CN113286535A

CN113286535A - Backpack with load distribution accessory

Info

Publication number: CN113286535A
Application number: CN201980079063.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·埃拉菲
Original assignee: Graviba Co
Current assignee: Graviba Co
Priority date: 2018-12-20
Filing date: 2019-12-20
Publication date: 2021-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-20
Also published as: FR3090284A1; WO2020128388A1; CN113286535B; FR3090284B1; EP3897288A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a backpack comprising at least one shoulder strap, wherein: -the shoulder strap is equipped with a reinforcement (2) having an elasticity, -the reinforcement (2) has a curved upper part (20) which, in use, is located at the shoulder where the shoulder strap is located, -the curved upper part (20) extends downwards through a front longitudinal part (21) which is shaped such that, in use, it rests against a first area of the body of the wearer other than the shoulder where the shoulder strap is located, -the curved upper part (20) extends through a rear longitudinal part (22) which is shaped such that, in use, it rests against a second area of the body of the wearer other than the shoulder, said second area being different from the first area.

Description

Backpack with load distribution accessory

Technical Field

The object of the invention is a backpack equipped with a load distribution accessory. The present invention relates to the general technical field of backpacks or body carrying bags.

Background

The load carried in the backpack is transmitted to the back of the wearer via shoulder straps on the shoulders of the wearer. If the load is heavy, the weight of the backpack is transmitted primarily to the hips (in the case of a backpack equipped with a belt) and shoulders of the wearer, which may cause excessive pressure and discomfort to this part of the body. Various solutions have been proposed to reduce the uncomfortable distribution of the load on the shoulder of the wearer.

EP2371232(ADIDAS) or FR2781135 (rossignalol) describe in the examples a backpack comprising a pair of shoulder straps. A portion of the upper portion of each shoulder strap is composed of an elastic portion that can be elongated within a certain limit. The resilient portion is intended to separate the backpack from the wearer, so that when the wearer moves or walks, the effect of the movement on the shoulder of the wearer can be reduced, particularly in sudden movements, thereby improving comfort to some extent.

Patent document EP0570193(KARRIMOR) describes a shoulder pad for a shoulder strap of a backpack, comprising an elongate member of synthetic foam material comprising one or more relatively rigid plastic sheets disposed on the side remote from the body of the wearer. The shoulder pads comprise a plurality of elongate strips of relatively rigid plastics material arranged side by side and spaced apart along the length of the foam member. When such shoulder pads are used in backpacks, the force transmission area is increased, which improves the comfort and/or load capacity of the wearer. With such a strip, the load is distributed and the shoulder pad becomes soft.

Patent document EP2606763(WOOHYUNG) describes a backpack shoulder strap comprising an inflatable part. The air cushion not only can reduce the pressure on the shoulder of the wearer, but also can be in close contact with the shoulder, thereby preventing the backpack from sliding or moving laterally.

Patent document US5961019(GLEASON) describes a shoulder strap of a backpack, provided with padding, able to cushion and spread the weight of the backpack over the user's shoulders.

Patent document EP1499212 (compannia DEL viggio) describes a shoulder strap of a backpack, provided with accessories that better distribute the weight of the backpack over the user's shoulders. The attachment is comprised of hinged segments.

In all of the above solutions, the shoulder straps are mainly supported by the shoulder and the collarbone of the wearer, so that the shoulder and the collarbone are stressed all the time.

Patent document US2011/108595(HOAG LANCE) describes an exoskeleton structure for backpacks. This arrangement can transfer all or part of the load to the wearer's waist. However, their design is particularly complex, cumbersome and relatively expensive.

Patent document FR3052650(ERRAFI) describes a backpack comprising a right shoulder strap and a left shoulder strap, which can be placed on the right and left shoulders of the wearer, respectively, in use. Each shoulder harness is provided with a shaped reinforcing rib having a hook-shaped curved upper portion extending downwardly through the longitudinal portion. The reinforcing ribs are made of an elastic material, so that the reinforcing ribs can be elastically deformed under the action of elasticity when the backpack is placed on the shoulders of a wearer. The hook-shaped curved upper part is located at the shoulder when in use, and the shoulder harness equipped with shaped reinforcing ribs is placed on the shoulder. The longitudinal part has a section which is twisted around the longitudinal part, so that in use, in addition to the shoulder which supports the shoulder strap, the shoulder strap equipped with shaped reinforcing ribs is applied to the rest of the body of the wearer, wherein the shoulder strap is applied to the side of the body, i.e. to the rib, in the region of the upper abdomen and/or the side ribs of the wearer, so that all or part of the load of the backpack is distributed at the support point.

The stiffeners described in this patent document constitute load distributing attachments that allow all or part of the backpack weight to be taken up by the shoulder and collarbone of the wearer. In this way, at least part of the weight of the backpack is transferred to the support area, which can advantageously bear more stress than the shoulder, for the proper comfort of the wearer. The backpack therefore appears to be perceived as lighter to the wearer.

However, the effectiveness of such stiffeners may be limited when the backpack is relatively heavily loaded (e.g., 10kg or more). With such loads, the shoulder straps therefore lie not only against the side of the torso but also against the shoulders of the wearer, so that the latter are subjected to greater stresses and the comfort of the wearer is reduced. In addition, these stiffeners are not particularly well suited for single shoulder rucksacks.

The present invention aims to overcome this situation.

