WO2017177263A1

WO2017177263A1 - Frame for a backpack

Info

Publication number: WO2017177263A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/050312
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian MALEY
Original assignee: Crossfire Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-11
Filing date: 2017-04-10
Publication date: 2017-10-19
Also published as: AU2021107616A4; AU2017101900B4; AU2017101900A4; AU2017250003A1

Abstract

A frame (10, 100, 200) for a backpack comprising an upper strut (12), a lower strut (14) and sides (16a, 16b). The area defined by the upper strut (12), lower strut (14) and sides (16a, 16b) is of size and shape so as to allow a bulletproof vest containing a back ballistics plate to be received tightly therein. Preferably, the frame (10, 100, 200) has an internal contour matching the profile of an intended wearer's back. To achieve this the internal contour of the frame (10, 100, 200) incorporates one or more of the following features: an inflection (136) in the lower strut (14) to accommodate muscle development either side of a wearer's spine; curvature in the upper strut (12); curvature in the sides (16a, 16b).

Description

"FRAME FOR A BACKPACK" FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a frame for a backpack. The frame is particularly suited for use as a carrying frame for military and law enforcement personnel.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002]The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Backpacks designed for security personnel typically incorporate a frame. The frame may be either internal or external to the backpack. The advantage of the external frame is that the frame can then be used as a mounting point for other equipment.

[0004] With this in mind, prior external frames have sought to include specific mounting systems for both the backpack and any additional equipment. The applicant takes the view that these mounting systems are either sub-optimal, or in some cases, impractical. To elaborate, the mounting systems of some prior art frames are not only used to affix the backpack to the frame but also to allow for adjustment of the straps of the backpack to meet the wearer's frame. In doing so, the applicant has found that the mounting systems of the prior art complicate this process with some prior art frames taking forty-five minutes to properly adjust. In a time critical situation, such a delay can have significant adverse consequences.

[0005] A further problem with external frame backpacks - and in particular those used by military and law enforcement personnel - is that they are not designed to be used in conjunction with bulletproof vests. This results in the ballistics plate embedded in the bulletproof vest interfering with the backpack frame and, as a result, destabilising the backpack and potentially causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0006] To elaborate, prior art backpacks either use a rigid linear construction or have some form of obstruction that forces the backpack away from the body. This causes the backpack to "rock" in an unstable way on the body armour. Mystery Ranch backpacks of Bozeman, Montana has sought to resolve this problem by adding separate, thick cushions down each side of the frame. However, this adds additional weight to the backpack as well as limiting the backpack's number and position of mounting points for other equipment

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate in part, one or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms "comprising", "consisting of", and the like, are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning "including, but not limited to".

[0009] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a frame for a backpack comprising: an upper strut; a lower strut; and sides the area defined by the upper strut, lower strut and sides being of size and shape so as to allow a bulletproof vest containing a back ballistics plate to be received tightly therein.

[0010] Preferably, the frame has an internal contour matching the profile of an intended wearer's back. Ideally, the internal contour of the frame incorporates one or more of the following features: an inflection in the lower strut to accommodate muscle development either side of a wearer's spine; curvature in the upper strut; curvature in the sides

[0011 ] By making the internal contour of the frame a match to the profile of the wearer's back, the frame remains stable during wear. Thus, the prior art problem of the pack rocking against the ballistics plate is avoided.

[0012] Preferably, the frame comprises a plurality of ribs that extend through the internal contour and the external contour of the sides.

[0013] Preferably, each element of the frame includes apertures for securing webbing forming part of a backpack or ancillary equipment. [0014] Preferably, the frame is made from a lightweight co-polymer plastic resin. Ideally, the co-polymer plastic resin also has one or more of the following additional attributes:

[0015] Preferably, the frame further allows for attachment of a hip pad.

[0016] Preferably, the frame further allows for ancillary equipment to be affixed thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a frame for a backpack according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a front plan view of the frame for a backpack as shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the frame for a backpack as shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the frame for a backpack as shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a frame for a backpack according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the frame for a backpack as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a front plan view of the frame for a backpack as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a side plan view of the frame for a backpack as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the frame for a backpack as shown in Figure 5 along axis A-A.

Figures 10a through 10g shows various view of a frame for a backpack according to a third embodiment of the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described in detail. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. [0019] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention there is a frame 10 for a backpack (not shown). The frame 10 will be described in the context of its first horizontal axis X, its second horizontal axis Y and its vertical axis Z. In doing so, the following planes can be defined:

• horizontal plane X-Y;

• transverse plane X-Z; and

• depth plane Y-Z.

[0020]The frame 10 of the first embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0021] The frame 10 comprises an upper strut 12, a base strut 14 and sides 16a, 16b. The sides 16a, 16b both have an upper end 18 and a lower end 20. The upper strut 12 extends between the upper ends 18. The base strut 14 extends between the lower ends 20. In doing so, the frame 10 defines a void 22.

[0022]The upper strut 12 is curved when viewed along the horizontal plane. The curvature of the upper strut 12 defines an inner surface 24. The inner surface 24 represents the side of the upper strut 12 intended to make contact with the wearer (not shown).

[0023] When viewed in the transverse plane, the upper strut 12 has a plurality of apertures 26 provided therein. Each aperture 26 has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0024] The base strut 14 is also curved when viewed along the horizontal plane. The curvature of the base strut 14 also defines an inner surface 28. The inner surface 28 corresponds with inner surface 24.

[0025] It is to be noted that the curvature of the inner surface 28 terminates in flared ends 30.

[0026] Similarly, when viewed in the transverse plane, the base strut 14 also has a plurality of apertures 32 provided therein. Each aperture 32 has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0027] The plurality of apertures 32 are divided into two groups 34a, 34b. The plurality of apertures 32 forming group 34a are aligned with the left side of the frame 10, while the plurality of apertures 32 forming group 34b are aligned with the right side of the frame 10. Left and right hand sides of frame 10, in this situation, are defined by reference to the inner surface 28 during normal use.

[0028] Each side 16 has an interior surface 36 and a periphery surface 38. When viewed in the depth plane, the interior surface 36 and periphery surface 38 each have a serpentine profile. These serpentine profiles are spaced from each other at the lower end 20, but effectively meet at the upper strut 12. At the same time, when viewed in the horizontal plane, each side 16 curves upwardly from its periphery surface 38 to its interior surface 36.

[0029] Each lower end 18 also corresponds with a flared end 30.

[0030] When viewed in the transverse plane, each side 16a, 16b curves inwardly towards its point of connection with the upper strut 12.

[0031] The inward curvature of the sides 16a, 16b, in combination with the curved profile of the upper strut 12 acts to avoid the "rocking" problem of the prior art discussed earlier.

[0032] As with the other elements of the frame 10, when viewed in the transverse plane, sides 16a, 16b also have a plurality of apertures 40 provided therein. The apertures 40 are of varying size and shape so as to meet the contours of the side 16. A plurality of apertures 41 are provided about the frame 10 adjacent at least one aperture 40 so as to provide additional strength and rigidity to the frame 10.

[0033]The frame 10 is made up of a lightweight material such as a high impact copolymer plastic resin. The use of a high impact co-polymer plastic resin is important as such a material does not shatter and can handle temporary high-impact forces.

[0034] In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention there is a frame 100 for a backpack (not shown), where like numerals reference like parts.

[0035]The frame 100 of the second embodiment is shown in Figures 5 to 9.

[0036]As shown in these Figures, the frame maintains the same general configuration of the first embodiment. The variations relate primarily to the apertures 26, 32, 40.

[0037] In the second embodiment, apertures 26 are divided into two groups 102a, 102b. The plurality of apertures 26 forming group 102a are aligned with the left side of the frame 100, while the plurality of apertures 26 forming group 102b are aligned with the right side of the frame 100. Left and right hand sides of frame 100, in this situation, are defined by reference to the inner surface 28 during normal use.

[0038] Each side 16 has a first set of aperture pairs 104. Each aperture in the aperture pair 104 has the shape of a rounded rectangle. The apertures in each aperture pair 104 are vertically aligned.

[0039]The aperture pairs 104 are aligned towards outer perimeter 106 of the frame 100.

[0040]To provide additional rigidity to the structure of the frame 100 a first plurality of ribs 108 are provided in each side 16a, 16b. Each rib 108 is positioned so as to be substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0041] As shown in Figure 9, these ribs 108 are not only provided in the inner surface 28 but extend therethrough. Thus the ribs 108 also extend from an outer surface 1 10.

[0042] In this embodiment, each aperture pair 104 is spaced from its adjacent aperture pair 104 by three ribs 108.

[0043]The base strut 14 is divided into a left section 1 12, a right section 1 14 and a central section 1 16. The left section 1 12 and right section 1 14 are separated from the central section 1 16 by a vertical rib 1 18. The right section 1 14 is a mirror image of the left section 1 12.

[0044] A second plurality of ribs 120 are provided in the left section 1 12. Each rib 120 is positioned so as to be substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and to ribs 108. Ribs 120 are substantially longer than ribs 108.

[0045] A second set of aperture pairs 122 is provided in the left section 1 12. Each aperture in the aperture pair 122 has the shape of a rounded rectangle. The apertures in each aperture pair 122 are arranged in parallel to one another within an area bound by a rib 120. Like ribs 108, ribs 120 are aligned towards outer perimeter 106 of the frame 100. However, each aperture pair 122 is in transverse alignment to its adjacent aperture pair 122.

[0046] The left section 1 12 has an angled aperture 124 and a lower aperture 126. Both the angled aperture 124 and the lower aperture 126 have the shape of a rounded rectangle. The angled aperture 124 and lower aperture 126 are substantially in vertical alignment with each other when viewed in the transverse plane.

[0047]The angled aperture 124 is positioned proximate corner 128. In this manner the length of the angled aperture 124 faces corner 128.

[0048]The central section 1 16 has a central aperture 130, a set of slotted apertures 132 and a set of circular apertures 134 provided therein. The central aperture 130 is provided centrally within the central section 1 16 at a point proximate void 22.

[0049]The circular apertures 134 are divided into two groups 136. Each group 136 aligns its circular apertures 134 linearly. Each group 136 of circular apertures 134 is in substantially vertical alignment with vertical ribs 120. Each group 136 of circular apertures 134 is positioned such that its linear alignment is in proximity to the ends of central aperture 130.

[0050] Slotted apertures 132 are also divided into two groups 138. Each group 138 aligns its slotted apertures 132 linearly. Each group 138 of slotted apertures 132 is positioned proximate a vertical rib 120.

[0051] Each slotted aperture 132 comprises slotted ends 140 and a receiving hole 142. The receiving hole 142 is offset, such that the slotted end 140 closer to the vertical rib 120 is longer than the other slotted end 140.

[0052] Due to the substantially similar configurations of the first and second embodiment, the manner in which the invention is used will be discussed communally hereafter.

[0053] The wearer (not shown) places the backpack (not shown) such that the hood of the backpack is in line with the upper strut 12. The hood is then placed over the upper strut 12. The back pack is then secured to the upper strut 12 by threading the provided webbing (not shown) through apertures 26.

[0054]The bottom of the backpack is then placed in line with base strut 14. The provided webbing is then threaded through apertures 30, 126 to secure the backpack to the base strut 14.

[0055]The backpack is then further secured to the frame 10, 100 by threading the provided webbing through apertures 32 or one or both of the apertures forming an aperture pair 104. In the event that only one of the apertures forming an aperture pair 104 is used to secure the backpack, the other aperture may be used to connect ancillary equipment.

[0056] With the backpack now secured to the frame 10, 100, the wearer can now add other ancillary equipment. The first method by which such equipment can be attached is by attachment to the free aperture of an aperture pair 104 as described above.

[0057] The wearer may also attach ancillary equipment by bolting such equipment to the frame 100. To do this, an appropriate fastener (not shown) is placed through the required circular apertures 134 and appropriate apertures provided in the ancillary equipment. The fastener is then secured as would be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art, i.e. by way of a nut if the fastener takes the form of a bolt.

[0058] A third means by which ancillary equipment can be attached is through securing of appropriate webbing through one or more apertures in a vertically aligned aperture pair 122.

[0059]The final means by which ancillary equipment may be attached is typically used to attach a hip pad (not shown). Such hip pads include a plurality of asymmetric T- shaped toggles. These toggles are adapted to be received within relevant slotted apertures 132 when arranged in a first alignment. Once received, the toggles are manipulated so as to be arranged to a second, vertical, alignment and pulled towards the longer slotted end 140. The vertical alignment of the toggle, as well as its position in the longer slotted end 140, ensures that the hip pad does not disassociate itself from the frame 100.

[0060] The hip pad can be further secured by attaching appropriate webbing to one or more apertures in a transverse aligned aperture pair 122.

[0061] With the frame 10, 100 not having the backpack and any desired ancillary equipment attached thereto, the wearer then adjusts the carrying harness arrangement.

