WO2021099657A1

WO2021099657A1 - Ergonomic backpack

Info

Publication number: WO2021099657A1
Application number: PCT/ES2020/070674
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juan Antonio Rubio Torres
Original assignee: Juan Antonio Rubio Torres
Priority date: 2019-11-19
Filing date: 2020-11-03
Publication date: 2021-05-27
Also published as: ES1240325U; EP4014787A1; ES1240325Y; EP4014787A4

Abstract

An ergonomic backpack, comprising: a bag (1) having one frontal side (11) to rest against the back of the user, and a number of supporting straps (2a, 2b) of adjustable length, comprising a front section (21) attached to a lower area of the corresponding side (12a, 12b) of the bag (1); an intermediate section (22) forming an area for resting upon the shoulders of the user, and a rear section (23) attached to an upper extremity (13) of the bag (1); characterised in that the rear sections (23) of the straps (2a, 2b) converge toward an area (24) where they cross located between the upper extremity (13) of the bag and the intermediate section (22) for resting upon the shoulders of the user.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Ergonomic backpack

Technique sector.

The invention refers to an ergonomic backpack comprising a bag for the accommodation of the objects to be transported and suitable straps for the user to carry the bag hanging from the shoulders by means of the straps and resting on the back.

Prior state of the art.

Currently, backpacks provided with a bag for the accommodation of various objects and with straps to hang them on the shoulders, so that the bag is positioned on the back, are widely known.

Specifically document EP570009A1 describes a set for a backpack that includes a pair of straps, a pair of right angle webbing rings and a buckle. Right angle webbing rings allow the straps to be adjusted on the wearer's chest by pulling the ends of the strap that are around the wearer's waist and fastening the buckle. Right angle webbing rings keep the tension of the straps on the wearer's chest when the buckle is loosened, preventing the pack from sliding down the wearer's back. The straps are crossed and tied together.

Document US20150136825A1 describes embodiments of a bag, such as a backpack, having a self-adjusting carrying strap system and the methods for manufacturing such a bag. Essentially, the bags described in this document compress a plate that connects to each tie, although it is explicitly described that each tie can move through the plate in a free manner relative to the other tie.

The previous documents do not have characteristics directly oriented to improve the ergonomics of the backpack, and to improve the comfort of transporting the same by the user. Document US2009321481 A1 describes a lightweight, ergonomic backpack load system adapted to anatomically distribute a backpack load from the shoulders of a user to the waist area. The backpack loading system includes a contoured waist support to fit a user's waist. A waist support frame extends from the waist support to a return connection. A backpack support frame extends from the return connection at an acute angle to the waist support frame. A safety mechanism is adapted to secure the backpack load carrying system in a backpack.

This document describes the problem of lack of ergonomics of state-of-the-art backpacks and contains a technical analysis of the forces applied to the body of a non-ergonomic backpack user. However, the solution proposed in this document to solve said problem is totally different from that of the present application, since it proposes a device to be used in combination with conventional, non-ergonomic backpacks.

Explanation of the invention

The backpack object of this invention has characteristics that allow a large part of the load carried by the user of the backpack to be applied in the area of the mid-dorsal region located substantially in the center of the back and on the interscapular area in the spine. dorsal high, and in the area where the dorsal region curves towards the wearer's cervical. Due to said curve and in particular to the characteristics of the fastening straps of the backpack bag and the special configuration of the area where the straps are attached to the upper end of the bag, said area of the mid-dorsal region receives a much of the load, partly unloading the load on the user's shoulders, who receive said load through the straps of the backpack in the form of a first rear traction component and a second weight component, and the front of the user who through said braces receives a third component of the load in the form of anterior traction.

By allowing the load to be better distributed along the parts of the body that contact the backpack straps, the use of the backpack of the invention can improve the user's posture and inhibit the generation of musculoskeletal and other pain. adverse effects associated with the use of non-ergonomic backpacks. The backpack of this invention is of the type described in the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, comprising: a bag provided with a front support face on the user's back, and support straps, of adjustable length, comprising: a section front attached to a lower area of the corresponding side of the bag; an intermediate section that forms a resting area on the user's shoulders, and a rear section fixed to an upper end of the bag.

According to the invention, the rear sections of the straps converge towards a crossing area located between the upper end of the bag and the intermediate section supporting the user's shoulders.

Said posterior sections of the straps are fixed to the upper end of the bag by an end connecting section, with a convergent-divergent configuration in a downward direction, and whose lower end is partially housed inside the bag and fixed to the face. anterior of said bag.

