US20050087577A1 - Backpack having a shoulder strap mounted lift buckle - Google Patents
Backpack having a shoulder strap mounted lift buckle Download PDFInfo
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- US20050087577A1 US20050087577A1 US10/872,756 US87275604A US2005087577A1 US 20050087577 A1 US20050087577 A1 US 20050087577A1 US 87275604 A US87275604 A US 87275604A US 2005087577 A1 US2005087577 A1 US 2005087577A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- strap
- buckle
- backpack
- lift
- lift strap
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
- A45F3/04—Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders
- A45F3/047—Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders with adjustable fastenings for the shoulder straps or waist belts
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
- A44B11/00—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts
- A44B11/02—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts frictionally engaging surface of straps
- A44B11/06—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts frictionally engaging surface of straps with clamping devices
- A44B11/12—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts frictionally engaging surface of straps with clamping devices turnable clamp
- A44B11/14—Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts frictionally engaging surface of straps with clamping devices turnable clamp with snap-action
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
- A45F3/04—Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to backpacks and, more particularly, to backpacks having lift straps coupled to the shoulder straps.
- most conventional backpacks 10 have a pair of shoulder strap assemblies 28 and a waist strap 42 coupled to a storage compartment 34 for holding objects to be carried upon the back of a user.
- the shoulder strap assemblies 28 and the waist strap 42 distribute the load of the objects carried within the storage compartment 34 upon the shoulders and waist or hips of the user.
- backpacks arranged as described are effective in assisting a user in carrying objects upon the user's back, they are not without problems. For instance, it was found that the ability to adjust the ratio of weight borne by the shoulders relative to the waist of the user was desirable. To accomplish this function, conventional backpacks have incorporated a pair of lift strap assemblies 12 which interconnect an upper portion 36 of the backpack 10 to the shoulder strap assemblies 28 .
- a first end 20 of the lift strap 18 is rigidly affixed to the shoulder strap assembly 28 by stitching 24 .
- the lift strap 18 then engages a buckle 16 attached to the upper portion 36 of the storage compartment 34 by a short anchor strap 14 at attachment location 26 .
- the lift strap 18 is engaged with the buckle 16 by passing the second free end 22 of the lift strap 18 around at least one friction bar 44 .
- the friction created by the change of direction of the lift strap 18 as the lift strap 18 encircles the friction bar 44 impedes the movement of the lift strap assembly 12 relative to the buckle until the buckle 16 is manipulated by the user.
- a backpack including a storage compartment and a shoulder strap assembly attached at a first end to the storage compartment at a first location and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location.
- the backpack further includes a buckle attached to the shoulder strap assembly and a lift strap having a first end attached to the upper portion of the storage compartment and spanning above the shoulder strap assembly from its location of attachment to the storage compartment to engagement with the buckle.
- the buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.
- the lift strap includes a second end extending beyond the buckle, wherein the buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap through manipulation of the second end of the lift strap.
- the buckle is actuatable between a first position, wherein the buckle prevents lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction, and a second position, wherein the buckle permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction.
- the buckle is actuatable between the first and the second positions through manipulation of a second end of the lift strap extending beyond the buckle.
- the buckle may be actuatable from the first position to the second position by increasing the angle of inclination of the second end of the lift strap relative to the buckle.
- the buckle may be actuatable from the second position to the first position by changing the angle that the second end of the lift strap extends from the buckle.
- the backpack may further include a waist strap coupled to the lower portion of the storage compartment and operable to at least partially encircle the waist of a user. Further, the adjustment of the length of the lift strap may selectively adjust the ratio of weight carried by the shoulder strap assembly relative to the waist strap when the backpack is worn by a user. In accordance with further additional aspects of one embodiment of the present invention, the lift strap passes substantially straight through the buckle without undergoing a substantially change in direction.
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of the shoulder strap assembly and a lift strap assembly of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 ;
- FIGS. 2-6 illustrate one embodiment of a backpack 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown.
- the backpack 100 is designed to be worn upon the back of a user (not shown) to facilitate the carrying of a load.
- the backpack 100 includes a pair of lift strap assemblies 112 a and 112 b , a pair of shoulder strap assemblies 129 a and 129 b , and a waist strap 142 , all coupled to a storage compartment 134 .
- the storage compartment 134 defines a cavity used for the storage of objects to be carried therein.
- the storage compartment 134 includes an upper portion 136 and a lower portion 138 .
- first shoulder strap assembly 129 a Coupled to the upper portion 136 of the storage compartment 134 at attachment location 140 is a first shoulder strap assembly 129 a .
- the lower end of the first shoulder strap assembly 129 a may be coupled to the lower portion 138 of the storage compartment 134 by stitching (not shown).
- the first shoulder strap assembly 129 a is comprised of a shoulder pad 128 having an inner channel 148 passing therethrough.
- a shoulder strap 146 passes through the inner channel 148 of the shoulder pad 128 .
