WO2019034235A1

WO2019034235A1 - A backpack

Info

Publication number: WO2019034235A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/070607
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karl-Johan Engdahl; Jörgen GUSTAFSSON
Original assignee: USWE Sports AB
Priority date: 2017-08-14
Filing date: 2017-08-14
Publication date: 2019-02-21

Abstract

A backpack (10) comprising a back structure (12) and first and second shoulder straps (11a, 11b) having a lower strap portion (13a, 13b) and an upper strap portion (14a, 14b), wherein the lower strap portion (13a, 13b) engages the back structure (12) in a lower engaging point (15), and wherein the upper strap portion (14a, 14b) engages the back structure (12) in an upper engaging point (16), said upper and lower engaging points being spaced apart in a longitudinal direction (A) of the back structure. The backpack further comprises first and second stabilizing straps (17a, 17b) connected to the shoulder straps (11a, 11b) and the back structure (12) in positions between the upper and lower engaging points (16, 15).

Description

A BACKPACK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a backpack. More specifically the present invention relates to a backpack comprising a back structure and first and second shoulder straps connected to said back structure, so that the back structure can be carried on the back of a person and is secured by the shoulder straps that go over the shoulders of the person. Backpacks are generally used for carrying an object on the back of the person, such as in a bag or on a carrying structure comprised in or connected to the back structure. One type of object to be carried by the backpack is, for example, a container for a liquid, such as water or another liquid for drinking. For example, one type of object to be carried by the backpack is a hydration system, comprising a con- tainer for a liquid and a tubing for conducting the liquid inside the container to the mouth of a person. Such hydration systems are, for example, used within sports and outdoor life.

PRIOR ART

A plurality of different types of backpacks are disclosed in the prior art. One such type of backpack comprises shoulder straps, a back structure and waist straps to be fitted around the waist of a person. The waist straps are provided with a buckle for connecting the ends of the waist straps. The back structure can be provided with a bag for carrying objects. The shoulder straps and the waist straps can be adjustable in length, for example, by running through a fastening buckle, wherein the strap running through the fastening buckle can be pulled further through the fastening buckle for tightening, and wherein the fastening buckle can be tilted to allow loosening of the straps. One problem with such prior art backpacks is that they are uncomfortable and inconvenient to use. Another problem with such prior art backpacks is that they are cumbersome and give rise to adverse effects due to their structure. Another problem with such prior art backpacks is that they obstruct and limit the user, particularly during physically demanding activities. Hence, there is a need for improving such prior art backpacks for carrying objects on the back of a person.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to avoid the above identified problems and provide a backpack which is comfortable and convenient to use. The backpack according to the present invention results in improved possibilities for the person carrying the backpack to move, wherein the per- son can move more freely and less obstructed. The invention also results in a backpack which is fast and easy to put on and take off while maintaining a snug fit and high degree of stability, also for relatively large backpacks. The present invention eliminates the discomfort of conventional waist straps, i.e. straps extending around the waist of the user. It is believed that conventional waist straps limits chest and/or abdomen expansion possibilities and thus obstructs the user from heavy breathing, such as during physically demanding activities. The invention eliminates or reduces such obstruction of chest and/or abdomen expansion and results in improved possibilities for the user to breathe freely, also during physically demanding activities. The present invention relates to a backpack comprising a back structure and first and second shoulder straps connected to the back structure, wherein the shoulder straps comprise a lower strap portion and an upper strap portion, wherein the lower strap portion engages the back structure in a lower engaging point, and wherein the upper strap portion engages the back structure in an upper engaging point, said upper and lower engaging points being spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the back structure, characterised in that the backpack further comprises a first stabilizing strap and a second stabilizing strap, wherein the first stabilizing strap is connected to the first shoulder strap and the back structure in a position between the upper and lower engaging points of the first shoulder strap, and the second stabilizing strap is connected to the second shoulder strap and the back structure in a position between the upper and lower engaging points of the second shoulder strap. The stabilizing straps result in a backpack that provides a snug fit against the back of the user. For larger backpacks, the stabilizing straps can be used instead of conventional waist straps, also called hip belts, to provide a snug and secure fit against the back of the user and without the discomfort and obstruction of such conventional hip belts. Hence, the present invention results in a backpack which is comfortable and convenient to use while maintaining a snug fit and increased freedom to move, also for relatively large backpacks. The backpack according to the present invention can be arranged without waist straps and thus results in unobstructed expansion of the abdomen and chest of the user due to heavy breathing. The stabilizing straps can be connected to the lower portions of the shoulder straps and can also be connected to the back structure in a lower portion thereof, such as below a lower half or lower third of the back structure to provide a particularly snug fit in said lower portion. Hence, the lower part of the backpack is maintained in a snug fit to the back of the user. For larger backpacks, such configuration results in a stable and snug lower fit even without a hip belt or similar and with increased freedom to move.

