KR20180044304A - Back frame - Google Patents

Abstract

The back frame comprises a first part (12) configured to releasably couple together in a plurality of relative positions (24, 30; 28, 26) to form a respective assembled configuration of two or more separated length back frames And a second separating component 14, whereby the back frame can be adjusted to the wearers of the different keys. The mutual binding is achieved by releasably releasing the first and second parts by mutually moving the first and second parts in a first direction generally toward each other and then in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction Lt; / RTI >

Description

Back frame

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a backframe, a rucksack, or a backframe suitable for attachment to an analogue.

An outer back frame (also known as a pack frame or backpack frame) is typically used when the wearer needs to carry heavy loads on his back. In one example, the outer back frame is worn by a soldier or a combat soldier. Such an outer back frame provides greater support, weight distribution, and wearer protection compared to a backpack that includes a no-frame backpack or an inner back frame.

U.S. Patent No. 7,793,809 describes an outer back frame particularly suitable for military use. This back frame includes a single-piece unit having a pair of spaced, generally parallel vertical side rails joined by a generally parallel upper end and a base cross-structure. These back frames are sized and dimensioned to suit the wearer of a particular key.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a back frame that overcomes or at least improves, or at least provides a useful alternative to, one or more drawbacks of conventional back frames.

Any reference to any prior art in the specification is intended to encompass such conventional art as forming part of the common general knowledge within any jurisdiction or that such prior art may be reasonably understood to be reasonable, And / or may be combined with other fragments of the prior art by one of ordinary skill in the art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a back frame that overcomes or at least improves, or at least provides a useful alternative to, one or more drawbacks of conventional back frames.

In a first aspect, the invention comprises a first component and a second component that are configured to couple and detachably couple together at a plurality of relative positions to form an assembled configuration of each of two or more separated length backframes Thereby providing a back frame, whereby the back frame can be adjusted to the wearers of the different keys. The mutual binding is achieved by releasably releasing the first and second parts by mutually moving the first and second parts in a first direction generally toward each other and then in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction Lt; / RTI >

The relative movement of the first and second parts along the second direction may include first and second parts that slide up and down.

In an embodiment, the back frame comprises at least one first formation on one of the first and second parts and a plurality of second forming parts on the other one of the first and second parts, 1 forming portion is selectively engaged with each second forming portion to form a respective assembled configuration of the back frame when the first and second components are releasably coupled to each other.

The first and second forming portions can be joined and separated by relatively moving the first and second parts in a direction opposite to the second direction and then in a direction opposite to the first direction. The first and second parts of the back frame can be separated as a whole when the first and second forming parts are detached.

The first forming portion may include a protruding binding forming portion and the second forming portion may include an opening and when the first and second parts are relatively moved in the first direction, do. The opening may be generally rectangular or rhombic, and preferably has a dimension for receiving the bond forming portion.

The first part of the back frame may comprise a binding formation, and the second part of the back frame then comprises a plurality of opposed openings. In addition, the second part of the back frame may then comprise a binding formation, and the first part of the back frame may comprise an additional plurality of openings.

In an embodiment, such or each link forming portion includes a generally L-shaped protrusion, which is slidably engaged with the peripheral wall of each opposed opening and releasably wedges therein. Such or each L-shaped protrusion is configured to be slidably engaged with the peripheral wall of each opposing opening by sliding the first and second parts of the back frame relatively up and down relative to each other in the second direction .

Preferably, the four bond forming portions are arranged in a rectangular array, which is advantageous in stiffness in each assembled configuration.

Each of the first and second parts may include one or more spaced apart cross-structures that are spaced apart and join together with a pair of generally parallel side rails and side rails, each of the side rails extending through each of the side rails Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI > linear array.

The first and second components are preferably substantially symmetrical about a vertical centerline parallel to the side rails.

In one embodiment, one of the one or more spaced apart cross-structures has a lumbar support member formed integrally therewith at a location between the side rails, such lumbar support member comprising a side rail, , With no further support from one cross-structure.

The back frame may further include a releasable latch arrangement that must be released, for example by hand, in a first act to enable disengagement of the first and second parts from the mutually engaging engagement of the first and second parts. The latch arrangement may include one or more additional binding formation located on one of the frame components and such additional binding formation may be received in a plurality of the aforementioned openings of the other component, Thereby preventing relative sliding between the first and second parts thereby to bond the first and second parts to each other.

In an embodiment, such or each additional bond forming portion is provided on each tab configured to be resiliently deflectable, e.g., by finger pressure, in a first operation.

A pair of latch arrangements may be present on each side of the back frame.

The lumbar support member and one cross-structure are dimensioned such that when the back frame is worn the lumbar support member is in contact with the back region of the wearer's back, and preferably the lumbar support member is resiliently flexed during such contact .

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second parts are curved to follow or approximate a typical curvature of the wearer's back.

In a preferred embodiment, the first part and / or the second part include one or more first attachment points such that the back frame can be releasably attached to the backpack, backpack, or the like. Preferably, the first part and / or the second part further comprise at least one second attachment point having a dimension for receiving a strap, such as a hip, waist or shoulder strap.

Preferably, the dimensions of the first and second parts are determined so that the back frame can be adjusted to vary its length up to 150 mm, for example 120 mm.

Preferably, the first and second components are each an integral single molding.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a back frame, wherein such a back frame comprises:

A pair of spaced and generally parallel side rails defining a selectively curved, planar surface, including side rails; And

At least one spaced apart cross-structure for joining the side rails, wherein the one or more spaced apart cross-structures are integrally formed at a location between the side rails and have a lumbar support member projecting without additional support from one cross- Or more spaced apart cross-structures;

The lumbar support member and one cross-structure are sized such that when the back frame is worn the lumbar support member is brought into contact with the back region of the wearer's back, and the lumbar support member is resiliently flexed during such contact do.

Preferably, the lumbar support member is generally an inverted U-shape.

Preferably, the lumbar support member is erected from one cross-structure when the backpack is worn in the correct orientation.

As used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "comprises" and variations of such terms as " comprising, "" Elements, integers, or steps.

Additional embodiments of the aspects described in the further aspects and the preceding paragraphs of the present invention will be given by way of example and will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a front perspective view of a back frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A is a front view of a first part which is a lower part of the back frame of Fig. 1, constituting a base frame; Fig.
2B is a front view of the second separating part, which is the upper part of the back frame of Fig. 1, constituting the upper end frame.
Figure 3a is a front elevational view of the first and second separate components of the back frame of Figure 1, respectively, in a fully disengaged or unassembled configuration, and a partial cross-sectional view, on line AA.
Fig. 3b is similar to Fig. 3a, but includes a view with a partially or partially assembled configuration of the back frame components.
Figure 3c compares the figures, similar to Figure 3a, but with a fully assembled or assembled configuration of the back frame components.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the back frame of Fig. 1, including a latch mechanism. Fig.
In the drawings, the "front view" shows the front side of the back frame (or the front side of the first and second separation parts). In use, the front side is facing the back of the wearer. As referred to herein, the "back view" shows the back side of the back frame (or the back side of the first and second separation components). In use, the rear side faces the backpack or other article carried by the back frame.

1, there is shown a back frame 10 for a backpack or other including a first part in the form of a generally rectangular base frame 12 and a second separating part in the form of a generally rectangular upper frame 14, Respectively. The base frame 12 and the top frame 14 are curved or generally concave in the lateral and longitudinal directions to follow or approximate a typical curvature of the wearer's back. The base frame 12 and the upper end frame 14 are detachably coupled to each other at a plurality of relative positions such that each of the back frames 10 of at least two distinct lengths (the first length is shown in FIG. 1) To form an assembled configuration. In this manner, as will be described in greater detail below, the back frame 10 can be adjusted to the wearers of the different keys.

Each of the base frame 12 and the upper end frame 14 includes a respective spaced, generally parallel vertical side rails 16, 18 joined by cross-structures 20, 22 that extend generally in a transverse direction, Lt; / RTI > As shown in the figure, each of the base frame 12 and the upper frame 14 is each symmetrical about a vertical centerline extending through the frame. Each of the base frame 12 and the upper end frame 14 is a single molding of an integral part of a suitable high strength plastic material, for example polycarbonate. The frame may preferably exhibit some bending under stiffness or predefined loads.