- the shoulder strap 146 is comprised of three sections: an upper shoulder strap section 131 , a middle shoulder strap section 130 , and a lower shoulder strap section 150 .
- the upper end of the upper shoulder strap section 131 is anchored to the upper portion 136 of the storage compartment 134 .
- the buckle 116 is mounted on the lower end of the upper shoulder strap section 131 through the use of an oval eyelet 174 .
- the upper end of the middle shoulder strap section 130 is also coupled to the buckle 116 through a second oval eyelet 176 .
- the lower end of the middle shoulder strap section 130 is coupled to a shoulder strap buckle 132 .
- the lower shoulder strap section 150 is coupled to the shoulder strap buckle 132 and to the lower portion 138 of the storage compartment 134 .
- the shoulder strap buckle 132 is operable to adjust the length of the shoulder strap 146 to provide a comfortable fit for users of various sizes.
- the shoulder strap buckle 132 has at least one friction bar 144 of which the lower shoulder strap section 150 partially encircles. The friction force imposed by the friction bar 144 upon the lower shoulder strap section 150 prevents the movement of the lower shoulder strap section 150 , as should be apparent to one skilled in the art.
- the “length” of the lower shoulder strap section 150 is selectively adjusted through manipulation of the shoulder strap buckle 132 to thereby adjust the length of the shoulder strap 146 , as is well known in the art.
- first shoulder strap assembly 129 a is substantially similar to that of the second shoulder strap assembly 129 b , therefore for brevity, discussion of the second shoulder strap assembly 129 b has been omitted.
- each of the lift strap assemblies 112 a and 112 b are substantially similar in construction and operation, therefore for brevity, only one lift strap assembly 112 a will be discussed in detail following.
- the first lift strap assembly 112 a includes a lift strap 118 having a first, upper end 120 and a second free end 122 .
- the upper end 120 of the lift strap 118 is anchored to the upper portion 136 of the storage compartment 134 at attachment location 126 .
- the lift strap 118 spans above the shoulder strap assembly 129 a from its attachment location 126 on the storage compartment 134 to a buckle 116 mounted on the shoulder strap assembly 129 .
- the upper end 120 of the lift strap 118 is defined by the portion of the lift strap 118 extending between the attachment location 126 and the buckle 116 .
- the free end 122 of the lift strap 118 is defined by the portion of the lift strap 118 extending outward from the buckle 116 .
- the buckle 116 includes a flat base 160 and a pair of parallel sidewalls 168 spaced from one another and extending perpendicularly from the base 160 .
- the first oval eyelet 174 is formed at a first end of the base 160 .
- the first oval eyelet 174 facilitates the attachment of the upper shoulder strap section 131 thereto.
- the second oval eyelet 172 is formed at the second, opposite end of the base 160 for facilitating the coupling of the middle shoulder strap section 130 thereto.
- Oriented perpendicular to and spanning between the two sidewalls 168 is a pivot pin 158 .
- the pivot pin 158 axles a strap engagement member, such as a cam 154 , thereon.
- the cam 154 is comprised of a manually graspable actuation lever 162 projecting from the body portion 180 of the cam 154 .
- the body portion 180 is cylindrically shaped and has a bore 178 passing concentrically therethrough to receive the pivot pin 158 .
- the body portion 180 of the cam 154 further includes a jaw portion 164 .
- the jaw portion 164 may include a toothed or otherwise textured surface 182 , designed to frictionally engage the lift strap 118 against the base 160 by “pinching” the lift strap 118 between the base 160 and the cam jaw.
- the cam 154 may be biased in an engaged position, such as shown in FIG. 5 , by an elastic member, such as a torsion spring 156 as shown in the illustrated embodiment.
- a first end of the torsion spring 156 is coupled to the cam 154 by insertion of an end of the spring 156 in a spring keeper 166 .
- the opposite end of the torsion spring 156 engages one of the sidewalls 168 and the pivot pin 158 to prevent rotation of the second end of the spring 156 .
- the cam 154 is preloaded by the torsion spring 156 so as to bias the cam in the engaged position.
- the lift strap 118 is prevented from traveling in a first “release” direction as indicated by the arrow identified by the reference numeral 184 . More specifically, a tension imposed upon the lift strap 118 in the release direction 184 tends to rotate the cam 154 in a clockwise direction, thereby causing the textured surface 182 of the jaw of the cam 154 to pinch and hold the lift strap 118 between the base 160 and the cam jaw so as to prevent the “lengthening” movement of the lift strap 118 in the first direction 184 during use.
- the cam 154 may be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction to the disengaged position, depicted in FIG. 6 .
- the cam 154 In the disengaged position, the cam 154 has been rotated a sufficient angular displacement so that the jaw 164 of the cam 154 no longer sufficiently compresses the lift strap 118 between the base 160 and the teeth 182 of the strap of the cam jaw to impede movement.
- the lift strap 118 may now travel in the first direction 184 to loosen the lift strap assembly 112 a.
