US20200337446A1

US20200337446A1 - Bag carrier and apparatus comprising such a bag carrier

Info

Publication number: US20200337446A1
Application number: US16/962,158
Authority: US
Inventors: Jordane GRENIER; Marc Menetrier
Original assignee: Sarl Mkm; Safran Electronics and Defense SAS
Current assignee: Sarl Mkm; Safran Electronics and Defense SAS
Priority date: 2018-01-23
Filing date: 2019-01-22
Publication date: 2020-10-29
Also published as: JP6836021B1; JP2021509346A; FR3076985A1; EP3743672B1; FR3076985B1; KR20200107989A; CA3088545C; CA3088545A1; IL275847B; CN111868469A; IL275847A; KR102326438B1; AU2019212108A1; WO2019145268A1; AU2019212108B2; EP3743672A1

Abstract

The invention provides an open attachment frame and at least one support, said support being arranged on the frame in such a manner as to be capable of extending outwards from the frame in a projecting position that, in service, enables a pack to rest on the support, the frame being shaped so that, in service, it extends at least in part around each of the user's sides so as to balance stresses between the user's back and both of the user's sides. The invention also provides equipment including such a frame.

Description

The invention relates to a pack-carrier comprising an open attachment frame and a support on which the pack is to rest.
The invention also relates to equipment (textile equipment such as a belt and/or mechanical equipment of the exoskeleton type) that includes such a pack-carrier, the equipment being independent of the pack that is for resting on the pack-carrier.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern backpacks for outdoor activities usually include a waist belt that serves to transfer a portion of the weight of the backpack onto the user's hips.
This serves to limit the stresses imposed on the user's upper body, which stresses tend to weaken the user's back.
Although very ergonomic, that type of backpack is hardly usable in the military field. Specifically, soldiers are already equipped with textile equipment (jacket, belt, . . . , e.g. for carrying ammunition), which equipment hinders or prevents the waist belt from being closed.
This is problematic, since soldiers often carry loads that are heavy, generally more than 15 kilograms (kg) and sometimes as much as 50 kg or 60 kg for the most extreme situations.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to propose a solution that serves to distribute better the weight exerted by a pack on a user, and to do so even in a military context.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve this object, there is proposed a pack-carrier comprising an open attachment frame and at least one support, said support being arranged on the frame in such a manner as to be capable of extending outwards from the frame in a projecting position that, in service, enables a pack to rest on the support, the frame being shaped so that, in service, it extends at least in part around each of the user's sides so as to balance stresses between the user's back and both of the user's sides.
As a result, in order to equip the user with a pack-carrier, it suffices to attach the frame to a belt that is already being worn by the user, for example.
In service, the support in its projecting position then enables the user to be able to put the pack down on the support, with the pack-carrier then acting as a waist belt.
The invention thus provides a solution that is simple and that is also compatible with military activities, in particular given the equipment already being carried by a soldier. It is thus possible to link the pack-carrier to a belt that is already being worn by a soldier.
Advantageously, the invention does not require the pack to be fastened. In an emergency, it is thus possible to remove the pack quickly.
Also, because the frame extends around not only the user's back but also the user's sides, it is possible to avoid concentrating forces on the user's back and thus to distribute forces better around the user. Furthermore, e.g. in a military context, equipment other than the backpack, e.g. such as a ballistic vest, can then rest on the frame, thereby relieving the user even more and also serving to counterbalance the load behind the wearer that is associated with the backpack.
Preferably, at least one end of the frame that is to be located at one of the user's sides presents a projection.
This can provide even more support for equipment other than the pack on the pack-carrier, thereby relieving the user even more and counterbalancing loads situated dorsally.
In a particular embodiment, the support is movable between said projecting position that, in service, enables a pack to rest on the support, and a folded-away position.
The support can thus be folded away, thereby making the pack-carrier more ergonomic. In particular, even when there is no pack resting on the pack-carrier, a user can place the support in the folded-away position and can continue to wear the pack-carrier without it being a hindrance.
In a particular embodiment, the support is mounted to move on the frame between said projecting position and said folded-away position.
It is thus very simple to fold the support away by moving it relative to the frame.
Optionally, the support is mounted to move in rotation between said projecting position and said folded-away position.
Optionally, the pack-carrier includes a spring tending to hold the support in its folded-away position.
