CA3147214A1 - Carrying strap equipped with a shaping reinforcement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a carrying strap adjusted, in use, to be installed on the shoulder of a wearer, wherein: - the carrying strap has a shaping reinforcement (3) having an inner surface (Si) and an outer surface (Se), - the reinforcement (3) comprises: - an upper reinforcement portion (30) located, in use, at the shoulder on which the carrying strap is installed, - a front reinforcement portion (31) which extends the upper reinforcement portion (30), - the front reinforcement portion (31) comprises a support portion (32), characterised in that along the upper reinforcement portion (30) and the front reinforcement portion (31), the inner surface (Si) of the reinforcement (3) is shaped as a portion of a Moebius strip, which inner surface, in use, is oriented towards the body of the wearer.

Description

Description Title: Carrying strap equipped with a frame of conformation Technical area.
[1] The subject of the invention is a carrying strap equipped with a conformation. It also relates to a bag and equipment for carrying load comprising such a shoulder strap. It also relates to a method of manufacture of such a carrying strap.
It concerns the general technical field of shoulder straps for backpacks or packages carried by the human body.
Prior technique.

[2] A load carried in a bag is transmitted to the wearer's back by straps which pass over the shoulders of said wearer. If the load is important, the weight of the bag is mainly transferred to the hips (in the case or a waist belt equips the bag) and at the level of the wearer's shoulders, which may feel excessive and uncomfortable pressure at this level of the body.
In In addition, carrying a load leads to postural compensations, and the maintenance continuous and regular poor posture can lead to imbalances musculoskeletal and pain. Many solutions have been proposed to reduce this uncomfortable distribution of the load on the wearer's shoulders.

[3] The patent documents EP2371232 (ADIDAS) or FR2781135 (ROSSIGNOL) describe for example a bag comprising a pair of shoulder straps. A portion of the upper part of each strap is constituted by a part elastic limited in elongation. This elastic part aims to decouple the backpack of its wearer to, on the one hand, improve comfort by allowing the wearer to less feel on his shoulders the movements, generally sudden, during the practice of sport or when moving said wearer.

[4] Patent document EP0570193 (KARRIMOR) describes a shoulder pad for the shoulder strap of a bag, which comprises an elongated element of synthetic foam , comprising one or more sheets of relatively rigid plastic material mounted on its face away from the wearer's body. The epaulette contains various elongated strips of relatively rigid plastic material arranged side by side rating along the length of the foam element, being separated by spacings. When such a shoulder pad is used on the backpack, the area of transmission is increased, which increases the comfort of the wearer and/or the charge capacity. Thanks to the elongated bands, the load is spread out and the shoulder pads become flexible.

[5] Patent document EP2606763 (VVOOHYUNG) describes a carrying strap of a bag comprising an air-inflatable part. This air cushion not only reduces the effect of pressure on the shoulder of the carrier, but also, by coming into close contact with the shoulder, to prevent the bag of slide or move sideways.

[6] Patent document US5961019 (GLEASON) describes a strap for carrying a bag provided with a cushion to cushion and distribute the weight of the bag on user's shoulders.

[7] Patent document EP1499212 (COMPAGNIA DEL VIAGGIO) describes a carrying strap for a bag provided with an additional member for better distribute the weight of the bag on the user's shoulders. This additional body is compound of articulated segments.

[8] In all the aforementioned technical solutions, the shoulder straps support primarily on the wearer's shoulders and collarbones so that the shoulders and collarbones remain stressed.

[9] The patent document US2011/108595 (HOAG LANCE) describes an exo-skeleton for backpack. This structure makes it possible to report all or part of the load towards the wearer's hips. Its design, however, is particularly complex, cumbersome and must be relatively expensive.

[10] The patent document FR3052650 (ERRAFI) describes a bag comprising a right carrying strap and a suitable left carrying strap, in use, to be installed respectively at the level of the right shoulder and the shoulder left of a carrier. A stiffening frame equips each of the shoulder straps carrying, this frame having a curved hooked upper portion which extends downwards by a longitudinal portion. The armature is realized in a material having elastic properties, so that said frame deforms elastically with a spring effect when the bag is installed on the wearer's shoulders. The upper curved portion in crochet East located, in use, at the level of the shoulder on which the shoulder strap is installed of portage equipped with the stiffening frame. The longitudinal portion present a segment which is twisted around the longitudinal axis of said portion longitudinal so that, in use, the carrying strap equipped with the stiffening reinforcement presses against a region of the trunk of the wearer other that the shoulder on which said suspender is installed, said suspender is tackling against the lateral part of the torso, at the level of the flanks, in the region of the hypochondrium and/or the lateral flanks of the wearer so that all or part of the load of said bag is distributed at this support.
The reinforcement described in this patent document forms a distribution accessory of load which makes it possible to no longer carry all or part of the weight of the bag on the shoulder and the wearer's collarbone. The weight of the bag is now offset, at least in part, towards a support zone which can be stressed more than the shoulders, with an acceptable degree of comfort for the wearer. The bag then seems more light to carry for the wearer.
This frame, although effective, can however cause some discomfort for the wearer due to the conformation of the longitudinal portion.