- a user grasps the readily accessible free ends 122 of the lift straps 118 and simply pulls.
- the user ceases pulling and the buckle 116 automatically engages and holds the lift straps 118 in the desired position.
- the user reaches over and “lifts up” the lever 162 of the buckle 116 to allow the lift strap 118 to retract through the buckle 116 .
- the lift strap 118 is then tightened to the proper tension as described above.
- the lift strap assemblies 112 a and 112 b of the present invention reduce the potential for over tightening of the lift strap assemblies 112 a and 112 b .
- prior art devices permit the tightening of the lift strap assemblies 12 to an extreme degree, such as where buckle 16 is in contact with stitching 24 of the first end 20 of the lift strap 18 , potentially causing discomfort and/or injury to the user.
- the buckle 116 is not drawn toward the lift strap 118 attachment location 126 by a pulley effect (in the manner of the buckle 16 of the prior art backpack 10 ), which might permit the easy over tightening of the lift strap 18 to occur.
Abstract
A backpack having a storage compartment (134) and a shoulder strap assembly (129 a) attached at a first end to the storage compartment at a first location (140) and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location. The backpack further includes a buckle (116) attached to the shoulder strap assembly and a lift strap (118) having a first end (120) attached to the upper portion (136) of the storage compartment and spanning above the shoulder strap assembly from its location of attachment to the storage compartment to engagement with the buckle. The buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.
Description
- This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of application Ser. No. 10/195,664, filed Jul. 12, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference, and the priority from the filing date of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120.
- The present invention relates generally to backpacks and, more particularly, to backpacks having lift straps coupled to the shoulder straps.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , mostconventional backpacks 10 have a pair ofshoulder strap assemblies 28 and awaist strap 42 coupled to astorage compartment 34 for holding objects to be carried upon the back of a user. The shoulder strap assemblies 28 and thewaist strap 42 distribute the load of the objects carried within thestorage compartment 34 upon the shoulders and waist or hips of the user. Although backpacks arranged as described are effective in assisting a user in carrying objects upon the user's back, they are not without problems. For instance, it was found that the ability to adjust the ratio of weight borne by the shoulders relative to the waist of the user was desirable. To accomplish this function, conventional backpacks have incorporated a pair oflift strap assemblies 12 which interconnect anupper portion 36 of thebackpack 10 to theshoulder strap assemblies 28. By tightening thelift strap assemblies 12, a higher percentage of the load carried by thebackpack 10 is borne by thewaist strap 42. In contrast, by loosening thelift strap assemblies 12, a higher percentage of the load carried by thebackpack 10 is carried by theshoulder strap assemblies 28. - Focusing now on the left
lift strap assembly 12, afirst end 20 of thelift strap 18 is rigidly affixed to theshoulder strap assembly 28 by stitching 24. Thelift strap 18 then engages abuckle 16 attached to theupper portion 36 of thestorage compartment 34 by ashort anchor strap 14 atattachment location 26. Thelift strap 18 is engaged with thebuckle 16 by passing the secondfree end 22 of thelift strap 18 around at least onefriction bar 44. The friction created by the change of direction of thelift strap 18 as thelift strap 18 encircles thefriction bar 44 impedes the movement of thelift strap assembly 12 relative to the buckle until thebuckle 16 is manipulated by the user. - To tighten the
lift strap assembly 12, a user must raise his/her hand up above his/her head to grasp thefree end 22 of thelift strap 18. Upon grasping thelift strap 18, the free end of the lift strap is forcefully pulled outward and away from thebuckle 16. The force required to “shorten” thelift strap assembly 12 is substantial since the force exerted upon thefree end 22 of thelift strap 18 must overcome any load on thelift strap 18 and all friction forces created by the engagement of thelift strap 18 with thefriction bar 44 of thebuckle 16. The harder one pulls of the lift strap, the greater the load placed upon thefriction bar 44, and thus the greater the friction force that must be overcome to tighten thelift strap 18. - To “lengthen” the
lift strap assembly 12, a user must reach up and above the user's head and grasp thebuckle 16. Thebuckle 16 is then rotated to manipulate the angle which thelift strap 18 enters and exits the buckle to partially disengage thelift strap 18 from thefriction bar 44, to permit thelift strap 18 to pass through thebuckle 16, to lengthen thelift strap assembly 12. - Although conventional backpacks having lift straps may be effective, they are not without problems. For instance, to shorten the
lift strap assembly 12, the user must exert a substantial force upon thefree end 22 of thelift strap 18. This force must be sufficiently high to overcome any load on thelift strap 18 and the friction forces exerted by thefriction bar 44 as discussed above, which may result in a strain or injury to the user. Further, the shortening of thelift strap assembly 12 in the manner described above may lead to the over tightening of thelift straps 18 which may result in shoulder and chest pain if tightened to an extreme. Further still, thebuckle 16 is placed in a location obscured, or at least partially obscured, from sight; therefore buckle adjustment by the user is awkward, time consuming, and potentially injury causing as the user contorts his/her body to try to view the buckle. - Many of the same disadvantages are realized when a user desires to lengthen the
lift strap assembly 12. More specifically, a user must again reach up and to the side of his/her head to obtain access to thebuckle 16. Further, the act of reaching up and above one's head may cause a loss of the user's balance, resulting in a fall. This is especially true when a user is wearing a large, heavily loaded backpack. Even further, if thebuckle 16 cannot be viewed by twisting one's head around, manipulation of thebuckle 16 must occur without visual reference, thereby making the proper operation of thebuckle 16 difficult. Further still, some user's may find the physical act of reaching up above one's head difficult or impossible, especially for those having reduced mobility. - Therefore, there exists a need for a backpack having lift straps that are easy to operate, require less force to adjust, reduce the potential for over tightening, may be adjusted by a means that is easily viewed and accessed by the user, and satisfies the performance expectations of the user.