Optionally, the pack-carrier includes at least one stop preventing the support from tilting towards the inside of the frame.
Optionally, the support is ribbed so as to provide good grip for the backpack on the support.
Optionally, the support is movably mounted on the frame by means of a carriage of the pack-carrier.
Optionally, the frame is made up of at least two portions.
Optionally, each frame portion is slidably mounted in a carriage carrying the support.
Optionally, the support is offset outwards from the frame.
The invention also provides equipment including such a pack-carrier, the equipment being independent of the pack that is to rest on the pack-carrier.
As a result, it is not essential to fasten the pack. In an emergency, it is thus possible to remove the pack quickly.
The equipment (belt, exoskeleton . . . ) may be dedicated to donning the pack-carrier.
In a variant, the equipment (belt, exoskeleton . . . ) is already worn by the user, and the pack-carrier is attached thereto.
In a military context, it is thus possible to link the pack-carrier to a belt, e.g. a gun belt, already being worn by the user. Typically, the pack-carrier is arranged in such a manner that the frame is located between the bullet-proof inner band of the belt and the outer band of the belt for carrying ammunition and accessories.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention appear on reading the following description of particular, nonlimiting embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood in the light of the following description given with reference to the attached accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a pack-carrier in a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of a portion of the pack-carrier shown in FIG. 1, the support being in its folded-away position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 2, the carriage nevertheless being in a position different from its position in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional view of the carriage of the pack-carrier shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of a pack-carrier in a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of a pack-carrier in a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of a pack-carrier in a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional view of the pack-carrier shown in FIG. 7, seen from a different angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, in a first embodiment of the invention, the pack-carrier, given overall reference 1, comprises an open frame 2 for attaching the pack-carrier 1 to equipment (not shown) that is to be worn by a user. Said equipment may either be developed specifically for wearing the pack-carrier 1 (textile equipment such as a belt and/or mechanical equipment of the exoskeleton type), or it may be already-existing equipment (textile equipment such as a belt and/or mechanical equipment of the exoskeleton type). Preferably, the equipment is worn at least in part on the lower portion of the user's trunk in order to allow the lower portion of the trunk to take up forces so as to relieve the upper portion of the user's body.
The frame 2 is shaped to match the shape of the user's lower back.
The frame 2 is shaped so that the stresses exerted by a pack resting on the pack-carrier 1 are not concentrated on the middle of the user's back.
Under such circumstances, the frame 2 is shaped so as to balance stresses between the user's back and both of the user's sides.
For this purpose, the frame 2 in this example is substantially U-shaped. Typically, the frame 2 is made up of a central portion that is straight or slightly curved, which central portion is extended symmetrically by two curved segments, the central portion being designed to fit around the user's back and the two curved segments being designed to fit around the user's sides.
In order to avoid hindering movement of the arms while walking, the frame 2 in this example is thus shaped so that it does not surround the user completely. Typically, the frame 2 is shaped so as to extend around the user over substantially 180°.
Preferably, the frame 2 in this example comprises at least two distinct portions. In a particular embodiment, the frame is made up of two distinct portions 3 a and 3 b.
This enables the user to adapt the frame 2 to the user's own body build, thereby making the pack-carrier more ergonomic. For example, a user of heavier build can assemble the frame 2 in such a manner that the two portions 3 a and 3 b do not touch. The shape of the frame 2 as described above thus corresponds to the situation in which the two portions 3 a and 3 b touch each other.
Advantageously, separating the frame 2 into two portions 3 a and 3 b facilitates movement in service for the user, each hip being associated with only one portion.
Furthermore, this ensures that the stresses exerted by a pack resting on the pack-carrier 1 are concentrated more on the user's sides, which lead to the stresses to which the user is subjected under the effect of the pack being balanced better between the two portions.
Also, this makes it possible to adapt to the size of the pack.
By way of example, the two portions 3 a and 3 b may be obtained by molding.
In this example, the two portions 3 a and 3 b are made of plastics material.
Each portion 3 a, 3 b preferably includes a continuous rim 4 a, 4 b that is substantially circularly arcuate and from which there extends at least one attachment tab for attaching to the equipment. The attachment tab(s) of a given portion (jointly) define(s):