[11] Patent document JP3215380U describes a carrying strap which is twisted on herself. This twist is such that the inner surface of the strap who is at User's shoulder contact becomes the external surf after the spin.
And conversely for the outer surface of the strap which becomes the surface internal in contact with the carrier after the twist. The shoulder strap therefore does not have a same internal surface and the same external surface. This conformation aims to to modify the direction of the tension in the strap. However, the spin being locally located at the level of the user's chest, it must cause discomfort particularly uncomfortable for the wearer.

[12] One object of the invention is to remedy this state of affairs.
Another objective of the invention is to improve the comfort of the wearer of manner efficient and inexpensive.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a shoulder strap carrying with which the weight of the load is better distributed on the wearer's body.

Yet another additional object of the invention is to provide a solution to shift all or part of the weight of the bag from the wearer's shoulders, who is simple, compact and inexpensive.
Yet another additional object of the invention is to provide a solution to limit musculoskeletal disorders induced by the carrying a load.
Presentation of the invention.

[13] The solution proposed by the invention is an adapted carrying strap, in use, to be installed at the level of a wearer's shoulder, in which:
- the carrying strap comprises a conformation frame having a same internal surface and the same external surface, - the frame includes:
-- a portion of upper reinforcement located, in use, at the level of the shoulder on which the carrying strap is installed, -- a front frame portion which extends the upper frame portion, which front frame portion extends downward, - the front frame portion comprises a support portion shaped to than, in use, the carrying strap bears against a bearing surface of the carrier, - along the upper frame portion and the frame portion before the internal surface of the armature has the shape of a portion of Moebius strip, which internal surface is, in use, oriented towards the wearer's body.

[14] With this particular conformation of the armature, which can be similar to a portion of Moebius strip, the inventor found increased comfort when from carrying a load and a better transfer of the load to the surface of support from wearer, compared to a classic bag not fitted with a carrying strap that conforms to the invention. The inventor was able to observe that the charge was in fact deported towards the wearer's center of gravity. Carrying is thus more comfortable and more effective. The inventor has also found that with a bag equipped with such suspenders, the wearer was able to walk longer distances, in experiencing less fatigue. The wearer's posture and gait kinematics are significantly less altered than with one of the classic braces, so that said shoulder strap has real added value in terms of ergonomics and of reduction of musculoskeletal disorders. The conformation reinforcement, of which the shape makes it possible to provide these advantages to the carrying strap, is simple at to manufacture, so that the proposed solution is inexpensive to implement.
artwork.

[15]
Other advantageous features of the invention are listed below.
Each of these characteristics can be considered alone or in combination with the characteristics defined above with regard to the problems techniques that they specifically resolve, and may be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications:
- According to one embodiment: the upper frame portion has a first free end; - the front frame portion has a second free end; - the inner surface of the reinforcement has the shape of a portion of Moebius strip from the first free end to the second end free so that said inner surface is twisted not only along all the front frame portion, but also along the entire portion reinforcement superior.
- According to one embodiment, the shape of the internal surface of the armature is geometrically defined by the following characteristics: - the surface internal is generated by a continuous rotation of a segment around its middle length of said segment corresponding to the width of said internal surface;
and said medium describes a trajectory describing a curve; and which one east rotation non-zero and in the same direction along said trajectory.
- According to one embodiment, the outer surface of the armature has the same form than the inner surface of said armature.
- According to one embodiment, the trajectory describes a plane curve. The trajectory can then describe a portion of a circle, or a portion of ellipse, or a portion of a logarithmic curve, or a portion of a hyperbola or a portion of an arch of a cycloid curve.

- According to one embodiment, the trajectory describes a left curve. The trajectory can then describe a portion of a helix, or a portion of sextic rational, or a portion of non-rational sextic.
- According to one embodiment, the following characteristics define also geometrically the shape of the internal surface of the reinforcement: the angular velocity of rotation of the segment, when its middle moves the long of the trajectory, is uniform and non-zero along the trajectory.
- According to one embodiment, the angular speed of rotation of the segment, when its middle moves along the trajectory, is variable and not zero on along said trajectory.
- According to one embodiment, the length of the segment is constant on long path.
- According to one embodiment, the length of the segment varies along the path.
- According to one embodiment, the front frame portion has a free end having a flared shape.
- According to one embodiment, the upper frame portion has a free end curved upwards.
- According to one embodiment: - a rear frame portion extends also the upper frame portion, which frame portion back is adapted to extend, in use, down the trunk of the wearer, from the dorsal face of said wearer; - the rear frame portion comprises a portion support shaped so that, in use, the carrying strap comes to rest against a rear support surface of the wearer located in a dorsal region from carrier or at a side flank of said carrier.

[16] Another aspect of the invention relates to load-carrying equipment on the human body, comprising a left carrying strap and a shoulder strap straight carrying strap, each of said straps conforming to one of the previous characteristics.