- In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a backpack including a storage compartment and a shoulder strap assembly attached at a first end to the storage compartment at a first location and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location is provided. The backpack further includes a buckle attached to the shoulder strap assembly and a lift strap having a first end attached to the upper portion of the storage compartment and spanning above the shoulder strap assembly from its location of attachment to the storage compartment to engagement with the buckle. The buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.
- In accordance with further aspects of one embodiment of the present invention, the lift strap includes a second end extending beyond the buckle, wherein the buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap through manipulation of the second end of the lift strap. In accordance with still further aspects of one embodiment of the present invention, the buckle is actuatable between a first position, wherein the buckle prevents lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction, and a second position, wherein the buckle permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction. In accordance with yet still further aspects of one embodiment of the present invention, the buckle is actuatable between the first and the second positions through manipulation of a second end of the lift strap extending beyond the buckle. For instance, the buckle may be actuatable from the first position to the second position by increasing the angle of inclination of the second end of the lift strap relative to the buckle. Or, the buckle may be actuatable from the second position to the first position by changing the angle that the second end of the lift strap extends from the buckle.
- In accordance with other aspects of one embodiment of the present invention, the buckle is actuatable between a first position, wherein the buckle impedes lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction for lengthening the lift strap, but permits lift strap movement through the buckle in a second direction opposite the first direction for shortening the lift strap, and a second position, wherein the buckle permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction for lengthening the lift strap. In accordance with still other aspects of one embodiment of the present invention, the buckle includes a cam rotatable between a first position, wherein the cam impedes lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction, and a second position, wherein the cam permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction. The cam may be biased to assume the first position by an elastic member. The cam may engage the lift strap in the first position and at least partially disengage from the lift strap in the second position.
- In accordance with yet still other aspects of one embodiment of the present invention, the backpack may further include a second shoulder strap assembly attached at a first end to the storage compartment at a first location and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location and a second buckle attached to the second shoulder strap assembly. The backpack may also include a second lift strap having a first end attached to the upper portion of the storage compartment and spanning above the second shoulder strap assembly from its location of attachment to the storage compartment to engagement with the second buckle. The second buckle may be operable to selectively adjust the length of the second lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the second shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.
- In accordance with additional aspects of one embodiment of the present invention, the backpack may further include a waist strap coupled to the lower portion of the storage compartment and operable to at least partially encircle the waist of a user. Further, the adjustment of the length of the lift strap may selectively adjust the ratio of weight carried by the shoulder strap assembly relative to the waist strap when the backpack is worn by a user. In accordance with further additional aspects of one embodiment of the present invention, the lift strap passes substantially straight through the buckle without undergoing a substantially change in direction.