The divergence of said end section of connection towards the area of attachment to the bag allows said end section of connection to have a suitable width at the bottom to balance the weight of the backpack on the median plane of the body and specifically on the crossing area, avoiding an imbalance or off-centering of the bag towards one or the other side of the user's body.

The convergence of the rear sections of the belts towards the aforementioned crossing area and the distancing of said crossing area, in an upward vertical direction, with respect to the upper end of the bag due to the interposition of the connecting end section, allows an important part of the backpack's weight is applied to the interscapular zone in the upper spine, which gives the backpack an ergonomic and easy-to-carry character.

To achieve this ergonomic advantage, the backpack must be positioned correctly with respect to the user's body; To this end, and in accordance with the invention, a characteristic of the invention is that the straps have, in the middle section, centering marks for the area of support on the user's shoulders. Adjusting the position of these centering marks on the user's shoulders is easily done by varying the length of the straps with respect to the lower area of the sides of the bag, where the backpack has conventional buckles, suitable for the adjustable attachment of The belts.

In this way, a balanced distribution of the total weight of the backpack is achieved on the different support areas on the user's body.

A characteristic of the invention is that the end section of connection of the straps with the upper end of the bag has a portion of height between 3.5 and 11 cm inside the bag. which allows to establish a strong union between both elements, by different conventional means: sewn, glued, riveted or similar.

Other optional dimensional characteristics aimed at achieving a correct positioning of the backpack on the body and the mentioned ergonomic advantages are:

- subsequent sections of the belts define between them an angle of convergence towards the crossing area, between 45 ^and 90 ^and, more preferably between 65 ° and 85 °;

- the crossing area of the straps is distanced from the upper end of the bag by a height between 2.5 and 10 cm, and more preferably between 5.5 cm and 9 cm, and,

- the distance between the centering marks (27) on the shoulders and the crossing area (24) is between 11 and 24 cm, and more preferably between 16 and 24 cm.

It is worth mentioning that the end connecting section, in charge of joining the posterior sections of the straps with the upper end of the bag, can have different configurations and be made up: either by an extension of the belts themselves that make up the front, intermediate and intermediate sections. rear, or by an independent piece, generally in "X" shape that defines the crossing area and which is fixed by its upper wings to the rear sections of the straps and by its lower wings to the upper end of the bag.

In the first embodiment, said end section of connection comprises: - a crossing area, in which the subsequent sections of the belts are superimposed in an oblique direction, forming the mentioned angle from 45 ^e to 90 ^e , and joined together, either by stitching, gluing, riveting or any other suitable technique, and - end branches formed by extensions of the rear sections that exceed said crossing area. In this embodiment it is also provided that the end branches of the belts are connected to each other by means of a transverse section of belt that defines, together with said end branches, a triangular surface with a central gap. The mission of this cross section of strap is to reinforce the area where the straps meet with the upper end of the backpack bag.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the independent piece with a general "X" shape defines the crossing area and has its lower wings joined, defining a continuous triangular lower area. As in the previous case, this continuous triangular area has the mission of reinforcing the independent piece in the area where it joins the upper end of the backpack bag.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the end branch and the rear section of the strap corresponding to the same left or right side of the backpack, define between each other between a second convergence angle, towards the crossing area, comprised between 85 ^e and 135 ^e . In this way, the correct positioning of the backpack on the body and the aforementioned ergonomic advantages are further improved. It is important to note that the sum of the toe angle and the second toe angle can be 180 ° or different.

Brief description of the content of the drawings.

To complement the description that is being made and in order to facilitate the understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the present specification is accompanied by a set of drawings in which, by way of illustration and not limitation, the following has been represented:

- Figure 1 shows an elevation view of an embodiment of the ergonomic backpack, according to the invention.

- Figure 2 shows a profile view of the ergonomic backpack of the previous figure in a position of use, on the silhouette of a user.

- Figure 3 shows a detail in flat development of a rear portion of the straps of Figures 1 and 2 and of the end section of connection with the backpack bag, in which the End branches of the belts are joined by a transverse length of belt.

- Figure 4 shows a detail in flat development of an embodiment of the invention, in which the end branches of the end section of connection with the backpack bag are separated, like an inverted "V".

- Figure 5 shows a detail in flat development of an embodiment of the invention in which the joint end section is formed by an independent piece in the shape of an "X".

- Figure 6 shows a view analogous to the previous one of an embodiment of the invention, in which the joint end section is formed by an independent piece in the shape of an "X" with its lower wings joined, defining a triangular surface keep going.

Detailed exposition of embodiments of the invention.