[17] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to equipment for carrying load on the human body, comprising a single carrying strap, said shoulder strap conforming to one of the preceding characteristics.

[18] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a carrying strap conforming to one of the preceding characteristics, comprising the steps consisting in: - conforming the conformation reinforcement of so that the front frame portion extends down the trunk of a carrier, from the ventral face of said wearer and that the support portion is located on a front face or on a lateral face of the thorax or of the abdomen of said wearer; -equip the carrying strap with the conformation frame.
Brief description of figures.

[19] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better to the reading of the description of a preferred embodiment which will follow, in reference to the attached drawings, made by way of indicative examples and not limiting and on which:
[Fig. 1] a view of a bag according to the invention, the bag being carried by a individual seen from the front, [Fig. 2a] is a right profile view of a frame of a carrying strap according to the invention, [Fig. 2b] is a left profile view of the frame of Figure 2a, [Fig. 2c] is a front view of the frame of Figures 2a and 2b, [Fig. 3] shows cross-sections of a strap frame of carrying according to the invention, according to different embodiments, [Fig. 4] is a perspective view of part of the carrying strap according to a embodiment of the invention, cut transversely, [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of part of the carrying strap according to a another embodiment of the invention, cut transversely, [Fig. 6] is a perspective view of part of the carrying strap according to a another embodiment of the invention, cut transversely, [Fig. 7] represents a backpack carried by an individual seen in profile, including carrying straps according to the invention, [Fig. 8] illustrates a way in which the internal surface of the armature.

[Fig. 9] represents trajectories from the middle of a segment generating the area internal of the reinforcement, according to different embodiments, [Fig. 10] represents other trajectories of the middle of a segment generating the internal surface of the reinforcement, according to different embodiments, [Fig. 11] is a front perspective view of a frame of a shoulder strap carrying according to the invention, in a variant embodiment [Fig. 12] is a rear perspective view of a frame of a shoulder strap carrying according to the invention, in another variant embodiment Description of embodiments.

[20] The invention relates to a carrying strap particularly suitable for equip load-carrying equipment on the human body. By "load carriage equipment" means any type of accessory fitted with a or more shoulder straps and which is worn by the human body. He can whether it's a travel bag, a sports bag, a golf bag, a hiking, a military or firefighter's bag, a school satchel, a carries-baby, a protective vest (bulletproof vest, deminer's clothing), etc.
Of Generally speaking, this bag is intended to carry a load: clothes, notebooks, equipment including military equipment, oxygen cylinder, lance fire, books, sports accessories, baby, etc.

[21] Figure 1 shows equipment 1 of the backpack type. This bag 1 is of one classic design. It includes in particular an internal cavity to receive the load to bear. It has a rear face which, in use (i.e.
when the bag 1 is carried), is in contact with the back of wearer 2.

[22] To improve the comfort of the carry, to reduce the feeling of the weight of the carried load, the lower end of the rear face of the bag 1 can possibly extend on each side by a lap belt or ventral in two parts 6, 7, which allows to fix the lower part of the bag around the wearer's waist. An attachment loop makes it possible to secure the of them parts 6, 7 of this belt. The latter is well known to the man of job.

[23] In Figure 1, the bag 1 comprises a pair of carrying straps, respectively a right strap 8a and a left strap 8b which are similar. The bag 1 can however comprise only one strap of portage, in which case said bag is said to be single-strap. In use, and as illustrated in Figure 1, the right shoulder strap 8a passes at the level of the right shoulder 12 from wearer 2 and the left strap 8b passes at the level of his left shoulder 15. The right strap 8a, respectively left 8b, along the face from top to bottom before of the thorax 13 (and possibly of the abdomen 14, depending on the length of the strap), then crosses the right lateral face 16, respectively left 17, from thorax 13 (or possibly abdomen 14) of individual 2, up to to reach the right side, respectively the left side of the lower part of the face back of the bag at 1. The straps 8a, 8b are generally flat. Their lenght is for example between 10 mm and 100 mm.

[24] Each carrying strap 8a, 8b here has an adjustment strap to adjust the length of the carrying strap 8. The backpack 1 of the Figure 1 further includes a chest strap comprising a portion of right strap 9, which extends from the right carrying strap 8a, and a part left strap 10, which extends from the left carrying strap 8b.
That chest strap allows a better adjustment of the position of the bag 1 and the position of the straps 8a, 8b according to the wearer's anatomy and morphology 2.
A
upper end of each carrying strap 8a, 8b is fixed (by example by sewing) to the upper part of the back side of the bag 1. The strap of adjustment is also fixed (e.g. by sewing) to the lower part of the dorsal side of the bag 1.

[25] Without the stiffening reinforcements described further in the description, the straps 8a and 8b are flexible, that is to say easily deformable, manually. These frames make it possible to conform the straps, and the stiffen. Also, straps 11a and llb are more rigid ¨ or less flexible -with the reinforcements than without these reinforcements, and/or the said reinforcements print their shape to said straps.