- The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
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FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a prior art backpack having a lift strap adjustment buckle attached to an upper portion of the backpack; -
FIG. 2 is an elevation view of one embodiment formed in accordance with the present invention having a lift strap adjustment buckle attached to a shoulder strap assembly; -
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of the shoulder strap assembly and a lift strap assembly of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the lift strap adjustment buckle of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the lift strap adjustment buckle depicted inFIG. 4 , the cross section taken substantially through SECTION 5-5, with a cam for engaging a lift strap shown in an engaged position; and -
FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the lift strap adjustment buckle depicted inFIG. 4 , the cross section taken substantially through SECTION 5-5, with the cam for engaging the lift strap shown in a disengaged position. -
FIGS. 2-6 illustrate one embodiment of abackpack 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3 , thebackpack 100 is designed to be worn upon the back of a user (not shown) to facilitate the carrying of a load. Thebackpack 100 includes a pair oflift strap assemblies shoulder strap assemblies waist strap 142, all coupled to astorage compartment 134. Thestorage compartment 134 defines a cavity used for the storage of objects to be carried therein. Thestorage compartment 134 includes anupper portion 136 and alower portion 138. Coupled to theupper portion 136 of thestorage compartment 134 atattachment location 140 is a firstshoulder strap assembly 129 a. The lower end of the firstshoulder strap assembly 129 a may be coupled to thelower portion 138 of thestorage compartment 134 by stitching (not shown). - The first
shoulder strap assembly 129 a is comprised of ashoulder pad 128 having aninner channel 148 passing therethrough. Ashoulder strap 146 passes through theinner channel 148 of theshoulder pad 128. Theshoulder strap 146 is comprised of three sections: an uppershoulder strap section 131, a middleshoulder strap section 130, and a lowershoulder strap section 150. The upper end of the uppershoulder strap section 131 is anchored to theupper portion 136 of thestorage compartment 134. Thebuckle 116 is mounted on the lower end of the uppershoulder strap section 131 through the use of anoval eyelet 174. The upper end of the middleshoulder strap section 130 is also coupled to thebuckle 116 through a second oval eyelet 176. The lower end of the middleshoulder strap section 130 is coupled to ashoulder strap buckle 132. The lowershoulder strap section 150 is coupled to theshoulder strap buckle 132 and to thelower portion 138 of thestorage compartment 134. - The
shoulder strap buckle 132 is operable to adjust the length of theshoulder strap 146 to provide a comfortable fit for users of various sizes. Theshoulder strap buckle 132 has at least onefriction bar 144 of which the lowershoulder strap section 150 partially encircles. The friction force imposed by thefriction bar 144 upon the lowershoulder strap section 150 prevents the movement of the lowershoulder strap section 150, as should be apparent to one skilled in the art. The “length” of the lowershoulder strap section 150 is selectively adjusted through manipulation of theshoulder strap buckle 132 to thereby adjust the length of theshoulder strap 146, as is well known in the art. - As should be apparent to one skilled in the art, the construction and operation of the first
shoulder strap assembly 129 a is substantially similar to that of the secondshoulder strap assembly 129 b, therefore for brevity, discussion of the secondshoulder strap assembly 129 b has been omitted. Likewise, each of thelift strap assemblies lift strap assembly 112 a will be discussed in detail following. - Focusing now on the
lift strap assemblies lift strap assembly 112 a includes alift strap 118 having a first,upper end 120 and a secondfree end 122. Theupper end 120 of thelift strap 118 is anchored to theupper portion 136 of thestorage compartment 134 atattachment location 126. Thelift strap 118 spans above theshoulder strap assembly 129 a from itsattachment location 126 on thestorage compartment 134 to abuckle 116 mounted on the shoulder strap assembly 129. Theupper end 120 of thelift strap 118 is defined by the portion of thelift strap 118 extending between theattachment location 126 and thebuckle 116. Thefree end 122 of thelift strap 118 is defined by the portion of thelift strap 118 extending outward from thebuckle 116. - Referring to
FIGS. 3-6 , thebuckle 116 of thelift strap assembly 112 a will now be described in further detail. Thebuckle 116 includes aflat base 160 and a pair ofparallel sidewalls 168 spaced from one another and extending perpendicularly from thebase 160. The firstoval eyelet 174 is formed at a first end of thebase 160. The firstoval eyelet 174 facilitates the attachment of the uppershoulder strap section 131 thereto. The secondoval eyelet 172 is formed at the second, opposite end of thebase 160 for facilitating the coupling of the middleshoulder strap section 130 thereto. Oriented perpendicular to and spanning between the twosidewalls 168 is apivot pin 158. Thepivot pin 158 axles a strap engagement member, such as acam 154, thereon. - The
cam 154 is comprised of a manuallygraspable actuation lever 162 projecting from thebody portion 180 of thecam 154. Thebody portion 180 is cylindrically shaped and has abore 178 passing concentrically therethrough to receive thepivot pin 158. Thebody portion 180 of thecam 154 further includes ajaw portion 164. Thejaw portion 164 may include a toothed or otherwise texturedsurface 182, designed to frictionally engage thelift strap 118 against thebase 160 by “pinching” thelift strap 118 between the base 160 and the cam jaw. - The
cam 154 may be biased in an engaged position, such as shown inFIG. 5 , by an elastic member, such as atorsion spring 156 as shown in the illustrated embodiment. A first end of thetorsion spring 156 is coupled to thecam 154 by insertion of an end of thespring 156 in aspring keeper 166. The opposite end of thetorsion spring 156 engages one of thesidewalls 168 and thepivot pin 158 to prevent rotation of the second end of thespring 156. Thecam 154 is preloaded by thetorsion spring 156 so as to bias the cam in the engaged position. - With the