[0062] In this respect, the shoulder harness (not shown) may take one of either two arrangements. Where padded arms of the shoulder harness converge on a central attachment strap the common central strap is retained through aperture 130. Where the carrying straps are joined by a common yoke panel a pair of straps extending from the bottom corners of the yoke panel are retained through angled apertures 124.

[0063] Having mounted the frame 10, 100 and backpack, it is to be noted that the minor inflection 136 of the base strut 14 matches the general arrangement of the intended wearer's back. To elaborate, the general muscle development of military or law enforcement personnel creates larger muscles either side of the spine. This then further assists in preventing the backpack frame from being forced away from the wearer's body.

[0064] Furthermore, by having the base strut 14 match the profile of the intended wearer, this removes the need for the frame to incorporate additional cushioning (typically in the form of a thick pad).

[0065] In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is a frame 200. The frame 200, is a variation on the frame 100 whereby the overall profile of the frame has been squared off in the transverse plane. However, the curved nature of the frame 200, as viewed in the depth plane, remains similar to that of frame 100. The frame 200 is illustrated in Figure 10a through 10g.

[0065] In all embodiments of this invention the void 22 must be of size and shape to snugly fit the area of a bulletproof vest (not shown) containing the back ballistics plate (not shown). To simply have the void 22 match the size and shape of the back ballistics plate is not practical as the surrounding vest material distorts these characteristics and thus results in either:

• the vest being sandwiched by the frame; or

• the frame being unstable as it tries to accommodate the varied size and shape.

[0066] A key advantage of the invention as described is in the use of ribbing on both the inner surface 28 and the outer surface 1 10. The arrangement of such ribbing not only provides additional torsional strength to the backpack frame 10, 100, but also makes it easier to manufacture using injection moulding techniques.

[0067] In variations of the second embodiment described above, the hip pad is provided with side cushioning. This side cushioning may be in the form of foam, or in the form of pneumatically inflated bags. It is desired that the shape of the hip pad force the side cushions into contact with the wearer.

[0068] The hip pad may also incorporate front pads to allow for hip loading of the backpack and frame 10, 100.

[0069] It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention:

• [0070] In addition to being able to withstand temporary high impact forces, it is preferable that the co-polymer plastic resin also be made from a UV stable material.

• [0071] It is a further preferred arrangement of the co-polymer plastic resin that it also be made from a material that is stable over a wide range of temperatures.

• [0072] Ideally the inner surface 28 presents a smooth face so as to facilitate attachment of the harness.

• [0073] In the above description, the straps are described as already forming part of the backpack. However, it is possible for the straps to be completely separate from the backpack and mounted to the top of the frame 10, 100, 200 by way of an aperture 26.

• [0074]The invention has been described by use of webbing and threading such webbing through respective apertures. In other arrangements, other fastening means (such as clips, etc.) may be used in place of the webbing. Furthermore, the webbing need not be threaded through apertures in the frame 10, 100, 200 to secure it thereto - the webbing may simply be wrapped around the frame 10, 100, 200.

[0075] It should be further appreciated that even more embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more of the aforementioned features, where such features are not mutually exclusive, can be created without departing from the invention's scope.

Claims

We Claim:

1 . A frame for a backpack comprising: an upper strut; a lower strut; and sides the area defined by the upper strut, lower strut and sides being of size and shape so as to allow a bulletproof vest containing a back ballistics plate to be received tightly therein.

2. A frame for a backpack according to claim 1 , where the frame has an internal contour matching the profile of an intended wearer's back.

3. A frame for a backpack according to claim 2, where the internal contour of the frame incorporates one or more of the following features: an inflection in the lower strut to accommodate muscle development either side of a wearer's spine; curvature in the upper strut; curvature in the sides.

4. A frame for a backpack according to any preceding claim, where the frame comprises a plurality of ribs that extend through the internal contour and the external contour of the sides.

5. A frame for a backpack according to any preceding claim, where each element of the frame includes apertures for securing webbing forming part of a backpack or ancillary equipment.

6. A frame for a backpack according to any preceding claim, where the frame is made from a lightweight co-polymer plastic resin. Ideally, the co-polymer plastic resin also has one or more of the following additional attributes:

7. A frame for a backpack according to any preceding claim, where the frame further allows for attachment of a hip pad.

8. A frame for a backpack according to any preceding claim, where the frame further allows for attachment of a shoulder harness

9. A frame for a backpack according to any preceding claim, where the frame further allows for ancillary equipment to be affixed thereto.