[26] A frame 3 is shown in Figures 2a and 2b. To simplify the design, the reinforcement fitted to the right shoulder strap 8a is identical to the frame equipping the left strap 8b. The right and left armatures can Nevertheless be distinct according to the strap it equips and/or according to the type of bag equip and/or according to the anatomy and/or the morphology of the wearer 2.

[27] According to one embodiment, the reinforcements 3 are thin, that is to say than their cross-section has a width "I" which is greater than their thickness "e" (figure 3). By way of example, the width "I" is between 5mm and 80 mm and the thickness "e" between 0.5 mm and 20 mm. The thin character reinforcements 3 give them lightness, flexibility and elasticity. The length unrolled of armature 2 (length between ends 300-310) is by example between 100 mm and 1 m. This length depends on the anatomy and/or the morphology of the wearer, the latter possibly being a child schoolboy, a teenager, an adult, and a man or a woman. Of course, this length depends also the size of the strap 8a, 8b which is itself adapted to the cut of bag 1, but also of the morphology of individual 2.

[28] In Figures 2a and 2b, the armature 3 is in the form of a blade flat, rectangular in cross-section 23. Referring to Figure 3, the armature 3 may however have another cross-section, in particular a plano-convex section 26, the planar surface extending from the side of the interior of the bag 1, that is to say as close as possible to the front face of the thorax 13 and/or the abdomen of the individual 2 when the latter is carrying said bag, the convex surface extending from outside side of said bag; a concave or slightly curved section 27 curved so as to more closely match the morphology of the wearer 2; a oval or convex-convex section 29; a section having ribs longitudinal 43 so that said section has teeth 45 allowing of stiffen said frame. A square cross-section can also to be envisaged, the armature 3 not being considered as thin in this case.

[29] The reinforcement 3 has elastic properties allowing it to deform elastically, reversibly. This elasticity allows the reinforcements 3 of best follow the curvature of the straps 8a, 8b as well as that of the trunk of the carrier 2, with a spring effect, as explained in detail further in the description.

WO 2020/2455

30 PCT/FR2020/050929 [30] The reinforcements 3 can be obtained by molding or machining. They are for example made of: - plastic such as a PVC or a urethane polymer (polyurethane); - in metal such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, alloy copper, brass alloy; - made of composite material such as glass fibers or fibers of carbon mixed with a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin; wood raw, laminated wood, glued laminated wood; - etc Any other material suitable for the skilled person can be used. The armature 3 can still be formed of several materials, comprising for example a core made from a metallic material, which core is coated with silicone or another material flexible plastic providing electrical insulation in addition to increased comfort.

[31] In Figures 2a, 2b and 2c, the frame 3 has a surface ¨ or wall -internal Si and a surface ¨ or wall - external Se. The inner surface Si is the surface of the reinforcement 3 which, in use, is oriented towards the wearer's body 2. The external surface Se is the other surface of the armature 3 which is opposite to the internal surface Si. It is the same internal surface Si which is oriented towards the body of the wearer 2, all along the reinforcement 3, contrary to the document JP3215380U cited above. Indeed, in this document JP3215380U, after the twist of the strap, the internal surface becomes the external surface and the surface external becomes the inner surface.

[32] The armature 3 has an upper portion 30 which is located, in use, to level of the shoulder 12, 15 on which the carrying strap is installed 8a, 8b equipped with the respective frame 3. This upper portion 30 is preferentially curved in the form of an arc or hook and whose curvature East adapted to the morphology of the shoulders 12, 15 of the wearer 2. Thus, when the wearer 2 carries the bag 1, the carrying strap 8a, 8b extends above his shoulder 12, 15. The upper portion 30 has a free end 300 (or upper free end).

[33] This upper portion 30 is extended downwards by a portion front frame 31. These two portions 30, 31 here form a single and same piece, without interruption. All or part of the front frame portion 31 East installed in the carrying strap 8a, 8b. It extends, in use, towards the bottom of trunk of wearer 2, from the ventral face of said wearer whatever the anatomy and/or the morphology of said wearer. In Figure 1, the portion front frame 21 extends along the length of the carrying strap 8a, 8b, to the lower end 80a, 80b of said strap. In a mode of embodiment, the lower end 310 of the front frame portion 31 (i.e.
say its lower free end) does not reach the lower end 80a, 80b of the strap 8a, 8b, the length of the frame 3 being shorter than the length of said ramp. In another embodiment, the lower end 310 of the front frame portion 31 is not housed in the strap 8a, 8b, but is located outside of it. In the latter case, provision is made for an opening in the strap 8a, 8b allowing the front frame portion 31 to come out of said ramp.

[34] When a reinforcement 3 is associated with a strap 8a, 8b, the latter takes the shape of said armature. The reinforcement 3 therefore makes it possible to conform the strap 8a, 8b. This property is used, in the context of the invention, to create new points or support zones of said shoulder strap in a region of the trunk from carrier 2 other than shoulders 12, 15.

