EP2965645B1 - Rucksack - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an unclaimed back protector, particularly for cycling, the practice of a gliding sport such as skiing or snowboarding, or the practice of a similar sport requiring protection of the back in case of a fall, as well as an article carrying a load. To protect the spine of a sportsman in case of a fall, there are different types of back protection that the user can wear.

The simplest and most common back protector is a protective means such as a rigid hinged shell or a foam, this means of protection being provided with strap straps, generally elastic, and often a belt. Such protection is illustrated, for example, in the document EP-A-1 001 688 . The straps of the straps allow the adjustment of the back protector to the size of the user but this induces a discomfort to the portage by the reduced surface of contact of the strap with the body. In addition, the protection is not optimum because, with this carrying system, the protection means does not always remain well placed when the wearer moves.

To improve the wearing comfort, some protective shells are integrated into the back of a vest, sleeveless, encompassing the entire trunk and closed at the front by a zipper. However, the zipper is not comfortable. In addition, this type of protection is specific to a size and build and is difficult to adapt to a variation in morphology, including the morphology of women. Thus, the chest may not be sufficiently maintained or, on the contrary, be compressed, which is uncomfortable. Moreover, by covering the trunk, the vest brings a stiffness penalizing the ease of movement of the sportsman. Similarly, if the vest is not properly fitted to the body, the level of back protection is impaired. Finally, these vests include openings for the passage of the arms, relatively tight, which penalizes the ease of movement of the arms and induces, as a result, additional discomfort.

There are some hybrid solutions including panels coupled to straps to form carrying means. This type of solution is not comfortable due to the rigidity of the straps and the relative stiffness of the panels used.

To guard against the cold, a skier usually wears several layers of clothing: a first layer, thin, in contact with the skin, a second intermediate layer, providing a complementary insulation and an outer layer, protecting against bad weather. Generally, the previous back protectors are placed under the outer layer, replacing or not the second layer. Indeed, these protections are not flexible and can not be placed under the second layer without penalizing the movements of the skier. They would also cause discomfort if placed directly in contact with the first thin layer. In addition, this provision is not practical if you want to remove the second layer during the day, for example, when the skier is too hot. Similarly, if the skier removes the outer layer, it shows the back protection which is generally not very aesthetic.

The aim is to remedy these drawbacks and in particular to provide back protection improving the wearing comfort.

Another aim is to always correctly position the protection means, regardless of the position of the wearer. The means of protection follows the movements of the body, in all circumstances. Thus, a maximum protection is obtained at the moment of impact.

One goal is to not penalize the athlete's freedom of movement.

Another goal is to adapt to the different morphologies of the user and in particular that of the woman.

An additional goal is not to oppress the chest of the user.

Another goal is to provide a back protector that can be housed under the second layer. The back protector comprising a back panel supporting a protection means and two carrying means, the ends of each carrying means being connected to the back panel.

The back protector is characterized in that the carrying means are composed of at least one panel so as to form, with the back panel, a bolero to cover only the torso at the front of the user.

• Chaque moyen de portage comprend une première zone extensible, au moins selon une direction transversale, la première zone extensible étant située au niveau du flanc de l'utilisateur, à proximité d'une accroche inférieure au panneau dorsal.
• Chaque moyen de portage comprend une deuxième zone extensible, au moins selon une direction transversale, la deuxième zone extensible étant située au niveau de la partie antérieure du torse de l'utilisateur. La deuxième zone extensible a des propriétés d'extensibilité anisotropes.
• La force de traction transversale nécessaire pour obtenir un allongement de 25% du panneau formant la deuxième zone extensible est inférieure à la force de traction longitudinale nécessaire pour obtenir un allongement de 25% de ce panneau, préférentiellement inférieure à 75% de la force de traction longitudinale.
• Les moyens de portage sont reliés par au moins un moyen d'attache. Le moyen d'attache est préférentiellement réglable en longueur transversale et/ou extensible.
• Le panneau dorsal comprend une poche dans laquelle se loge le moyen de protection.

According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such a back protector may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination:

• Each carrying means comprises a first extensible zone, at least in a transverse direction, the first extensible zone being located at the level of the user's side, close to a lower grip on the back panel.
• Each carrying means comprises a second expandable zone, at least in a transverse direction, the second expandable zone being located at the anterior portion of the torso of the user. The second extensible zone has anisotropic extensibility properties.
• The transverse traction force necessary to obtain an elongation of 25% of the panel forming the second extensible zone is less than the longitudinal tensile force necessary to obtain an elongation of 25% of this panel, preferably less than 75% of the tensile force. longitudinal.
• The carrying means are connected by at least one attachment means. The attachment means is preferably adjustable in transverse and / or extensible length.
• The back panel comprises a pocket in which the protection means is housed.