It is a further object of the invention to improve the comfort of the wearer when the load is heavy and/or to increase the load that can be carried.

A further object of the invention is to provide a backpack which allows a better distribution of the load weight on the body of the wearer.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a solution that aims to transfer all or part of the backpack weight of a wearer's shoulders simply, compactly and inexpensively.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides a backpack, which comprises at least one shoulder strap and can be placed on the shoulder of a wearer when in use, wherein:

the shoulder straps of the backpack are provided with shaped stiffening ribs which have an elasticity such that the stiffening ribs are elastically deformed by the elasticity when the shoulder straps provided with said stiffening ribs are placed on the shoulders of the wearer.

The shaped reinforcing rib has a curved upper portion which, in use, is located at the shoulder of the wearer on which the shoulder strap is to be carried.

-the curved upper part extends downwards through a front longitudinal part which, in use, extends from the wearer's abdomen to below the wearer's torso.

The front longitudinal portion is shaped so as to be applied, in use, against a first region of the body of the wearer, except for the shoulder on which said shoulder strap is located,

the curved upper portion also extends through a rear longitudinal portion which, in use, extends from the back of the wearer towards the underside of the back of the wearer, so that the stiffener has the general shape of an arch or horseshoe.

The rear longitudinal portion is shaped so as to lie, in use, against a second region of the carrier's body other than the shoulders, which second region is different from the first region, which second region is the back region of the carrier or the side ribs of the carrier.

The rear longitudinal part comprises a section twisted about the longitudinal axis of the rear longitudinal part, so that the rear longitudinal part has a bearing surface which, in use, is oriented parallel to the second bearing region of the carrier's body, or

The rear longitudinal portion has a convex section with a curvature that ensures that said rear longitudinal portion lies against the second support region of the carrier's body in use, or

The rear longitudinal portion comprises a side flap which is arranged to lie against the second support region of the wearer in use.

Now the shaped ribs form arches placed on both sides of the carrier. The arch surrounds the body of the wearer and acts as a clip, so that the weight of the backpack now is at least partially offset towards the two support areas (the first area of the body supporting the front longitudinal portion and the second area of the body supporting the rear longitudinal portion). Therefore, the backpack load is improved as compared with the backpack of the patent document FR3052650, and the comfort of the wearer is made to be equivalent. The backpack therefore appears to feel lighter when carried. In addition, the stiffener acts as a clip, making it usable with a single shoulder strap backpack.

Other advantageous features of the invention are listed below. Each of these features can be utilized alone or in combination with the other advantageous features described above, and if necessary as one or more divisional patent applications:

the shape of the front longitudinal portion is advantageously such that said portion, in use, lies against the wearer's abdominal region or the wearer's side rib.

According to one embodiment, the front longitudinal portion comprises a section twisted about the longitudinal axis of said front longitudinal portion, so that said front longitudinal portion has a bearing surface which, in use, is oriented parallel to the first bearing region of the carrier's body.

Alternatively, the front longitudinal portion has a convex section, the curvature of which ensures that, in use, said front longitudinal portion abuts against the wearer's abdominal region or against the side ribs of said wearer.

Alternatively, the front longitudinal portion comprises side flaps arranged to lie against the wearer's abdominal region or the side rib portions of said wearer when in use.

The front longitudinal portion and/or the rear longitudinal portion may have flared free ends.

Advantageously, the backpack comprises a right shoulder strap and a left shoulder strap, which can be placed in use on the right shoulder and the left shoulder of the wearer, respectively, each of said shoulder straps being equipped with shaped stiffening ribs.

Drawings

Further advantages and characteristics of the invention will be elucidated by means of a preferred embodiment, given as a non-limiting example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a rear view of a backpack according to the present invention,

fig. 2a is a profile view of a reinforcing bar according to the present invention, according to a first embodiment,

figure 2b is a front view of the reinforcement rib of figure 2a,

FIG. 2c is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcement rib of FIG. 2a taken along A-A,

FIG. 2d is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A of the reinforcement rib of FIG. 2a in a modification,

FIG. 2e is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcement rib of FIG. 2a taken along A-A in another embodiment,

fig. 3 is a profile view of a reinforcing bar according to the present invention, according to a second embodiment,

fig. 4a shows a partial perspective view of a combination of a reinforcement rib and a shoulder harness according to the present invention according to a first embodiment modification,

fig. 4b shows a partial perspective view of a combination of a reinforcement rib and a shoulder harness according to the present invention according to a second embodiment modification,

fig. 4c shows a partial perspective view of a combination of a reinforcement rib and a shoulder harness according to the present invention according to a third embodiment modification,

fig. 4d shows a combination of a reinforcing rib and a shoulder harness according to the present invention according to a fourth embodiment modification,

fig. 5 shows a backpack according to the invention carried by a wearer in a front view, in general, equipped with the reinforcing ribs of fig. 2a,

figure 6 shows a side elevational general view of the backpack of figure 5,

figure 7a shows a ribbed first abdominal support region on the torso of a wearer,

figure 7b shows a ribbed first back support region on the torso of a wearer,

FIG. 7c shows a stiffener support region located on the side rib of the wearer,

fig. 8a is a profile view of a reinforcing bar according to the present invention, according to a third embodiment,

figure 8b is a front view of the reinforcement bar of figure 8a,

fig. 8c shows a side view of a backpack according to the invention carried by a person carrying the backpack, provided with a stiffening rib according to fig. 8a or 8b,

fig. 9a is a profile view of a reinforcing bar according to the present invention, according to a fourth embodiment,