The base frame 12 and the upper frame 14 are detachably coupled to each other by a complementary binding forming portion and an opening positioned on each frame.

A pair of first forming portions in the form of a protruding binding forming portion, generally comprising an inverted L-shaped protrusion 24 (see FIG. 2A), extends generally forward from the upper end of the side rail 16 of the base frame 12 Respectively. The projections 24 are generally inverted L-shaped when viewed in cross section and generally rectangular when viewed from the front. 1) of the back frame 10, a first pair of L-shaped binding protrusions 24 of the base frame 12 are formed generally in the side rails 18 of the upper frame 14 Is releasably received within each pair of a plurality of second forming portions in the form of a rectangular or rhomboid-shaped opening (30). Each side rail 18 has a linear array of apertures 30 of equal spacing.

Similarly, a second pair (see FIG. 2B) of binding formation 28 similar in shape to the protrusions 24 protrudes generally rearward from the lower end of each side rail 18 of the upper frame 14 . In the assembled configuration, the second pair of L-shaped binding projections 28 of the upper frame 14 are spaced at equal intervals along each side rail 16 (see FIG. 2A) of the base frame 12 And is releasably received within each of a plurality of similarly vertically arranged openings 26 that are generally rectangular or rhombic in shape. 2A and 2B, the first pair of L-shaped protrusions 24 protrude in a direction opposite to the second pair of L-shaped protrusions 28, so that the L- The protrusions 24, 28 are releasably wedgeable within respective opposed openings in the assembled configuration, as described below.

Advantageously, when the first and second pairs of L-shaped coupling protrusions 24, 28 are interdigitated with respective opposed openings 30, 26, the base frame 12 and the upper frame 14 are all Are firmly interconnected at four locations. Due to the arrangement of the four L-shaped coupling projections 24 and 28 on the opposite side rails 16 and 18 of the base frame 12 and the upper frame 14 respectively, the base frame 12 and the upper frame 14 Are rigidly interconnected in particular.

The mutual coupling between the base frame 12 and the upper end frame 14 for forming the assembled back frame 10 will now be described with reference to Figs. 3A to 3C. Figure 3A shows the base frame 12 and top frame 14 superimposed on each other in a closely spaced but fully engaged disassembled or unassembled configuration. 3a, the first L-shaped coupling protrusion 24 (shown in phantom) of the base frame 12 includes an upper frame 14 (shown in cross-hatched) Adjacent to, but spaced from, the opposed openings 30 of the housing. Similarly, the second L-shaped coupling protrusion 28 of the upper frame 14 is adjacent to, but removed from, the opposed opening 26 of the base frame 12 and positioned there. In this position, the upper end frame 14 and the base frame 12 are fully engaged or separated, but each frame 12, 14 is generally inwardly directed (as shown by the arrow 102 in Figure 3a) Or together). ≪ / RTI >

3B, the first L-shaped coupling protrusion 24 of the base frame 12 is now received in or positioned within the opposed opening 30 of the upper end frame 14 (see FIG. 3B) . Similarly, the second L-shaped coupling protrusion 26 of the upper frame 14 is now received in the opposing opening 28 of the base frame 12. In this position, the upper end frame 14 and the base frame 12 are partially engaged or partially assembled, but they are parallel to the side rails 16, 18 (as indicated by the vertical arrows 104 in Figure 3B) Can be fully engaged or fully assembled by sliding each frame 12, 14 along generally opposing directions.

3C, the first L-shaped coupling protrusions 24 of the base frame 12 are arranged at right angles to the peripheral wall 30a of the opposed opening 30 of the upper end frame 14 Slidably coupled. Similarly, the second L-shaped coupling protrusion 28 of the upper frame 14 is slidably coupled to the peripheral wall 26a of the opposing opening 26 of the base frame 12 in a vertical manner. In this sense, the L-shaped protrusions 24, 28 releasably wedge within the opposed openings 30, 26 (or relative to their peripheral walls 30a, 26a). The base frame 12 and the top frame 14 are now fully interconnected so that the back frame 10 is now fully assembled in one of a plurality of relative positions.

The base frame 12 and the upper end frame 14 are coupled and detached in this position by a latch arrangement comprising a pair of similar latches 100 arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of the assembly as seen from the rear or front Possibly linked together. Each latch 100 includes an angular, elongated, planar tab 50 that is cut from within the enlarged upper end portion 17 of each rail 16 of the base frame 12, So that the tab is hinged at such an edge and can be elastically warped from its rest position at the same height as the end portion 17. The inner end of the tab 50 near the hinged edge is located on the side of the opening 30 of the rail 18 of the upper end frame 14 when the base and upper frame are fully interconnected and assembled as described above. Shaped inner land or protrusion 40 that is associated with the edge of the cannula. The L-shaped land or protrusion 40 thereby prevents unintentional relative sliding of the rail pair that may release engagement between the projections 24 and 28 and the openings 26 and 30, And thereby binds the frames together. Such unintentional bond separation is dangerous in the field, especially in heavily loaded packs under particularly demanding conditions.

The land or protrusion 40 may be unlatched from the opening 30 by resiliently pressing the free end 52 of the tab 50 in the direction of the arrow ("push") in FIG. This is the first phase of three motion movements necessary to separate the base and top frame to adjust the length of the back frame.

Thereafter, the base and upper end frames 12, 14 may be slid longitudinally and in a partial engagement position shown in Figure 3b in a direction opposite to each other parallel to the side rails 16, 18. In this position, the base and upper end frames 12, 14 can subsequently be separated by pulling each frame generally away (or at least one of the frames away from the other frame) from each other-the base and upper frame 12 , 14 have now returned to the fully separated position shown in Figure 3A.

It will be appreciated that the location of the L-shaped coupling protrusions 24, 28 in each opposed opening 30, 28 forms the overall length (or height) of the back frame 10. For example, if the L-shaped binding protrusion 24 of the base frame 12 is positioned in the lowest opposed opening 30 of the upper frame 14, the back frame 10 will be its maximum length. However, if the L-shaped binding protrusions 24 of the base frame 12 are positioned in the highest opposing opening 30 of the upper frame 14, the back frame 10 will be the minimum length thereof. The back frame 10 is designed such that the difference between the maximum and minimum lengths of the back frames, that is, the adjustable range of the back frames is 120 mm, which is indicated by five 30 mm increments. Typically, this difference, or adjustment range, can be up to 150 mm. In the case of the Australian population, the difference in dorsal length of the 100th percentile for 99th percentile males is 153 mm and the adjustment range of 120 mm is thought to cover 98% of such population.

Certain other features of the illustrated back frame 10 will now be described. Referring specifically to Figs. 1 and 2A, the base frame 12 includes a generally inverted U-shaped lumbar support member 60 formed integrally with the lowest transversely extending cross-structure 20. The U-shaped lumbar support member 60 is projected without additional support from the lowermost cross-structure 20 so as to be inclined with respect to the plane including the side rails 16. Shaped lumbar support member 60 and the lowermost crossover structure 20 such that the lumbar support member 60 is in contact with the back region of the wearer's back when the backbrake 10 is worn (not shown) The dimensions are determined. Advantageously, the U-shaped lumbar support member 60 exhibits an elastic hinge action and thus can be elastically warped during such contact, thereby providing responsive support to the back vertebral region of the wearer. The back frame 10 comprises a molded material, such as a suitable polycarbonate, which may be elastically deformable.

The base and upper end frames 12 and 14 further include a plurality of generally elongated pill-shaped attachment slots 70 disposed on the side and end structures or wings 71 of each frame . As shown in FIG. 2A, the base frame 12 includes symmetrically arranged elongated attachment slots 70 (located around the wearer's buttocks) (when the back frame 10 is worn). Similarly, the upper end frame 14 includes symmetrically arranged attachment slots 70 positioned about the upper and side regions of the wearer's shoulders (when the back frame is worn). Attachment slot 70 is used to releasably attach back frame 10 to an appropriate backpack, backpack, or the like (not shown). Attachment slot 70 is also used to releasably receive one or more straps or belts, such as a buttock, waist, or shoulder strap (not shown). The configuration, shape, and number of the slots 70 and of the side and end structures or wings 71, as well as the intended use of the back frame, may vary.