• la figure 1 est un vue 3/4 avant d'une protection dorsale portée par une femme ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de face de la protection dorsale de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue arrière de la protection dorsale de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue latérale de la protection dorsale de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de face de l'intérieur de la protection dorsale seule.

Other characteristics and advantages will be better understood with the help of the description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating, according to non-limiting embodiments, and in which:

• the figure 1 is a 3/4 front view of a back protector worn by a woman;
• the figure 2 is a front view of the back protector of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a back view of the back protector of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 4 is a side view of the back protector of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 5 is a front view of the inside of the back protector alone.

In these figures, the identical elements bear the same reference numbers. In the rest of the text, the notions of superior, inferior, high and low, horizontal and vertical will be used with reference to the standing position of the user. On the other hand, reference is made to a transverse direction. This transverse direction is substantially horizontal in the sense that it can vary by more or less 30 ° with respect to a horizontal plane. This transverse direction is similar to a circumferential direction to the abdomen or a circumferential direction to the torso. The transverse direction is represented by the arrows T in the drawings. In addition, reference is also made to a longitudinal direction. This longitudinal direction is substantially perpendicular to the transverse direction. It is thus substantially vertical in the sense that it can vary by more or less 30 ° with respect to a vertical plane. The longitudinal direction is represented by the arrows L in the drawings. Similarly, the proximal and distal terms characterize areas with reference to the median plane of the wearer's body. Thus, a proximal area is closer to the medial head-to-feet axis than a distal area that will be closer to the arms.

The Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a back protector 1 comprising a garment bolero type provided with a back pocket 5 inside which is housed a protective means 6, the protective means being, in this example, a foam. The bolero-type garment corresponds to a vest, sleeveless and stopping just above the waist, on the front. As a result, such a garment covers only the torso, at the level of the front part of the user. It covers the chest, the chest but not the belly or at least the anterior part of the body between the ribs, along the white line. Alternatively, a bolero type garment can cover the ribs to protect them and descend slightly at the side portions of the waist, but not in the anterior median waist area.

The back protection 1 comprises a back panel 2 on which are fixed two carrying means 3a, 3b.

A first end 31a, 31b of each carrying means 3a, 3b is connected to the upper part of the back panel 2. These two first ends 31a, 31b coupled with the top of the back panel 2 form an arc around the back of the neck. the user. To improve the wearing comfort of the latter, the edges likely to be in contact with the neck of the user are arranged to not hurt the athlete. In our example, a strip of foam 4 wrapped in a soft fabric, such as a scraped knitted material, shape these edges. This band 4 extends above the shoulders, thus forming a "U" partially surrounding the neck. This construction, tightened on the neck, ensures a good wedging of the protection on the back and a better insulation notably preventing the introduction of undesirable elements between the back panel and the back.

A second end 32a, 32b of each carrying means 3a, 3b is connected to a lateral edge of the central portion of the back panel 2.

According to this embodiment, the back panel 2 forms a wall of a pocket 5 inside which is inserted a protective means 6. Thus, the protective means can be removed from the pocket in order to more easily clean the the remainder of the back protector consisting of the bolero formed by the pocket 5 and the carrying means 3a, 3b. This pocket 5 is closed by a zipper 51, substantially horizontal, connecting the lower part of the back panel 2 with the lower part of a complementary outer panel 52 of the pocket. By positioning the closure in the lower part of the bag, it is not a nuisance for the user, the zipper does not hurt the neck of the wearer. Here, the protective means 6 is a composite foam comprising partial cuts allowing the foam to deform in order to stick closer to the body and provide effective back protection. In addition, the shape of this foam and the partial cuts provide some flexibility of movement to the user. Such a foam is for example described in the document EP-A-1,290,956 .

Advantageously, a belt 7 is fixed on the lower part of the back panel 2. This belt 7 contributes to the proper maintenance of the protective means 6 against the back of the wearer thanks in particular to plating at the waist. The belt thus allows a better stability of the back protector 1. It also allows a good adaptation to the morphology of the athlete.

By dissociating the carriage in two parts, an upper part made by the carrying means 3a, 3b, interconnected, and a lower part, obtained by the belt 7, this brings a further degree of rotation about a horizontal axis passing substantially by the navel and a substantially vertical axis. This additional flexibility, coupled with a means of protection 5 adapted, increases the mobility of the wearer and therefore his ease.