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcement rib taken along line B-B in FIG. 9a,

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcement rib of FIG. 9a taken along line C-C,

fig. 10a is a profile view of a reinforcing bead according to the present invention, according to a fifth embodiment,

FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view of the reinforcement rib of FIG. 10a taken along line D-D,

fig. 11a shows the position of a reinforcement according to the invention in the region of the back of the wearer according to a fifth embodiment,

fig. 11b shows the position of the reinforcing rib in the abdominal region of the wearer according to the fifth embodiment,

fig. 11c shows the position of the reinforcing rib in the region of the carrier-side rib, according to a fifth embodiment,

fig. 12a shows the position of a reinforcement according to the invention in the region of the back of the wearer according to a sixth embodiment,

fig. 12b shows the position of the reinforcing bar in the region of the wearer's abdomen according to a sixth embodiment,

fig. 12c shows the position of the reinforcement rib in the region of the carrier-side rib according to a sixth embodiment,

FIG. 13 is a profile view of a reinforcing bar not covered by the present invention,

FIG. 14 shows a backpack according to the present invention carried by a wearer in a side view in a general view, equipped with the reinforcing rib of FIG. 13.

Detailed Description

The invention relates to a backpack for being carried by a human body. "backpack" means any type of accessory equipped with one or more shoulder straps and carried by the human body. It can be a travel bag, a sports backpack, a golf bag, a hiking bag, a military or firefighter bag, a schoolbag, a baby harness, a protective vest (bulletproof vest, mine suit), etc. This type of backpack is commonly used to carry loads: clothing, notebooks, equipment including military equipment, oxygen cylinders, fire hoses, books, sports accessories, infant products, and the like.

Fig. 1 shows a backpack-type bag 1. This backpack 1 is of conventional design. It mainly comprises an inner cavity for accommodating a load to be carried. It has a back face 10 which, in use (i.e. when the backpack 1 is being carried), is in contact with the back of the wearer.

In order to improve the comfort of the user, the lower end of the back face 10 of the backpack 1 can project from each side as a

waist extension

10a, 10 b. Each

extension

10a, 10b may then be provided with a belly band or waist band divided into two

parts

100a, 100b, which may secure the lower part of the backpack 1 around the waist of the wearer. In fig. 4, the two

parts

100a and 100b of the belt or band are secured by a securing buckle 100 c. The latter are well known to those skilled in the art. However, this abdominal belt is not essential for the implementation of the invention, fig. 5 shows by way of example a backpack 1 without this abdominal belt. In order to further improve the comfort of the wearer, the back 10 can be provided with a thickened lumbar support 10 c.

In fig. 1, the backpack 1 includes a pair of shoulder straps, a right shoulder strap 11a and a left shoulder strap 11b, which are disposed on the back face 10. However, the backpack 1 may also comprise only one shoulder strap, in which case the backpack is referred to as a single shoulder strap. In use, and as shown in figure 5, the right shoulder strap 11a is placed on the right shoulder ED of the wearer P, while the left shoulder strap 11b is placed on the left shoulder EG. These

shoulder straps

11a, 11b are generally flat. The width of which is for example between 10mm and 100 mm.

Without the shaped stiffeners 2 described above, the

shoulder straps

11a and 11b are flexible, i.e. can be easily deformed manually. They have upper ends 110a and 110b, respectively, fixed to the upper portion of the back 10 by, for example, stitching. They may also have

lower ends

111a and 111b, respectively, fixed to the upper part of the back 10 by, for example, stitching. The lower ends 111a and 111b are advantageously attached to the lower part of the backpack 1 by adjusting

straps

12a and 12b, respectively, which may make the length of the

shoulder straps

10a, 10b adjustable. The upper ends 120a, 120b of the adjustment straps 12a, 12b are advantageously connected to the lower ends 111a, 111b of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b by means of adjustment buckles (not shown). In fig. 1, the lower ends 121a, 121b of the adjustment straps 12a, 12b are fixed to the

waist extensions

10a, 10b by, for example, sewing. In fig. 6, the lower ends 121a, 121b of the adjustment straps 12a, 12b are fixed to the lower portion of the back face 10 by, for example, sewing.

The

shoulder straps

11a, 11b may also be provided with ventral securing members divided into two

parts

119a, 119b, which may allow better adjustment of the position of the backpack 1 and the position of said shoulder straps according to the size and shape of the wearer P. In fig. 5, the two parts 119a and 109b of the fixing element are fixed by means of a fixing clasp 119 c.

In fig. 1, each

shoulder strap

11a and 11b is twisted on its own. This twisting movement of the

shoulder straps

11a and 11b is made possible by the shaped reinforcing bars 2, which are temporarily or permanently provided on one or both of said straps. By "shaped" is meant that the reinforcement ribs 2 keep the

shoulder straps

11a and 11b stiff. Moreover, the

shoulder straps

11a and 11b are stiffer-or less flexible-with the reinforcement ribs 2 than without the reinforcement ribs and/or the reinforcement ribs cause the shoulder straps to become the same shape as their shape.

These shaped reinforcing bars 2 are shown in figures 2a, 2b, 3a, 3 b. The reinforcing ribs provided on the right shoulder strap 11a are the same as those provided on the left shoulder strap 11b for the sake of simplicity of design. However, the left and right shoulder straps may be different depending on the type of backpack to be equipped and/or depending on the size and/or shape of the wearer P.