cam 154 in the engaged position, as shown inFIG. 5 , thelift strap 118 is prevented from traveling in a first “release” direction as indicated by the arrow identified by thereference numeral 184. More specifically, a tension imposed upon thelift strap 118 in therelease direction 184 tends to rotate thecam 154 in a clockwise direction, thereby causing thetextured surface 182 of the jaw of thecam 154 to pinch and hold thelift strap 118 between the base 160 and the cam jaw so as to prevent the “lengthening” movement of thelift strap 118 in thefirst direction 184 during use. - To tighten the
lift strap 118, a tension force is applied thereon in a second direction, indicated by the arrow identified by thereference numeral 186, thus rotating thecam 154 in a counter-clockwise direction. Such rotation of thecam 154 tends to disengage thestrap engagement portion 164 from thelift strap 118. As the jaw of thecam 154 disengages or at least partially disengages from thelift strap 118, thelift strap 118 may be moved in the second direction (indicated by arrow 186), thereby tightening thelift strap 118. Therefore, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art, that thebuckle 116 allows the movement of thelift strap 118 in asecond direction 186 to tighten thelift strap assembly 112 a while impeding the movement of thelift strap 118 in afirst direction 184 to prevent loosening of thelift strap assembly 112 a during use. It should also be apparent to one skilled in the art, that thelift strap 118 passes substantially straight through thebuckle 116, providing a direct route between thelift strap 118attachment location 126 and thefree end 122 of thelift strap 118. As a result, the force required to tighten thelift strap 118 is reduced from conventional backpacks, since thelift strap 118 does not make any friction creating changes of direction, such as around a buckle friction bar, as in conventional backpacks. - To permit travel of the
lift strap 118 in the first, looseningdirection 184, thecam 154 may be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction to the disengaged position, depicted inFIG. 6 . In the disengaged position, thecam 154 has been rotated a sufficient angular displacement so that thejaw 164 of thecam 154 no longer sufficiently compresses thelift strap 118 between the base 160 and theteeth 182 of the strap of the cam jaw to impede movement. Thus, thelift strap 118 may now travel in thefirst direction 184 to loosen thelift strap assembly 112 a. - As depicted in
FIG. 6 , thelift strap 118 itself may be used to actuate thecam 154 between the engaged and disengaged positions. More specifically, thefree end 122 of thelift strap 118 may be pulled up and outward to increase the angle of inclination of thefree end 122 relative to thebuckle 116. In doing so, thefree end 122 of thelift strap 118 bears against the distal end of thelever 162, thereby rotating thecam 154 from the engaged position depicted inFIG. 5 , to the disengaged position depicted inFIG. 6 . By then decreasing the tension on thelift strap 118, the load of thebackpack 100 will pull thelift strap 118 in thefirst direction 184. The movement of thelift strap 118 is partially restrained by the engagement of thelift strap 118 with thejaw 164 and with the distal end of thelever 162, thus allowing the user to slowly and precisely loosen thelift strap 118. - As should be apparent to one skilled in the art, the
cam 154 may also be actuated by manual manipulation of thelever 162. More specifically, a user may reach up and simply push upwardly on the distal end of thelever 162 thereby rotating thecam 154 in a counter-clockwise direction. This toggles thecam 154 from the engaged position depicted inFIG. 5 to the disengaged position depicted inFIG. 6 . As the cam jaw is released or partially released from contact with thelift strap 118, the lift strap will be pulled through the buckle in thefirst direction 184 by the load of thebackpack 100. - Referring to
FIG. 2 and in light of the above description of the components of thebackpack 100, the operation of the backpack will now be described. To don thebackpack 100, a user places his/her left arm through the firstshoulder strap assembly 112 a and his/her right arm through the secondshoulder strap assembly 112 b. Thewaist strap 142 is placed around the waist of the user and fastened. The length of theshoulder strap assemblies lift strap assemblies lift strap assemblies backpack 100 is borne by thewaist strap 142. In contrast, by loosening thelift strap assemblies backpack 100 is carried by theshoulder strap assemblies - To shorten the
lift strap assemblies waist strap 142, the user ceases pulling and thebuckle 116 automatically engages and holds the lift straps 118 in the desired position. To loosen thelift strap assemblies lever 162 of thebuckle 116 to allow thelift strap 118 to retract through thebuckle 116. Thelift strap 118 is then tightened to the proper tension as described above. Alternately, thelift strap 118 may be loosened by grasping thefree end 122 of thelift strap 118, and increasing the angle of inclination of thelift strap 118 until thelift strap 118 engages and lifts thelever 162 of thebuckle 116 to allow thelift strap 118 to pass through thebuckle 116 in a loosening direction. While maintaining the increased angle of inclination of thelift strap 118 relative to thebuckle 116, the user may slowly and precisely lengthen the lift strap assembly 112 until the desired shoulder load is obtained. - As apparent to one skilled in the art, the
lift strap assemblies lift strap assemblies FIG. 1 , prior art devices permit the tightening of thelift strap assemblies 12 to an extreme degree, such as wherebuckle 16 is in contact with stitching 24 of thefirst end 20 of thelift strap 18, potentially causing discomfort and/or injury to the user. In contrast, in the illustrated embodiment, thebuckle 116 is not drawn toward thelift strap 118attachment location 126 by a pulley effect (in the manner of thebuckle 16 of the prior art backpack 10), which might permit the easy over tightening of thelift strap 18 to occur. - While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (40)
1. A backpack comprising:
(a) a storage compartment;
(b) a shoulder strap assembly attached at a first end to the storage compartment at a first location and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location;
(c) a buckle attached to the shoulder strap assembly;
(d) a lift strap having a first end attached to the upper portion of the storage compartment and spanning above the shoulder strap assembly from its location of attachment to the storage compartment to engagement with the buckle; and
(e) wherein the buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.