- a straight or curved proximal segment for coming into contact with the other portion if the two portions 3 a and 3 b touch each other; and
- a distal segment extending the proximal segment, the distal segment being curved.

The tabs are preferably curved in order to fit around the curvature of the user's back. This also serves to simplify attaching the pack-carrier 1 to the user.
As mentioned above, the pack-carrier 1 is connected to the user by being attached to the equipment via its tabs.
In particular manner, each tab includes orifices (e.g. extending vertically and/or horizontally) for passing one or more straps serving to attach each portion 3 a, 3 b to the equipment. Instead or in addition, said orifices serve to limit the weight of the pack-carrier 1.
The number of tabs and their shapes, and also the number of orifices and their shapes, thus depend on the equipment that is to carry the pack-carrier.
By way of example, the spacing between the tabs may correspond to the width of a fabric strip of a piece of military textile equipment.
In a particular embodiment, each portion 3 a, 3 b includes a first tab 5 a, 5 b forming the proximal segment of the portion under consideration, and two other tabs 6 a, 7 a & 6 b, 7 b jointly forming the distal segment of the portion under consideration, the various tabs being separate from one another. The outermost tab 7 a, 7 b of the pack-carrier includes a central orifice 8 a, 8 b, the intermediate tab 6 a, 6 b includes vertically extending orifices 9 a, 9 b (only some of them being referenced in the figures) and a bottom margin includes horizontally extending orifices 10 a, 10 b (only some of them being referenced in the figures), and the central tab 5 a, 5 b includes vertically extending orifices only (not visible in the figures).
This makes it possible to attach the pack-carrier 1 to military textile equipment, such as a belt.
As a result, the pack-carrier 1 is not linked to the pack that is to rest on it, thus enabling the user to remove the pack much more easily.
Advantageously, by being linked in this way to the belt, the pack-carrier 1 contributes to the wearing of another textile equipment worn by the user, such as a jacket, a ballistic protective vest (BPV), a smart jacket (SJ), or indeed a modular ballistic structure (MBS) This is particularly advantageous in a military context where textile equipment of the jacket type is relatively heavy. Specifically, the jacket naturally comes to rest on the rim 4 a, 4 b of the frame 2, thereby enabling some of the weight of the jacket to be transferred from the user's shoulders to the user's hips.
This serves to limit even more the stresses imposed on the user's upper body.
Typically, in a military context, the pack-carrier 1 is arranged in such a manner that the frame 2 lies between the bullet-proof inner band of the belt and the outer band of the belt.
Advantageously, the pack-carrier 1 also serves to change the way the stresses to which the user is subjected are balanced between the jacket and the pack, since the pack and the jacket naturally tend to pull respectively towards the back and the front of the user's trunk, given the various elements in the jacket (ammunition, electronic elements, . . . ). In particular, the pack-carrier 1 serves to increase the forces on the user's hips.
Preferably, the pack-carrier 1 is shaped in such a manner that the resultant of the forces exerted by the pack and the jacket lies a little behind the user's iliac crests.
Optionally, the rims 4 a, 4 b are also shaped to be smaller at the distal ends of said rims 4 a, 4 b than at the proximal ends of said rims 4 a, 4 b, likewise for the purpose of not excessively hindering the user when walking.
The pack-carrier 1 also includes at least one support. Preferably, each portion 3 a, 3 b of the frame 2 includes its own support 11 a, 11 b. Thus in this example, the pack-carrier 1 has two distinct supports 11 a and 11 b.
By way of example, the two supports 11 a and 11 b may be obtained by molding. In this example, the two supports 11 a and 11 b are made of plastics material.
In preferred manner, the two supports 11 a and 11 b are mounted on the frame 2 by means of respective carriages 12 a and 12 b that enable the two supports 11 a and 11 b to slide relative to the frame 2 (one of the carriages being more visible in FIG. 4). In this example, said carriages are arranged in such a manner as to allow both carriages to slide circumferentially (i.e. around the user, substantially about the user's head-to-foot axis when the pack-carrier is being worn by the user).
This makes the pack-carrier 1 even more ergonomic. Also, this makes it possible to adapt to the size of the pack.
Typically, each portion 3 a, 3 b includes its own carriage 12 a, 12 b having its own support 11 a, 11 b mounted thereon. For each portion 3 a, 3 b, the carriage is mounted to slide on its proximal segment, and not on the entire length of said portion. For this purpose, and as can be seen better in FIGS. 3 and 4, the central tab 5 a, 5 b of each portion 3 a, 3 b includes rails 18, 19 at its top and bottom ends so as to allow the carriage 12 a, 12 b to slide between said rails.
By way of example, the two carriages 12 a and 12 b may be obtained by molding. In this example, the two carriages 12 a and 12 b are made of plastics material.
As can be seen in FIG. 4, each carriage 12 a, 12 b has snap- fastener fingers 16 and 17 arranged respectively at the top and bottom ends of the carriage in order to co-operate with corresponding notches 20 (only some of which are referenced in the figures) that are arranged in the rails 18 and 19 of the central tab 5 a, 5 b under consideration. This serves to set the position of the carriage 12 a, 12 b temporarily relative to the portion 3 a, 3 b under consideration when the snap- fastener fingers 16, 17 are engaged in a pair of notches 20 in said central tab 5 a, 5 b. This also serves to prevent the carriages 12 a, 12 b from escaping from the rails.
Also preferably, each support 3 a, 3 b is movably mounted on the frame 2 to move between a folded-away position in which the support 3 a, 3 b extends along the frame 2 and a projecting position enabling a pack to rest on the supports 3 a, 3 b in service.
In this example, each support 3 a, 3 b is pivotally mounted on the associated carriage 12 a, 12 b to pivot between its folded-away position and its projecting position about a respective pivot pin. In preferred manner, each support 3 a, 3 b is pivotally mounted on the associated carriage 12 a, 12 b so that:

- in its folded-away position (as shown in FIG. 2), the support 3 a, 3 b extends along the frame 2; and
- in its projecting position (as shown in FIG. 1), the support 3 a, 3 b extends substantially transversely or perpendicularly relative to the frame 2.

In particular manner, the support 3 a, 3 b is pivotally mounted on the associated carriage 12 a, 12 b so that:

- in its folded-away position, the support 3 a, 3 b extends substantially vertically upwards; and
- in its projecting position, the support 3 a, 3 b extends substantially horizontally.

