Method and apparatus for making a rucksack suited to the user's morphology.

p0001The present invention relates backpacks especially for campers, hikers, mountaineers, climbers etc ...

p0002The invention relates more particularly to a method and a device for the implementation of the process to enable quick and simple realization: backpacks adapted to the morphology and dimensional configuration of the user and by making therefore a backpack "to measure" while using products, components, parts and accessories manufactured in serial and industrial processes.

p0003In the production of bags presently known, the only existing and possible setting ruling on the market is to adapt in a limited way the backpack to the morphology of the individual adjustment of the length of the back of the bag so as to vary the height of the bag to the length of the back of the individual; this setting can be effected by movement of straps or belt or both simultaneously.

p0004So that in the processes, methods and devices currently known and on the market, the only adaptation takes into account the single dimensional characteristic of the height of the back.

p0005While anatomical or morphological difference differentiating two people can stop in any way to the single length of his back; it is clear that other criteria may be taken into account, some being also linked to the sex of the user; dimensional data that can be taken into account in determining wear comfortable, effective and least painful of the bag include the thickness of the thorax (chest), shoulder width, thickness of the shoulders, width of the basin and the spacing of the hips; also involved the arch of the spine (scoliosis or otherwise lordosis), some back configurations also being bent down and arched top.

p0006We see that, given this list is not exhaustive, it is sometimes necessary in the case of an outgoing person of average standards, adapt the bag to each morphology; these atypical cases is still relatively common, people both small and large or rather large and thin, big, strong, small and lean etc ...

p0007It is therefore desirable to allow the user to enjoy the pleasures that research in hiking, especially in the mountains, to get him a perfectly adapted to its size and its specific configuration bag, which theoretically would require a completed bag customized and based on each individual case, so after taking measurements, cutting, fitting the particular bag, blanks, successive tests, alterations etc ..., all phases combined imply an entirely unacceptable cost .

p0008Or the invention overcomes the disadvantages which have been indicated above regarding the limitations currently known to adapt the backpacks to the morphology of users and will, as a first object, a bag to carry on from standard elements, properly selected by the implementation of a specific method for producing a finished product exactly adapted to the future user configuration and providing him therefore the comfort and convenience sought a custom bag.

p0009To this end, the invention concerns a method for making a rucksack adapted to the morphology and to the dimensional characteristics of the user, the method being characterized by the following successive operations:<ul><li>a) positioning the user standing against a substantially planar and vertical jig and comprising usual holding accessories and carrying a bag, such as a belt or suspenders, being mounted movable on said template.</li><li>b) adjusting the optimum positioning of said accessories with respect to the morphology of the user.</li><li>c) feeding said accessories in their active position of closure and or holding.</li><li>d) marking on the graduations provided on said accessories presentative data the size and morphological pattern of the user.</li><li>e) is selected in the respective ranges of bags and / or accessories, such as belts or braces, the models corresponding to said dimensions and adapted to the morphological configuration determined according to the preceding data.</li><li>f) accessories (belt and / or straps) also selected thus obtaining a bag for the precise measurement and adapted to the morphological configuration of the user is assembled and mounted on a selected bag.</li></ul>

p0010More specifically and according to a development of the invention during the implementation of the above method is modified accessories in place on the template to replace them by accessories selected as a first step to allow a blank test thereof.

p0011According to a development of the invention, one moves the accessories (such as belt and braces) in place on the template to allow measurement of one of the following dimensional values:<ul><li>- The length of the back,</li><li>- The width of the hips and around the pool,</li><li>- The volume of the thoracic cage and thickness of the shoulders.</li></ul>

p0012According to an implementation of the method are successively marker by trial and error the optimal positioning of the starting point of the braces with respect to the height of the bag.

p0013According to another characteristic, the optimum length of the belt is determined.

p0014And in a still developing, the optimum length of the straps is determined.

p0015The invention also relates to a template for the implementation of the method described above and the template is characterized in that it is constituted by a vertical plane wall resting on a horizontal base and having holding accessories and scope of a conventional sack, such as belt or braces, mounted displaceable with respect to said plane.

p0016Advantageously, the template includes a cut or a representation symbolizing a human figure with the head, trunk, upper limbs and lower limbs, allowing to identify the correct positioning of the subject in relation to the size and relative to accessories installed movable on said template for testing.

p0017More specifically, as part of one embodiment of said template, the latter comprises braces starting from a central upstand mounted to slide vertically on a slide along the vertical median axis of said silhouette corresponding substantially to the location of the spine of the subject placed on and against said template.

p0018Advantageously, the belt is mounted to slide on two lateral rails disposed vertically and allowing adjusting the height of the central portion of the belt, the two lateral arms of the belt being free to allow close around the waist or hips of subject.

p0019Finally, according to a development, the accessories such as belt and braces mounted on said template are removable and interchangeable therefore allowing to set up, to a blank, as selected models appearing in first match the morphology of the subject.