[35] In Figures 2a and 2b, the front reinforcement portion 31 comprises a portion support 32 shaped so that, in use, the strap 8a, 8b comes to bear against a bearing surface 24 of carrier 2 (visible in FIG. 1). The portion support 32 is located on the inner surface Si of the armature 3 and comes into support, to flat, directly or via a protective layer of the strap 8a, 8b, against the support surface 24. The armature 3 is shaped so that the support surface 24 either located on the front face of the thorax 13 or the abdomen 14 of the wearer 2. The conformation of the armature 3 can therefore be adjusted, at the time of its manufacturing, to take into account the anatomy and/or morphology of the carrier 2. In Figure 1, the support surface 24 is located at the level of the pectorals of individual 2, this position giving very good results in terms wearer comfort 2 and reduced feeling of the weight of the load scope.
Provision can also be made to conform the reinforcement 3 so that the portion support 32 act on a support zone 24 located on a side face 16, 17 of the thorax 13 or abdomen 14.

[36] In the embodiment of Figures 2a and 2b, the internal surface Si of the armature 3 is geometrically generated by the non-zero rotation and in the same direction, of a segment around its middle (which is the center of rotation of the segment), which medium follows a trajectory describing a curve. The surface internal Si may thus have the form of a portion of Moebius strip.

[37] Figure 8 illustrates, from a geometric point of view, how the area internal If is generated. The length of segment AB corresponds to the width of the inner surface Si (and of the armature 3). The middle of segment AB is denoted M.
The trajectory of the middle M is denoted T and describes a curve. The trajectory T
defined the longitudinal axis of the armature 3. The trajectory T is delimited by the point TO (which corresponds to the upper free end 300 of the reinforcement 3) and the point T1 (who corresponds to the lower free end 310 of the frame 3). The AB-segment East here a line segment, but can be a curve segment, in particular for obtain a non-flat internal surface (concave, convex, ..) such as illustrated on the variants of figure 3.

[38] The trajectory T of figure 8 describes a curve in 2 dimensions ¨
2D curve or plane curve - contained in the x0y plane of the orthonormal coordinate system (0, Ox, Oy, Ohz). Referring to figure 9, the trajectory can describe a portion of circle Ta, a portion of an ellipse Tb, a portion of a logarithmic curve Tc, a portion of hyperbola Td, a portion of an arch of a cycloid curve Te, or any other curve approaching these without strictly respecting their equation mathematical. This type of curve makes it possible to obtain very good results in terms of comfort and reduction of the feeling of the weight of the load carried.

[39] The trajectory T can however be a curve drawn in a space of 3 dimensions ¨ 3D curve or left curve- contained in space (0, x, y, z).
Referring to figure 10, the trajectory can describe a portion helix Tf, a portion of rational sextic Tg, a portion of sextic not rational Th, or any other curve approaching these without respecting strictly their mathematical equation. This type of curve also makes it possible to obtain excellent results in terms of comfort and reduced feeling of weight of the load carried.

[40] In figure 8, the medium M moves on the trajectory T, between the point To and the Ti point. Between these two points TO and T1, the segment AB pivots in such a way continues around its midpoint M. This rotation is non-zero and in the same direction along said trajectory T. The internal surface Si is thus twisted Where undergoes a torsion movement ¨ not only along the entire portion front frame 31, but also along the entire frame portion upper 30. The armature 3 therefore has no straight portion. On the face 8, the angle that segment AB makes with the horizontal direction (plane x0y) is note have . For example, at point TO of trajectory T, a0 = 900, and at point T1 all =
45 . Between the points TO and T1, the angle ai can describe an angular sector of 90, advantageously 45, preferably 60.

[41] During its movement between the points TO and T1, and geometrically speaking, the rotational speed of segment AB is not zero and can be constant (uniform or equal angular speed of rotation along the trajectory T) Where inconstant (variable or different angular speed of rotation along the trajectory T). The choice of this rotation speed makes it possible to adapt to the better to the morphology of wearer 2 and/or to very precisely adjust the location of the bearing portion 32. For the same reasons, the length of the segment AB (which corresponds to the width of the reinforcement 3) can be constant or vary along of the trajectory T, between the points TO and Ti. For example, as shown in the figure 11, the lower free end 310 of the armature 3 can have a form flared, in the shape of a crow's feet or a spatula. This flared shape allows further maximize the surface of the support portion 32 at the level of the support zone 24. The same flared shape can be provided at the level of the upper free end 300.

[42] In the embodiment of Figure 11, the free end upper 300 of the upper frame portion 30 is curved upwards. In this configuration, the upper end of the strap 8a, 8b is raised towards the top, which prevents it from pressing on the wearer's trapezius 2. The comfort of the wearer 2 is therefore increased.

[43] In Figures 2a and 2b, the outer surface Se of the armature 3 has the same shape than the internal surface Si, which makes it possible to simplify the design of said frame. The external surface Se not being intended to come directly to the contact with the wearer's body 2, it can be considered that it is not the same form than the inner surface Si. For example, the outer surface Se can be generated by the displacement of the segment AB along the trajectory T, but without rotation around the middle M.