Thus, in its folded-away position, the support 3 a, 3 b extends along the user's back towards the user's head, and in its projecting position, the support 3 a, 3 b extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the user.
Preferably, the pack-carrier 1 includes a spring 15 associated with each support 3 a, 3 b.
Each spring 15 is arranged in such a manner as to hold the associated support in its folded-away position so that the supports 3 a and 3 b do not hinder the user if the user is not carrying a pack. If the user desires to make use of the pack-carrier, the user lowers both supports 3 a and 3 b, and under the weight of the pack they remain in the projecting position so long as the pack is not removed.
By way of example, the springs 15 are made of metal, as are the pivot pins of the supports 3 a and 3 b, the springs in this example being arranged on said pivot pins.
In this example, each support 3 a, 3 b is in the form of a plate. By way of example, each plate is shaped in such a manner that its side remote from its side facing the other plate widens on going away from the frame 2.
Preferably, orifices 13 (only some of which are referenced in the figures) are provided in each of the supports 3 a, 3 b.
This serves to lighten the weight of the pack-carrier 1. This also serves to avoid retaining water between the pack and the pack-carrier 1.
By way of example, said orifices 13 are oblong in shape and they extend outwards from the pack-carrier 1 in straight lines.
The pack-carrier 1 as described above is simple in structure while also being ergonomic.
It should be observed that the pack-carrier 1 is made up of a small number of parts. The pack-carrier 1 can easily be mass produced at low cost.
With reference to FIG. 5, there follows a description of a second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the supports 103 a, 103 b are not movable relative to the frame.
The pack-carrier 101 comprises an open attachment frame 102 for attaching the pack-carrier 101 to a piece of equipment that is to be worn by a user. Said equipment may either be developed specifically for wearing the pack-carrier 101 (textile equipment such as a belt and/or mechanical equipment of the exoskeleton type), or it may be already-existing equipment (textile equipment such as a belt and/or mechanical equipment of the exoskeleton type). Preferably, the equipment is worn at least in part on the lower portion of the user's trunk in order to allow the lower portion of the trunk to take up forces so as to relieve the upper portion of the user's body.
The frame 102 is shaped to match the shape of the user's lower back.
The frame 102 is shaped so that the stresses exerted by a pack resting on the pack-carrier 101 are not concentrated on the middle of the user's back.
Under such circumstances, the frame 102 is shaped so as to balance stresses between the user's back and both of the user's sides.
For this purpose, the frame 102 in this example is substantially U-shaped. Typically, the frame 102 is made up of a central portion that is straight or slightly curved, which central portion is extended symmetrically by two curved segments, the central portion being designed to fit around the user's back and the two curved segments being designed to fit around the user's sides.
In order to avoid hindering movement of the arms while walking, the frame 102 in this example is thus shaped so that it does not surround the user completely. Typically, the frame 102 is shaped so as to extend around the user over substantially 180°.
Preferably, the frame 102 in this example comprises at least two distinct portions. In a particular embodiment, the frame 102 is made up of two distinct portions.
This enables the user to adapt the frame 102 to the user's own body build, thereby making the pack-carrier 101 more ergonomic. For example, a user of heavier build can assemble the frame 102 in such a manner that the two portions do not touch. The shape of the frame 102 as described above thus corresponds to the situation in which the two portions touch each other.
Advantageously, separating the frame 102 into two portions facilitates movement in service for the user, each hip being associated with only one portion.
Furthermore, this ensures that the stresses exerted by a pack resting on the pack-carrier 1 are concentrated more on the user's sides, which lead to the stresses to which the user is subjected under the effect of the pack being balanced better between the two portions. In addition this makes it possible to adapt to the size of the pack.
By way of example, the two portions of the frame 102 are obtained by molding.
In this example, the two portions of the frame 102 are made of plastics material.
Preferably, each portion includes a continuous rim from which there extends at least one attachment tab 114 for attaching to the equipment. The tab(s) of a given portion (jointly) define(s):

- a straight or curved proximal segment for coming into contact with the other portion if the two portions touch each other; and
- a distal segment extending the proximal segment, the distal segment being curved.