As a result, during the practice of the risk activity, the described back protector continuously adapts to the posture of the wearer. The protection means 5 follows the different camber of the body. The protection is thus optimum. The back panel 2 and the carrying means 3a, 3b can form a bolero-type garment to cover only the torso at the front of the user. For this, each carrying means 3a, 3b is composed of at least one panel. A panel is a part of a garment cut according to a pattern. The panel comprises at least one layer of fabric.

The carrying means may consist of a single panel made of the same material. Preferably, and as illustrated through the embodiment described, a means of carrying includes several panels of different nature.

According to this example, a carrying means comprises three portions.

A first portion 33a, 33b constitutes the first end 31a, 31b of the carrying means 3a, 3b. This first portion 33a, 33b covers part of a shoulder of the wearer. This first portion comprises two layers of superposed textiles. The first lower layer 331a, 331b is a yoke made of a soft material, such as a knitted scraped material, for the comfort of the user. The second outer layer 332a, 332b is the extension of the outer panel 52. This second outer layer reinforces the first portion and protects the first lower layer. This second outer layer 332a, 332b is slightly elastic in order to press the pocket 5 against the back of the wearer. Advantageously, this portion is not very extensible to ensure a good vertical support at the shoulders.

A second portion 34a, 34b forms the second end 32a, 32b of the carrying means 3a, 3b. In this example, this second portion consists of a panel 34a, 34b covering the sides of the user on a first zone Z1 and also going up to the first end 31a, 31b to cover a lateral part of the torso, thus forming the part distal side of the carrier. This second portion, said side panel, is made with an elastic and extensible honeycomb fabric. Preferably, the side panel is at least extensible in a transverse direction T or circumferential to size.

A third portion 35a, 35b completes the other two portions to form the carrying means. This third portion consists of a panel 35a, 35b covering a second zone Z2, located essentially at the front part of the torso of the user. This third portion, said panel in front, forms the proximal portion of the shoulder strap. It covers at least a part of the breasts. To increase the wearing comfort, this front panel is also made with an expandable honeycomb material. Advantageously, the front panel has anisotropic extensibility properties. In particular, the transverse traction force T necessary to obtain a determined elongation in a circumferential direction to the torso is less than the longitudinal tensile force L necessary to obtain the same determined elongation in a direction perpendicular to the previous circumferential direction. This feature makes it possible to adapt to different chest volumes, thanks to the transverse extensibility, while keeping a good maintenance of the back protection, thanks to less longitudinal extensibility. This specificity brings a noticeable comfort when the user is a woman because it makes it possible to compress less the chest, sensible part, while ensuring a good support. Good results have been obtained when the transverse traction force necessary to obtain an elongation of 15% or 25% in the transverse direction T is at least less than 75% of the longitudinal tensile force necessary to obtain an elongation of 15%. respectively 25%, in a longitudinal direction L. Preferably, this transverse traction force is at least less than 50% of the longitudinal tensile force.

Thus, each carrying means 3a, 3b consists of a single panel or a continuity of several panels. In a variant, the carrying means consists solely of the second and third portions. Many combinations are possible.

By being connected to the back panel 2, a carrying means 3a, 3b forms a large opening 36a, 36b extending well below the armpits. The opening 36a, 36b is characterized by an elongate shape. This clears a portion between the side and the armpit. The opening 36b is dimensioned so that, once the back protector has been worn, the distance d1 between the lower end 36b1 of the opening 36b and the hollow 91 of the armpits is greater than half the distance d2 between the hollow 91 armpits and the end 92 of the shoulders. Preferably, the distance d1 is at least equal to the distance d2. The opening 36a is dimensioned in the same way. The release of an area under the arm provides comfort and ease since there is no contact or friction in the sensitive area located near the armpits at the top of the flanks.

Advantageously, each large opening is dimensioned so that the back protection does not cover the end of the shoulders. Concretely, the back protector does not cover the distal part of the shoulder over a distance d3, this distance being greater than a quarter of the distance d4 between the base or birth of the neck and the upper distal end of the acromion. By being recessed with respect to the end of the shoulder, the back protector makes it possible to disengage the arm. Its articulation at the level of the head of the humerus, or scapulo-humeral joint, is facilitated. The movement of the arm is then easy. The back protector does not interfere with the user's actions.