According to one embodiment, the bar 2 is thin, i.e. its cross-section has a width "l" greater than its thickness "e" (fig. 2 c). For example, the width "l" is between 5mm and 80mm and the thickness "e" is between 0.5mm and 15 mm. The thin nature of the ribs 2 makes them light, flexible and resilient.

In fig. 2a and 2c, the reinforcing bar 2 is in the form of a flat sheet, rectangular in cross-section, having the general shape of an arch (or horseshoe). However, the reinforcement ribs 2 can also have other cross sections, in particular slightly curved ovals or concave shapes (fig. 2d), in order to further match the shape of the wearer. In fig. 2e, the reinforcing bars 2 have shaped ribs 200.

The ribs 2 have an elasticity which enables them to undergo resilient deformation which can be recovered. This elasticity enables the reinforcement 2 to better follow the curves of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b and of the wearer P under the effect of the elastic force, as explained in detail above in the description. The reinforcing bar 2 may be made of the following materials: plastics, such as PVC; metallic materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, brass alloys; composite materials, such as glass or carbon fibres in admixture with thermoplastic or thermosetting resins; logs, laminates, plywood; -and so on. Any other material known to those skilled in the art may be used. The reinforcing bars 2 can also be made of various materials, including for example a reinforcing bar core made of a metal material, which is wrapped with silicone or other flexible plastic material, which ensures electrical insulation in addition to increased comfort.

In fig. 2a and 2b, the reinforcement ribs 2 each comprise a curved upper part 20, which in use is located at the shoulders ED, EG, on which

shoulder straps

11a, 11b equipped with the respective reinforcement rib 2 are placed, respectively. These hook-shaped portions 20 are preferably arcuate in shape, the curvature of which is adapted to the configuration of the shoulders ED, EG of the wearer P.

The curved portion 20 also extends downwardly through the front and rear

longitudinal portions

21, 22 so that the reinforcing bar 2 has the general shape of an arch or horseshoe. The front longitudinal portion 21 is disposed in the

shoulder straps

11a, 11 b. Which in use extends from the abdomen of the wearer to below the body of the wearer P. In fig. 5 and 6, the front longitudinal portion 21 extends in the longitudinal direction of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b to the lower ends 111a, 111 b. The lower end 210 of the front longitudinal portion 21 (i.e., the free end thereof) does not reach the lower ends 111a, 111b of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11 b.

The rear longitudinal portion 22 extends from the back of the wearer in use, below the torso of the wearer P. Thus, the front and rear

longitudinal portions

21, 22 are symmetrically disposed on either side of the coronal or anterior lateral plane of the wearer P (the plane in fig. 6-the plane perpendicular to the median and transverse planes and which divides the wearer's body into a front or abdomen and a rear or back portion).

In the figures, the rear longitudinal portions 22 do not engage directly with the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b, due to their configuration, so that they are in direct contact with the body of the wearer. However, depending on the configuration of the backpack 1 and the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b, the rear longitudinal portion 22 may be directly engaged with the shoulder straps in the same manner as the front longitudinal portion 21.

The development length of the reinforcing bars 2 (the length between the ends 210 and 220) is for example between 200mm and 2m, wherein the length of the longitudinal portions 21a, 21b is for example between 100mm and 1.5 m. The length depends on the size and/or shape of the bearer, which may be a pupil, adolescent, adult, male or female.

Various techniques aimed at fixing the stiffeners 2 to the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b will be described in detail below with reference to fig. 4a, 4b, 4 c.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4a, the whole or part of the reinforcement bar 2 is placed inside the

shoulder straps

11a, 11 b. The reinforcing ribs 2 can thus be placed on the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b or removed as required by the wearer. When the reinforcing ribs 2 are removed, the wearer acts as a conventional backpack. In fig. 1 and 6, the upper ends 110a and 110b of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b are secured to the upper portion of the back face 10 of the backpack 1.

The

shoulder straps

11a, 11b are flexible and are constituted by a woven or padding layer 114, for example made of elastomer foam, which is covered with a protective material 116 of fabric, plastic, leather or the like. In this configuration, only the curved portion 20 and the front longitudinal portion 21 are placed in the

shoulder straps

11a, 11 b. In the figures, the rear longitudinal portion 22 is located outside the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b at all times. The curved portion 20 and the front longitudinal portion 21 are inserted into a sheath 115 provided inside the

shoulder straps

11a, 11 b. The sheath 115 has a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the reinforcing bars 2, but may be slightly larger, for example a few millimetres, to facilitate insertion of the curved portion 20 and the front longitudinal portion 21. The length of which corresponds to the sum of the lengths of the curved portion 20 and the front longitudinal portion 21. Thus, the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b act as bushings or sleeves that accommodate the bight portion 20 and the front longitudinal portion 21. The sheath 115 has an opening 1150 through which the bending portion 20 and the front longitudinal portion 21 are inserted. This opening 1150 is advantageously provided at the upper end 110a, 110b of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11 b. This location of the opening 1150 may facilitate insertion of the reinforcing bar 2. First, the lower end 210 of the front longitudinal portion 21 is slid into the sheath 115 via the opening 1150, then the insertion of the front longitudinal portion 21 is continued, and finally the hook portion 20 is inserted.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4b, the reinforcement ribs 2 are placed on the