The stabilizing straps can be elastic, which prevents the backpack from bouncing and contributes to a further snug and stable fit, also during extensive movements of the user. Further, elastic stabilizing straps facilitate expansion of the chest and stomach of the user when breathing, also when breathing heavily due to physically demanding activities.

The stabilizing straps can be arranged with a length of at least 50 mm, e.g. along its upper edge, which results in a good fit and, when using elastic stabilizing straps, also a favourable extension range between the back struc- ture and the shoulder strap to provide good possibilities for the user to move and also breathe heavily without being obstructed or limited by the stabilizing straps.

The stabilizing straps can be arranged at a distance of at least 30 mm from the lower engaging point of the shoulder straps, such as in an area be- tween 30 and 200 mm from the lower engaging point. Also, the stabilizing straps can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the back structure when the back structure is held in a straight posi- tion. Hence, the shoulder straps can maintain the portion of the back structure facing the back of the user and being below the stabilizing straps, such as the lowermost portion of the back structure, snugly towards the back of the user through the lower engaging point, wherein the stabilizing straps maintain a portion of the back structure above the lower engaging point snugly against the back of the user, e.g. within said area.

The back structure can be flexible, e.g. at least partially around a transversely extending axis being perpendicular to longitudinal direction of the backpack, so that it can be shaped after the curvature of the back of the user by means of the stabilizing straps pulling the back structure towards the back of the user and provide a snug fit. The back structure can be flexible all over or can be provided with a plurality of flexible areas by means of flexible materials or pivots, so that the back structure can take the shape of the back of the user. The lower strap portion can be arranged in an angle of 40° to 60° to the longitudinal direction of the back structure to provide a relatively steep angle upwards from the lower engaging point. The combination of the stabilizing strap and the angle of the lower strap portion result in a particularly favourable fit to provide an unobstructed and snug fit, also for relatively large backpacks, without the use of hip belts.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiments below, the appended drawings and the dependent claims. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described more in detail with the aid of embodiments and with reference to the appended drawings, in which

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a backpack with a back structure and shoulder straps according to one embodiment of the invention, illustrating upper and lower portions of the shoulder straps, an angle of a lower portion of the shoulder strap and a stabilizing strap between the back structure and said lower portion of the shoulder strap, Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the backpack of Fig. 1 from the opposite side,

Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of the backpack according to one embodiment, and Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the backpack according to one embodiment, illustrating a flexibility of the back structure and one example of a shape thereof due to the stabilizing straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings and particularly Figs. 1 and 2 a backpack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically. For example, the backpack 10 comprises a bag, a compartment or a carrying structure for carrying a fluid container or any other type of object. For example, the backpack 10 is arranged for supporting a hydration system comprising a fluid container with a drinking fluid and a conduit for conducting said fluid to a person wearing the backpack. For example, the backpack 10 is arranged for a person to wear so that the object can be carried on the back of the person. The backpack 10 comprises a first shoulder strap 1 1 a, a second shoulder strap 1 1 b and a back structure 12. The shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b are arranged to be fitted over the shoulders of the user, while the back structure 12 is arranged for engaging the back of the user. For example, the back structure 12 comprises a bag, container or similar for holding the one or more objects therein. Alternatively, the back structure 12 comprises a carrier structure with straps or similar for fastening the one or more objects thereto. For example, the back structure 12 comprises a hydration system, including a container for a liquid and a tube, optionally with a mouthpiece, for drinking, wherein the container is carried, at least partially, on the back of the user. The shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b comprise a lower strap portion 13a, 13b and an upper strap portion 14a, 14b. For example, the first shoulder strap 1 1 a is arranged to be fitted over a first shoulder, such as a right shoulder of a person, wherein the second shoulder strap 1 1 b is arranged to be fitted over the other shoulder, such as a left shoulder of the user. For example, the first and second shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b are similar but mirrored to each other to form a left-hand shoulder strap and a right-hand shoulder strap. The lower strap portion 13a, 13b is connected to the back structure 12 in a lower en- gaging point 15. For example, one end of the lower strap portion 13a, 13b is fixed to the back structure 12 in the lower engaging point 15. For example, the lower engaging point 15 is included in a lower engaging area or connecting area, such as a seam, hook and loop fastener, button, buckle or similar conventional connection. In this context hook and loop fasteners include Vel- cro™ and similar types of fasteners. For example, the lower strap portion 13a, 13b is detachably connected to the back structure 12. Alternatively, the lower strap portion 13a, 13b is fixed to or integrated with the back structure 12. Alternatively, the lower engaging point 15 is formed by the lower strap portion 13a entering an opening in the back structure 12. Similarly, the upper strap portion 14a, 14b is connected to the back structure 12 in an upper engaging point 16. For example, one end of the upper strap portion 13a, 13b is fixed to the back structure 12 in the upper engaging point 16, wherein the opposite end is connected to the lower strap portion 13a, 13b. The upper strap portion 14a, 14b is arranged to be fitted over the shoulder and to en- gage the shoulder of the user, wherein it extends downwards towards the chest of the user. For example, the lower strap portion 13a, 13b extends from the upper strap portion 14a, 14b and around the lower chest of the user, so that the lower strap portions 13a, 13b are fitted around the lower chest of the user. Alternatively, the lower strap portions 13a, 13b are arranged to be fitted around the sides of the user below the chest. Hence, the upper and lower engaging points 15, 16 are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the back structure 12, which longitudinal direction is illustrated in the drawings by means of the dashed line A.

The backpack 10 comprises a first stabilizing strap 17a and a second stabilizing strap 17b. The first stabilizing strap 17a is connected to the first shoulder strap 1 1 a and the back structure 12, wherein the second stabilizing strap 17b is connected to the second shoulder strap 1 1 b and the back structure 12 to hold the back structure 12 snugly to the back of the user during use. For example, the first and second stabilizer straps 17a, 17b are similar and mirrored in relation to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizer straps 17a, 17b are attached to the lower strap portion 13a, 13b in a position between the upper and lower engaging points 16, 15 of the shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b. For example, the stabilizer straps 17a, 17b extend substantially perpendicular from the back structure 12. For example, the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b are connected to a lower half of the back structure 12 seen in the longitudinal direction A. More preferably, the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b are arranged in a lower third of the back structure 12. For example, the stabi- lizing straps 17a, 17b are elastic to keep the back structure 12 towards the back of the user and provide a continuous snug fit during movement. In the illustrated embodiment the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b are elongated and arranged with a gap to the lower engaging point 15. For example, the gap between the lower engaging point 15 and the stabilizing strap 17a, 17b is at least 30 mm, such as 50 mm. Alternatively, the stabilizing straps 17a, 17a covers the area down to the lower engaging point 15 and are, for example, substantially triangular in shape. For example, the distance between the upper edge of the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b and the uppermost part of the lower engaging point 15 is at least 50 mm or at least 70 mm, such as around 75 mm.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back structure 12 is arranged to extend from the neck of a person to a position below the waist. Alternatively, the back structure 12 is arranged to extend from the neck of the person to the lower chest or the waist. For example, the length of the back structure 12 in the longitudinal direction A is at least 40 cm, at least 50 cm or at least 60 cm. For example, the back structure 12 is arranged for carrying a relatively high load, such as at least 5 kg. According to one embodiment, the back structure 12 comprises a container, bag or similar having a volume of at least 15 litres or at least 20 litres, such as 25 litres or more. The lower strap portion 13a, 13b extends forward and upward from the lower engaging point 15 and is arranged in an angle a to the longitudinal direction of the back structure 12. The angle a is between the longitudinal direction of the back structure 12 and the longitudinal direction of the lower strap portion 13a, 13b or the upper edge at the lowermost part of the lower strap portion 13a, 13b. The angle a is less than 70°, such as 40° to 60° or 45° to 55°. According to the illustrated embodiment, the angle a is around 50° to 55°. As mentioned above, the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b are, e.g. ar- ranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the back structure 12. An angle β between the lower strap portion 13a, 13b and the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b is, for example, at least 120°, such as 130° to 150°. For example, the angle β is between the longitudinal directions of the stabilizing strap 17a, 17b and the longitudinal direction of the lower strap por- tion 13a, 13b. Alternatively, the angle β is between the upper edges of the stabilizing strap 17a, 17b and the lower strap portion 13a, 13b. Hence, when the backpack 10 is arranged on the back of the user the back structure 12 extends substantially vertically, while the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b extend substantially horizontally. For example, the first and second stabilizing straps 17a, 17b are arranged with a length along the upper edge thereof and between the back structure 12 and the lower strap portion 14 of at least 50 mm or at least 70 mm, such as around 75 mm.

For example, a length of the shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b is adjustable. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower strap portions 13a, 13b are connected to the upper strap portions 14a, 14b through a loop device 18 through which a part of the lower strap portions 13a, 13b is inserted and length-adjustably fastened. For example, a part of the lower strap portions 13a, 13b is inserted into the loop device 18, folded back and attached to itself, for example by means of a hook and loop fastener. For example, the lower strap portions 13a, 13b comprise pull tabs 19 to be gripped by the user for length adjustment of the lower strap portions 13a, 13b and thereby length adjustment of the shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b. Alternatively or in addition, the upper strap portions 14a, 14b are length adjustable in a similar manner or in another conventional manner.

According to one embodiment, the first and second shoulder straps

1 1 a, 1 1 b comprise at least one elastic section, said elastic section being elastically extendable in a longitudinal direction of the shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b. Hence, at least a section of each of the shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b is ar- ranged elastic to provide a snuggly and comfortable fit around the chest and shoulders of the user to prevent the backpack 10 with the carried object from bouncing when the user perform physically demanding activities, such as sports. According to one embodiment, the shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b, or at least the lower strap portions 13a, 13b, are arranged sufficiently elastic so as not to obstruct the chest from expanding due to heavy breathing.

With reference to Fig. 3 the front part of the backpack 10 is illustrated schematically according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b are connectable to each other through a buckle 20 to keep the shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b in position and prevent them from being displaced in a lateral direction away from each other. For example, the first and second shoulder straps 1 1 a, 1 1 b are connectable to each other through a first connection strap 21 , a second connection strap 22 and the buckle 20, wherein the first connection strap 21 is attached to the first shoulder strap 1 1 a, the second connection strap 22 is connected to the second shoulder strap 1 1 b, and the first and second connection straps 21 , 22 are releasably connectable to each other through the buckle 20. For example, one end of the first connection strap 21 is attached to the first shoulder strap 1 1 a, such as the upper strap portion 14 thereof, wherein an opposite second end of the first connection strap 21 is connected to the buckle 20. Optionally, the length of the first connection strap 21 is adjustable in a conventional manner, such as by means of a loop in the buckle 20. Similarly, one end of the second connection strap 22 is, for example, attached to the second shoulder strap 1 1 b, such as the upper strap portion 14 thereof, wherein an opposite second end of the second connection strap 22 is connected to the buckle 20. Optionally, the length of the second connection strap 22 is adjustable in a conventional manner, such as by means of a loop in the buckle 20. Optionally, the first and/or second connection straps 21 , 22 are elastic.

According to one embodiment, which is illustrated particularly with ref- erence to Figs. 3 and 4, the back structure 12 is at least partially flexible to be adaptable in shape after the curvature of the back of the user by means of the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b to provide a snug fit against the back of the user. For example, the back structure 12 is flexible in one or more areas so that the shape of the back structure 12 is partially adaptable to the shape of the back of the user, at least in the longitudinal direction A to conform to a longitudinal curvature of the back of the user, by means of the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b pulling the back structure 12 towards the back of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the back structure 12 is flexible at least partially around a transversely extending axis B, which axis B is illustrated in Fig. 3, so that the back structure 12 can be bent or rotated partially around the transversely extending axis B. For example, the transversely extending axis B extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. For example, the back structure 12 is flexible at least partially around a plurality of such transversely extending axes, so that the shape of the back structure 12 can be adapted to the shape of the back of the user and provide a snug and secure fit. For example, the back structure 12 is also flexible at least partially around one or more longitudinally extending axes. Alternatively, the entire back structure 12 is made flexible, such as by means of textiles, plastic materials, foam materials or similar.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b are connected to the back structure 12 in the vicinity of the flexible area at the transversely extending axis B, wherein the pulling of the back structure 12 towards the back of the user by means of the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b is illustrated schematically by means of the arrow C in Fig. 4. Hence, the back structure 12 around the area of the transversely extending axis B facing the back of the user is displaced towards the back of the user, wherein adjacent areas of the back structure 12 are inclined in relation to each other, so that the area above the transversely extending axis B is inclined downward and inward, and the area below is inclined upward and inward. For example, the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b are flexible to provide a snug fit for different back shapes and sizes and to maintain the snug fit also during extensive movement and heavy breathing. Alternatively, the stabilizing straps 17a, 17b are connected to the back structure 12 between two of a plurality of transversely extending axes defining separate flexible areas.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back structure 12 comprises pads 23, e.g. including a foam material, to provide a comfortable engagement with the back of the user. Hence, the pads 23 are arranged to face the back of the user. For example, the pads 23 are distributed with a spacing between them to form one or more channels 24 in the back structure 12 to provide less pressure on the back of the user in the areas of said channels 24 and possi- bly also to provide air ventilation to reduce effects of heat and moisture on the back of the user. In such an embodiment, said channels 24 also form the one or more flexible areas at the transverse extending axis B, optionally at any further transversely extending axes and optionally also at any longitudinally extending axes. Hence, the back structure 12 comprises at least two pads 23, an upper and a lower, separated by a channel 24 forming the flexible area along the transversely extending axis B. In the illustrated embodiment, the back structure 12 comprises a plurality of pads 23, such as an upper set, an intermediate set and a lower set of pads 23, which sets are separated in the longitudinal direction A by transversely extending channels 24 forming flexible areas. For example, each set of pads 23 includes at least one right-hand pad and one left-hand pad. Alternatively, the back structure is formed with any suitable number of pads 23 arranged in a suitable manner to provide the desired flexibility between an upper part of the back structure 12 and a lower part of the back structure 12. According to one embodiment, the back structure 12 is adjustable in the longitudinal direction A thereof, so that the backpack 10 is adjustable to different users having different back lengths and shapes. For example, the back structure 12 comprises a plurality of openings 25 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction A, wherein the openings 25 are arranged for receiving an adjustment strap 26. The adjustment strap 26 can be arranged through a selected pair of openings for adjustment in the longitudinal direction A.

