WO2012001112A1

WO2012001112A1 - Rucksack

Info

Publication number: WO2012001112A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/061024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christophe Latouche; Laurent Sellie
Original assignee: Geopack Industries Sas
Priority date: 2010-07-02
Filing date: 2011-06-30
Publication date: 2012-01-05
Also published as: FR2962017B1; FR2962017A1

Abstract

This rucksack has: - a load that can be moved, passing through an opening in a compartment and then above the head of a wearer of the rucksack: • from a stowed position, in which the load is located inside the compartment and a flap (6) is in the closed position, towards • a deployed position, in which the load is located on the chest of the wearer of the rucksack, - straps which connect the load to the compartment and are able to hold the load on the chest of the wearer in the deployed position, - a passage (90) between one edge of the opening (20) of the compartment and the flap (6) in the closed position, and - at least one handle (58) connected to the load, this handle protruding outside the rucksack through this passage.

Description

BACKPACK

[Ooi] The invention relates to a backpack.

[002] The applicant knows backpacks comprising:

- compartment having an opening,

a flap that can be displaced between a closed position in which it acts as a protective cap of the opening to the weather and an open position in which it releases the opening,

a movable load, passing through the opening of the compartment and then over the head of a wearer of the backpack:

• a stowed position in which the load is inside the compartment and the flap is in the closed position, towards

• an extended position in which the load is on the torso of the rucksack carrier,

- Straps connecting the load to the compartment and able to hold the load on the torso of the wearer in the deployed position.

[003] For example, such a backpack is described in US patent application 2009 014 490 in the particular case where the load is a bulletproof apron also known as the "ballistic protection apron".

[004] Here, by bulletproof apron, there is a wall intended to protect the person who wears it against bullets or other ammunition. Typically, this apron is one of the faces of a bulletproof vest.

[005] These aprons generally conform to one of the standards such as those described in application US 2009 014 490 from paragraph [0042].

In known knapsacks, to be able to move the load from its stowed position to its deployed position, it is first necessary to move the flap from its closed position to its open position to release the opening. Then, and only then, the load can be moved from its stowed position to its deployed position. Thus, when the load is enclosed inside a compartment closed by the flap, it takes at least two distinct operations (opening the flap and then moving the load outwards) before placing the load in its deployed position . In addition, opening the flap may require the grounding of the backpack. As a result, the travel time of the load from its stored position to its deployed position is long.

[007] To overcome this drawback, it has already been proposed to place the load in a compartment without a flap. For example, such a solution is disclosed in US patent application 6,419,132. Moving the load to its deployed position is then much faster. However, the absence of flap poses different problems. For example, rain or other objects can fall into this compartment because its opening is not protected by the flap. In addition, the absence of flap makes the camouflage of the load more difficult. This last point is particularly important when the backpack is used for military applications. Indeed, in this case, the load can be a bulletproof apron on which are fixed weapons or ammunition.

[008] The invention aims to remedy at least one of these disadvantages. It therefore relates to a backpack in which the backpack also includes:

a passage between the edge of the opening of the compartment and the flap in the closed position, and

at least one handle connected to the load, this handle protruding outside the backpack via this passage.

[009] In the backpack above, the handle allows in the same movement to open the flap and extract the load compartment. This allows to move very quickly from the stowed position to the deployed position. Indeed, the handle is accessible from the outside of the bag. It is therefore not necessary to open the flap before being able to pull the load. In addition, the displacement of the load under the effect of traction applied to the handle opens the flap at the same time.

[ooio] Embodiments of this backpack may include one or more of the following features:

■ the backpack has:

at least one fastener mechanically connecting the flap to the compartment, this fastener being movable between a stapled position in which it holds the flap in the closed position and a unstrapped position in which it releases the flap, and

- A link mechanically connecting the handle to the clip so as to move the clip to its ungraded position at the same time as a pull is exerted on the handle to move the load to its deployed position;

The link comprises an elastic cord;

■ the link and the fastener are fit, by cooperation of form:

to retain the link attached to the fastener in the stapled position, and

- to disengage the handle of the fastener as soon as the clip tilts in its unstapled position;

■ the link has a bead and the fastener has a clean loop to retain the bead in the stapled position and, alternately, to release the bead in the disclocked position;

The passage is a slot between a rim of the flap and an edge of the opening and the handle is a handle extending in a plane parallel to this slot;

The bag comprises at least one movable closure between: - A locked position in which it mechanically connects the flap to the compartment so as to retain the flap secured to the compartment when moving the load from its stored position to its deployed position, and

- An unlocked position in which it allows the movement of the flap from its closed position to another open position;

■ the compartment includes an inscription with characters more than 3 cm high and the flap includes a flange capable of hiding this inscription in the closed position and, alternately, to reveal this inscription in the open position;

■ the backpack also includes a belt adapted to surround the torso of the wearer to hold the compartment on his back;

■ the load includes a bulletproof apron or firearm or ammunition. [0013] These embodiments further have the following advantages:

- Connect the handle to the fastener allows to quickly unlock the fastener which accelerates the passage from the stored position to the deployed position,

- The use of an elastic cord allows a smooth movement from the stowed position to the deployed position,

- The use of a bead and a loop simply disconnects the handle of the fastener in response to traction on the handle,

a handle in the form of a loop makes it possible to ensure sufficient rigidity for the handle so that it protrudes outside the backpack substantially always in the same place, which facilitates its grip,

the presence of closure makes it possible to conceal that the flap can also open by pulling on the handle while helping to keep the flap in its closed position,

- Use the fastener also as a hinge simplifies the structure of the backpack because the same fastener then performs several different functions,

- Use the flap to hide an inscription makes this inscription visible only when the flap is in its open position, and

- The presence of a belt facilitates the extraction of the load.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the front face of a backpack,

FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the backpack of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a schematic and partial illustration of a load contained in the backpack of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the position of the load inside the backpack of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of straps used to retain the load on the backpack of FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the load of the backpack of FIG. 1 in the deployed position,

FIG. 7 is a schematic and partial illustration of an upper part of the backpack of FIG. 1,

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic and perspective illustration of a flap of the backpack of FIG. 1 in the open position,

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of fasteners in the ungraded position of the backpack of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 10 and 11 are more detailed schematic illustrations of a fastener of FIG. 9, and

- Figures 12 to 14 are illustrations illustrating the operation of the backpack of Figure 1.

In these figures, the same references are used to designate the same elements.

In the following description, the features and functions well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail. In addition, in this description, the terms "high" / "low" / "higher" / "lower" are defined with respect to a Y direction of an orthogonal XYZ coordinate system. The Y direction is the vertical direction. The X and Z directions are horizontal directions. The front and the back are defined with respect to the direction Z.

Figures 1 and 2 show a backpack 2. This backpack 2 has an external appearance similar to that of ordinary backpacks such as a backpack of hikers.

The backpack 2 has a main compartment 4 closed by a flap 6. The compartment 4 is intended to receive loads. It defines for this purpose a hollow space 8 large enough to receive the charges in question. For example, the volume of the hollow 8 is preferably greater than 10, 20 or 30 liters.

Here, this hollow 8 has a substantially parallelepiped shape. For this, the compartment 4 has a horizontal bottom 10, a front face 12, a vertical rear face 14 and two vertical side faces 16. In Figure 2, only one of these side faces 16 is visible.

For example, the compartment 4 is made of fabric.

This compartment 4 has in its upper part an opening 20 large enough to introduce and remove the charges from the inside of the compartment 4. Here, this opening 20 is substantially rectangular. For example, the width and depth of this opening 20 are preferably greater, respectively, to 20 centimeters and 15 centimeters. The front face 12 has an inscription 22 (only visible in Figure 8) in its upper part. The height of this inscription is typically greater than 3 cm and preferably greater than 5 cm and its width, in a horizontal direction, is typically greater than 10 cm.

The flap 6 is movable between a closed position (shown in Figure 1) and a first open position (shown in Figure 2).

In its closed position, the flap completely obstructs the opening 20 to protect the hollow 8 from the weather. In its open position, on the contrary, the flap 6 releases the opening 20 which allows the introduction of charge inside the compartment 4.

Here, the flap 6 has a substantially rectangular upper face 30 which extends a little beyond the edge of the opening 20.

In addition, the face 30 is surrounded on its periphery by a front flange 32, a rear flange 34 and lateral flanges 36.

The front flange 32 and the lateral flanges 36 descend along, respectively, the front face 12 and the side faces 16 in the closed position of the flap 6. This overlap of the flanges 32 and 36 with the faces 12 and 16 allows to ensure a better seal in the closed position.

In addition, here, the rim 32 is long enough to cover the entire registration 22 in the closed position. For example, the rim 32 is more than 20 cm wide by more than 10 cm high.

Closures 40, 41 are provided on the front face 12 to lock the flap 6 in its closed position. In their locked positions, each of these closures 40, 41 mechanically connects the lower end of the flange 32 to the front face 12. These closures are movable from a locked position, shown in Figure 1, to an unlocked position, shown in FIG. Figure 2.

In the locked position, the closures 40 and 41 tend the flange 32 to cover the inscription 22.

In the unlocked position, the flap 6 can swing from its closed position to a first open position shown in Figure 2. In the unlocked position, each closure 40, 41 dissociates into two parts, one of which remains attached to the front face 12 and the other remains secured to the flap 6.

The closures 40, 41 are movable between their locked positions and unlocked reversibly.

Two straps 44, 45 are fixed on the rear face 14 between a high attachment point and a low attachment point. These straps 44, 45 can carry the backpack 2 on the back of a human being, called "carrier".

These straps are designed so that a portion of the weight of the backpack 2 rests on the shoulders of the wearer. In addition, the backpack 2 comprises a belt in two pieces 48A and 48B intended to meet to surround the torso of the wearer. This belt transfers the other part of the weight of the backpack 2 to the wearer. Each piece 48A, 48B has one end directly fixed in the lower part of the rear face and another free end provided with a male or female part of a staple fastener and, alternatively, removable.

The backpack 2 comprises a load 50 movable between a stowed position shown in Figure 1 and an extended position shown in Figure 6. The following description is made in the particular case where the load 50 is an apron bulletproof.

In the stowed position, the apron 50 is received inside the compartment 4 and the flap 6 is in its closed position. In its deployed position, the apron 50 covers the majority of the torso of the wearer.

For example, this apron 50 conforms to one of the standards cited in US patent application 2009 014 490.

In this particular case, the apron 50 extends essentially in a vertical plane in its stowed position. In this position, the apron has a substantially horizontal upper edge 52 and a substantially horizontal lower edge 54. The edge 54 comprises a notch 56 for the passage of the head of the wearer. The edge 52 is mechanically connected to a handle 58 which protrudes outside the bag 2 when the apron 50 is in its stowed position.

Fasteners 60, 62 are provided on the rear face 14 to retain the flap 6 secured to the compartment 4 when it moves from its stowed position to its first open position. These fasteners 60, 62 fulfill the function of hinges during this movement. These fasteners 60, 62 fulfill other functions and will be described later.

Figure 3 shows in more detail the upper part of the apron 50.

The handle 58 is here a handle whose each end and fixed at a respective point of attachment to the edge 52.

In this embodiment, the handle 58 also comprises a transverse strap 64 disposed midway between the edge 52 and the upper end of the handle 58. This strap 64 serves to stiffen the handle 58.

On both sides of this strap 64 extend two cords 66, 68. One end of each of these cords 66, 68 is connected to the strap 64.

The free end of these cords 66, 68 is intended to be fixed respectively to the fasteners 60, 62. For this purpose, here, the end of each of these cords 66, 68 comprises a bead 69 threaded on the cord and retained at the end of this cord by a knot 70. Preferably, the beads 66 and 68 are made of an elastic material whose Young's modulus is less than 5000 MPa and, preferably, less than 2000 MPa.

The function of the cords 66, 68 is described below.

Figure 4 shows, by transparency, the position of the apron 50 inside the backpack 2 when it is in its stowed position. Conversely, Figure 5 illustrates, by transparency, the inside of the bag 2 when the apron 50 is in its deployed position.

The edge 54 of the apron 50 is connected to the rear face of the compartment 4 by means of two straps 74, 76. Each of these straps 74, 76 is intended to pass over a respective shoulder of the wearer to retain, in deployed position, the apron on the torso of the wearer. One end of each of these straps is thus fixed to the apron 50 while the other end is fixed inside the compartment 4 on the rear face 14.

In addition, here, these straps 74, 76 each comprises at least one loop 78, 80 for adjusting the length of the strap. These loops 78, 80 make it possible to adjust the position of the apron 50 when the latter is in the deployed position.

FIG. 6 shows the deck 50 in its deployed position on a carrier 82.

As shown in this figure, the apron 50 preferably comprises several strips 84 for fixing utensils. Only three utensils 86 to 88 are shown in FIG. 6. For example, utensil 86 contains ammunition, utensil 87 is a firearm, and utensil 88 is a ammunition pouch.

These utensils are attached to the bands 84 via conventional removable fasteners.

Figure 7 shows in more detail the upper part of the rear face 14 when the deck is in its stowed position. In this position, the handle 58 protrudes outside the bag through a passage. This passage is here a slot formed between the rear edge 34 of the flap 6 and the edge of the opening 20. This slot 90 extends between the two fasteners 60, 62.

With this slot 90, the wearer can pull the apron 50 without having to open before the flap 6. In addition, when the wearer pulls on the handle 50 to extract the apron 50 of the compartment 4, part of this pulling force is transmitted to the fasteners 60, 62 through the cords 66 and 68 so as to move these fasteners from their stapled positions (shown in Figure 7) to a degraded position (shown in Figure 9).

In the unclamped position, the fasteners 60, 62 no longer mechanically connect the rear flange 34 to the rear face 14 of the compartment 4. Thus, under the effect of the traction force exerted on the handle 58, the apron 50 push the flap 6 which then pivots from its closed position to a second open position shown on the figure 8. In the second open position, the flap 6 is on the front of the backpack. To pivot from the closed position to the second open position, the closures 40 and 42 are used as hinges. These closures 40 and 42 thus also allow to retain the flap 6 secured to the compartment 4 in the second open position.

In the stapled position, these fasteners 60 and 62 retain the flap 6 secured to the compartment 4 and also perform the function of hinges when the closures 40 and 41 are unlocked.

A particular embodiment of these fasteners 60 and 62 will now be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

Each fastener comprises a strip 100, for example made of fabric, one end of which is fixed to the rear flange 34 of the flap 6. For example, this end is sewn to the rear flange 34. The other end of the strip 100 is provided with a loop 102. This loop 102 is made using a flexible cord. Preferably, this loop 102 is made of an elastic material whose Young's modulus is less than 5000 MPa and, preferably less than 2000 MPa. Each fastener also comprises a snap button, one of the maie part and the female part is integral with the band 100 and the other is secured to the rear face 14 of the backpack. For example, in Figures 9 and 10, the male portion 104 is secured to the rear face 14 and the female portion 106 is secured to the band 100.

The loop 102 is intended to cooperate with the end of the cord 66 or 68 to unclip the pressure button in response to traction on the handle 58.

The figure shows the end of the cord 66 mechanically connected to the fastener 60. For this purpose, the loop 102 is wrapped around the cord 66. In addition, the loop 102 is folded so that it passes between the rear edge 34 of the flap 6 and the snap.

Under these conditions, as the traction exerted on the handle 58 is insufficient to unclip the pressure button 104, 106, the end of the cord 66 remains integral with the band 100. When on the contrary, the tensile force exerted on the handle 58 is strong enough, the pressure button is disengaged which releases the flap 6. Moreover, when the pressure button is unstaightened, it also frees the end of the loop 102 which then disengages from the cord 66 and thus releases cord. Thus, when the fastener 60 is in its unstaightened position, the apron 50 is no longer mechanically connected directly to this fastener. It can therefore be freely pulled over the wearer's head.

Figures 12 to 14 illustrate the use of the backpack 2.

Initially, the backpack 2 is carried by the carrier 82 with the aid of the straps 44,

45 and belt 48A, 48B. Also in the initial state, the apron 50 is in its stowed position. Thus, only the handle 58 protrudes outside the backpack 2. This handle 58 is then located behind the nape of the wearer 82.

In this state, the backpack 2 has the appearance of a regular backpack. When the wearer 82 decides to protect himself, he catches with his two hands the handle 58 and pulls towards the front as shown by the arrow 1 10 in Figure 13. In response to this traction on the handle 58 , the fasteners 60, 62 swing from their stapled positions to their ungraded positions. The flap 6 is then pushed by the apron 50 from its closed position to its second open position as illustrated in FIG. 13.

Then, the carrier 82 folds the apron 50 on his torso as indicated by the arrow 1 12 of Figure 14. The apron 50 then reaches its deployed position. In this position, it protects the wearer 82 against bullet impacts.

In addition, the inscription 22 is now visible.