The tabs 114 are preferably curved in order to fit around the curvature of the user's back. This also serves to simplify attaching the pack-carrier 101 to the user.
As mentioned above, the pack-carrier 101 is connected to the user by being attached to the equipment via its tabs 114.
In particular manner, each tab 114 includes orifices (e.g. extending vertically and/or horizontally) for passing one or more straps serving to attach each portion to the equipment. Instead or in addition, said orifices serve to limit the weight of the pack-carrier.
The number of tabs 114 and their shapes, and also the number of orifices and their shapes, thus depend on the equipment that is to carry the pack-carrier 101. By way of example, the spacing between the tabs 114 may correspond to the width of a fabric strip of a piece of military equipment.
In a particular embodiment, each portion has five tabs 114, the various tabs 114 being separate from one another. All the tabs 114 also include vertically extending orifices.
This makes it possible to attach the pack-carrier 101 to military textile equipment.
As a result, the pack-carrier 101 is not linked to the pack that is to rest on it, thus enabling the user to remove the pack much more easily.
Advantageously, by being linked in this way to the belt, the pack-carrier 101 contributes to the wearing of another textile element worn by the user, such as a jacket, a ballistic protective vest (BPV), a smart jacket (SJ), or indeed a modular ballistic structure (MBS) . . . .
This is particularly advantageous in a military context where textile equipment of the jacket type is relatively heavy.
Specifically, the jacket naturally comes to rest on the rim of the frame 102, thereby enabling some of the weight of the jacket to be transferred from the user's shoulders to the user's hips.
This serves to limit even more the stresses imposed on the user's upper body, which stresses tend to weaken the user's back.
Typically, in a military context, the pack-carrier 101 is arranged in such a manner that the frame 102 lies between the bullet-proof inner band of the belt and the outer band of the belt.
Advantageously, the pack-carrier 101 also serves to change the way the stresses to which the user is subjected are balanced between the jacket and the pack, since the pack and the jacket naturally tend to pull respectively towards the back and the front of the user's trunk, given the various elements in the jacket (ammunition, electronic elements, . . . ). In particular, the pack-carrier 1 serves to increase the forces on the user's hips.
Preferably, the pack-carrier 101 is shaped in such a manner that the resultant of the forces exerted by the pack and the jacket lies a little behind the user's iliac crests.
The pack-carrier 101 also includes at least one support 103 a, 103 b. Preferably, each portion of the frame includes its own support 103 a, 103 b. Thus in this example, the pack-carrier 101 has two distinct supports 103 a and 103 b.
In the second embodiment, the supports 103 a, 103 b are stationary relative to the frame 102.
In this example, it is the rim of each portion of the frame 102 that forms the support of the portion under consideration. For each portion, the supports 103 a, 103 b and the tabs 114 thus form a single part.
In this example, the support 103 a, 103 b and the tabs 114 of a portion under consideration are thus manufactured simultaneously.
The two portions are preferably shaped in such a manner that the supports 103 a and 103 b extend substantially perpendicularly or transversely relative to the frame 102, thereby defining a projecting position in which a pack can rest on the supports 103 a and 103 b. In particular manner, the two portions are shaped in such a manner that the supports 103 a and 103 b extend substantially horizontally in said projecting position.
Each of the rims forming the supports 103 a, 103 b is shaped like a comma, becoming wider on approaching the center of the frame 102.
Thus, the rims are also shaped to be smaller at the distal ends of said rims than at the proximal ends of said rims, likewise for the purpose of not excessively hindering the user when walking.
In particular manner, the rim presents recesses in the form of orifices (which may be open and/or closed).
This serves to lighten the weight of the pack-carrier 101. This also serves to avoid retaining water between the pack and the pack-carrier 101.
The pack-carrier 101 as described above is very simple in structure while also being ergonomic. Specifically, the pack-carrier 101 then comprises only two parts: the two portions forming both the frame 102 and also the supports 103 a, 103 b.
It should be observed that the pack-carrier 101 is made up of a small number of parts. The pack-carrier 101 can easily be mass produced at low cost.
As mentioned above, the shape and the number of tabs 114 depend on the equipment to which it is desired to attach the pack-carrier 101.
FIG. 6 thus shows a third embodiment in which the pack-carrier 201 presents another shape that is different from the shapes of the two embodiments described above.
In this third embodiment, each portion has four tabs 214. Furthermore, all the tabs 214 include vertically extending orifices, and an end one of the tabs additionally includes circular orifices.
With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, there follows a description of a fourth embodiment of the invention.
The pack-carrier, given overall reference 301, comprises an open attachment frame 302 for attaching the pack-carrier 301 to a piece of equipment (not shown) that is to be worn by a user. Said equipment may either be developed specifically for wearing the pack-carrier 1 (textile equipment such as a belt and/or mechanical equipment of the exoskeleton type), or it may be already-existing equipment (textile equipment such as a belt and/or mechanical equipment of the exoskeleton type). Preferably, the equipment is worn at least in part on the lower portion of the user's trunk in order to allow the lower portion of the trunk to take up forces so as to relieve the upper portion of the user's body.
The frame 302 is shaped to match the shape of the user's lower back.
The frame 302 is shaped so that the stresses exerted by a pack resting on the pack-carrier 301 are not concentrated on the middle of the user's back.
Under such circumstances, the frame 302 is shaped so as to balance stresses between the user's back and both of the user's sides.
For this purpose, in this example the frame 302 is substantially U-shaped. Typically, the frame 302 is made up of a central portion that is straight or slightly curved, which central portion is extended symmetrically by two curved segments, the central portion being designed to fit around the user's back and the two curved segments being designed to fit around the user's sides.
In order to avoid hindering movement of the arms while walking, the frame 302 in this example is thus shaped so that it does not surround the user completely. Typically, the frame 302 is shaped so as to extend around the user over substantially 180°.
The frame 302 comprises at least two distinct portions. In a particular embodiment, the frame 302 is made up of two distinct portions 303 a and 303 b.
By way of example, the two portions 303 a and 303 b may be obtained by molding.
In this example, the two portions 303 a and 303 b are made of plastics material.
Each portion 303 a, 303 b preferably includes a continuous rim 304 a, 304 b that is substantially circularly arcuate and from which there extends at least one attachment tab for attaching to the equipment.
The attachment tab(s) of a given portion (jointly) define(s):

