irritated. This allows the body to function at its peak. In this context, the advantages of a pack which promotes improved posture will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Prior art packs are typically adapted to be carried on the wearer's back. It has now been found, however, through extensive investigation, that contrary to the conventional 004044125 4 wisdom this type of pack actually tends to accentuate poor posture. Specifically the back or spine is forced to bend forward, the shoulders are displaced in a forward and upward position, and consequently, the head and neck are also poked forward. This inefficient and poor posture leads to many of the problems discussed above.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art in terms of posture and ergonomics, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

Disclosure of the Invention Accordingly, the invention provides a pack including a main storage compartment, shoulder straps adapted to support the pack to the front of the wearer, and one or more support handles adapted to provide support for the forearms of the wearer in a manner so as to minimise any upward displacement of the neck and/or forward positioning of the head and neck whilst the pack is being worn.

In one preferred form of the invention, the pack includes two separate support handles, one for the right hand and one for the left hand, each being in the form of a flexible support strap disposed on a lower front section of the pack. In an alternative form of the invention, the pack comprises a support handle in the form of a single strap extending along the front lower surface.

eooo Advantageously, the support provided by the support handles for the arms of the 20 wearer tends to avoid upward displacement of the shoulders and forward positioning of the head and neck, so as to minimise the adverse postural effects of prior art packs. The support handles also conveniently allow the wearer alternately to support the weight of the pack with the forearms, in order to relieve the load normally transferred through the shoulder straps. This facility can be particularly useful in carrying heavier loads.

Preferably, the pack includes a secondary storage compartment disposed generally in front of the main compartment.

In the preferred embodiment, the length and positioning of the shoulder straps in relation to the storage compartments is such that a substantial proportion of the weight of the pack is concentrated on the chest of the wearer, or at least at chest height.

The positioning of the weight of the pack in this way induces forward or anterior rotation of the spine. This is automatically counteracted by the activation of the erector spinae muscles which are thereby exercised and strengthened. The strengthening of these muscles promotes good posture, even when the pack is not being worn. An 10 adjustable top strap is preferably provided to enable the wearer, by selectively tightening the strap, to pull the pack upwardly and inwardly so that the weight is located as closely as possible to the wearer's chest so as to optimise balance and posture, and minimise •i fatigue.

o. :The pack, along with the shoulder straps and support handles, may be made of any 15 suitable material including woven or non-woven fabric, nylon, vinyl, canvass, .r S• GORTEX TM, PVC, leather, plastics, rubber or the like. It may also be formed from any suitable combination of such materials, and in preferred embodiments includes waterproof linings, and thermal insulation. The pack can also include an internal or external frame to provide additional structural support.

-6- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a pack according to the invention, in the normal use position adjacent the front torso of a wearer; Figure 2 is a side view of the pack shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the pack shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a rear view of the pack; Figure 5 is a plan view of the pack; Figure 6 is an underside view of the pack shown in Figures 1 to Figure 7 is a front view showing a pack according to a second embodiment of e* the invention; Figure 8 is a rear view of the pack shown in Figure 7; and "Figure 9 is a diagrammatic side elevation showing the posture of a user wearing 15 a pack according to the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Referring initially to Figures 1 to 6, a pack 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a main compartment 2. The upper section includes a zip fastener 3 disposed selectively to open and close the main compartment. A releasable cover flap 4 and an associated top strap and press-release buckle assembly 5 provide structural support for the pack and also prevent the zip fastener 3 from being damaged or overloaded. The top strap 5 is adjustable, and positioned to enable the wearer, by R t tightening the strap, to pull the pack upwardly and inwardly so that the weight is located -7as high, and as close to the chest, as possible. This optimises balance, minimises stress, and encourages an ergonomic posture, as described in more detail below. The underside of the cover flap 4 includes a concealed pocket, with a zip closure, to accommodate a wallet, purse, keys, or other valuables discretely, and in a way which allows convenient access to the wearer, without the need to remove the pack. A smaller secondary compartment 10 is attached to the front section of the main compartment 2. This front compartment 10 is selectively opened and closed by means of a second zip fastener 12.