[44] The shape of the armature 3 makes it possible to very precisely orient the portion support 32 parallel to bearing zone 24 of wearer 2. Reinforcement 3 will print a twisting movement at the strap 8a, 8b so that the latter follows at better the curvature of the wearer's trunk 2 and at the same time as the portion support 32 hits a 24 target support zone. This support zone 24 can vary according to the type of bag or load carrying equipment and/or according to the morphology, the size, type and/or gender of the wearer 2. In addition, the specific shape of the internal surface Si of the armature 3 (and more generally the specific shape of said reinforcement), makes it possible to shift the straps 8a, 8b forwards and/or to the top of the clavicles and/or shoulders 12, 15 of wearer 2. As it appears in FIG. 7, it is advantageously provided that the curvature of the portion upper frame 30 is greater than that of the shoulders 12, 15 so than said portion is not, or only slightly, resting against said shoulders and/or clavicles and/or trapezius. Removing these supports reduces the postural compensations in the statics of the wearer and therefore the muscular activity necessary for this maintenance. In addition, the release of the shoulders allows a swing of the arms more physiological during walking. This leads to a better stability (in particular: limitation of the flexion of the wearer's trunk towards the front, limitation of the rolling of the shoulders, limitation of the flexion of the head and its forward projection). This lesser alteration of the posture is accompanied by a decrease in the muscular activity of the wearer's trunk, of one greater amplitude of rotation of the pelvis, a decrease in the amplitude of flexion/extension of the hips and ankles, an increase in the flexion/extension amplitude of the knees, a decrease in the frequency of the stride and an increase in its length.

[45] In traditional bags, the straps 8a, 8b pass over the shoulders 12, 15 and wearer 2's collarbones, down against the pectorals then pass under the armpits. The shoulders 12, 15 are therefore the main support zones shoulder straps 8a, 8b, most of the weight of the load being taken up at the level of said shoulders. The shape of the armature 3 makes it possible to orient very precisely the support portion 32, towards a targeted support zone 24, and parallel to the latter. The best results, in terms of comfort and of decrease in the feeling of the weight of the carried load, are obtained when zone support 24 is located at the level of the pectorals of the wearer 2, preferably in the upper or lateral part of said pectorals.

[46] The fact of forcing the ramp 8a, 8b to come and press against the zoned support 24, induces that said strap does not rest directly on a shoulder 12, 15, neither on a collarbone nor on a trapeze of carrier 2. On the contrary, each strap 8a, 8b bears against the support surface 24 of the wearer 2, of so as to apply against said bearing surface at least a part (or even the totality) of the load of bag 1 and of the object or objects transported in it. The charged is therefore offset on the bearing surface 24 which can be stressed more than the shoulders 12, 15 without causing any discomfort. Backpack 1 appears much lighter. It has been observed that, when a bag 1 comprising carrying straps 8a, 8b according to the invention is used, the load to be carried can be increased from 10% to 80% without significant perception for wearer 2.
In in other words, for the same load, backpack 1 seems much more light for the individual who wears it.

[47] More specifically, and as illustrated in Figure 7, the straps 8 equipped reinforcements 3, make it possible to enclose the trunk of the wearer 2 at the level of two support zones: the first support zone located on a front face or on a lateral face of the thorax 13 or of the abdomen 14 of said wearer (support surface 24), and a second support zone 25 located in the back of the wearer 2 (zones of contact(s) between the bag 1 and the back). When carrier 2 installs bag 1 on his shoulders 12, 15, frames 3 act as jaws by deforming elastically, with a spring effect, to grip the trunk without hurting it from carrier 2. All or part of the weight of the load is then shifted and distributed to level of these two support zones 24, 25, relieving the shoulders 12, 15 and/or the clavicles and/or the trapezius of wearer 2, of all or part of the weight that they initially supported without the use of shoulder straps 8 equipped with armatures 3. The deformation of the reinforcements 3 is induced by the weight of the bag 1 when the one-ci is worn by wearer 2. In other words, it is mainly when the bag 1 is carried by the wearer 2 that the frames 3 deform to to put in place and press at the support zone 24.

[48] In this description, when it is indicated that the ramp carrying 8a, 8b extends or bears against the wearer's trunk 2 (surface support 24), we mean of course against the trunk or against a garment covering the trunk.
Similarly, when it is indicated that the carrying strap 8a, 8b does not rest on a shoulder 12, 15, that means it could be in contact, at the level of the shoulder, with wearer's garment 2.