- a straight or curved proximal segment for arranging substantially against the user's back; and
- a curved distal segment for arranging substantially over one of the user's sides.

The tabs are preferably curved in order to fit around the curvature of the user's pelvis. This also serves to simplify attaching the pack-carrier 301 to the user.
As mentioned above, the pack-carrier 301 is connected to the user by being attached to the equipment via its tabs.
In particular manner, each tab includes orifices (e.g. extending vertically and/or horizontally) for passing one or more straps serving to attach each portion 303 a, 303 b to the equipment. Instead or in addition, said orifices serve to limit the weight of the pack-carrier 301.
The number of tabs and their shapes, and also the number of orifices and their shapes, thus depend on the equipment that is to carry the pack-carrier.
By way of example, the spacing between the tabs may correspond to the width of a fabric strip of a piece of military textile equipment.
In a particular embodiment, each portion 303 a, 303 b includes a first tab 305 a, 305 b forming the proximal segment of the portion under consideration, and another tab 306 a, 306 b forming the distal segment of the portion under consideration, the various tabs being separate from one another. The outermost tab 306 a, 306 b of the pack-carrier includes vertically extending orifices 309 a, 309 b (only some of which are referenced in the figures) between two horizontally extending orifices 310 a, 310 b, and the central tab 305 a, 305 b includes vertically extending orifices 309 a, 309 b (only some of which are referenced in the figures) between two horizontally extending orifices 310 a, 310 b.
This makes it possible to attach the pack-carrier 301 to military textile equipment, such as a belt.
As a result, the pack-carrier 301 is not linked to the pack that is to rest on it, thus enabling the user to remove the pack much more easily.
Advantageously, by being linked in this way to the belt, the pack-carrier 301 contributes to the wearing of another textile element worn by the user, such as a jacket, a ballistic protective vest (BPV), a smart jacket (SJ), or indeed a modular ballistic structure (MBS) . . . .
This is particularly advantageous in a military context where textile equipment of the jacket type is relatively heavy.
Specifically, the jacket naturally comes to rest on the rim 304 a, 304 b of the frame 302, thereby enabling some of the weight of the jacket to be transferred from the user's shoulders to the user's hips.
This limits even more the stresses imposed on the upper body of the user and the force from the backpack is counterbalanced on the support situated behind the body so that the load is stable on the user and comfortable.
Typically, in a military context, the pack-carrier 301 is arranged in such a manner that the frame 302 lies between the bullet-proof inner band of the belt and the outer band of the belt. For example, the attachment tabs are slid between the two bands in order to arrange the pack-carrier 301 correctly.
Advantageously, the pack-carrier 301 also serves to change the way the stresses to which the user is subjected are balanced between the jacket and the pack, since the pack and the jacket naturally tend to pull respectively towards the back and the front of the user's trunk, given the various elements in the jacket (ammunition, electronic elements, . . . ). In particular, the pack-carrier 301 serves to increase the forces on the user's hips.
Preferably, the pack-carrier 301 is shaped in such a manner that the resultant of the forces exerted by the pack and the jacket lies a little behind the user's iliac crests.
Preferably, each of the rims 304 a, 304 b of the frame 302 widens at its distal end (i.e. its end furthest from the center of the frame). This widening forms a projection 307 a, 307 b on either side of the frame.
This serves to still further improve the support provided by the pack-carrier 301 to additional equipment, such as the jacket.
Each projection 307 a, 307 b is thus plane. In this example, each projection 307 a, 307 b is generally elliptical in shape.
The pack-carrier 301 also includes at least one support. In this example, the pack-carrier 301 has a single support 311.
By way of example, the support 311 is obtained by molding. In this example, the support 311 is made of plastics material.
In preferred manner, the support 311 is mounted on the frame 302 by means of a carriage 312.
In particular manner, each portion 303 a, 303 b of the frame 302 is slidably mounted in the carriage 312. In this example, the carriage 312 is arranged in such a manner as to allow both portions 303 a and 303 b to slide circumferentially (i.e. around the user, substantially about the user's head-to-foot axis when the pack-carrier is being worn by the user).