A left hand support handle 13 and a right hand support handle 14 are located at S• •the lower front region of the front compartment 10. The support handles in this 10 embodiment take the form of semi-rigid straps. In other embodiments, a single elongate o support handle may be provided in place of the two separate left and right hand support handles 13 and 14, as illustrated. It will also be appreciated that the support handles may alternatively be defined by other formations such as flexible straps, rigid handles, 5555 or even pockets, optionally with thermally insulated liners. By the provision of zip fasteners, such pockets may be multi-purpose. The support handles are preferably located on the front, in the lower half section of the pack, and ideally in the bottom third

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section of the pack. The function and operation of the support straps will be described in more detail below.

Figure 4 shows the exposed rear side of the rear section 20 of the main compartment 2. This section includes a flat compartment 24 which can be used to store documents or other substantially flat or non-bulky items. Additional pockets and compartments, some of which can be selectively detachable, may also be provided.

-8- The pack further includes a left shoulder strap 30, which in use passes over the left shoulder of the wearer. This strap is fixed at respective top and bottom ends 31 and 32, and is adjustable using buckle 33. Similarly, a right shoulder strap which in use passes over the right shoulder of the wearer, is fixed at respective top and bottom ends 36 and 37, and is adjustable using buckle 38. A connecting strap 39 adjustably joins the shoulder straps 30 and 35 together (as best seen in Figures 4 to This connecting strap and buckle assembly helps to locate the shoulder straps correctly, and prevents them from inadvertently sliding off the shoulders of the .wearer. This also helps to reduce the load on the shoulder musculature, and hence provides a further means by which the activity of the shoulder and neck musculature can be minimised.

It should be appreciated that the shape, length and spacing of the shoulder 0*.

straps are specifically designed so as to be comfortable on the neck, allowing the shoulders to support the pack while remaining in a natural relaxed position. This 15 generally results in a significantly wider spacing than would be the case for a conventional back pack. In this respect, it should be appreciated that merely •oo.

*seewearing a conventional back pack in a frontwards orientation is uncomfortable, ergonomically inefficient, and may even result in choking of the wearer. It is also noteworthy that the connecting strap 39 is located substantially lower than a conventional bra strap, and consequently is much easier to fasten behind the back.

In particular, the connecting strap is positioned to facilitate easy adjustment by the wearer, with the pack in place.

The adjustable straps, particularly the shoulder straps, top strap, and waist strap, are all configured to be tightened by the wearer pulling forwardly and/or downwardly on the free ends of the straps, with the pack in the normal use position.

This arrangement allows the straps to be adjusted individually and accurately by the wearer, without the need to remove the pack.

Figure 1 shows the posture pack device in operation, from which it can be seen that the pack is designed to be positioned on the front of the body of the wearer. In this orientation, the weight of the pack is comfortably supported by the right shoulder complex 41, the left shoulder complex 42, and the back of the wearer.

10 To further assist in maintaining good posture, a waist strap 44 is included. This helps to transfer a significant proportion of the weight of the pack directly to the wearer's hips, independently of the shoulders, neck, back and arms (see also Figure The waist strap includes an adjustable press-release buckle 45 to facilitate firm

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and accurate adjustment.

15 A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 7 and 8, wherein oo o •oo corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In this *ooo case, the pack incorporates additional side pockets 50 and 51 closed by respective zip fasteners 52 and 53. In this embodiment, the shoulder straps 30 and 35 are designed to cross over in an configuration across the wearer's back (see Figure The pack is most conveniently positioned on the wearer by first placing the right hand, then the rest of the arm followed by the head, between the left shoulder strap and the outside of back section 20 of the main compartment 2. The right shoulder strap 35 is then placed over the right shoulder and secured using buckle 38 to the bottom portion 37 of the right shoulder strap.