[49] Different techniques for securing reinforcements 3 to suspenders 8a, 8b will now be explained in detail with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[50] In the embodiment of Figure 4, the strap 8 has a lying down protection 80 comprising a padded or padding layer 81, for example a layer of elastomeric foam, covered by a layer external 82 made for example of fabric, plastic, leather, etc. The suspender portage 8 here has a substantially rectangular section.
Inside the protective layer 80 is defined a cavity 83 which extends in the length of the strap 8. The cavity 83 has a section noticeably rectangular (and is therefore intended to accommodate a frame 3 of section rectangular). The cavity 83 and the protective layer 80 form a sheath having an opening positioned near an upper end or of one lower end of the strap 8. The reinforcement 3 is inserted so removable in this sheath, at the level of an opening (or slot) arranged in the strap 8 and opening on the one hand at the level of the protective layer 80 and on the other hand in the cavity 83. The armature 3 can thus be inserted or else withdrawn of strap 8. When reinforcement 3 is removed, strap 8 becomes a classic strap and, if the frames 3 of the two straps 8a, 8b are withdrawn, the bag 1 becomes a classic backpack again. Section dimensions rectangular cavity 33 are preferably slightly larger than those of the rectangular section of the frame 3 to facilitate insertion where the withdrawal from it.

[51] Referring to Figure 5, the frame 3 is arranged not to inside, but on the protective layer 80. The armature 3 is fixed on the layer of protection 80 by loops 87 distributed along the length of the strap 8 and who are for example sewn or welded to said strap, on either side of the armature 3. Stop pieces 88 are formed on the strap 8 to to welcome and hold each end of the armature 3 in position. It is noted that the frame 3 could be fixed by different fixing means: loops, bands at buckle, CD Velcro type hooks, etc. Armature 3 comes here in recovery of the strap 8. It more particularly covers the outer layer 82, and is square on the external face of the strap 8, that is to say the face which is not in contact with the body of the wearer 2. It is however possible to envisage that the armature 3 is square on the internal face of the strap 8, that is to say the face which is in contact with the wearer's body 2.

[52] In Figure 6, the strap 8 has a plane-convex section. The suspender 8 comprises a protective layer 80 whose outer shape also has a plane-convex section. Inside the protective layer 81 is defined a cavity of rectangular section which extends in the length of the strap 8.
The cavity and the protective layer 80 again form a sheath having a opening positioned near an upper end or end lower part of the strap 8. The armature 3 has a section rectangular. The armature 3 is positioned inside the sheath, manner removable or not. The reinforcement 3 can be glued to the protective layer 80.
The protective layer 80 may also have been molded on frame 3 at the time of the manufacture of the strap 8, said reinforcement forming the core of said suspender.
The thickness of the protective layer 80 between the flat surface of said lying down and armature 3 is very weak.

[53] In an alternative embodiment, the upper reinforcement portion 30 can be extended by a rear frame portion, which frame portion rear extends, in use, towards the bottom of the trunk of the wearer 2, from the face dorsal of said wearer. The armature 3 in this case has an arched or iron-straddling, comprising a front branch (front frame portion 31), a rear branch (rear frame portion) and an upper portion 30. The upper portion 30 includes an upper part of the front leg and a upper part of the rear branch. The front and rear branches can be of the same length or of different lengths.

[54] As for the front frame portion 31, this frame portion back comprises a rear support portion shaped so that, in use, the shoulder strap carrying 8a, 8b, (or directly said rear frame portion) comes in support against a rear support surface of carrier 2 located in a region back of the wearer (back, lumbar) or at the level of a lateral flank of said carrier.
The reinforcement 3 thus has two distinct support portions.

[55] Along the rear reinforcement portion, the internal surface Si of the armature 3 (and possibly its external surface Se) can also be generated by the continuous rotation of a segment around its midpoint, which center has a trajectory T describing a curve. The rear frame portion is then twisted.
Preferably, the front and rear reinforcement portions are not twisted in the same direction, so as to optimize the supports at surface level front bearing surface and the rear bearing surface. The back frame portion can also not be twisted.

[56] Such a frame 3 with two branches makes it possible to enclose the trunk of the carrier 2 at the level of two support zones: a first ventral region where the front frame portion and a second dorsal region where the portion rests back frame. These two support zones are located on the same side of the trunk (to the right or to the left of the sagittal plane of wearer 2). When wearer 2 installed the bag 1 on his shoulders, the front frame portion and the frame portion rear of each frame deviate at the trunk of the wearer 2 and act like jaws by deforming elastically, with a spring effect, to enclose, without hurting it, said trunk.

[57] When each of the straps 8a, 8b is equipped with a frame 3 with two branches, a double pinching effect is obtained: the armature 3 cooperating with the right shoulder strap 8a acts as a clamp in the right part of the trunk and the armature 3 cooperating with the left strap 8b acts as a clamp in the left part of said trunk. All or part of the weight of the load is then deported and distributed at the level of these two new support areas.

[58] You can also obtain a pinch effect (to the right, to the left or in diagonal of the trunk) with a single frame 3 with two branches, which allows to equip a single-strap bag.