Preferably, each large opening is designed so that the end of the shoulders, a portion of the torso and the upper part of the sidewalls pass through this opening when the back protector is worn. The distal edges 37a, 37b of the carrying means 3a, 3b are spaced apart by a distance d5 from the junction between the arm and the bust. For example, for a male adult, this distance d5 is greater than three centimeters.

These large openings facilitate the introduction of the back protector on the user, especially to fetch the second opening, once we put on the first arm. Moreover, these large openings allow to wear the back protection where desired by the user, according to his habits or desire: on a first layer or a second layer.

To strengthen the carrying means 3a, 3b, an elastic band 37a, 38a, 37b, 38b is sewn on the distal edges 37a, 37b and proximal 38a, 38b, of each carrying means. This elastic band provides a good finish and a good morphological adaptation. This band also protects the edges of the panels constituting the carrying means.

To ensure proper maintenance of the back protection, at least one attachment means 8 connects the two carrying means 3a, 3b together. The fastening means may be a zipper, fastening means hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro® or straps with loops. Advantageously, the attachment means 8 is expandable because it facilitates breathing. Indeed, being extensible, the attachment means does not interfere with the range of motion of the chest during breathing. In the example shown, the attachment means 8 comprises an elastic tape 81 fixed on one side to a first carrying means 3a and a hook 82 at its other end. The hook 82 is able to cooperate with a complementary hooking means 39b disposed on the second carrying means 3b. The additional hooking means 39b may be a cord or a rigid or semi-rigid rod. Preferably, the attachment means 8 is adjustable in transverse length. For example, the position of the hook 82 may vary on the ribbon 81. Other fastening means may be envisaged.

The carrying means 3a, 3b may be always spaced from each other, join at a portion of their proximal edges 38a, 38b, for example, via a zipper or alternatively, overlap, for example, a hitch type heart cache.

This back protector is particularly comfortable to wear because it adapts to different user morphologies. Several features contribute to this comfort. Combined together, these features provide greater comfort, but individually, each provides an improvement to the portage and ease while keeping the establishment of the means of protection 5, in any situation.

A first feature is the use of flexible panels for the carrying means 3a, 3b, the back panel 2 and the outer panel 52. Being completely flexible, the bolero then marries, at best, the morphology of the wearer. Moreover, this flexibility makes it possible to consider cleaning this subset in a machine, provided that suitable materials are used. Coupled with a protective means 5 foam, also flexible, the back protection is optimal not to interfere with the movements of the user and to comply with the body regardless of the posture of the wearer. In addition, the panels can be thin. Thus, the small thickness and the flexibility make it possible to consider placing this back protection under a second layer with the advantages that we have mentioned above. Preferably, the flexible panels are dimpled which allows a better ventilation / aeration of the body.

A second characteristic comes from the transverse extensibility of the first zone Z1. When the athlete puts on this back protector, he brings the two carrying means 3a, 3b closer together by means of fastener 8. This bringing about results in the plating of the back panel 2 against the back of the wearer because of the transverse extensibility and of the elasticity of the first zone Z1. This movement pulls forward the side panels 34a, 34b of the zone Z1 which then pulls the back panel 2. This tension provides excellent support of the protective means 6 against the back of the user and excellent comfort that all parts of the carrying means, that is to say, the front panels 35a, 35b and lateral 34a, 34b, stick closer to the body. Preferably, the attachment means 8 is extensible, as we have mentioned above, since this makes it possible to spread the adjustment tensions around the body over several zones and not only on zone Z1.

A third characteristic lies in the extensibility of the zone Z2 resulting in a strong deformation for less effort. This feature has been detailed previously. It is a question of being able to adapt to different morphologies and in particular to different volumes of female breast by ensuring a good maintenance without oppressing it. A large transverse extensibility allows this adaptation while maintaining a good performance of the bolero through controlled longitudinal extensibility, that is to say, to obtain a given deformation, it will require a greater effort than in a transverse direction.

Another feature consists in arranging the back panel 2 by creating longitudinal strips 21 projecting from the back panel 2, these strips bearing on defined lateral zones of the back. Thus, when the back protector is worn, these longitudinal strips away the back panel 2 of the back in some places, creating a ventilation chimney 22 along the spine, thermogenic zone. For example, the back panel is made of three-dimensional fabric configured to evacuate perspiration. The three-dimensional fabric is for example in honeycomb polyhedron mesh, or has a wavelet shape, forming an alternating succession of hollow and solid tubes. These fabrics make it possible to reduce the surface in contact with the user's body or clothing, in order to reduce perspiration. At the level of the longitudinal strips 21, the fabric is voluntarily thicker to create the supports necessary for the creation of the ventilation chimney.