The pack illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 does not incorporate an additional waist or hip strap. However, this may optionally be provided, in which case it would function in the same way as the corresponding strap 44 in the first embodiment of the invention, as previously described.

In both embodiments of the invention illustrated, the pack is designed such that the hands or forearms of the wearer can comfortably rest on the support handles •13 and 14, either by passing the hands through the handles, or alternatively by grasping the handles in the hands. The handles may also be engaged by the thumbs.

The result of this is that these handles or straps provide support for the entire upper I ••"limbs. It has been found that this support tends advantageously to decrease tension in the upper body, particularly the shoulders, neck and head. It also avoids the Sooo Soo.

inadvertent and undesirable tendency for upward displacement of the shoulders, and 15 forward positioning of the head and neck, which tends to occur as a consequence of •the inferior ergonomics of conventional back packs. Thus, in summary, the invention tends to promote improved posture as illustrated in Figure 9, and tends to minimise the adverse postural effects of prior art packs. Additionally, the support handles conveniently allow the wearer to support the weight of the pack with the hands or forearms, in order to relieve the load transferred through the shoulder straps. This can be particularly useful when carrying heavier loads, or when travelling longer distances.

-11- It has been found that by alternating the manner in which the support straps 13 and 14 are used, between the first mode in which the straps are used to support the hands and arms, and the second mode in which the hands or forearms are used via the handles to support the pack, different muscle groups are alternately employed.

This tends to delay the onset of muscle tightening and fatigue which can, in themselves, be major causes of poor posture.

It will thus be appreciated that the support straps can thus be used in either of two modes, or in an alternating combination of both, depending upon the weight of the pack and the period of time during which it is carried, as well as the build, strength and personal preference of the wearer.

Turning now to consider the ergonomic and postural aspects more broadly, as o the neck and arms are related anatomically, it is common for pain in the arms and .io hands to stem from problems in the neck. Neck and arm strain can be prevented by keeping the head and neck in proper alignment. The slight inward curve of the neck balances the head on the spine. Holding the head forward, which is the natural *O°tendency when wearing a conventional back pack, disturbs this balance, straining the joints and muscles of the neck and upper back. The neck flexes as the head moves forward in front of the plumb line (the line created by drawing a line between the ear, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle). The upper neck must then extend to keep the eyes level. The full weight of the head is then carried by the neck and upper back. This posture also causes compression of the nerves and blood vessels as they exit the neck, leading to symptoms in the arms and hands.

-12- Advantageously, the positioning of the pack according to the present invention across the front torso of the wearer and the manual engagement of the support straps, provides support for the arms, allowing the shoulders to relax, thus reducing upper body muscle tension and maintaining correct posture and body alignment. This in turn enables the user more effectively to support the pack especially when carrying a heavy load, decreasing the stress on the shoulders and spine. This mechanism also acts to minimise the overworking of any particular muscle group and significantly reduces muscular tension in the upper body. It also eliminates poor upper body biomechanics; i" that is, shoulders raised and poked forward, and head and neck protraction (poked 10 forward and anterior cranial rotation). Excessive levels of muscular tension qualify as a Co physiological penalty, as can lead to muscular pain and fatigue and perhaps ultimately to bone and joint disease. In other words, excessive local muscle tension leads to pain, fatigue, injury and disease.

In summary, by the use of the pack in this fashion, the back is held in a more o S 15 upright position, the shoulders are not displaced forward and upward and the head and neck are not poked forward. This more ideal positioning, as illustrated Cooo diagrammatically in Figure 9, will allow the pack to be placed more comfortably and balanced more centrally on the body, to decrease tension and complaints. The invention thereby represents a significant improvement over the prior art.