2. The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the lift strap includes a second end extending beyond the buckle, wherein the buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap through manipulation of the second end of the lift strap.
3. The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the buckle is actuatable between a first position, wherein the buckle prevents lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction, and a second position, wherein the buckle permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction.
4. The backpack of claim 3 , wherein the buckle is actuatable between the first and the second positions through manipulation of a second end of the lift strap extending beyond the buckle.
5. The backpack of claim 4 , wherein the buckle is actuatable from the first position to the second position by increasing the angle of inclination of the second end of the lift strap relative to the buckle.
6. The backpack of claim 4 , wherein the buckle is actuatable from the second position to the first position by changing the angle that the second end of the lift strap extends from the buckle.
7. The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the buckle is actuatable between a first position, wherein the buckle impedes lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction for lengthening the lift strap, but permits lift strap movement through the buckle in a second direction opposite the first direction for shortening the lift strap, and a second position, wherein the buckle permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction for lengthening the lift strap.
8. The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the buckle includes a cam rotatable between a first position, wherein the cam impedes lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction, and a second position, wherein the cam permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction.
9. The backpack of claim 8 , wherein the cam is biased to assume the first position.
10. The backpack of claim 8 , wherein the cam is biased to the first position by an elastic member.
11. The backpack of claim 8 , wherein the cam engages the lift strap in the first position and at least partially disengages from the lift strap in the second position.
12. The backpack of claim 1 , further including:
(a) a second shoulder strap assembly attached at a first end to the storage compartment at a first location and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location;
(b) a second buckle attached to the second shoulder strap assembly;
(c) a second lift strap having a first end attached to the upper portion of the storage compartment and spanning above the second shoulder strap assembly from its location of attachment to the storage compartment to engagement with the second buckle; and
(e) wherein the second buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the second lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the second shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.
13. The backpack of claim 1 , further comprising a waist strap coupled to the lower portion of the storage compartment and operable to at least partially encircle the waist of a user.
14. The backpack of claim 13 , wherein adjustment of the length of the lift strap selectively adjusts the ratio of weight carried by the shoulder strap assembly relative to the waist strap when the backpack is worn by a user.
15. The backpack of claim 1 , wherein the lift strap passes substantially straight through the buckle without undergoing a substantially change in direction.
16. A backpack comprising:
(a) a storage compartment;
(b) a shoulder strap assembly attached at a first end to the storage compartment at a first location and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location;
(c) a buckle mounted on the shoulder strap assembly;
(d) a lift strap having a first end anchored to the upper portion of the storage compartment and spanning above the shoulder strap assembly from its location of attachment to the storage compartment to engagement with the buckle, wherein the buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack;
(e) wherein a strap engagement member of the buckle is biased to assume a first position, wherein the strap engagement member impedes lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction; and
(f) is actuatable to a second position, wherein the strap engagement member permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction.
17. The backpack of claim 16 , wherein the strap engagement member is actuatable between the first and second positions through manipulation of a second end of the lift strap extending beyond the buckle.
18. The backpack of claim 17 , wherein the buckle is actuatable from the first position to the second position by increasing the angle of inclination relative to the buckle of a second end of the lift strap extending outward from the buckle.
19. The backpack of claim 18 , wherein the strap engagement member is actuatable from the second position to the first position by changing the angle of the second end of the lift strap that extends from the buckle.
20. The backpack of claim 16 , wherein the strap engagement member is a cam rotatable between a first position, wherein the cam impedes lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction, and a second position, wherein the cam permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction.
21. The backpack of claim 16 , wherein the strap engagement member is biased to the first position by an elastic member.
22. The backpack of claim 20 , wherein the cam engages the lift strap in the first position and at least partially disengages from the lift strap in the second position.
23. The backpack of claim 16 , further including:
(a) a second shoulder strap assembly attached at a first end to the storage compartment at a first location and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location;
(b) a second buckle attached to the second shoulder strap assembly;
(c) a second lift strap having a first end attached to the storage compartment and spanning above the second shoulder strap assembly from its location of attachment to the storage compartment to engagement with the second buckle, wherein the second buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the second lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the second shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack;
(d) wherein a second strap engagement member of the second buckle is biased to assume a first position, wherein the strap engagement member impedes second lift strap movement through the second buckle in a first direction; and
(e) is actuatable to a second position, wherein the second strap engagement member permits movement of the lift strap through the second buckle in the first direction.
24. The backpack of claim 16 , further comprising a waist strap coupled to the lower portion of the storage compartment and operable to at least partially encircle the waist of a user.