Another feature comes from the bolero cut when worn. A first specificity of this cut comes from the large openings 36a, 36b for the arms, extending over part of the sides of the sportsman. This clearance facilitates the establishment and ease of movement of the arms as described above. A second specificity concerns the neckline. It surrounds the neck with soft material. Conversely, the anterior part of the neck is cleared. When the carrying means are connected, the proximal lateral edges 38a, 38b of the carrying means are arranged so as not to cover the base of the neck, which allows to free the airways for better ventilation. For example, the proximal lateral edges form a "V". Advantageously, these proximal lateral edges 38a, 38b are always spaced so as not to cover the sternum. In this case, to bind the two carrying means 3a, 3b, one will prefer a fastening means 8 adjustable transversely, that is to say, to vary the distance d between the two proximal side edges 38a, 38b , unlike a zipper allowing no transverse adjustment. By releasing the sternum and the white line, one releases the rib cage which also facilitates the breathing. Preferably, the attachment means 8 is flexible in a longitudinal direction L. This means that the attachment means 8 allows a vertical relative movement, or in the longitudinal direction L, of a carrying means 3a, 3b with respect to the other carrier means 3b, 3a. This specificity brings even more ease by allowing asymmetrical movements without repercussions on the comfort. For example, by raising the left arm, the left carrying means 3b follows the movement while the right carrying means 3a remains in position and is not stressed. It shows a better wearing comfort.

As mentioned above, several features, providing comfort of porting, are related to the extensibility properties of the panels constituting the carrying means.

A panel is extensible when it can be stretched, stretched, extended. What characterizes it is its ability to deform and therefore its elongation under a given traction effort. Thus, within the meaning of the invention, a panel is all the more extensible as its deformation is important when it exerts a determined tensile force. Conversely, a material is not extensible if it can not deform by more than 15%. Therefore, it is important to characterize the tensile stress required to obtain a given deformation. This effort is decisive for qualifying a panel because it conditions the pressure restored by the panel when it is deformed. For a garment, the deformation of the textile surrounding a limb results in a force restituted on the body because of this characteristic of the panel. For example, if to obtain a deformation of 15%, it is necessary a weak tensile force, then the part of the body covered by the panel will be little compressed. Conversely, if the tensile force to obtain this deformation is higher, then the part of the body covered will be more solicited. In this case, the restoring force to return to a stable equilibrium position is greater, which brings "nervousness" to the textile. To express this property, one can characterize these efforts for specific deformations for example, 15%, 25% or 50%.

A panel is elastic when it can resume its shape and initial volume after being deformed. It is no longer elastic when, after having constrained it, it remains slightly deformed. What characterizes it is the maximum tensile force, or elastic limit Re, for which there is no permanent deformation (or plastic), the sample returns to its original form as soon as tensile force.

These properties of elasticity and extensibility are complementary. These two characteristics are decisive for obtaining a good behavior of the garment. The panel must therefore be extensible to allow deformation sufficient to adapt to the morphology of the wearer but under a tensile force sufficient to ensure adequate tension. The tension allows a good maintenance of the garment on the body. It is this tension that will press the garment against the body and bring the wearing comfort. The panel must also be elastic for a good behavior of the garment, namely that it does not deform after use. The cut remains substantially stable.

To obtain the desired elasticity and / or extensibility of the panel, several means are possible. One way is to change the structure of the panel, for example, by weaving or specific knitting. A second way is to modify the composition of the panel, for example, using materials having different elastic properties and / or extensibility (son of a different weaving / knitting). Another way is to add a particular coating modifying these characteristics, for example, the addition of a printed or glued layer. It may also be the addition of a layer locally in an area, this layer may, for example, form a pocket. Thus, the superposition of layers of the panel can allow the modification of the elasticity and extensibility properties of the panel. Other means can be envisaged to adjust the elasticity and / or the extensibility of a panel, such as, for example, thermoforming or the use of a 3D multilayer textile ...

If you want a good support, you need a good "elastic" back to obtain sufficient tension in the panel. In this case, we will target a large tensile force for a given deformation, 25% for example. According to the embodiment described, this is what will be sought in the first zone Z1. Conversely, if you want to adapt to the morphology of the body without compressing too much the part of the body located under the panel, you need less springback. In this case, we will aim a lower tensile force to obtain the same deformation. For example, this is what we seek in the second zone Z2 and more particularly in the transverse direction to fit the shape of the breasts. In the longitudinal direction, because of the need for maintenance, the intended traction force will be greater.

The standard NF G 07-196 makes it possible to qualify these properties and in particular method 1 characterizes the extensibility of a fabric.

In addition to this standard, we have adapted the standardized tests to have sample sizes close to the panels used in the construction of the protection. Thus, the portion of cut fabric forms, for example, a rectangle 25 mm wide, instead of 50 mm normalized, for a little more than 100 mm long. The rectangle is cut according to an orientation according to the characteristic that one wishes to evaluate. Thus, if one wants to qualify the transverse extensibility, one will cut the portion of fabric so that the rectangle is substantially horizontal. On the other hand, if one wants to qualify the longitudinal extensibility, one will cut the portion of fabric so that the rectangle is substantially vertical. The cut rectangle is then placed in the jaws of a traction-compression machine so as to stretch the sample in the direction of the length of the rectangle. The distance between the jaws when the sample is at rest is 100 mm. The sample is then stretched at a speed of 100 mm / min until a desired elongation is achieved. The tensile force in Newton is measured to obtain the desired deformation. Prior to measurement, the 50% sample will be invoked three times to stabilize the sample.

For the illustrated embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, two different textiles are used to make the panels Z1 and Z2 zones. The weaving of these panels is specific in order to obtain anisotropic properties. For each panel, we will cut out rectangular sample in a transverse direction and a rectangular sample in a longitudinal direction. For each sample, a tensile measurement is carried out.

The results obtained are as follows: Elongation Tractive force 15% 25% 50% Zone Z1 Transverse 2.35 N 3.65 N 7.65 N Longitudinal 3.15 N 9 N 26.15 N Zone Z2 Transverse 0.4 N 1 N 2.25 N Longitudinal 1.85 N 4.35 N 16.35 N

• Pour la zone Z1, la force de traction selon une direction transversale est inférieure à 75% de la force de traction selon une direction longitudinale, pour un allongement donné (15%, 25% ou 50%). Pour un allongement de 25% et plus, la force de traction transversale est inférieure à 50% de la force de traction longitudinale. Pour un allongement de 15%, la force de traction selon une direction transversale est inférieure à 2,5 N et supérieure à 1,5 N ce qui permet une bonne tension de placage.
• Pour la zone Z2, l'anisotropie est plus marquée. La force de traction selon une direction transversale est inférieure à 50%, voire 25%, de la force de traction selon une direction longitudinale, pour un allongement donné. Pour un allongement de 25%, la force de traction selon une direction transversale est de l'ordre de 1 N afin de permettre une bonne extensibilité du panneau. Pour un allongement de 25%, la force de traction selon une direction longitudinale est supérieure à 4 N pour assurer un bon maintien.

From these measurements, we deduce the following dimensioning:

• For zone Z1, the tensile force in a transverse direction is less than 75% of the tensile force in a longitudinal direction, for a given elongation (15%, 25% or 50%). For an elongation of 25% or more, the transverse tensile force is less than 50% of the longitudinal tensile force. For an elongation of 15%, the tensile force in a transverse direction is less than 2.5 N and greater than 1.5 N which allows a good veneer tension.
• For zone Z2, the anisotropy is more marked. The tensile force in a transverse direction is less than 50% or even 25% of the tensile force in a longitudinal direction for a given elongation. For an elongation of 25%, the tensile force in a transverse direction is of the order of 1 N in order to allow good extensibility of the panel. For an elongation of 25%, the tensile force in a longitudinal direction is greater than 4 N to ensure good support.

Additional measurements were carried out to characterize the elastic recovery of textiles according to method 2 of standard NF G 07-196. It follows that the elastic recovery of the textile zone Z1 is 100%, regardless of its orientation. The elastic recovery of the textile Z2 zone is good, it is greater than 95% in the transverse direction or warp and greater than 90% in the longitudinal direction or weft.

This type of back protector is particularly suitable for the practice of winter sports, such as skiing or snowboarding. However, it can be transposed to other sports such as cycling or other activities requiring back protection.

Several variants are conceivable as soon as their design reproduces a structure comprising a garment bolero type incorporating a back pocket.

A first variant is to add protective panels covering the ribs. These protective panels may constitute extensions of the carrying means 3a, 3b and / or the belt 7.

A second variant is to use relatively rigid panels, that is to say, little extensible, at the proximal portions of the carrying means and to achieve the morphological adaptation at the level of the torso by extensible panels placed on the distal portions of the carrying means at the torso.