Many other embodiments are possible. For example, the handle can take many other different forms. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the handle is formed of a rope whose one end is directly attached to the deck 50 and whose other end is connected to a rigid plug having substantially the shape of an elongate cylinder.

The cords 66, 68 are not necessarily directly connected to the handle 58. For example, they can also be connected to the apron 50. These cords can take different forms such as ribbons.

The straps 44, 45 and the belt can be replaced by any other device performing the same functions. For example, these straps and this belt can be replaced by a jacket in the back of which is sewn the compartment 4. The straps 74, 76 can also be replaced by rigid arches.

Alternatively, the backpack has a single fastener or more than two fasteners. In another variant, the fasteners 60, 62 are omitted. In this case, the flap 6 is held in its closed position only under the effect of its own weight.

Many other embodiments of the fasteners 60 and 62 are possible. For example, these fasteners can also be made using velcro® self-gripping strips rather than snaps.

If necessary, one of the two closures 40, 41 is omitted. In another embodiment, these two openings 40 and 41 are omitted. In this case, the front edge 32 of the flap 6 remains maintained on the front face 12 essentially under the effect of the weight of the flap. It is also possible to install more than two closures between the flap 6 and the compartment 4. Alternatively, the closures 41 and 42 are replaced by simple strips sewn on one side to the flap and on the other side to the front face 12. In this embodiment, these closures are not movable between locked and unlocked positions.

The backpack 2 can contain several compartments. In particular, the compartment 4 may contain several secondary pockets located inside this main compartment. In this case, the apron can be contained in one of these secondary pockets.

Preferably, another bulletproof apron is attached without any degree of freedom to the rear face of the backpack. This other apron thus protects the back of the wearer against the impact of bullets.

The backpack has been described here in the particular case where it is essentially made of flexible material such as fabrics. However, alternatively, it may be made of other materials such as leather or polymers. These materials can be rigid or flexible.

Claims

1. Backpack with:

compartment (4) having an opening (20),

- a flap (6) movable between a closed position in which it serves as a protective hat of the opening to the weather and an open position in which it releases the opening,

- a load (50) movable, passing through the compartment opening and over the head of a backpack carrier:

· A stowed position in which the load is inside the compartment and the flap is in the closed position, towards

- Straps (74, 76) connecting the load to the compartment and adapted to retain the load on the torso of the wearer in the deployed position,

characterized in that the backpack also comprises:

a passage (90) between the edge of the opening of the compartment and the flap in the closed position, and

- At least one handle (58) connected to the load, this handle projecting outside the backpack through this passage.

The bag of claim 1, wherein the backpack comprises:

at least one fastener (60, 62) mechanically connecting the flap to the compartment, this fastener being movable between a stapled position in which it holds the flap (6) in the closed position and a unstrapped position in which it releases the flap, and

- a link (66, 68) mechanically connecting the handle (58) to the clip so as to move the clip to its unstrapped position at the same time as a pull is exerted on the handle to move the charge to its deployed position .

3. Bag according to claim 2, wherein the link (66, 68) comprises an elastic cord.

4. Bag according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the link (66, 68) and the fastener (60, 62) are fit, by cooperation form:

to retain the link attached to the fastener in the stapled position, and

- To disengage the handle of the fastener as soon as the clip tilts to its unstapled position.

5. Bag according to claim 4, wherein the link (66, 68) comprises a bead (69) and the fastener comprises a loop (102) adapted to retain the bead in the stapled position and, alternately, to release the pearl in the declogged position.

Bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passage (90) is a slot between a rim (34) of the flap and an edge of the opening (20) and the handle (58) is a handle. extending in a plane parallel to this slot.

7. Bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bag comprises at least one closure (40, 41) movable between:

a locked position in which it mechanically connects the flap (6) to the compartment (4) so as to retain the flap secured to the compartment during the movement of the load from its stowed position to its deployed position, and

- An unlocked position in which it allows the movement of the flap from its closed position to another open position.

8. Bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compartment comprises an inscription (22) with characters more than 3 cm high and the flap (6) comprises a flange (32) capable of concealing this inscription in the closed position and, alternately, to reveal this inscription in the open position.

9. Bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backpack also comprises a belt (48A, 48B) adapted to surround the torso of the wearer to retain the compartment on its back.

The bag of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load comprises a bulletproof apron or a firearm or ammunition.