GB2568267A

GB2568267A - Dual purpose rucksack

Info

Publication number: GB2568267A
Application number: GB1718541.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Curtis Eileen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-11-09
Filing date: 2017-11-09
Publication date: 2019-05-15
Also published as: GB201718541D0; EP3482653A1

Abstract

A dual-purpose rucksack (1, fig.1) which can be used as a conventional rucksack or converted into a temporary shelter. The rucksack is suitable for carrying an inner pack (4, fig.3) within the outer pack (3, fig.2). The outer pack comprises a twin-walled envelope which is foldable around the inner pack. The inner pack may be releasably secured to the outer pack and the two packs may have a common lid. The outer pack can be unfolded so that the twin walls form an outer panel 25 of flexible material and a canopy 50 of flexible material. Support stays (55, fig.11) may be provided to support the canopy 50 above the outer panel 25 in the deployed position. Fasteners such as zips 54 may be provided to secure adjacent panels together when folding the outer panel 25 into a rucksack configuration.

Description

This invention relates to a dual purpose rucksack that converts easily into a shelter.

AH too often hlllwalkers. hunters or miiitary/poiice/civil defence personnel find themselves forced to stay overnight in rough terrain. This may be^; .paused by operational requirements or an unfortunate change in weather, circumstances or by 10 becoming disorientated. This invention is directed towards providing shelter to those individuals and as such overcoming a major survival issue. It would also be used by mountain marathon runners and canoeists, who all experience wight and space limitations.

According to the invention, there is provided a dual purpose rucksack including:

an outer pack and a complementary inner carry pack which is mountable: 20 within the outer park;

the outer pack comprising a twin-waited envelope which is foldable between a closed position forming the outer pack and an open position forming a temporary shelter.

The great advantage of this rucksack is that the inner pack can be easily removed from the outer pack and ali the contents cf the rucksack removed, except obviously any external pouches. With the contents of the rucksack removed, then release of the fasteners allows the shelter to be formed immediately it will ba appreciated that 30 the Inner pack can be made of a very light material since it <s unlikely that a rucksack will be converted into a shelter more than three or four times during its usable life and thus, effectively, the inner pack can be a liner for the rucksack and thus function as a lightweight but serviceable pack,

-. 9'._ **·

In ersoiher embodiment, the inner pack has shoulder carrying straps for use as a separate rucksack when removed from ths main pack. This is particularly advantageous because, in effect, now there is a second rucksack and none of the problems associated with the lack of carry capac-iy of the rucksack, as has 5 occurred heretofore, are significant. Il also incorporates a storm collar and lid for both packs.

ideally, the inner pack: has: an open mouth, the periphery of which is reteasabiy connected to the mam pack by further pack connecting fasteners and in which the IS shoulder carrying straps and, 4 provided, the inner cover flap for the inner pack are stored between the toner and outer packs The advantage of this is that all the carrying straps, carrying handies, connectors, etc. including the shoulder straps of the inner pack are stored neatly within the rucksack. Thus, the interior main compartment of the rucksack can be configured in any .suitable way, without the 1S need to take account of the additional straps and other devices, including any shoulder straps, for example, or other carrying straps, which are hidden and stored away.

In one embodiment of the invention the inner carry pack is nestably engagabte wi-hin 20 the outer pack.

ip another embodiment: df the invention a pack connector is provided for reteasabiy securing the inner carry pack to the outer pack.

in a further embodiment of the invention the pack connector comprises complementary .hook and pile fastener strips on each pack.

In one embodiment of the invention the inner cany pack has substantially similar volume-to the outer pack when the outer pack is in the closed position.

In another embodiment of fee invention the packs have a common lid which is: mounted on one of the packs.

In a further- embodiment of the invention the common lid is mounted oh the; inner 35 carry pack.

irt one embodiment of the invention the .inner carry pack ss provided with shoulder streps, in one embodiment of the invention the outer pack comprises an outer pane! of flexible material to which is attached a canopy of flexible material.

In another embodiment of the invention the canopy is movable between a folded flat position against an inner face of the outer panel and a deployed position arching above the outer panel.

In a further embodiment of the invention fasteners are provided on th® canopy to support the canopy in a folded position against the outer panel.

in -one embodiment of the invention one or more support stays are provided to support the canopy above the outer panel -n the deployed positon.