A third variant consists in adding sleeves to the bolero-type garment. To maintain comfort, these sleeves are loose or with a clearance at the shoulder, loosely and connected to the basic structure formed by the bolero.

A fourth variant consists in providing a back protector in the form of a T-shirt type clothing. In this case, there is a structure close to the bolero, that is to say that it does not cover the belly, except that the carrier means are linked. To achieve the desired previous effects, the textile is extensible at the torso. This back protector is then threaded through the head.

The carrier means described above can also be applied to other articles that can support a load, such as, for example, backpacks. Thus, the extensibility characteristics of these carrying means provide all the comfort benefits described above for these other wearing articles and in particular the morphological adaptation to different sizes of torso.

As regards backpacks, there is a similar problem of comfort of carriage and adaptation to morphological variations, including the morphology of women. The current construction of backpacks is similar to that of back protectors.

Thus, the invention more generally relates to an article carrying a load such as a backpack or a back protector.

Alternatively, the article carrying a load can have a different structure when the carrying means comprise a second extensible zone located at the anterior portion of the torso of the user, the second extensible zone having properties of anisotropic extensibility so that the transverse tensile force necessary to obtain an elongation of 25% of a panel forming the second extensible zone is less than the longitudinal tensile force necessary to obtain an elongation of 25% of this panel and, preferably less than 75% of the longitudinal tensile force.

For example, the carrying means may cover a wider area than only the torso. It can thus extend to the belly area.

In another example, the carrying article does not form a bolero. In this case, the carrying means is connected to the back panel, in its lower part, by a strap or a cord. This strap can be elastic. This strap is advantageously adjustable in length. Thus, the lower connection between the carrying means and the back panel is not made by a panel as in the embodiment described in the Figures 1 to 5 .

In the previous examples, the top of the back panel is bordered by a foam strip 4, thus forming a "U" partially surrounding the neck. This band can be replaced by another covering element such as a collar or a hood.

• L'article de portage d'une charge 1 comprend un panneau dorsal 2 supportant une charge 6 et deux moyens de portage 3a, 3b, les extrémités 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b de chaque moyen de portage 3a, 3b étant reliées au panneau dorsal 2. Les moyens de portage 3a, 3b comprennent une deuxième zone extensible Z2 située au niveau de la partie antérieure du torse de l'utilisateur, la deuxième zone extensible Z2 ayant des propriétés d'extensibilité anisotropes de sorte que la force de traction transversale nécessaire pour obtenir un allongement de 25% d'un panneau 35a, 35b formant la deuxième zone extensible Z2 est inférieure à la force de traction longitudinale nécessaire pour obtenir un allongement de 25% de ce panneau 35a, 35b.
• La deuxième zone extensible Z2 a des propriétés d'extensibilité anisotropes de sorte que la force de traction transversale nécessaire pour obtenir un allongement de 25% d'un panneau 35a, 35b formant la deuxième zone extensible Z2 est au moins inférieure à 75% de la force de traction longitudinale nécessaire pour obtenir un allongement de 25% de ce panneau 35a, 35b.
• Les moyens de portage 3a, 3b sont composés d'au moins un panneau 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b de manière à former, avec le panneau dorsal, un boléro permettant de couvrir uniquement le torse au niveau de la partie antérieure de l'utilisateur.
• Chaque moyen de portage 3a, 3b comprend une première zone extensible Z1, au moins selon une direction transversale T, la première zone extensible étant située au niveau du flanc de l'utilisateur, à proximité d'une accroche inférieure au panneau dorsal.
• La première zone Z1 est moins extensible que la deuxième zone Z2 selon une direction transversale T.
• Les moyens de portage 3a, 3b sont reliés par au moins un moyen d'attache 8. Alternativement, le moyen d'attache 8 peut être extensible. Alternativement, le moyen d'attache 8 peut être réglable en longueur transversale.
• Un moyen de portage 3a, 3b forme, avec le panneau dorsal 2, une grande ouverture 36a, 36b dimensionnée de manière à ce que, une fois l'article de portage porté, la distance d1 entre l'extrémité inférieure 36b1 de l'ouverture 36b et le creux 91 des aisselles est supérieure à la moitié de la distance d2 entre le creux 91 des aisselles et l'extrémité 92 des épaules.
• Les bords distaux 37a, 37b du moyen de portage 3a, 3b sont espacés d'une distance supérieure à trois centimètres de la jonction entre le bras et le buste, quand l'article de portage est porté.
• L'article de portage d'une charge 1 comprend une ceinture 7 fixée sur la partie basse du panneau dorsal 2.
• L'article de portage d'une charge 1 comprend un élément de recouvrement 4 entourant partiellement le cou et resserrée sur le cou de l'utilisateur quand l'article de portage est porté.