It will be realised that the pack device according to the invention is not restricted to the form of two separate support handles or straps shown in the preferred embodiments, but may for example use a single support strap which is grasped by both Shands to support the weight of the pack and minimise any upward displacement of the 13shoulders and forward positioning of the head and neck. The pack may also take on other variations including size, shape, pocket configurations, covers for the support handles and other arrangements for the compartments, according to practical application, aesthetics, ergonomics, design, and personal preference.

Although, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

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Claims (22)

1. A pack including a main storage compartment, shoulder straps adapted to support the pack to the front of the wearer, and one or more support handles adapted to provide support for the forearms of the wearer in a manner so as to minimise any upward displacement of the neck and/or forward positioning of the head and neck whilst the pack is being worn.

2. A pack according to claim 1, including left and right shoulder straps adapted respectively to extend over and behind the left and right shoulders of the wearer, the length and positioning of the shoulder straps in relation to the storage compartments being such that a substantial proportion of the weight of the pack is concentrated on the chest of the wearer, or at least generally at chest height.

3. A pack according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shoulder straps are adjustable.

4. A pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shoulder straps 15 are selectively releasable by means of press-release buckles. I.. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shoulder straps are adapted to cross over one another behind the back of the wearer, in an "X" configuration. 5505

6. A pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shoulder straps 20 are not adapted to cross over one another.

7. A pack according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein each shoulder strap is configured to extend generally between the top and the bottom of the rear side of the main storage compartment.

8. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a connecting strap adapted releasably to connect the shoulder straps together, behind the back of the wearer.

9. A pack according to claim 8, wherein the connecting strap is adjustable so as to allow the wearer selectively to determine the spacing between the shoulder straps. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a secondary storage compartment disposed generally in front of the main compartment.

11. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a S. substantially flat storage compartment disposed generally on the rear side of the main 10 compartment. o

12. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, further including additional supplementary storage compartments.

13. A pack according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the supplementary oo storage compartments is connected to the main compartment by releasable 15 attachment means. *oe.

14. A pack according to claim 13, wherein said attachment means include zip fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, press studs, press-release buckles, or clips. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage compartment includes selectively operable closure means.

16. A pack according to claim 15, wherein said closure means include zip fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, press studs, press-release buckles, or clips. -16-

17. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, including two separate support handles disposed generally along the lower front region of the pack, and adapted respectively for engagement by the right hand or forearm, and the left hand or forearm, of the wearer. s 18. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, including a singular support handle extending generally along the front of the pack, and being of sufficient length to be grasped simultaneously by both hands of the wearer.

19. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support handles take the form of straps, which may be flexible, semi-flexible or substantially 10 rigid.

20. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support handles are disposed toward the front and in the lower half of the pack. g• 21. A pack according to claim 20, wherein the support handles are located toward the ooo. front, and in the lower one third section of the pack. 15 22. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a top Sstrap, being selectively adjustable to enable the wearer upon tightening the top strap to pull the pack upwardly and inwardly such that the weight is centred immediately adjacent the wearer's chest.

23. A pack according to claim 22, further including a cover flap disposed immediately beneath the top strap, said cover flap including a concealed pocket for discrete storage of valuables in a position permitting convenient access by the wearer, without removal of the pack. -17-

24. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the straps is configured to be tightened by pulling forwardly or downwardly, to facilitate adjustment by the wearer with the pack in the used position. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a frame to provide structural support.

26. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, further including an adjustable waist strap adapted to transfer load from the pack directly to the waist, hips or pelvis of the wearer.

27. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one 10 compartment includes a removable waterproof lining. e A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one storage compartment includes locking means.

29. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one storage compartment is thermally insulated. *ooo 15 30. A pack according to any one of the preceding claims, when manufactured from a o*o. material or combination of materials selected from a group including woven or non- woven fabric, nylon, vinyl, canvass, GORTEX T M PVC, leather, plastics, or rubber.

31. A pack substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 1 st Day of March, 2000 LEE STYLIANOU Attorney: STUART M. SMITH Fellow Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia of BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS