GB2349808A

GB2349808A - Rigid rucksack

Info

Publication number: GB2349808A
Application number: GB9910747A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Robert Peck
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-05-11
Filing date: 1999-05-11
Publication date: 2000-11-15
Also published as: GB9910747D0

Abstract

A rigid rucksack comprises a rigid casing, which is constructed in two unequal sized parts 1, 2 joined by a hinge 14, provided with padding 4 and carrying straps 9 mounted on the out side of the smaller casing part. Preferably the hinge axis is vertically aligned when the rucksack is carried by a user on his back and the rucksack is provided with lockable clasps 3 fitted to the outside of the casing for securing the two casing parts together. The rucksack may be made of plastic or metal and may be provided with moulded or bolt on attachment fixtures 8 on the outside of the casing for externally securing additional baggage. The rucksack may have a waist strap 12.

Description

2349808 DESCRIEPTION RIGID CASED, HINGE OPENING RUCKSACK This invention

relates to a rucksack, or backpack, constructed with a rigid shell suitcase structure, with hinged opening.

Rigid shell suitcases make excellent luggage carriers, when the time spent physically supporting the case is short, due to their design, which requires single-handed carrying. An average weight of a fully packed holiday suitcase is in the region of 15 - 20 KGs, a weight which most travellers find too heavy to carry over longer distances, around obstacles, and up stairsFor the purpose of carrying luggage over longer distances, the most efficient and comfortable carrying device is a rucksack. However, conventional rucksacks have two inherent drawbacks. The lack of protection provided is one main drawback. Rucksack construction has traditionally relied upon a framework, forming a rigid structure, onto which the fabric body and straps are secured. This enables lightweight construction but provides minimal protection for contents, against physical shocks, water penetration and theft. For example, during modem air travel, machines are used to load baggage onto, an off aircraft. As a result, baggage is exposed to physical knocks which can cause damage to breakable items, if they are stored in soft bodied rucksacks. The second main drawback with top opening rucksacks, is that although they are ideal for hiking, they are inconvenient for use by most travellers, who require the degree of access to the contents, provided by a suitcase, not restricted access to only the topmost layers of a large stack. Top opening also creates problems with packing, as packed items have to be folded small, and stacked vertically, within a small horizontal area.

The object of this invention is to combine the best characteristics of both the suitcase, and the rucksack. It will be easy, and comfortable to carry like a traditional rucksack, will protect it's contents Eke a hard bodied suitcase, and offer convenient access to it's contents.

2 Figure 1 shows a side view of the rucksack. Figure 2 shows a top view of the rucksack, whilst open. Figure 3 shows a back view of the rucksack.

The casing is constructed from rigid, moulded plastic, similar to a rigid plastic suitcase, BUT shaped with the general dimensions of a typical rucksack. The casing is constructed in two asymmetric portions ( parts I & 2), which fit together at a hinge line which runs parallel to the vertical when the rucksack is carried on the back ( part 14) The two casing portions are of unequal depth. The main portion, with the largest volume is the storage volume ( part I). The smaller portion acts as a lid to the casing, ( part 2) and also bears the necessary attachments part 5)for anchoring shoulder straps, padding, and waist strap. ( parts 4,9 & 12 The shoulder, and waist straps ( parts 9 &12) can be fitted with fabric pockets ( parts 10 & 13), for carrying small accessible items. The waist strap is fastened by a clip ( part I I) When the rucksack is closed it is secured by two heavy duty lockable clasps. ( part 3 The rucksack is opened by placing the hinge line horizontally, with the lid casing above the storage casing.( Figure 2) When the clasps are released, the lid can be opened vertically, providing access to the whole storage volume.

On the exterior of the casing, numerous in-built moulded plastic loops will provide anchoring points for additional exterior luggage straps, and carrying straps. ( part 8, figure I) The closing edges of the casing have interlocking joins, which impart extra strength to the structure, the edges are also tipped with rubber, to give extra waterproofing. Moulded plastic, or metal strips ( part 6) on the outside of the main casing add extra protection to the structure. A similar structure at the bottom of the casing ( part 7 acts as a protective foot, on which the rucksack can be stood upright.

3

Claims

RIGID CASED, HINGE OPENING RUCKSACK 1. A rucksack with a rigid luggage casing which is constructed in two unequally sized portions, joined by a hinge and with carrying straps, and padding fixed to the outer face of the smaller portion of the casing.
2. A rucksack as claimed in Claim 1, where the hinge axis is arranged parallel to the vertical when the rucksack is carried on the back, and horizontal when opened.
3. A rucksack as claimed in Claim 1 & 2 with casing made from plastic material, or metal or a combination of these materials.
4. A rucksack as claimed in any preceding claim with lockable clasps fitted to the outside of the casing which secure the two casing parts in a closed position.
5. A rucksack as claimed in any preceding claim with moulded, integrated or bolt-on attachment fixtures, on the outside of the casing, to which carrying straps and padding are attached.
6. A rucksack substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.