Claims

1 . A backpack (10) comprising a back structure (12) and first and second shoulder straps (1 1 a, 1 1 b) connected to the back structure (12), wherein the shoulder straps (1 1 a, 1 1 b) comprise a lower strap portion (13a, 13b) and an upper strap portion (14a, 14b), wherein the lower strap portion (13a, 13b) engages the back structure (12) in a lower engaging point (15), and wherein the upper strap portion (14a, 14b) engages the back structure (12) in an upper engaging point (16), said upper and lower engaging points (16, 15) being spaced apart in a longitudinal direction (A) of the back structure (12), c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the backpack (10) further comprises a first stabilizing strap (17a) and a second stabilizing strap (17b), wherein the first stabilizing strap (17a) is connected to the first shoulder strap (1 1 a) and the back structure (12) in a position between the upper and lower engaging points (16, 15) of the first shoulder strap (1 1 a), and the second stabilizing strap (17b) is connected to the second shoulder strap (1 1 b) and the back structure (12) in a position between the upper and lower engaging points (16, 15) of the second shoulder strap (1 1 b).

2. A backpack according to claim 1 , wherein the first stabilizing strap (17a) is connected to the lower strap portion (13a) of the first shoulder strap (1 1 a), and the second stabilizing strap (17b) is connected to the lower strap portion (13b) of the second shoulder strap (1 1 b).

3. A backpack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second stabilizing straps (17a, 17b) are elastic.

4. A backpack according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second stabilizing straps (17a, 17b) are arranged with a length along an upper edge thereof and between the back structure (12) and the lower strap portion (14) of at least 50 mm.

5. A backpack according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a distance between an upper edge of the stabilizing straps (17a, 17b) and the uppermost part of the lower engaging point (15) is at least 50 mm.

6. A backpack according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second stabilizing straps (17a, 17b) are arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (A) of the back structure (12).

7. A backpack according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the back structure (12) is flexible at least partially around a transversely extending axis

(B) being perpendicular to longitudinal direction (A) of the back structure (12).

8. A backpack according to claim 7, wherein the first and second stabilizing straps (17a, 17b) are connected to the back structure (12) at said transverse- ly extending axis (B).

9. A backpack according to claim 7, wherein the back structure (12) is flexible at least partially around a plurality of transversely extending axes.

10. A backpack according to claim 9, wherein the first and second stabilizing straps (17a, 17b) are connected to the back structure (12) at one of said transversely extending axes.

1 1 . A backpack according to claim 9, wherein the first and second stabilizing straps (17a, 17b) are connected to the back structure (12) between two of said transversely extending axes.

12. A backpack according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower strap portion (13a, 13b) is arranged in an angle (a) of 40° to 60° to the longi- tudinal direction (A) of the back structure.

13. A backpack according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an angle (β) between a longitudinal direction of the stabilizing strap (17a, 17b) and a longitudinal direction of the lower strap portion is 130° to 150°.

14. A backpack according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a length of the back structure (12) is adjustable in the longitudinal direction (A).

15. A backpack according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second shoulder straps (1 1 a, 1 1 b) comprise at least one elastic section.

16. A backpack according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first shoulder strap (1 1 a) is detachably connectable to the second shoulder strap (1 1 b) through a transverse connection strap (21 , 22) and a buckle (20).