[59] The arrangement of the various elements and/or means and/or stages of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood to require such an arrangement in all implementations. In in any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and/or means and/or stages, without departing from the spirit and of the scope of the invention. Specifically :
- The cross section of the upper reinforcement portion 30 can be different from that of the front frame portion 31. The cross section of the front frame portion 31 may in particular be wider than that of the upper reinforcement portion 30 so as to increase the surface of the portion support 32.
- The armature 3 may optionally have a straight portion whose length is negligible compared to the total length of said reinforcement (5 5% of the total length).

[60] In addition, one or more characteristics exposed only in a embodiment can be combined with one or more other features disclosed only in another embodiment. Of same, one or more characteristics exhibited only in one mode of embodiment can be generalized to other embodiments, even if this or these characteristics are described only in combination with others characteristics.

Claims

Claims [Claim 13 Carrying strap (8a, 8b) adapted, in use, to to settle at the level of a shoulder (12, 15) of a wearer (2), in which:
- the carrying strap (8a, 8b) comprises a conforming reinforcement (3) having the same internal surface (Si) and the same external surface (Se), - the frame (3) comprises:
-- an upper frame portion (30) located, in use, at the level of the shoulder (12, 15) on which the carrying strap (8a, 8b) is installed, -- a front frame portion (31) which extends the frame portion upper (30), which front frame portion (31) extends downwards, - the front frame portion (31) comprises a support portion (32) shaped so that, in use, the carrying strap (8a, 8b) comes into support against a support surface (24) of the wearer (2), characterized in that along the upper frame portion (30) and the front armature portion (31), the inner surface (Si) of the armature (3) has the form of a portion of Moebius strip, which internal surface is, in use, oriented towards the wearer's body.
[Claim 2] A shoulder strap according to claim 1, in which :
- the upper frame portion (30) has a first end free (300), - the front frame portion (31) has a second free end (300), - the inner surface (Si) of the armature (3) has the shape of a portion of ribbon Moebius from the first free end (300) to the second end free (310) so that said inner surface is twisted not only the long of the entire front frame portion (31), but also along the entire upper frame portion (30).
[Claim 3] Carrying strap according to one of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the inner surface (Si) of the armature (3) is defined geometrically by the following characteristics:
- the internal surface (Si) is generated by a continuous rotation of a segment (AB) around its middle (M), the length of said segment corresponding to the width of said inner surface, and - said medium (M) describes a trajectory (T) describing a curve, and - which rotation is non-zero and in the same direction, along said trajectory (T).
[Claim 4] .. Carrying strap according to claim 3, in which trajectory (T) describes a plane curve or a left curve.
[Claim 5] Carrying strap according to claim 4, in which the trajectory (T) describes a portion of a circle (Ta), or a portion of ellipse (Tb), or a portion of a logarithmic curve (Tc), or a portion of hyperbola (Td), or an arch portion of a cycloid curve (Te).
[Claim 6] A shoulder strap according to claim 4, in which the trajectory (T) describes a portion of helix (Tf), or a portion of rational sextic (Tg), or a portion of non-rational sextic (Th).
[Claim 7] Carrying strap according to one of Claims 3 to 6, in which the following characteristics also define geometrically the shape of the internal surface (Si) of the reinforcement (3):
- the angular speed of rotation of the segment (AB) when its middle (M) to moves along the trajectory (T) is uniform and nonzero along said trajectory, or - the angular speed of rotation of the segment (AB) is variable and not zero on along said trajectory.
[Claim 8] Carrying strap according to one of Claims 3 to 8, in which the length of the segment (AB) is constant or variable along of the trajectory (T).
[Claim 9] Carrying strap according to one of the claims above, in which the front frame portion (31) has a free end (310) having a flared shape.
[Claim 10] Carrying strap according to one of the claims above, in which the upper frame portion (30) has a free end (300) curved upwards.
[Claim 11] Carrying strap according to one of the claims previous ones, in which:
- a rear frame portion also extends the frame portion upper (30), which rear frame portion is adapted to extend, in use, down the trunk of the wearer, from the dorsal side said bearer, - the rear frame portion comprises a support portion shaped to that, in use, the carrying strap (8a, 8b) bears against a rear bearing surface of the wearer (2) situated in a dorsal region of the carrier or at a side flank of said carrier.
[Claim 12] A shoulder strap according to claim 1, in which the outer surface (Se) of the armature (3) has the same shape as the inner surface (Si) of said armature.
[Claim 13] Equipment for carrying loads on the human body, comprising a left carrying strap (8b) and a carrying strap straight (8a), characterized in that each of the said shoulder straps conforms to claim 1.
[Claim 14] Equipment for carrying loads on the human body, comprising a single carrying strap, characterized in that said strap is in accordance with claim 12.
[Claim 15] Method of manufacturing a carrying strap according to the claim 1, comprising the steps of:
- shaping the shaping reinforcement (3) so that the portion reinforcement front (31) extends down the trunk of a wearer (2), from the face ventral of said wearer and that the support portion (32) is located on one face before or on a side face of the thorax (13) or of the abdomen (14) of said carrier, - Equip the carrying strap (8a, 8b) with the conformation frame.