shoulder straps

11a, 11 b. The reinforcement ribs 2 can thus be added to the

conventional shoulder straps

11a, 11b or removed as required by the wearer. When the reinforcing ribs 2 are removed, the wearer acts as a conventional backpack. The

shoulder straps

11a, 11b are of the type described above with reference to fig. 4a, without a sheath provided therein. Here, the bending portion 20 and the front longitudinal portion 21 are covered with the

shoulder straps

11a, 11 b. More specifically, it covers the protective material 116 and is located on the outer surface of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b, i.e. the side that is not in contact with the body of the wearer. In order to ensure that the position of the curved portion 20 and the front longitudinal portion 21 on the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b is fixed, fixing means 117 are provided, for example in the form of loops or penetrations, distributed over the entire length of the shoulder straps. By having rings or

The straps of the hook type hold the bight portion 20 and the front longitudinal portion 21 on the

shoulder straps

11a, 11 b. In order to provide a good fastening of the reinforcement 2 to the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b, the lower end 210 of the front longitudinal portion 21 is advantageously received in the stop piece 119. The stopper is, for example, bag-shaped, and is sewn to the outer surface of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b with the end 210 placed therein. Openings 118 are provided in the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b so that the rear longitudinal portion 22 can pass throughPasses over the shoulder straps and extends from the back of the wearer to below the back of the wearer's torso. This opening 118 is, for example, in the form of a slot, one end of which opens out at the outer surface of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b and the other end opens out at the inner surface of said shoulder straps (which surface is in contact with the body of the wearer).

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4c, the reinforcement ribs 2 are permanently inserted inside the

shoulder straps

11a, 11 b. As described above with reference to fig. 4a, the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b are constituted by a woven or padding layer 114, for example made of elastomer foam, which is covered with a protective material 116 of fabric, plastic, leather or the like. The bend 20 and the front longitudinal portion 21 are now surrounded by the layer 114, forming an inner core for the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b, which can be fixed to the layer by gluing, for example. Openings are provided in the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b to remove the rear longitudinal portions 22 thereof. However, depending on the configuration of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b, the rear longitudinal portion 22 may also be surrounded by this layer 114, forming the inner core of said shoulder straps.

When the reinforcing rib 2 is connected to the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b, the shoulder strap shape becomes the shape of the reinforcing rib, at least the curved portion 20 and the front longitudinal portion 21. When the rear longitudinal portion 22 is engaged with the shoulder straps, the shape of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b also changes to the shape of the rear longitudinal portion. The reinforcement rib 2 can thus shape the

shoulder straps

11a, 11 b. In the present invention, this feature is used to create a new support point or area of the shoulder strap in an area of the wearer's body other than the shoulders ED, EG.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2a and 2b, the front longitudinal portion 21 and the rear longitudinal portion 22 each have a

section

211, 221 which is twisted itself, or in other words, about the longitudinal axis Aa, Ab of the respective said longitudinal portion. The longitudinal axes Aa, Ab correspond to the lines through which the centers of the cross-sections of the respective

longitudinal portions

21, 22 pass. The line may be a straight line or a curved line. The

twisted sections

211, 221 may be obtained directly at the time of moulding of the reinforcing bar 2 or at the time of shaping thereof. For example, a thermoformable material such as PVC may be used which is heated and subjected to a hot torque to form a twist, the cooled reinforcing bars retaining this shape. Each

torsion section

211, 221 advantageously comprises a

straight portion

212, 222 extending said section downwards. The length of the

straight portions

212, 222 is for example between 10cm and 20 cm. In the present invention, the

straight portions

212, 222 are elements of the

twisted sections

211, 221. The front longitudinal portion 21 and the rear longitudinal portion 22 can be oriented by twisting so that they have bearing surfaces oriented parallel to the bearing region.

In a conventional backpack, the shoulder straps pass over the shoulder and collarbone of the wearer, hang down to the chest, and then pass under the armpits. The shoulder and chest are thus the main support areas of the shoulder straps, and the majority of the weight of the load is borne by the shoulder. To overcome this, the

torsion sections

211, 221 are shaped in accordance with the front and rear

longitudinal sections

21, 22, so that the longitudinal sections can be pressed against the rest of the wearer P, in addition to the shoulders ED, EG and/or the collarbones CD, CG, respectively, on which the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b are placed. When the

longitudinal portions

21 and 22 do not engage directly with the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b (in particular for the rear longitudinal portion 22), the longitudinal portions may abut or rest directly against a region of the torso of the wearer P or, in the opposite case, indirectly against said shoulder straps between said torso and said longitudinal portions. In either case, we say that the

longitudinal portions

21 and 22 are "snug" or "abutting", whether directly or indirectly.

More specifically, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, the twisting segment 211 of the front longitudinal portion 21 produces a twisting movement of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b, so that the latter better follow the curve of the body of the wearer P, while fitting against the first region of said body. This refers to the abdominal region (chest, stomach, abdomen) of the wearer within the dashed line shown in fig. 7a, or the side rib F lying against the wearer within the dashed line shown in fig. 7 c. Thus, the front longitudinal portion 21 abuts against this first region, mainly at the twisted section 211 and its straight portion 212.