In another embodiment of the invention the outer panel has an upper torso section and a lower leg section of narrower width extending outwardly from the torso section in another embodiment of the invention the outer panel incorporates a cushion which extends ait least over part of the length of the outer panel.

In another embodiment of the invention the outer panel comprises a number of hingedly interconnected outer pack side wall panels with a plurality of fasteners te releasably secure adjacent panels together when the outer pack is in the closed position.

In one embodiment cf the invention the side wall panels comprises a back panel, side panels projecirg -outwardly at each side of the back panel t bottom panel projecting outwardly at an inner end of the bask panel, a front panel projecting outwardly from the opposite side of the bottom panel to the back panel, wing panels at each side of the front panel forming an extension of the side panels of the back panel, a head panel attached to an outer end of the back panel, and a foot panel forming an extension of the front panel and wing panels.

In another embodiment, of the invention the back panel and ths bottom panel incorporate cushion elements.

In another embodiment of the invention complementary slip elements ere provided along inner edges and side edges of the side panels and alongside edges of the bottom panel and the front panel, the zip elements being interengagable to secure the outer pack in the dosed position.

in another embodiment of the invention attachment means is provided on an extenor of the outer pack for demountable detachment of one or more auxiliary pouches.

In a: further embodiment of the invention loops and/or strapping Is provided or tho outer pack to fediifate use of the outer pack when in the open position as a stretcher.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a dual purpose rucksack hsving a 2G pack comprising a twin-walied envelope which is foldable between a closed position forming the pack and an open position forming a temporary shelter.

In accordance with the invention, the outer pack comprises of an elongated sheet of material forming the bass of the invention. The main part having formed the pack, 25 extensions on the: sides, top end tower end: provide sufficient area to mount the shelter tent.

in accordance with the invention, the outer elongated mem portion of substantially constant width and the side extensions, the portion of the main portion between the 30 side extensions forming the base of the rucksack and the main portion projecting beyond the top portion, the cover flap and tee rear, one? part of an elongate two part reieasabie fastener on each side extension portion, and extending adjacent and along the side: edges projecting out from the main portion and the other pari of the fastener extending adjacent the paraiial free edges of ths main portion forming the 35 front and the rear of the rucksack whereby when the side extension portions: ere folded inwards orthogonal to trie main portion to form the sides of the rucksack and the main portion is folded upwards and back across the exposed edges of side extension portions to form the rucksack., h will be appreciated that this particular construction is very easily adapted to disassembly and assembly and in particular :§. can be disassembled rapidly In an emergency situation;

In another embodiment of the invention, the mala portion includes further laterally extended extension portions folded back oh· themselves along a fold hne when the rucksack is formed.

Ideally, the fastener is a zip fastener comprising two flexible strips with mWfodkin^ parts engaged and disengaged by a slidable connector. This is a particularly suitable form of fastener since it can be continuously mounted to allow very quick disassembly of the rucksack .

In another embodiment a covered vent is provided in a vsrticaLend of the canopy.

In another embodiment additional pouches are easily connected to the outsideof the mam or inner pack by pouch fasteners.

The invention will be more cieariy understood from the following description of some of the embodiments thereof, given by way of an example only, with reference 25 to the apcompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevabcnai view of a rucksack according to the invention, shown in use;

Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view showing an outer pack forming portion of the rucksack;

Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view of an inner carry pack forming portion of the rucksack:

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the inner pack;

Fig. 5 is an elevalionai view showing the outer pack in another position of use;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the outer pack corresponding 'to the position· shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. ? is a perspective view of the' outer pack shown in another position of 10 use, partially deployed as a shelter;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the outer pack corresponding to the view shown in Fig. 7.

IS Fig. 9 is a detail perspective view of an anchoring efernent on the outer pack;

Fig. W is a perspective view of the outer pack in another position of use,, shown deployed as a temporary shelter;

on

As V

Fig. 11 is a perspective; view of the outer pack deployed as a temporary shelter;

Fig. 12 is a detail perspective view showing: a support stay and ground anchonng element on the outer pack;

Fig 13 is a detail perspective view showing an end of the outer pack when deployed as a shelter in the position corresponding to that shown in Fig 11;

Fig. 14 is a plan view of a in an open position; and ce of the outer pack when the outer pack is

Fig. 15 is a schematic illustration of panels forming the outer pack.

Detested Description of th© Wsdgi

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a dual-purpose rucksack according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. Fig 1 shows the 5 rucksack 1 in use being carded on the back of a person 2 in the usual fashion The rucksack 1 comprises an outer pack 3 and a .complementary inner carry pack 4. which ss nestably engagable within the outer pack 3. The outer pack 3 is formed by a twin-walled envelope which is foldable between a closed poslton forming the outer pack as shown in Fig. 1 .and Fig. 2 and an open position forming a temporary W shelter as-shown in Fig. 11,

The inner carry pack 4 is a snug nesting fit within the outer pack 3 and forms an inner liner for the outer pack and essentially comprises a rectangular base δ with upstanding Font wall 7, side walls 8. 9 and rear wall 10. Shoulder straps n are 15 protected on the rear wail W. A storm collar 12 with drawstring 14 is mounted at a top: of ths wails 7, 8, 9, 1G._: A lid 15. which serves: as a lid for both the inner carry pack 4 and the outer pack 3 is hingedly mounted at an upper end ci' tine back wall

10. Releasable pairs of snap closure elements. IS, 17 are provided on the- lid 15 and on the front wall 7 to releasably close the. lid 15 on the inner carry pack 4.

Additional closure elements 18 are provided on an exterior of the outer pack 3 for closing the lid 15 over the outer pack 3 and Inner carry pack 4 when the inner carry pack 4 is mounted within the outer pack 3.

A Velcro, band 20 extends around a rim at an upper end of the walls 7, 8, 9, 10 of 25 the inner cany pack 4 and this is enagagabte with complementary Velcro strips 21 (Fig 2) extending along an inside top edge of the outer pack 3 so that when the inner carry pack 4 Is nestably engaged Witten the outer pack 3. the two packs 3,4 are releasably secured together.

Referring in particular to .¾ 1 and Fig. 15, the outer pack 3 comprises an outer panel 25 of flexible material arranged in a number of hingedly interconnected side wall panels, th this .ease the side wail panels include a rectangular back panel 26. Generally rectangular side panels 27 project outwardly at each side of the back panel 26 and are hingedly connected to the back panel 26 along fold lines 28, 29.

A rectangular bottom panel 30 projects outwardly at an inner end of the back panel

-826 and hingediy connects io the back panel 26 along into line 31. A rectanguter f-oni panel 32 projects outwardly from the opposite side of the bottom panel 30 to the back panel 26 and hingediy connects to the bottom panel 30 along fold line 33.

Generally rectangular wing panels 34 at each side of the front panel 32 and bottom panel 30 form extensions of the side panels 27 of the back panel 26 and hingediy connect to. the bottom panel 30 and front panel 32 along fold lines 35 forming extensions of the fold lines 28. 29 arid hingediy connect Ιο the aids? panels 27 along fold lines 36: forming an extension of the fold line 31.

10: It will be noted that the outer panel 25 has an upper torso section (panels 26, 27) and a tower teg section (panels 30, 32. 34, 401 of narrower width extending outwardly from the torso section.

A rectangular head panel 38 is attached to an oyter end of the back, panel 26, 15 extending across the back panel 26 and side panels 27 and hingediy connected thereto along a common told line 39. A rectangular foot panel 40 forms and extension of the front panel 32 and wing panels 34 and is hingediy connected thereto along a common fold line 41. Cushion elements are mounted within the back panel 26 add bottom panel 30

Referring In particular to Fig. 1 and Fig 14, zip fasteners 43 have compfefn^hW zip elements: 44, 45 which are provided along the inner edges 45 and side edges 47 of the side panels 27 and along side edges 48,49 of the bottom panel 30 and front panel 32. The zip elements 44, 45 am interengagable to form the zips 43 which 25 secure the outer pouch 3 in the closed: position with the wing panels 34, head panel and foot panel 40 folded inwardly within the outer pack 3.

Referring in particular to Fig. 7 to Fig. 13. the cuter pack further comprises a canopy 50 of flexible material The canopy 50 is movable between a folded flat 30 positort aga-nst an inner face of the cuter panel 25 as shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 and a deployed position arching above the outer panel 25 as shown in Fig, IQ and

Fig. 11. Zip fasteners 52, 53, each having complementary interengagable zip elements 51, 54, are provided on trie canopy 50 in a longitudinal orientation to support the canopy 50 in a folded positon against the outer panel 25 and facilitate a 35 neat folding into the closed position for tofrning the outer pack 3. Thus, gusset folds

-0are formed in the canopy 50 and the zips 52. 53 engage toisecure the canopy 50 in the folded position as shown in rig. 7 and Fig, 8.

Referring in particular· to Fig. ID arid Fig. 11. arcuate support stays 55 are engagable through associated mounting loops 56 spaced-apart along top and bottom edges of the canopy 50 to support the canopy 50 above the outer 'panel 25 in the deployed positon. Stay mounting elements 57 are provided on the outer panel 25 adjacent each end of the canopy 50 and at each side of the canopy 50 to receive each end of ths stays 55 in V-shaped sockets 59, and also include loops 68 for securing the canopy 50 the ground by means of tent pegs or the like. A-vent opening 60 covered by a flap 61 is provided ·η a closed end wall 62 at. a bottom of the canopy 50.

As best seen in Fig. 14. shoulder straps 64 are provided on an outer face of the 15 back panel 26 as are waist straps 65.

In use, the rucksack 1 can be used in similar fashion to a conventional rucksack with the outer pack 3 in the closed position and the inner carry pack 4 mounted and secured wdh-n the outer pack 3. To form a temporary shelter, the inner carry pack 20 4 is detached and removed from the outer pack as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The outer pack 3 is then unzipped and folded info the flat positon shown in Fig 14 and

Fig. 15. Then the canopy gysseting zips 52, 53 are undone and parted allowing the canopy 50 to expand. Insertion of the stays 55 at each end of the canopy 50 supports the canopy 5 in the arcuate or domed position over the outer panel 25 to provide a temporary shelter as shown m Fig, 11. After use as a shelter the canopy is collapsed and folded fiat and secured. In the folded position by the gusset zips:

52, 53. Th® head panel 38 -s folded inwardly between the canopy 50 and the outer panel 25 and the foot panel 40 is folded inwardly about fold line 4.1 over the front panel 32 and wing panels 34. By re-engaging the zip elements 44, 45 and closing each zip 43 on the outer pack 3, the -outer panel 25 is again formed into the outer pack 3 with the wing panels 3.4 and foot panel 40 being housed wlthm the outer pack 3. The -oner cany pack 4 can again be mounted within the cuter pack 3 end secured therein by means of foe Velcro band 20 and associated stops 21.

-10 It. will be appreciated that many types of fasteners may be used and while, in. the embodiments described ^bdW-s only zip fasteners have been described,: other fasteners may be used, particularly, for example, for the expandable pouches and potential internal attachments where fasteners such as honk and loop fasteners, 5 similar to those sold under the Trademark VELCRO, may be used. Further, it will be appreciated that, depending on the amount of material being used and whether additional materia! is required for wrapping around an injured person or in some other way. for holding them secure, the position of the zips will need to be moved. However, the important point io appreciate is that any number of straps, attachment TO devices, and so an, may be provided on the outer pack because the inner pack wi!i always cover them when the invention is in use as a rucksack.

In relation to the inner pack, it will be appreciated that the inner pack can be made of any suitable material and can be of relatively lightweight construction. However, it 15 is envisioned the inner pack wlli be manufactured from a relatively lightweight washabfe materiel so that it can be removed from the rucksack from time to time.

Similarly, extension pieces may be manufactured from much lighter weight material than that of the rest of the outer pack.

One of the advantages of the invention -s that toe rucksack is normally cons>d«red a standard piece of equipment, both for recreational off-road walkers, military personnel, mountain rescue units, c v! defence, etc., the pussession o! a dual purpose rucksack according to the present invention would not mean that anybody 26 would consider the carrying of the rucksack as an undue burden and, in some way, leading to the carrying of useless additional equipment it is envisaged that the dual purpose rucksack according to the present invention may be manufactured from a suitable material for example relatively strong fabric 30 such ss Military Specification Cardura nylon, or other breathable material of similar strength.

it will be appreciated with the present invention, that the rucksack will fulfil all the functions of a standard rucksack and be virtually indistinguishable in appearance 35 from a regular rucksack.

-11 Conveniently, the irtner carry peck has e capacity of approximately 35 litres Which Is the most common size of rucksack used by day walkers, hikers, hunters, and many other users of rucksacks. Side pouches on Ihe outer pack can increase the volume 5 by 15 to 16 litres, this increase will provide a rucksack of a size of a greater size than 35 litres, white more or less retaining the same basic structure. It is envisioned that the overall weight of the rucksack according to the Invention will be approximately 2 kg which Is not much greater than cr; ordinary rucksack of comparable size made with standard materials.

Another advantage of the present invention is that there is little assembly required and the rucksack, when used as a shelter in accordance with the present invention? can be relatively easily used in any circumstance the user may encounter..

A GTAS (ground to air signal) panel of' reflective material may be provided on one or both packs and also on the canopy, if desired, as an additional safety feature.

In this specification the terms “comprise, comprises, comprised, and comprising ' or any variation thereof and the terms “include, includes, included, and including” or 20 any variation thereof are considered to be .totally interchangeable and they should ail be afforded the widest possible interpretation and vice versa.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described, hut-may be varied in construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1, A dual purpose rucksack, including:

S an outer pack and a complementary inner carry pack which is mouniabie within the outer park;

tire outer peck composes a twin-walled envelope which is foldable between a closed position forming the outer pack and an open position forming a 10 temporary shelter,

2, Ths ruokssek as claimed In claim 1 wherein the inner carry pack is nestably engagabie within the Outer pack.

15

3, The rucksack as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein a pack connector is provided for releasably -securing the inner carry pack to the outer pack.

4. The rucksack as claimed in cla-m 3 wherein the pack connector composes cornplementery hook and pile fastener strips on each pack,

5. The rucksack as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the inner carry pack has-substantially simitar volume to the, outer pack when the outer pack is in the closed position,.

25

6. The rucksack as claimed in claim in any one of the preceding claims wherein the packs have a common iid which is mounted on one of the packs.

7, The rucksack as claimed in claim β wherein the common lid is mounted on ths inner curry pack.

8. The rucksack as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the inner cany pack is provided with shoulder straps.

9. The rucksack as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer pack comprises an outer panel of flexible material to which is attached a canopy of fiexibie material

5 10. The rucksack as claimed in ciaim 9 wherein the canopy is movable between a folded flat position against so inner face of the outer panel and e deployed position arching: above the outer panel

It, The rucksack as claimed in claim 10 wherein fasteners are provided on the_:

10 canopy to support ths canopy in a folded position against the outer panel

12, The rucksack as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein one or mote' support stays are provided to support the canopy above the outer panel in the deployed position.

1:5

13. The rucksack as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the outer panel has an upper torso section and a lower leg section of narrower' width extending outwardly from the torso section.

29

14. The rucksack as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein the outer panel incorporates si cusniun which extends at. least over pad of the length of the outer panel.

15, The rucksack as claimed in claim in any one of claims 9 to 14 wherein the

25 outer panel comprises a number of hingediy interconnected outer pack side wait panels with a plurality of fasteners to releasably secure adjacent panels together when the outer pack i$ in the closed position,

16, The rucksack as claimed, in claim 15 wherein the side wail panels comprises a

30 back panel side panels projecting outwardly at each side of the back panel a bottom penal projecting outwardly at an inner end of the back panel, a front pane· projecting outwardly from the opposite side of the bottom panel to the back panel, vying panels at each side of the front panel forming an extension of the side panels of the back panel a head panel attached to an outer end of · 14 the back panel, and a foot panel·forming so .extension of the front panel and wing panels.

17. The rucksack as claimed in. claim; 16 wherein th® back panel and the bottom δ panel incorporate cushion elements,

18. The rucksack as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein complementary zip elements are provided along inner edges and side edges of the side panels and along side edges of the bottom panel and the front panel, the zip

19. The rucksack as claimed in any one of ths preceding claims wherein attachment means is provided on an exterior of the outer pack for demountable detachment of one or more auxiliary pouches.

<14

20. The rucksack as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein loops and/or strapping is provided on the outer pack to facilitate use of the outer pack when in the open position as a stretcher.