It is to be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or implied by the sentences or figures. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention.

Claims (21)

As a back frame:
A first part and a second separation part configured to be detachably coupled to each other at a plurality of relative positions so as to form an assembled configuration of each of the back frames of at least two different lengths, Can be adjusted to the wearers of the different keys;
Wherein the mutual binding is achieved by relatively moving the first and second parts in a first direction generally toward each other and then in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, Releasably interconnecting the back frame. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the relative movement of the first and second parts along the second direction is configured to include the first and second parts that slide up and down. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
And a plurality of second forming portions on one of the first and second parts and one or more second forming portions on the other one of the first and second parts, Wherein the first and second parts form a respective assembled configuration of the back frame when the first and second parts are releasably coupled to one another. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the first and second forming portions are joined and separated by relatively moving the first and second parts in a direction opposite to the second direction and then in a direction opposite to the first direction. The method according to claim 3 or 4,
Wherein the first and second parts of the back frame are detachable as a whole when the first and second forming portions are detached from each other. 6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
Wherein when the first and second parts are relatively moved in the first direction, the protruding binding forming portion is received in the selected opposed opening so that the protruding binding forming portion Back frame. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the first part of the back frame comprises the binding formation and the second part of the back frame comprises the plurality of opposed openings. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the second part of the back frame includes the binding formation, and wherein the first part of the back frame includes the additional plurality of openings. 9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The or each binding formation includes a generally L-shaped protrusion, the L-shaped protrusion being slidably engaged with a peripheral wall of each of the opposed openings to releasably wedge inwardly. frame. 10. The method of claim 9,
The or each L-shaped protrusion can be slidably engaged with the peripheral wall of each of the opposing openings by sliding the first and second parts of the back frame relatively up and down relative to each other in the second direction The back frame being configured to be coupled. 11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10,
A back frame with four binding portions arranged in a rectangular array. 12. The method of claim 11,
Each of said first and second parts including spaced apart and generally parallel side rail pairs and at least one spaced apart cross-structure joining said side rails, And a plurality of said apertures arranged in a linear array along the rail. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein one of the one or more spaced apart cross-structures has a lumbar support member formed integrally therewith at a position between the side rails, the lumbar support member comprising a side- , And is inclined relative to the plane, without any additional support from said one cross-structure. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Further comprising a releasable latch arrangement to be released in a first motion to enable disengagement of the first and second parts from the mutually engaging engagement of the first and second parts. 14. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 13,
Further comprising a releasable latch arrangement arranged to be released in a first motion for permitting engagement and disengagement of the first and second components, wherein the latch arrangement comprises one or more additional binding arrangements located on one of the parts Wherein said additional binding formation can be received in a plurality of said openings of said other part and when said first and second parts are bonded to the peripheral wall of said respective opening when they are joined to each other, 1 and the second part, thereby to bond the first and second parts to each other. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the or each additional binding formation is provided on each tab configured to flex elastically in a first motion. 17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16,
And a pair of latch arrangements on each side of the back frame. 18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17,
Wherein the first and second parts are curved so as to follow or approximate a typical curvature of the wearer's back. 19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18,
Wherein the first and second parts are each an integral single molding. As a back frame:
A pair of spaced and generally parallel side rails defining a selectively curved, planar surface, including side rails; And
One or more spaced apart cross-structures joining the side rails, one of the one or more spaced apart cross-structures being integrally formed together at a location between the side rails, the one cross- Comprising at least one spaced apart cross-structure having a lumbar support member projecting from the structure without additional support;
The lumbar support member and the one cross-structure are dimensioned such that when the back frame is worn, the lumbar support member is brought into contact with the back region of the wearer's back, and the lumbar support member is resiliently The back frame being configured to flex. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the lumbar support member is generally inverted U-shaped and is erected from the one cross-structure when the back frame is worn in the correct orientation.

Images