p0020Other features and advantages of the invention emerge from the description which follows and which is given in connection with a particular embodiment given by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

p0021Figure 1 shows a view of the template according to the invention in the standby position.

p0022Figure 2 shows the jig according to the invention on which a subject has taken place to allow the measurements of operations and dimensional determination of the elements to be used for mounting a bag adapted to the configuration of the subject.

p0023According to all the Figures, it is seen that the device according to the invention consists of a vertical panel 1 forming, with the base or base 2 a template to enable the measurement of the subject and the last measurement and the selection and the correct positioning of accessories of a bag whose purchase is projected.

p0024The subject is therefore flatten his back against the panel 1; and to identify the correct positioning a figure 3, 3 'is symbolized on the panel and on the base.

p0025The active side of the template includes accessories including a belt and suspenders.

p0026The belt part of the back part 5 and grows each side by two branches 5a and 5b.

p0027The back part 5 is slidably mounted on the two side rails 4a and 4b, allowing therefore positioned at the right height from the waist adjustments and equity dimensions which it is process.

p0028The straps 8a and 8b from a central upstand 7 which is slidably mounted on a guide rail 6.

p0029This guide rail is advantageously made of a semi-rigid textile strap on which the sliding member will be added board complies with the French patent application filed by the applicant under No.

p0030So that sliding system that matches the one that will actually be used and implemented for example on the proposed bag allows for a true grandeur of a blank test and take measures in particular to identify the correct positioning of the backsplash 7 with respect to the spine of the subject.

p0031The two branches 5a, 5b of the belt can be closed one on the other, as seen in Figure 2, and the end portion 5c may be snapped into a loop 5d.

p0032There are markings on the strap allow for example to identify a value that is representative of the turn of the abdomen or hip turn the subject, which will include select an appropriately sized belt.

p0033Similarly, the straps passed through the subject around the shoulders and lower terminal end is engaged in games of straps and buckles also having graduations until the straps is in the correct position marrying shoulders and collarbones Topic .

p0034The correct position can be read on the graduations of the end shoulder straps, which can determine the optimal length of the straps and thus select a game and in a range of strapless models of various sizes that are best suited models the specific configuration of the subject under consideration.

p0035Other elements will be considered at the same time, for example the type of belt or suspenders type, width, thickness of the possible protective pads.

p0036Thus the subject may represent so di rect and sensory comfort experienced by wearing the bag when assembled.

p0037The data collected during the operations described so well to select in the ranges of bags and accessories (straps, belts) those that will be best suited.

p0038A new test, by positioning selected accessories can ensure verification by a test from the actual accessories, good adaptation and the right choice.

p0039The assembly thus produced is a morphological meter or meter and morphological this device can be implemented, in addition to what is indicated above, under the conditions that are set out below.

p0040The meter will measure essentially three values:<ul><li>1) back length</li><li>2) hip width (ie thickness)</li><li>3) the volume of the thoracic cage (hence the thickness of the shoulders.<ul><li>1) To change the length of the back, we'll play on the shoulder straps height position.</li><li>2) To change the width of the hips, it will change the length and width of the belt.</li><li>3) To change the volume of the thoracic cage, it will change the length and width of the straps.</li><li>1) Given the large difference in size can sometimes be found between two individuals, the adjustment of the straps of the position will be as long as the length of the back of the bag being measured (for example) by a series of letters (A, B , C, D, E, etc ...) or numbers (1, 2, 3, 3, 5 etc ...) each corresponding to a given size.</li><li>2) To change the length and width of the belt, there will be no alternative but to replace it with a smaller or larger. For understandable and management issues of stock, it may be limited to 3 or 4 sizes.</li><li>3) To change the length and width of straps, there will be no alternative but to replace them with smaller or larger models.</li></ul></li></ul>

p0041Again it may be limited to 3 or 4 sizes.

p0042These instruments are used, it only remains to develop the structure able to quickly and efficiently measure these different criteria.

p0043The latter will be in the form of a human figure, of human greatness, molded plastic or another and acting as support for different measurement instruments.

p0044A back pack will slide along two rails (tubular or not) parallel. This system will be used to adjust the meter to gauge the size measured.

p0045To measure the length of the back, a central web fixed to the theoretical location of the spine will guide the sliding and positioning of the straps, this by means of a plastic pocket.

p0046To measure the width of the hips, sliding behind the lumbar support belt will be graded. Once in position on the hips (crest il- celiac) and closed on the abdomen, it will be easy to read the size of the hips and therefore the waist size corresponding to those hips.

p0047To measure the volume of the chest (hence the thickness of the shoulders), it will put the two shoulder straps of artificial backpack, adjust so that no gap between the straps of the wearer's body. Finally, simply read on the straps (graduated) straps for adjusting the size corresponding to the wearer's volume and therefore the size of the corresponding straps to the same volume.

p0048Each backpack of the collection will feature offered as part of the implementation of the invention, the appropriate organs and facilities to quickly change including the length of the back, shoulder straps and belt.