This enables the user to adapt the frame 302 to the user's own body build, thereby making the pack-carrier more ergonomic. For example, a user may arrange the frame 302 in such a manner that the two portions 303 a and 303 b do not touch each other, or on the contrary so that the two portions 303 a and 303 b do indeed touch each other. Under all circumstances, the two portions 303 a and 303 b remain connected together by means of the carriage 312, even though they are free to slide relative to each other and relative to the carriage 312.
In a military context where the pack-carrier 301 is mounted in a belt already in place on the operator, the ability of the two portions 303 a and 303 b to slide relative to the carriage 312 enables the operator to adapt the pack-carrier 301 to the size of the belt, and in particular to one of the three standard belt sizes (1 to 3) available from certain military suppliers. The same pack-carrier 301 can thus be used by different operators of different body builds while conserving similar beneficial ergonomic effects among people of a variety of body builds and sizes.
Furthermore, this ensures that the stresses exerted by a pack resting on the pack-carrier 301 are concentrated more on the user's sides, which lead to the stresses to which the user is subjected under the effect of the pack being balanced better between the two portions.
Each portion 303 a, 303 b is thus mounted to slide independently on the carriage 312.
For this purpose, the carriage 312 has a first rail 317 at a top end and a second rail 318 at a bottom end in order to allow each portion 303 a, 303 b to slide relative to the carriage 312 between said rails 317 and 318. Typically, it is the rims 304 a and 304 b that slide in the top rail 317 and tongues that are attached to each portion 303 a, 303 b that slide in the bottom rail 318.
By way of example, the carriage 312 is obtained by molding. In this example, the carriage 312 is made of plastics material.
Furthermore, the carriage 312 has two slots 319 a and 319 b near its bottom end and slidably receiving respective pegs 320 a, 320 b, each connected to a respective one of the tongues attached to each portion 303 a, 303 b. Since each slot 319 a, 319 b is closed at both ends, the above-described slot-and-peg combinations serve to limit the sliding of each portion 303 a, 303 b relative to the carriage 312, and in particular to ensure that neither of the two portions 303 a and 303 b escapes from the carriage 312.
As a result, although the two portions 303 a and 303 b in this example are independent, they nevertheless remain linked together by means of the carriage 312. In this fourth embodiment, the pack-carrier 301 thus forms a unitary assembly. Nevertheless, by acting on the pegs 320 a-320 b, the assembly can be disassembled to form three distinct parts so as to make the pack-carrier easier to carry and more compact in the event that the user decides not to make use of it.
Also preferably, the support 303 is movably mounted on the frame 302 to move between a folded-away position in which the support 303 extends along the frame 302 and a projecting position enabling a pack to rest on the support 303 in service.
In this example, the support 303 is pivotally mounted on the associated carriage 312 to pivot between its folded-away position and its projecting position about a pivot axis Z.
Preferably, whereas in the other embodiments this pivot axis is substantially vertically above the structure of the carriage, in the fourth embodiment, the support 303 is pivotally mounted on the carriage in such a manner that the pivot axis Z is offset from the rim 304 a, 304 b towards the outside of the frame 302, in other words, the support is L-shaped in the sagittal plane, i.e. when the operator is seen in profile.
In this way, the support 303 is offset outwards from the frame 302, i.e. towards the outside of the pack-carrier 301.
This turns out to be particularly advantageous in a military context when the support is in its folded-away position since a ballistic protective vest is of considerable thickness in particular in the presence of ballistic plates. This L-shape then enables the support to go beyond the thickness of the vest so as to remain vertical against it, where a straight support having its center of rotation on the carriage directly in vertical alignment with the support would be incapable of going outside the thickness of the vest and would remain half-open in its folded-away position.
In preferred manner, the support 303 is pivotally mounted on the associated carriage 312 so that:

- in its folded-away position, the support 303 extends along the frame 302; and
- in its projecting position, the support 303 extends substantially transversely or perpendicularly relative to the frame 302.

In particular manner, the support 303 is pivotally mounted on the associated carriage 312 so that:

- in its folded-away position, the support 303 extends substantially vertically upwards; and
- in its projecting position, the support 303 extends substantially horizontally.

Thus, in its folded-away position, the support 303 extends along the user's back towards the user's head, and in its projecting position, the support 303 extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the user.
Optionally, the pack-carrier 301 includes a spring associated with the support 303.
The spring is arranged in such a manner as to hold the support 303 in its folded-away position so that the support 303 does not hinder the user if the user is not carrying a pack. If the user desires to make use of the pack-carrier, the user lowers the support 303, and under the weight of the pack it remains in the projecting position so long as the pack is not removed.
By way of example, the spring is made of metal like the pivot pin of the support 303, the spring being arranged on said pivot axis.
Preferably, the pack-carrier 301 includes at least one stop preventing the support 303 from tilting towards the inside of the frame 302 so that the support 303 does not hinder the user if the user is not carrying a pack.
In this example, the support 303 is in the form of a plate.
Preferably, the support 303 is ribbed, at least on its face that is to come into contact with the pack.
This serves to improve the grip of the pack on the support 303.
The pack-carrier 301 as described above is simple in structure while also being ergonomic.
It should be observed that the pack-carrier 301 is made up of a small number of parts. The pack-carrier 301 can easily be mass produced at low cost.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and embodiment variants may be applied thereto without going beyond the ambit of the invention as defined by the claims.
Thus, the pack-carrier is suitable for use equally well in a military context and in a civilian context.
It should be observed that the pack-carrier is for use while the operator is standing upright in order to relieve the operator of the weight of the pack.
Furthermore, although in this example the frame is made up of two portions, the frame could be made up of some other number of portions. The frame could equally well be made as a single portion.
Although in the first three embodiments, the portions are totally independent of each other, the portions could be fastened together in optionally temporary manner, e.g. as in the fourth embodiment. For example, the pack-carrier could incorporate a latch enabling the two frame portions to be fastened together temporarily.
In the same manner, although above the pack-carrier has two supports in the first three embodiments, the pack-carrier could have some other number of supports, and for example it could have only one support, as in the fourth embodiment.
Thus, in general manner, the pack-carrier of the invention could be made by combining several of the embodiments described in the present application. For example, the support of the fourth embodiment could include orifices as in the first embodiment. The projection of the fourth embodiment could be applied to the other embodiments.
A support could be mounted on the pack-carrier in a manner other than that described. For example, a support could be mounted to move between its two positions directly on the frame (without requiring additional parts such as the carriage as described). A support could be movable between its two positions by performing movements other than those described, e.g. by moving in translation.
Each support could be connected to the frame using some other number of pins and/or some other number of springs than those described.
Furthermore, a support need not be movably mounted on the frame. A support could thus be fastened in stationary manner to the frame. A support could then be made integrally with the frame or it could form an independent part that is fitted to the frame so as to be rigidly fastened thereto (by adhesive, by screw fastening, . . . )
Although a support as described above is made as a single plate, a support could be made in some other way. For example, a support could have a plurality of elements nesting one within another (typically so as to move telescopically) so that the support is more compact when it is not in its projecting position. By way of example, it is possible to have a support in which a distal element is fastened to the frame in stationary manner (or in a variant is fastened to the frame in movable manner) and having its other elements nesting one within another.
When a support is mounted on the frame via a carriage, said carriage could be arranged in a manner other than that described. For example, the carriage could be movable in axial translation (i.e. moving up/down, i.e. preferably substantially vertically) and/or in radial translation (i.e. moving towards or away from the user, i.e. preferably moving substantially horizontally) instead of or in addition to moving in circumferential translation (i.e. around the user's trunk) as described above.
Advantageously, with a carriage that is movable at least in axial translation, the support could move up or down in order to come into contact with the pack and could do so without any need to change the position where the frame itself interacts with the user. This is particularly advantageous in certain contexts, in particular military contexts, where the length of the terminal portion of the pack is constant for a given model of pack even though the height of a user's trunk naturally varies considerably from one person to another.
As mentioned above, it is possible that the carriage(s) is/are supposed not to move relative to the user.
Although the various parts described above are made by molding, said parts could be made differently, e.g. by three-dimensional printing.
The pack-carrier could be attached to the intended equipment other than by means of straps, e.g. by using MOLLES interfaces, as are well-known in military circles.

Claims

1. A pack-carrier comprising an open attachment frame and at least one support, said support being arranged on the frame in such a manner as to be capable of extending outwards from the frame in a projecting position that, in service, enables a pack to rest on the support, the frame being shaped so that, in service, it extends at least in part around each of the user's sides so as to balance stresses between the user's back and both of the user's sides.

2. The pack-carrier according to claim 1, wherein at least one end of the frame that is to be located at one of the user's sides presents a projection that, in service, is capable of supporting loads other than the backpack and arranged on the user's torso or on the sides of the user's trunk, and that balances the structure relative to loads placed behind in the backpack.

3. The pack-carrier according to claim 1, wherein the support is movable between said projecting position that, in service, enables a pack to rest on the support, and a folded-away position.

4. The pack-carrier according to claim 3, wherein the support is mounted to move on the frame between said projecting position and said folded-away position.

5. The pack-carrier according to claim 4, wherein the support is mounted to move in rotation between said projecting position and said folded-away position.

6. The pack-carrier according to claim 3, including a spring tending to hold the support in its folded-away position.

7. The pack-carrier according to claim 1, wherein the pack-carrier includes at least one stop preventing the support from tilting towards the inside of the frame.

8. The pack-carrier according to claim 1, wherein the support is ribbed.

9. The pack-carrier according to claim 1, wherein the support is mounted on the frame by means of a carriage of the pack-carrier.

10. The pack-carrier according to claim 1, wherein the frame is made up of at least two portions.

11. The pack-carrier according to claim 10, wherein each frame portion is slidably mounted in a carriage carrying the support.

12. The pack-carrier according to claim 1, wherein the support is offset outwards from the frame.

13. Equipment including a pack-carrier according to claim 1, the equipment being independent of the pack that is to rest on the pack-carrier.