Thus, the invention may extend, more generally, to a load carrying article, such as a backpack or a back protector, for which:

• The article carrying a load 1 comprises a back panel 2 supporting a load 6 and two carrying means 3a, 3b, the ends 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b of each carrying means 3a, 3b being connected to the back panel 2. The carrying means 3a, 3b comprise a second extensible zone Z2 located at the anterior portion of the torso of the user, the second extensible zone Z2 having anisotropic extensibility properties so that the transverse traction force required to obtain an elongation of 25% of a panel 35a, 35b forming the second extensible zone Z2 is less than the longitudinal tensile force necessary to obtain an elongation of 25% of this panel 35a, 35b.
• The second expandable zone Z2 has anisotropic extensibility properties so that the transverse tensile force necessary to achieve a 25% elongation of a panel 35a, 35b forming the second expandable zone Z2 is at least less than 75% of the longitudinal tensile force necessary to obtain an elongation of 25% of this panel 35a, 35b.
• The carrying means 3a, 3b are composed of at least one panel 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b so as to form, with the back panel, a bolero to cover only the torso at the front part of the user.
• Each carrying means 3a, 3b comprises a first extensible zone Z1, at least in a transverse direction T, the first extensible zone being located at the level of the side of the user, near a bottom catch of the back panel.
• The first zone Z1 is less extensible than the second zone Z2 in a transverse direction T.
• The carrying means 3a, 3b are connected by at least one attachment means 8. Alternatively, the attachment means 8 can be extensible. Alternatively, the attachment means 8 may be adjustable in transverse length.
• A carrying means 3a, 3b forms, with the back panel 2, a large opening 36a, 36b dimensioned so that, once the wearing article carried, the distance d1 between the lower end 36b1 of the opening 36b and the hollow 91 of the armpits is greater than half the distance d2 between the hollow 91 of the armpits and the end 92 of the shoulders.
• The distal edges 37a, 37b of the carrying means 3a, 3b are spaced a distance greater than three centimeters from the junction between the arm and the bust, when the wearing article is worn.
• The article carrying a load 1 comprises a belt 7 fixed on the lower part of the back panel 2.
• The article carrying a load 1 comprises a covering element 4 partially surrounding the neck and tightened on the user's neck when the wearing article is worn.

Claims (10)

1. Load-carrying article (1) comprising a dorsal panel (2) supporting a load (6) and two carrying means (3a, 3b), the ends (31a, 31b, 32a, 32b) of each carrying means being connected to the dorsal panel, characterized in that
   each carrying means (3a, 3b) comprises an extendable region (Z2) located at the anterior portion of the torso of the user, the extendable region (Z2) having anisotropic expendability properties such that the transverse tensile force required to obtain an elongation of 25% of a panel (35a, 35b) forming the extendable region (Z2) is less than the longitudinal tensile force required to obtain an elongation of 25% of this panel (35a, 35b).
2. Load-carrying article (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transverse tensile force required to obtain an elongation of 25% of the panel forming the extendable region is at least less than 75% of the longitudinal tensile force required to obtain an elongation of 25% of this panel.
3. Load-carrying article (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extendable region (Z2) covers at least part of the breast of the user.
4. Load-carrying article (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extendable region (Z2) forms the proximal portion of the corresponding carrying means.
5. Load-carrying article (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extendable region (Z2) is made using an extendable alveolate material.
6. Load-carrying article (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying means (3a, 3b) are made of at least one panel (33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b) so as to form, with the dorsal panel, a bolero with which it is possible to cover only the torso at the anterior portion of the user.
7. Load-carrying article (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each carrying means (3a, 3b) comprises another extendable region (Z1), at least in a transverse direction (T), this other extendable region, termed the first extendable region, being located on the side of the user, close to a lower attachment to the dorsal panel, the extendable region (Z2) being termed the second extendable region.
8. Load-carrying article (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first region (Z1) is less extendable than the second region (Z2) in a transverse direction (T).
9. Load-carrying article (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the property of extendability of a panel (33a, 33b, 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b) forming an extendable region (Z1, Z2) is brought about by at least one of the following techniques: knitting, weaving, using materials having different extendability and/or elastic properties, adding a particular coating or an additional layer.
10. Load-carrying article (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a rucksack.

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