In Figures 1 and 2, the ergonomic backpack comprises: a bag (1) provided with a front face (11) to support the user's back, and straps (2a, 2b) of adjustable length, for hanging from the user's shoulders.

Said straps (2a, 2b) comprise: a front section (21) fixed to a lower area of the corresponding side (12a, 12b) of the bag (1) by means of buckles (20) suitable to regulate its length; an intermediate section (22) forming a support area on the user's shoulders, and a rear section (23) fixed to an upper end (13) of the bag (1) by sewing, riveting, gluing or any other technique that allow to provide a strong and durable fixation.

The rear sections (23) of the straps (2a, 2b) converge towards a crossing area (24) located between the upper end (13) of the bag and the intermediate section (22) supporting the user's shoulders.

The aforementioned rear sections (23) of the straps are fixed to the upper end (13) of the bag (1) by means of an end section of union, referenced generically as (T) in its different embodiments.

Said connecting end section (T) has a downward convergent-divergent configuration, with its lower end partially housed inside the bag (1) and fixed to the front face (11) of said bag (1).

The straps (2a, 2b) and the end section (T) connecting with the upper end (13) of the bag (1) are configured to allow a large part of the load carried by the user to be applied in the area of the mid-dorsal region, located substantially in the center of the back and over the interscapular zone in the upper dorsal spine, and in the area where the dorsal region curves towards the user's cervical, as shown schematically in figure 2 with the representation of the components of the forces that act on that specific area. This achieves an ergonomics that provides the user with high comfort when carrying the backpack.

The straps (2a, 2b) have, in the intermediate section (22), centering marks (27) of the area of support on the user's shoulders. The correct positioning of the centering marks (27) on the user's shoulders is adjusted by varying the length of the straps (2a, 2b) in their area of attachment with the buckles (20).

This adjustment allows the user to correctly position the backpack to achieve the ergonomics and comfort mentioned above, since in the event that the centering marks (27) are excessively displaced backwards or forwards with respect to the shoulders, a variation occurs. of the distribution of forces and areas of support on the body, and consequently a decrease or loss of the ergonomics sought by the invention.

In order to obtain said ergonomics, it is necessary that the straps and the area of the posterior connection to the bag have certain dimensional characteristics, referenced in figure 2.

Specifically, the end section (T) of connection has inside the bag (1) a portion of height (h1) comprised between 3.5 and 11 cm.

The rear sections (23) of the belts (2a, 2b) define an angle (b) of convergence towards the crossing zone (24) comprised between 45 ^e and 90 ^e , thereby guaranteeing its correct positioning on the interscapular zone in the user's upper dorsal spine; the crossing area (24) is spaced from the upper end (13) of the bag (1) by a height (h2) comprised between 2.5 and 10 cm. and the distance (d) existing between the centering marks (27) on the shoulders and the crossing area (24) is between 11 and 24 cm.

As mentioned above, the end section (T) connecting the straps (2a, 2b) with the upper end (13) of the bag (1) can have different configurations, maintaining in any case, in a downward direction, a convergent shape up to the crossover zone (24) and a divergent shape, of increasing width, below said crossover zone (24).

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, said end section (T) of connection with the bag (1) comprises: a crossing area (24), in which the rear sections (23) of the straps are superimposed in an oblique direction and joined together, and some end branches (25) formed by extensions of the rear sections (23). Said end branches (25) go beyond the crossing area (24) towards the lower area and, as shown in figure 1, enter the upper end (13) of the bag (1), fixing to the front face (11) from the bag by any suitable means to provide a strong and durable fixation.

Said end branches (25) can be separated, like an inverted "V" as shown in figure 4; be connected to each other by means of a transverse section (26) of belt that defines together with said end branches (25) a triangular surface with a central hollow, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

The function of this transverse section (26) is to provide additional reinforcement in the area where the end section (T) joins the backpack bag, as represented in Figures 1 and 3.

In the variant embodiment shown in figure 5, the connecting end section (T) is made up of an independent piece (3), generally in "X" shape, which defines the crossing area (24) and which is located fixed by its upper wings (31) to the rear sections (23) of the straps (2a, 2b) and by its lower wings (32) to the upper end (13) of the bag (1)·

In the variant embodiment shown in figure 6, the end section (T) that joins the bag is also made up of an independent piece (3), generally in an "X" shape, with the particularity that its lower wings are They are joined, defining a continuous triangular lower zone (33), whose mission is to reinforce the independent piece (3) in the joint zone with the bag (1).

It should be mentioned that both the tie rods (2a, 2b) and the connecting end section (T), in their different configurations, can be made of a textile material, or leather, or plastic or polymer or combinations thereof, and present a monolayer or multilayer structure, including intermediate areas padded with foam, or air, or any other material with a cushioning effect.

Likewise, it is important to mention that figure 4 shows the end branch (25) and the rear section (23) of the strap corresponding to the same left or right side of the backpack, they define a second angle (a ) of convergence, towards the crossing zone, comprised -in a very specific first embodiment- between 85 ^e and 135 ^e . In other even more preferable embodiments the second angle (a) is between 110 ° and 130 °.

Likewise, it should be mentioned that in a highly preferred embodiment the height portion (h1) is between 3.5 cm and 11 cm, the convergence angle (b) is between 65 ^e and 85 ^e , the height (h2) is between 5.5 cm and 9 cm, the distance (d) is between 16 and 24 cm. This further improves the ergonomics of the backpack. In a another still further preferable embodiment and which meets the above, further the second angle (a) is between 110 ^and 130 °.

Some numerical parameters of a first concrete ideal example, a second concrete ideal example and a third concrete ideal example of the ergonomic backpack, are indicated in the following table:

Table 1

Once the nature of the invention has been sufficiently described, as well as an example of a preferred embodiment, it is stated for the appropriate purposes that the materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements described may be modified, as long as this does not imply an alteration. of the essential characteristics of the invention that are claimed below.

Claims

1.- Ergonomic backpack; comprising: a bag (1) provided with a front face (11) for supporting the user's back, and support straps (2a, 2b) of adjustable length, comprising: a front section (21) fixed to a lower zone of the corresponding side (12a, 12b) of the bag (1); an intermediate section (22) forming a support area on the user's shoulders, and a rear section (23) fixed to an upper end (13) of the bag (1); characterized in that the rear sections (23) of the straps (2a, 2b) converge towards a crossing area (24) located between the upper end (13) of the bag and the intermediate section (22) supporting the user's shoulders ; Said posterior sections are fixed to the upper area of the bag (1) by an end section (T) of union, with a convergent-divergent configuration in a downward direction, and whose lower end is partially housed inside the bag ( 1) and fixed to the front face (11) of said bag (1).

2 Backpack, according to claim 1, characterized in that the straps (2a, 2b) have in the intermediate section (22) some centering marks (27) of the area of support on the user's shoulders, the position of said centering marks (27) on the user's shoulders by adjusting the length of the straps (2a, 2b).

3. Backpack, according to any one of the preceding claims; characterized in that the end section (T) of connection has inside the bag a height portion (h1) comprised between 3.5 and 11 cm.

4 Backpack, according to any one of the preceding claims; characterized in that the rear sections (23) of the belts (2a, 2b) define between them an angle (b) of convergence, towards the crossing area (24), comprised between 45 ^e and 90 ^e .

5. Backpack, according to any one of the preceding claims; characterized in that the crossing area (24) is distanced from the upper end of the bag (1) by a height (h2) comprised between 2.5 and 10 cm.

6. Backpack according to claim 2; characterized in that between the centering marks (27) on the shoulders and the crossing area (24) there is a distance (d) comprised between 11 and 24 cm.

7. Backpack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the end section (T) of connection comprises a crossing area (24), in which the rear sections (23) straps are superimposed in an oblique direction and joined together, and some end branches (25) formed by extensions of the rear sections (23) that exceed said crossing area (24).

8. Backpack, according to claim 7, characterized in that the end branches (25) of the straps (2a, 2b) are joined together by a transverse section (26) of strap that defines together with said end branches (25) a triangular surface with a central hole.

Backpack, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the end section (T) of connection is made up of an independent piece (3), generally in "X" shape that defines the crossing area (24) and which is fixed by its upper wings (31) to the rear sections (23) of the belts (2a, 2b) and by its lower wings (32) to the upper end (13) of the bag (1).

Backpack, according to claim 4, characterized in that the lower wings of the independent piece (3) are joined, defining a continuous triangular lower area (33).

11. Backpack according to claim 7; characterized in that the end branch (25) and the rear section (23) of the strap, corresponding to the same side, left or right, of the backpack, define a second angle (a) of convergence, towards the crossing area. , between 85 ^e and 135 ^e .

12. Backpack according to claims 3, 4, 5 and 6, characterized in that the height portion (h1) is between 3.5 cm and 11 cm, the convergence angle (b) is between 65 ^e and 85 ^e , the height (h2) is between 5.5 cm and 9 cm, and the distance (d) is between 16 and 24 cm.

13. Backpack according to claims 11 and 12, wherein the second angle (a) of convergence is between 110 ^and 130 °.