The torsion section 221 also allows the rear longitudinal portion 22 to better conform to the curvature of the wearer's P body and to a second region of the wearer's body that is different from the first region mentioned in the previous paragraph. The rear longitudinal portion 22 acts mainly at its twisted section 221 and twisted section straight portion 222. The second support region is the region of the back (back, waist) of the wearer within the broken line shown in fig. 7b, or the side rib F of the wearer in close contact within the broken line shown in fig. 7 c.

Advantageously, the bearing surface of the front and rear

longitudinal portions

21, 22 is greatest at the bearing area, in particular when it is located at the flank portion F. This not only increases the load on these support areas, but also improves comfort. To this end, the

twisted sections

211, 221 are preferably twisted a quarter turn around their respective longitudinal portions. Thus, each twist segment forms an angle (+/-5 °) of about 90 ° with the hook 20. To further optimize comfort and improve the fit of the front 21 and rear 22 longitudinal portions at the rib F, the

twisted sections

211, 212 are twisted in different directions. When the reinforcing bead 2 is fitted to the right shoulder belt 11a, the twisted section 211 of the front longitudinal portion 21 is twisted clockwise (denoted by Sa in fig. 2 a) about the longitudinal axis Aa, and the twisted section 211 of the rear longitudinal portion 22 is twisted counterclockwise (denoted by Sb in fig. 2 a) about the longitudinal axis Ab. When the reinforcing bar 2 is equipped to the left shoulder strap 11b, the twisting direction is opposite. In any case, it is not necessary to provide two different rib forms to equip the left and right shoulder straps, as long as each

longitudinal portion

21, 22 can be used as both the front longitudinal portion and the rear longitudinal portion. It is simply necessary to position the reinforcing bar 2 in the correct direction depending on whether it is equipped to the right shoulder strap 11a or the left shoulder strap 11 b. This saves manufacturing costs.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment in which the free ends 210, 220 of the front 21 and rear 22 longitudinal portions are flared and shaped like a bird's claw. The flared shape may further maximize the support area of the front and rear

longitudinal portions

21, 22 at the support area.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 8a, 8b, 8c, the

longitudinal parts

21, 22 are shorter than in the embodiment shown in fig. 2a and 2 b. The

twisted sections

211, 221 may not contain

straight portions

212, 222, or the latter may be shorter in length, for example between 1cm and 10 cm. From a muscular anatomical point of view and with reference to fig. 8c, the bearing surface of the front longitudinal portion 21 is located in the pectoralis major region or on top of the sawn muscle. The bearing surface of the posterior longitudinal portion 22 is located at the trapezius muscle or at the top of the latissimus dorsi. The front and rear

longitudinal portions

21, 22 have smaller bearing surfaces than the embodiment shown in fig. 2a and 2b, but still achieve good results in terms of wearer comfort and reduced feeling of load being carried.

According to a not shown implementation variant, in which a similar effect can be obtained, the

torsion sections

211, 221, 222 have different lengths. For example, the

torsion sections

211 and 212 correspond to the torsion sections in the embodiments shown in fig. 8a, 8b and 8c, and the torsion section 221 corresponds to the torsion sections in the embodiments shown in fig. 2a and 2 b. Or vice versa.

As mentioned above, the

torsion sections

211, 221, as a constructive solution, can orient the front 21 and rear 22 longitudinal portions so that they have bearing surfaces oriented parallel to the bearing area. Such a twisting solution is particularly suitable if the curved portion 20 and the

longitudinal portions

21 and 22 are flat (e.g. each having a rectangular cross section). However, this effect can also be achieved by using other simpler, less expensive constructive solutions. For example, fig. 9a, 9b, 9c show an embodiment in which the curved portion 20 has a circular cross section, while the

longitudinal portions

21 and 22 are flat, for example having a rectangular cross section. By this change of section, the bearing surfaces of the

longitudinal parts

21 and 22 can be easily oriented without any twisting. Fig. 10a and 10b show another embodiment in which the curved portion 20 and the

longitudinal portions

21 and 22 are not flat and have the same cross section, for example circular or square, so that the reinforcing bar 2 has a certain flexibility. The

longitudinal portions

21 and 22 comprise side flaps 213, 223, respectively, which are arranged to lie against the wearer's body region in use. The side flaps 213, 223 are advantageously in the form of flat plates, having a length of for example between 2cm and 20cm and a width of for example between 1cm and 5 cm. The side flaps 213, 223 are attached to the inner core of the

longitudinal portions

21 and 22 by, for example, welding or gluing. The fixing of the

side wings

213, 223 ensures that their bearing surfaces are oriented parallel to the bearing area of the carrier body.

Fig. 11a, 11b, 11c show another embodiment in which the

sections

211, 221, 222 are not twisted. Each

longitudinal portion

21 and 22 has, at the rib F of the wearer P, a convex section which substantially follows the contour of said rib. The curvature of the convex section deviates from the plane of the bend 20 when the bar 2 is viewed from the front (fig. 11a) or rear (fig. 11 b).

Fig. 12a, 12b, 12c show a further embodiment in which the

sections

211, 221, 222 are convex so that they can be pressed against the abdominal and dorsal support area of the wearer P. The curvature of the convex section causes the bar to assume an "omega" shape when the bar 2 is viewed from the side (figure 12 c).

In either embodiment, the stiffener 2 may constrain the carrier's body at two support areas: a first region of the torso supporting the front longitudinal portion 21 and a second region of the torso supporting the rear longitudinal portion 22. These two support regions are located on the same side of the body (either right or left of the sagittal plane of the wearer). When the wearer P places the backpack 1 on his shoulders ED, EG, the front 21 and rear 22 longitudinal portions of each stiffener 2 separate at the body of the wearer P and, under the influence of the elastic force, by elastic deformation, restrain the body like a clip without causing injury. When the wearer wears the backpack 1, the weight of the backpack causes the reinforcing ribs 2 to deform. In other words, mainly when the wearer wears the backpack 1, the reinforcing ribs 2 are deformed so as to be placed in and supported by the support region.

When each

shoulder strap

11a, 11b is equipped with a reinforcing rib 2, a double clamping effect can be obtained: the reinforcement rib 2 cooperating with the right shoulder strap 11a acts like a clip on the right part of the body (corresponding to the sagittal plane of the wearer), while the reinforcement rib 2 cooperating with the left shoulder strap 11b acts like a clip on the left part of the body, said right and left being defined with respect to the sagittal plane of the wearer. The full or partial weight of the load is then transferred and distributed over these two new bearing areas, thereby freeing the shoulders ED, EG and/or the clavicles CD, CG from the full or partial weight it would have been subjected to without the use of the reinforcing bars 2.

It is also possible to obtain a clamping effect (right, left or diagonal of the body) with only one stiffener 2, which can be provided on a single shoulder strap type shoulder bag. Note that, in the above patent document FR3052650, such a gripping effect can be obtained only by fitting two reinforcing ribs provided in the shoulder straps, respectively.

When the backpack 1 is carried, the shaping function of the reinforcing ribs 2 ensures that the stress of shoulders ED and EG of a wearer P is smaller. Furthermore, it appears to be advantageous that the shape of the hook-shaped portion 20 is such that the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b are offset forwards and/or upwards from the collarbones CD, CG and/or the shoulders ED, EG of the wearer P when in use. As shown in fig. 6, it is advantageously provided that the curvature of the hook-shaped portion 20 is greater than the curvature of the shoulders ED, EG, so that said portion does not or hardly abut against the shoulders ED, EG and/or the clavicles CD, CG.

The reinforcing ribs 2 constitute load distributing attachments which make it possible for all or part of the weight of the backpack 1 to no longer be taken up by the shoulders ED, EG. In addition, the physical integrity of the collarbone of CD and DG can be maintained better than that of a conventional backpack. This attachment may shift the weight of the backpack 1 to one or more support areas that may advantageously bear more stress than the shoulders, resulting in proper comfort for the wearer. The inventors have found, inter alia, that when a conventional backpack is provided with shoulder straps equipped with stiffening ribs 2, the load carried can be increased by 30% to 50% without the wearer experiencing a noticeable sensation. In other words, the backpack with shoulder straps equipped with stiffening ribs 2 appears lighter for the wearer for the same load. In contrast, in the same backpack, the shoulder straps are not provided with the reinforcing ribs 2, and the wearer feels an increase in the load of 30% to 50%. In addition, when the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b are provided with the reinforcing ribs 2, they generally become stiffer than conventional shoulder straps. These

shoulder straps

11a, 11b thus equipped constitute handles which the wearer can conveniently grip to put the backpack 1 in place. And in general the positioning of the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b is faster and easier.

According to an embodiment not covered by the present invention, the shaped reinforcing bars are of the type described in the aforementioned patent document FR3052650, i.e. rod-shaped. It comprises only one longitudinal portion. The reinforcing rib is suitable for being equipped with a shoulder carrying belt of a backpack. The reinforcing rib has elasticity, so that when the shoulder strap equipped with the reinforcing rib is placed on the shoulder of a bearer, the reinforcing rib can elastically deform under the action of the elasticity. In figure 13 the reinforcement bar 2 'has a hook-shaped curved upper portion 20' which in use is located at the shoulder where the shoulder harness is located. The hook-shaped curved upper part 20 'extends downwards via a longitudinal part 21' which, in use, extends from the abdomen of the wearer P to below the torso of the wearer P. The longitudinal portion 21' is shaped so as to be in close contact with a first region of the body of the wearer excluding the shoulder portion where the shoulder harness provided with the reinforcement rib is located, when in use. More specifically, the longitudinal portion 21' is shaped so that said portion, in use, lies against the wearer's abdominal region (fig. 7a) or against said wearer's side rib (fig. 7 c).

The longitudinal portion 21' corresponds to the front longitudinal portion 21 described above and can be obtained according to an embodiment.

Figures 2a and 2 b: the longitudinal portion 21' comprises a section 211' twisted about the longitudinal axis Aa of said longitudinal portion, so that said longitudinal portion has a bearing surface which, in use, is oriented parallel to the bearing area of the carrier's body. The segment 211 'extends downward through the straight portion 212'. -figure 3: the longitudinal portion 21 'has a flared free end 210'.

Fig. 8a, 8b, 8 c: the longitudinal portion 21' is shorter. The twisted section 211 'may be free of straight portions 212', or the length of the latter may be shorter, for example between 1cm and 10 cm.

9a, 9b, 9 c: the hook-shaped curve 20 'has a circular cross section, whereas the longitudinal portion 21' is flat, for example with a rectangular cross section. By this change of the segments, the bearing surfaces of the longitudinal portions 21' can be easily oriented without any twisting.

Fig. 10a and 10 b: the longitudinal part 21' comprises side flaps 213 which are arranged to lie against the abdominal region of the wearer or the side ribs F of said wearer during use. The hook-shaped curved portion 20 'and the longitudinal portion 21' are not flat and have the same cross-section, for example circular or square, so that the reinforcing bar 2 has a certain flexibility.

11a, 11b, 11 c: the longitudinal portion 21' has a convex section, the curvature of which ensures that said longitudinal portion abuts against the side ribs of the wearer during use.

12a, 12b, 12 c: the longitudinal portion 21 'has a convex section, the curvature of which ensures that the longitudinal portion lies snugly against the wearer's abdomen in use.

In addition, in either embodiment, as shown in fig. 13, the free end 200 'of the hook-shaped bent portion 20' is advantageously bent upward. In this configuration, the

shoulder straps

11a, 11b are lifted upwards at their fixing elements 110a, 110b, which prevents them from pressing against the trapezius muscle of the wearer P. Thereby improving the comfort of the wearer.

In the above embodiments, the arrangement of the respective elements and/or devices and/or steps in the present invention should not be construed as requiring such arrangement in all implementations. However, one or more features recited in only one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features recited in only another embodiment. For example, the front longitudinal portion 21 may be obtained according to one embodiment, while the rear longitudinal portion 22 may be obtained according to another embodiment. Moreover, the reinforcing rib provided with the right shoulder strap 11a may be obtained according to one embodiment, and the reinforcing rib provided with the left shoulder strap 11b may be obtained according to another embodiment.

In any event, it is to be understood that various modifications may be made to the elements and/or devices and/or steps without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, the method comprises the following steps:

the hook-shaped portion 20 may have a cross section different from the cross section of the

longitudinal portions

21, 22. The cross-section of the

longitudinal portions

21, 22 may in particular be wider than the cross-section of the hook-shaped portion 20, thereby increasing the area of the support area.

Each

torsion section

211, 221 can be twisted more or less a quarter of a turn around the longitudinal axis Aa, Ab, depending on the size and/or shape of the wearer. Thus, each

torsion segment

211, 221 may form an angle of, for example, 30 ° to 160 ° with the hook 20.

Claims

1. A backpack comprising at least one shoulder strap (11a, 11b) which can be placed on the shoulder (ED, EG) of a wearer (P) in use, wherein:

-the shoulder straps (11a, 11b) are provided with shaped stiffening ribs (2) having an elasticity such that the stiffening ribs are elastically deformed by the effect of an elastic force when the shoulder straps provided with the stiffening ribs are placed on the shoulders (ED, EG) of the wearer (P),

-the shaped reinforcing bar (2) has a curved upper portion (20) which, in use, is located at the shoulder (ED, EG) of the wearer on which the shoulder harness (11a, 11b) is located,

-the curved upper part (20) extends downwards through a front longitudinal part (21) which, in use, extends from the abdomen of the wearer (P) towards below the torso of the wearer,

-the front longitudinal portion (21) is shaped so as to be applied, in use, against a first region of the body of the wearer (P) other than the shoulders (ED, EG) on which the shoulder straps (11a, 11b) are located,

the method is characterized in that:

-said curved upper portion (20) also extends through a rear longitudinal portion (22) which, in use, extends from the back of the wearer (P) towards below the torso of the wearer, so that said stiffening rib (2) has the general shape of an arch or a horseshoe,

-the rear longitudinal portion (22) is shaped so as to be, in use, snug against a second region of the body of the wearer (P) other than the shoulders (ED, EG), said second region being different from the first region, said second region being the back region of the wearer or the side ribs (F) of the wearer,

and wherein the one or more of the one or more,

-the rear longitudinal portion (22) comprises a section (221) twisted about a longitudinal axis (Ab) of the rear longitudinal portion, so that the rear longitudinal portion has a bearing surface which, in use, is oriented parallel to a second bearing area of the body of the wearer (P), or

-the rear longitudinal portion (22) has a convex section with a curvature ensuring that it is in use pressed against a second support area of the body of the wearer (P), or

-said rear longitudinal portion (22) comprises a lateral wing (223) arranged to be placed against a second support region of the wearer (P) in use.

2. Backpack according to claim 1, wherein the front longitudinal portion (21) is shaped such that said portion in use abuts against the abdominal area of a wearer (P) or the side ribs (F) of the wearer.

3. The backpack according to claim 2, wherein the front longitudinal portion (21) comprises a section (211) twisted about a longitudinal axis (Aa) of the front longitudinal portion, such that the front longitudinal portion has a bearing surface which, in use, is oriented parallel to a first bearing area of a wearer's (P) torso.

4. Backpack according to claim 2, wherein the front longitudinal portion (21) has a convex section, the curvature of which ensures that the front longitudinal portion fits snugly against the abdominal area of the wearer (P) or the side ribs (F) of the wearer in use.

5. Backpack according to claim 2, wherein the front longitudinal portion (21) comprises side wings (213) which are arranged to abut against the abdominal region of a wearer (P) or the side rib regions (F) of the wearer when in use.

6. The backpack according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the front longitudinal portion (21) and/or the rear longitudinal portion (22) has a flared free end (210, 220).

7. A backpack according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a right shoulder strap (11a) and a left shoulder strap (11b) adapted to rest in use on the right shoulder (ED) and the left shoulder (EG), respectively, of a wearer (P), each of said shoulder straps being provided with shaped stiffening ribs (2).