25. The backpack of claim 24 , wherein adjustment of the length of the lift strap selectively adjusts the ratio of weight carried by the shoulder strap assembly relative to the waist strap when the backpack is worn by a user.
26. The backpack of claim 16 , wherein the lift strap passes substantially straight through the buckle without undergoing a substantially change in direction.
27. A backpack comprising:
(a) a storage compartment;
(b) a shoulder strap assembly attached at a first end to an upper portion of the storage compartment at a first location and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location;
(c) a buckle attached to the shoulder strap assembly;
(d) a lift strap having a first end attached to the upper portion of the storage compartment at an attachment location, wherein the lift strap extends from the attachment location to pass substantially straight through the buckle without undergoing a substantial change in direction; and
(e) wherein the buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.
28. The backpack of claim 27 , wherein the lift strap includes a second end extending beyond the buckle, wherein the buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the lift strap through manipulation of the second end of the lift strap.
29. The backpack of claim 27 , wherein a strap engagement member of the buckle is actuatable between a first position, wherein the strap engagement member prevents lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction, and a second position, wherein the strap engagement member permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction.
30. The backpack of claim 29 , wherein the strap engagement member is actuatable between the first position and the second position through manipulation of a second end of the lift strap extending beyond the buckle.
31. The backpack of claim 30 , wherein the strap engagement member is actuatable from the first position to the second position by changing the angle that the second end of the lift strap extends from the buckle.
32. The backpack of claim 31 , wherein the strap engagement member is actuatable from the second position to the first position by decreasing the angle of inclination of the second end of the lift strap relative to the buckle.
33. The backpack of claim 27 , wherein the strap engagement member is actuatable between a first position, wherein the strap engagement member impedes lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction for lengthening the lift strap, but permits lift strap movement through the buckle in a second direction opposite the first direction for shortening the lift strap, and a second position wherein the strap engagement member permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction for lengthening the lift strap.
34. The backpack of claim 27 , wherein the strap engagement member is a cam rotatable between a first position, wherein the cam impedes lift strap movement through the buckle in a first direction, and a second position, wherein the cam permits movement of the lift strap through the buckle in the first direction.
35. The backpack of claim 34 , wherein the cam is biased to assume the first position.
36. The backpack of claim 34 , wherein the cam is biased to the first position by an elastic member.
37. The backpack of claim 34 , wherein the cam engages the lift strap in the first position and at least partially disengages from the lift strap in the second position.
38. The backpack of claim 27 , further including:
(a) a second shoulder strap assembly attached at a first end to the storage compartment at a first location and coupled at a second end to the storage compartment at a second location spaced from the first location;
(b) a second buckle attached to the second shoulder strap assembly;
(c) a second lift strap having a first end attached to the upper portion of the storage compartment at an attachment location, wherein the second lift strap extends from the attachment location to pass substantially straight through the second buckle without undergoing a substantial change in direction; and
(d) wherein the second buckle is operable to selectively adjust the length of the second lift strap to vary the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the second shoulder strap assembly when engaged by the shoulders of a user wearing the backpack.
39. The backpack of claim 27 , further comprising a waist strap coupled to the lower portion of the storage compartment and operable to at least partially encircle the waist of a user.
40. The backpack of claim 39 , wherein adjustment of the length of the lift strap selectively adjusts the proportion of the weight of the backpack supported by the shoulder strap assembly relative to the waist strap when the backpack is worn by a user.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/872,756 US20050087577A1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2004-06-21 | Backpack having a shoulder strap mounted lift buckle |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/195,664 US6802442B1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2002-07-12 | Backpack having a shoulder strap mounted lift buckle |
US10/872,756 US20050087577A1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2004-06-21 | Backpack having a shoulder strap mounted lift buckle |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/195,664 Continuation US6802442B1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2002-07-12 | Backpack having a shoulder strap mounted lift buckle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050087577A1 true US20050087577A1 (en) | 2005-04-28 |
Family
ID=29735367
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/195,664 Expired - Lifetime US6802442B1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2002-07-12 | Backpack having a shoulder strap mounted lift buckle |
US10/872,756 Abandoned US20050087577A1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2004-06-21 | Backpack having a shoulder strap mounted lift buckle |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/195,664 Expired - Lifetime US6802442B1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2002-07-12 | Backpack having a shoulder strap mounted lift buckle |
Country Status (3)
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US (2) | US6802442B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1380227A3 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2004130086A (en) |
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US10661134B2 (en) * | 2015-02-11 | 2020-05-26 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Self-adjusting carrying strap system for a golf bag |
US9585462B2 (en) * | 2015-03-27 | 2017-03-07 | USWE Sports AB | Device for carrying an object |
US9848687B2 (en) | 2015-12-31 | 2017-12-26 | Joseph Ethan Valesko | Adjustable strap height mechanism |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1380227A3 (en) | 2004-02-04 |
US6802442B1 (en) | 2004-10-12 |
JP2004130086A (en) | 2004-04-30 |
EP1380227A2 (en) | 2004-01-14 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |